The Norfolk countryside is excellent for walking and cycling, and there are historic towns, houses, and church's, good golf courses and the beautiful Norfolk coast line (offering extensive sandy beaches, swimming, sailing, motor boating, bird, seal and other nature reserves) nearby or an easy drive away.

St Mary's Church, Houghton-on-the-Hill

Today, the historic Church of St Mary stands alone on top of the hill at Houghton, but it was once at the centre of a village which had its origins many years ago and which was probably at its height in Roman times. Evidence of a Roman settlement is suggested by the use of Roman bricks in the structure, nearby remains of a villa and its close proximity to Peddars Way. The foundations beneath the current Saxon church and the surrounding archaeological evidence show that there were Roman, Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements before.

The deserted remains of a mediaeval village are just visible as bumps in the field north of the church. By the mid-eighteenth century the village was described as “only a farm or two and a cottage or two”. The church was abandoned in the middle of the century and the last cottage was demolished by 1994.

Now, at the instigation of Bob Davey, beautifully restored and interpreted by experts, with the aid of Heritage Lottery funding, it is of great interest due to the discovery of 11th Century murals, the oldest of their type known in Europe. Open to visitors from 2pm-4pm daily, and at other times by appointment with Bob Tel: 01760 440470 or through the Wayland Partnership 01953 883915 contact@wayland.org.uk it is well worth a visit. Bob educates and entertains in his own inimitable style.

Groups of visitors might like to consider a refreshment break at Houghton Barns, just a short walk from the church. The 18th Century barns, with their neighbouring farmhouse and cottage, are set in a delightfully remote and peaceful corner of Breckland, and offer superb and comfortable facilities.

Local produce is used for delicious homemade lunches, afternoon teas and morning coffee breaks available for groups of 10 or more.

Contact: Wayland Partnership (01953 883915 contact@wayland.org.uk) or Lucinda Mackworth-Young 07850 912006 houghtonbarns@btinternet.com

The Peddars Way  and Thetford Forest

This ancient long distance footpath runs through our land providing excellent walking and cycling as does the nearby and extensive Thetford Forest.

Swaffham

Swaffham, a Georgian Market Town, is four miles away. Every Saturday the Market Place is transformed by the traditional market and auctions. Known as the fashionable “Montpelier of the North” in the 18th Century there are many fine buildings remaining, including a domed rotunda.

Watton

Watton is worthy of a visit because of its character, numerous hardware and coffee shops, and its place in folk lore as the scene of the original 'Babes in the Wood' as illustrated in the Town Sign in front of the Clock Tower in the High Street. The tower was erected in 1679 to commemorate a fire which destroyed large parts of the town in 1674 and a fire bell was incorporated in the building designed by Christopher Hey, to warn the towns people of danger. The Clock Tower was renovated in 1827 when a new clock was installed –which is still hand wound today.
The Watton Tourist Information Centre is housed in the Dragonfly Visitor and Exibition Centre at Wayland House, High Street, Watton, where there are regular exibitions to see and interesting tours and trails to do.

Norwich

Norwich was one of the greatest cities in England in mediaeval times, and today, as East Anglia’s capital city, it offers a rare blend of historic interest and modern sophistication. Having both a Cathedral and Castle it is also a shoppers’ paradise: It has the country’s largest 6-day semi-covered market, and many of the big stores in the modern precincts in Castle Mall and hundreds of the speciality shops in a maze of cobble-stoned lanes and alleys, are open 7 days a week.

Sandringham