For the first time ever The Tour is coming to Norfolk!
On Thursday 16th September Stage 6 of The Tour
goes from King’s Lynn to Great Yarmouth.
At about 1.30 the race comes down the Holt road to
Saxthorpe, past Blicking to Aylsham and then on to Norwich.
It passes only three miles from Church Farm Barns!
To find out more about the Tour of Britain:
Click here to see promotional videos of the Tour of Britain cycle race
To find out more about cycling visit this great site:
British Cycling
News from Church Farm Barns
Barn Owl
Thanks Dom and Gill for a lovely few days at Church Farm Barns, we loved the area and had a real rest. We will certainly return and hopefully bring friends with us. I am sending the photo of the barn owl we spotted on our walk to Aldborough at aout 8.30 am! Only just caught it on film but nevertheless it is there! Once again our thanks and we will look on line at your larger cottage to accomodate us and friends, kind regards Heather and BernieSaracen's Head
Sunday, June 27, 2010, 17:33
The new owners of the Saracen's Head have been nominated for the category of "best newcomer" at the Aylsham Show. We wish them the best of luck! They have made a great start since Easter with the same quality food but more of the feel of the welcoming village pub. Most of our guests visit the Saracen's during their stay with us - a short stroll away on these lovely long evenings.
Incidentally, we still have availability in Owl and Corner for the week of the Aylsham Show, 28th August. The show is on the bank holiday Monday.
28 Degrees in May!
Monday, May 24, 2010, 12:39
What amazing mediterranean weather! Sun
drenched and clear blue skies!
Late availability
Friday, April 9, 2010, 07:01
The weather is fabulous and both Owl Barn and Bailey's Barn are available this weekend. There are still plenty of gaps in our bookings calendar over the summer. Phone now to make an inquiry.
Stay at home!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010, 19:54
Why do I ever leave North Norfolk? What made me think Greece might be better? Was the sun tan worth flights disrupted by volcanic ash, misery at airports, riots in Athens, high prices, grumpy service, indifferent food. As you are looking at this website, you have probably already decided to stay in Britain. Good choice! North Norfolk is the most beautiful place on Earth and if you can endure the terrible roads to get here you are assured of a warm welcome and totally relaxed holiday.
Thank you for visiting us!
Monday, March 15, 2010, 07:54
More than a thousand people a week are visiting this website! The site changes constantly so it's worth returning. I have just updated all the photos in Owl Barn after the work we have done on it this winter - new carpets in the bedrooms, new worktop, new fridge, fresh paint!
Spring at last!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010, 13:09
The crocuses are out at long last and we have managed to dry the washing on the line for the first time this year! The bookings are coming in steadily now. Don't miss out on getting the week you want. Book now!
Crab & Lobster Festival, May 21st-23rd
Thursday, February 11, 2010, 09:05
If you are in North Norfolk over the next few weeks you are likely to come across up to 70 giant lobster models. They are part of the Crab and Lobster Festival taking place in Sheringham and Cromer on the weekend of 21st to 23rd May.
The picture is of the giant lobster that greets you as you enter Kingston, South Australia where our friends the Phillips family live. Perhaps the crab and lobster festival will encourage them to return to Norfolk!
White Christmas
Sunday, December 20, 2009, 22:15
Winter Skies
Saturday, November 28, 2009, 17:16
It has all been sunshine and showers this November
Family Parties
Tuesday, November 17, 2009, 08:27
The addition of a banqueting table in Corner Barn means 16 people can sit down for a meal together. With the tables put together we recently seated 12 members of the family to celebrate Sybil's 90th birthday. She had a very comfortable stay in the downstairs bedroom of Corner Barn which is fitted for disabled access. We have large family groups staying for both Christmas and New Year's week.Exhitbition of Wickmere Church Restoration
Tuesday, September 8, 2009, 11:09
From now until March St Andrew's church will be open every day from 11.00 to 4.00 for an exhibition of the recent restoration. It's a great opportunity to see this beautiful 8 centuries old building.Wickmere Village Field Fair, 20th Spetember
Tuesday, September 8, 2009, 11:00
All in aid of the refurbishment of our village hall, the Wickmere field fair is a coming together of the village and its visitors. There will be stalls, children's fancy dress competition, plants, cakes, all sorts of local produce, a children's pet show, penalty shoot out, games, beer tent, BBQ and live music. An event not to be missed!The picture is of the Wickmere street party in september 2007.
Aylsham Food Festival 2nd-4th October
Saturday, August 29, 2009, 08:02
Celebrating local produce, Aylsham Food Festival is now in its 4th year and will feature a Gala Dinner on Friday 2nd October (tickets just £18.50 per person), a free drop-in cooking theatre on Saturday 3rd and the traditional 'Big Slow Breakfast' on Sunday 4th with tickets at £4. Saturday will also see Aylsham's FARMA-accredited farmers' market and a free Kids Cooking Workshop. Supporting events, to be held at Aylsham Library, include a talk on Letheringsett Mill on Wednesday 30th September and "Apple Sunday" on 4th October. Tickets for the Gala Dinner and Big Slow Breakfast will be on sale at Salad Days fruit & veg stall throughout September. Details of all these events are on the Festival website at www.aylshamfoodfestival.co.uk
Aylsham Show Monday 31st August
Saturday, August 29, 2009, 07:56
So much going on - not to be missed! www.aylshamshow.co.uk
2010 Bookings
Monday, July 27, 2009, 13:15
Our price list for 2010 is now available. Some prices on out-of-season weeks have come down and there has been a small increase in the peak season rates.
More walks around Wickmere
Monday, July 13, 2009, 21:22
This is the walk across the fields to the church. The Barley is ripe and the combine harvesters will be at work soon.Walks from Wickmere
Monday, July 13, 2009, 21:11
Wolterton Hall is just ten minutes from the barns and you can walk freely in the park. The walk around the lake is superb.The tower is all that remains of St Margaret's church.
Four Stars!
Sunday, March 29, 2009, 11:51
We have been assessed by EnjoyEngland and our self-catering accommodation has been awarded four stars for its quality.Satellite TV
Monday, May 11, 2009, 17:46
As many guests have experienced our TV reception has been terrible recently with the digital signal disappearing completely at times. We have had a dish fitted and satellite boxes in each of the barns and the reception is now fantastic so there is no need to miss your favourite programmes just because you are in remote north Norfolk.
Wickmere Church from Church Farm Barns
Sunday, March 29, 2009, 11:56
The work on re-roofing and repairing the church has been finished and its plastic cover has been removed. It's lovely to see it looking so good again as it is the most historic part of Wickmere.Spring is in the air!
Tuesday, February 24, 2009, 18:27
First outing for the tandem since the snows left us! It's good to get out and remember why we love living here so much. The lanes are so good for cycling and you are welcome to borrow the tandem if you would like to try it.2009 Year of Astromony
Tuesday, January 6, 2009, 20:11
What better way to enjoy the year of astronomy than in North Norfolk with the biggest sky and lowest light pollution of any region of England? You'll need a telescope for a view of the Andromeda galaxy like this but you'll be amazed at how much you can see with the naked eye. Lie in a hammock in the courtyard garden or gaze out of one of the roof windowlights into the complete darkness of North Norfolk and, as your eyes adjust, see the Universe reveal itself!January Sales
Monday, December 29, 2008, 15:41
We have very few bookings for January so give us a ring and negotiate a price for a knockdown weekend stay.
Wi-Fi internet access
Monday, December 29, 2008, 15:36
There is now wireless internet access in all the barns. So, if you can't afford to be out of touch even in North Norfolk, you must bring your laptop next time you come to stay.
Countdown to Christmas
Saturday, November 1, 2008, 21:29
We are fully booked for New Year but still have availability for Christmas week.Today we spent time planning where the Christmas tree will go in Corner Barn.
We could fit a 5 or 6 metre tree in Corner but we need to have taken a booking first. Help us decide where it should go!
Fed up with preparation for Christmas already? Get away from it all for a weekend. Bring your boots - walk across the fields to Blickling Hall, have lunch in the Buckingham Arms, back for a snooze in front of the woodburning stove and then walk up the lane for dinner at the Saracen's Head. There are still plenty of weekends available in all three barns between now and Christmas. Phone us up for a discounted price! We'll also book you a table at the Saracen's if you want.
Nelson's Birthday
Wednesday, September 24, 2008, 23:07
What better time to visit North Norfolk than for the 250th anniversary of Nelson's birth? Most weeks in October, including half term, are still available for all three barns.Hello & Welcome
Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 14:27
Three years ago we decided to escape the rat race and start a new life in the country. We bought a falling down barn and have converted it into a comfortable family home and three holiday units. Because this is a lifestyle move for us and not just a business, we have tried to do everything in as eco-friendly and sustainable way as possible. For instance we harvest all the rainwater from our roofs and plan to collect solar energy and grow most of our food. For the last two years we have lived in a building site but are now ready to have guests.
We have worked with local architect Noel Spruce (Demesne Partnership) and local builder Malcolm Taylor-Bennet of North Norfolk Design and Construction based in Itteringham to create holiday accommodation of a very high standard. Whether you want a quiet getaway for two or a family get-together for 16+, we are ready to discuss and do our very best to meet your needs.
We love living in North Norfolk. The seasons bring constant change to the beauty of the countryside. It is always peaceful. Come and experience it for yourself!
We will keep you updated on this blog about how we get on. Feel free to leave us a comment, either through the link at the bottom of the page or via the 'contact us' link to the left.
See you soon!
Gill and Dom
Local Events
Monday, September 1, 2008, 22:43
The Ingworth Trosh is on Sunday 14th September. this is a fascinating display of old farm equipment and techniques such as ploughing, bagging and baling wheat as it used to be done in the good old days.
The Aylsham Food festival, on 3rd to 5th October, celebrates local growers and their produce. The Slow Food Big Breakfast is on Sunday 5th October - forget the muesli for one day at least and eat the traditional breakfast made from local produce. It will be a great way to start your day after the excesses of the night before at the Barn Dance at Aylsham Fun Barns.
Corner Barn is currently available on ebay at a knock down price for the week of 13th-20th September. Click on the related link below.
Short breaks in September
Saturday, August 30, 2008, 21:46
It's been amazing to have all the barns occupied these last few weeks and by such great people. Thank you all for your positive comments that have been so good for our morale. We think we have done a good job on the conversions but it's great to have confirmation from our guests.
Now the holiday season is over our prices are coming down to reflect the reduced demand at this time of year. So, if you are able to take time off in September now is the time to come and see what these barns are like. Whatsmore the weather is improving as it often does in September (sunny and 25 degrees today). If you need any more incentive we are offering a 20% discount for all September bookings.
See you soon.
Dom and Gill
Hello & Welcome
Wednesday, August 6, 2008, 14:27
Three years ago we decided to escape the rat race and start a new life in the country. We bought a falling down barn and have converted it into a comfortable family home and three holiday units. Because this is a lifestyle move for us and not just a business, we have tried to do everything in as eco-friendly and sustainable way as possible. For instance we harvest all the rainwater from our roofs and plan to collect solar energy and grow most of our food. For the last two years we have lived in a building site but are now ready to have guests.
We have worked with local architect Noel Spruce (Demesne Partnership) and local builder Malcolm Taylor-Bennet of North Norfolk Design and Construction based in Itteringham to create holiday accommodation of a very high standard. Whether you want a quiet getaway for two or a family get-together for 16+, we are ready to discuss and do our very best to meet your needs.
We love living in North Norfolk. The seasons bring constant change to the beauty of the countryside. It is always peaceful. Come and experience it for yourself!
We will keep you updated on this blog about how we get on. Feel free to leave us a comment, either through the link at the bottom of the page or via the 'contact us' link to the left.
See you soon!
Gill and Dom
Tour of Britain
For the first time ever the Tour is coming to Norfolk!
On Thursday 16th September Stage 6 of the Tour takes the riders from King's Lynn to Great Yarmouth
At about 1.30 the race will come down the road from Holt to Saxthorpe, past Blickling to Aylsham and then on to Norwich.
It will pass only about three miles away from Church Farm Barns.
