Gorleston-on-Sea to Hopton on Sea Walk

A trip to the seaside and a new place for us on the Norfolk coast. Gorleston-on-Sea. colloquially known as Gorleston is close to Great Yarmouth to the south. The sun has disappeared and it has turned a bit muggy, very warm though. Parking close to the beach is at a premium so we park nearer to the docks area. It was a Port town at the time of the Domesday book in 1086. Historically a major centre for herring fishing and salt-pan production to preserve the fish. We pass the old Lighthouse setback from the quayside to our right. The lighthouse was built in 1887. and carries two lights.  The Lighthouse is now decommissioned of course.It did however feature in the 2019Danny Boyle film 'Yesterday'. We cut through the Pier past the Pier Hotel and the Band Stand to the Promenade. The is some action on the model boating lake The town's main attraction is its sandy Edwardian beach, featuring traditional seaside gardens. In 2023 TripAdvisor reviewers reviewers voted the beach the best in Britain and 12th best in Europe. 

The Model Boat Pond

The beach is sprawling with golden sand and curving shoreline.  It stretches for three miles and is far quieter than up the road at Great Yarmouth. Norfolk has around 50 beaches dotted around its coastline. 

Sea defences

Sand Martins are busy fetching food to the nests in the cliff side. We continue to Hopton-On-Sea further down the coast. We pop into the nearby holiday resort for a cooling beverage. We then make our way back on land through the Golf Course, then back on the promenade passing the brightly painted Beach Huts. 

Mergate Hall 'The Peach House' Norfolk visit

It's a sunny start to our visit to Norfolk. After a couple of false turns we arrive at our home for the next four nights 'Mergate Hall'. Or to be more specific 'The Peach House' the former Victorian Greenhouse, now converted into living accommodation.We have already been greeted by the house 'Peacocks upon arrival. We are located on the southern edge of Bracon Ash, about seven miles south of Norwich. The house is steeped in history dating from the 15th century. The house has been home to several significant historical figures. It is believed that Queen Elizabeth I may have stayed on her progress through Bracon Ash in 1578. In all that time the house has only had 5 owners (3 in the past 5 years). The house is now in the hands of the Chubb family.

The Peach House

The Peach House offers a unique space to relax, filled with interesting antiques and curiosities.there is much to take in. Quirky and unique it is a perfect place for wildlife spotting, along with the resident animals.  

 

1919 Rolls Royce Silver Ghost

There is a large reclaimed fish tank in the living area. As residents it was our duty to feed them 2 scoops of Fish Food daily. There is wonderful beautiful natural light and is surrounded with lots of green mature rooted plants growing around the inside perimeter of the main living space.'The Peach House' and nearby ;Hobbit House' were both 'Covid Lockdown' projects. Phillip Chubb is pictured above with his majestic Rolls Royce Silver Ghost. Something that he built himself from just the chassis. One of only 10 females worldwide who is licensed to fly Sea-Planes. He has also build an aircraft , flown regularly by his wife Rosita.  

Fruit and Vegetable Garden

The Peach House and the main garden are both East facing, allowing the space to perfectly capture the morning light and sun. There is over 14 acres of garden to explore containing many interesting species. These include around 200 named Rhododendrons and Azaleas. There are some interesting specimen trees too. One of which is a Canadian Weeping Larch, believed to be first planted in England in 1712.   

The Japanese Garden

Although it is close to Norwich the is complete privacy and surrounding countryside. There is even a 500 yard grass runway (pictured left) adjacent to the house. The Japanese Garden is another lockdown project. The Peacocks though are ever present there is even a white one. They can be noisy though, particularly in the early hours of the morning.Not helpful when trying to sleep....

Chief noise maker

A haven for wildlife there is an active Badger Sett in the woodland area.Sadly I didn't see a Badger despite looking as dusk fell. I did see a beautiful Roe Deer though on the edge of the runway. It seemed very inquisitive and despite noticing my presence didn't scamper away.   

1920's BSA Bicycle

There is so much storage around the property it sometimes feels like a reclamation site. There are multiple cars from all eras and even a Dutch Barge awaiting restoration. I loved the BSA cycle which is probably over a hundred years old. Mr Chubb was only too happy to let me take a spin on it.After some air was put in the tyres I managed a 4.5 mile circuit down to nearby Mulbarton and back. The bike had 3 gears, although I hardly got out of the lowest gear. The bike was incredibly heavy and hard work. I did manage to overtake another cyclist though. I averaged a speed of 10.5 mph with a total elevation of 972 feet. Good fun though nevertheless. 

It is an excellent place to stay and look forward to a return visit in the future.