Waxham Great Barn and Cafe

It seems to me that the sun always shines on this place, at least every time I have visited it has been.  Perhaps I've just been lucky... either way, the barn with it's cafe is a super place to visit.

To say this enormous barn is impressive is an understatement - especially if you take a little time to explore it and take advantage of the free audio guides available to visitors.  Built in the 16th century, I believe it was built as a statement of wealth... you know, the 'My barn's bigger than your barn!' type of thing.  Whatever the reason, it's just completely huge and you have to go inside it to really appreciate it.

There is no entry charge here either which surprises me a bit, but in a good way. :-)

You enter through the cafe which has a lovely feel about it, the staff are cheery, friendly and helpful and the cafe itself is spacious and welcoming.  The internal exposed flint stone walls of the cafe remind us that it was once a cattle shed.  Luckily, the cows are long gone meaning more luscious lemon drizzle cake for me then!

I have sampled a few sumptuous homemade cakes, cream teas and light lunches in here, all of which have been fantastic.  The cafe offers a range of sandwiches, homemade soup of the day, salads etc but whatever you do when you're here, no matter how hungry you are or aren't feeling... you MUST EAT CAKE!

They also have a small selection of local crafts and gifts available to buy in the cafe such as bags and greetings cards.

All in all, this is a cracking place to visit.  Whether you prefer barns or whether you prefer cakes, both will exceed your expectations here! Enjoy!

Sea Palling, Norfolk, England

Ahhh, what a beautiful beach!  On a summers evening, you could be forgiven for thinking you are strolling along a warm, Floridian beach.  The sands are wide, smooth and soft, the waves are gently breaking on the shore... a few holiday makers and locals are still making the most of their day on the beach... the warm summer breeze gently tickling your face... Welcome to Sea Palling.

Somehow this stunning beach manages to combine the fun of water craft, children building sandcastles, young and old playing ball games and those at the beach for sunshine and a good book, perfectly.  No one area of entertainment outweighs any other.  Whatever your preferred way to pass your time at the beach, it seems Sea Palling has it all covered.

If you have arrived by car and are just visiting for the day, there is ample parking available.  Along Beach Road there is a car park.  Should this be full, you can find more parking just before the beach in front of, and just along from, Beach Rock Leisure and the Beach Rock Cafe.

Beach Rock Leisure is a local Water Sports specialist offering services such as Kayak rental, Jet-Ski and Waverunner Safaris, launching facilities and access to Kite Surfing Lessons, just to give you an idea.  The Beach Rock Cafe uses locally sourced foods to provide you with freshly made sandwiches, drinks and all day breakfasts.

Then there's the Reef Bar which is just at the bottom of the beach ramp.  Another place where you can get food and drink.  They also have live music frequently throughout the year for those who like to get their feet tapping... or more!

Just over from the Reef Bar and the Beach Rock Cafe there is an amusement arcade for the young and 'young at heart' but be warned... you can miss out on a sun tan if you spend too much time on the penny pushers!  However, on a rainy day, it can be a fun way to pass the day and you might just come away with a prize or two to boot!

Burgers, chips, doughnuts, teas, coffee and Ice cream are all available in the adjoining cafe here too... 'traditional british beach fayre' I believe :-)

If you're planning a longer stay, there are fabulous Bed and Breakfasts available both in the village and within the surrounding area.  You can find the Golden Sands holiday park on Beach Road and numerous camping and caravanning sites in the area too.  Wherever you're staying, you don't need to 'pack the kitchen sink' for your trip as the village also boasts an impressive village store and post office where it seems you can buy pretty much anything you happen to be looking for!  I think it's really a Tardis!  So if you're looking for vegetarian sausages, a shortie wetsuit, firewood, souveneir gifts or a nice bottle of wine... you're in the right place!

Within a couple of minutes walk of the village store, you can find a stall in someone's front garden selling locally caught fish and in another front garden you can find 'The Little Fudge Stall' (don't visit there if you are on a diet though - you'll blow it!) where you can buy gorgeous homemade fudges as well as Strawberries and Cream in the summer months.

For those looking for a quieter time in the evenings, at the opposite end of Beach Road from all the 'action', you will find The Hall Inn pub.  This is a more traditional place to eat and drink and play a leisurely game of pool or two if that's your thing.

I can certainly recommend visiting this stunning seaside village, it really has so much to offer.
You know, I think it's all good in Sea Palling.  Definately a Lovely Place to Visit!