A million dollar question…………or rather a million dollar shortbread question!!! What bakeries make the top 10 in North Norfolk?
This has to be one of the hardest questions … almost impossible to answer!
We are so lucky to live in an area, full of lovely spots, and where it is far too easy to end up at one of these establishments. Depending on the time of year, the weather, what I’m doing that day, what I’m in the mood for will contribute to where I go.
So rather than trying to rank them (which would feel very unfair), I thought I’d share a few of my personal favourites…
White Horse Bakery, Holme-next-the-Sea
A recent addition to the area and already a firm favourite. Their coffee is fabulous, it’s always a winner and the Chelsea buns are something else entirely. Big, sticky, and unbelievably good. Definitely one of those places where you go in for “just a coffee” and somehow leave with far more than you planned.
Arthur Howell Bakery, Wells-next-the-Sea
Now this one is pure nostalgia for me. On a cold Saturday in winter, after exercising the horses, I always end up with a warm Cornish pasty from Arthur Howell’s. I’ve been doing this since I was a child and I never, ever get bored of them. Some traditions are just too good to give up.
Two Magpies - various locations
It’s lovely to now have Two Magpies in the area too. It has quickly become one of those handy and very tempting stops, especially if I’m meeting friends for a walk around Blakeney. A brisk coastal stroll followed by something delicious (highly recommend a croque monsieur) feels like a very sensible way to spend a morning.
The Parlour, Binham
If we ever have meetings off-site, The Parlour at Binham is a fab choice. It can be quite hard to stay focused on what you’re supposed to be discussing when there are cows nearby and excellent food on offer. It’s one of those places that makes ‘work meetings’ feel suspiciously enjoyable.
Courtyard Café, Holkham
The tiffin at the Courtyard Café… what can I say? Divine. That’s all that really needs to be said.
Nelson’s, Staithe Street in Wells
If I’m in the mood for cake, which can be fairly often, I am very partial to either a lemon drizzle or a Victoria sponge from Nelson’s up Staithe Street. Sometimes only cake will do, and they never disappoint.
The Windmill at Great Bircham
These guys did deliveries during the lockdown when there was a flour shortage and we have never really seemed to kick the habit. Iced buns and their bread!
Beach Café, Wells
Bacon butties…..yum. The Pinewoods team sometimes find a reason to casually be down there mid morning!
Pinewoods Store, Wells
And finally there is always the yummy products Ruby gets in for our Pinewoods Store. Not great when you are trying to be good, but equally rather lovely! Ruby will be writing a journal soon explaining more about the unique stories our suppliers have to the area.
So the real problem with bakeries in North Norfolk is not finding a good one….it’s choosing which good one to visit.
I would highly recommend making “bakery hopping” part of your holiday plans. Whether you’re after coffee and a bun, a proper pasty after a windswept walk, or a slice of something lovely in the afternoon, you really are spoilt for choice here.
Becky King
General Manager, Pinewoods
- 5 minute read
Long, light days
Make the most of your holiday as you enjoy those gloriously long daylight hours around the summer solstice on 21st June. Early birds can head to the bank of the quay or the beach to capture the sunrise (at around 5am!), or perhaps a chilled evening alfresco with an equally chilled glass of white wine would suit you better. Whether you’re an early riser or a night owl, it’s far better to spend the longer days somewhere beautiful like Wells-next-the-Sea.
Speaking of those lengthy evenings, June is the perfect time to fire up the BBQ and get cooking! Whether you’re into kebabs, burgers or halloumi, a BBQ is always a tasty treat.
Please note that disposable BBQs are not permitted on the park.
Wildlife
If wildlife and landscapes are more your thing, there’s lots for you to enjoy too. Pinewoods looks over the Holkham National Nature Reserve, and the local landscapes – salt marsh, grazing marsh, shoreline, dunes, pinewoods and scrub – all play host to a huge variety of wildlife. Enjoy wanders along the reserve’s paths, looking out for Avocets, Ringed Plovers, Large Red Damselflies and Natterjack Toads.
Within Holkham Park, June offers the chance to jump aboard the tractor trailer to enjoy the Deer & Wildlife Safari, or head to Pensthorpe Natural Park near Fakenham for a glow worm hunt!
Shop, sip and sit back on Staithe Street
Take a wander around the lovely local shops on Wells quay and along Staithe Street. Check out homeware stores Bringing the Outside In and Nomad and the Bowerbird, stock up for your BBQ at Arthur Howell’s Butchers and the Country Garden greengrocers. Of course, there’s plenty more to be discovered too. And why not stop off at one of Wells’ array of cafés for a coffee – all that shopping can get tiring!
You might also want to visit Wells Maltings, a cultural and community hub offering a programme of film, theatre, talks, exhibitions and music. In June, they’re showing a screening of the Met Opera Live: ‘Die Zauberflote’, Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s ‘Fleabag’ (part of National Theatre Encore) and the 2022 film A Man Called Otto (starring Tom Hanks), amongst other things.
Enjoy a sea swim
Some people enjoy a dip throughout the year. If you’re more of a fair-weather bather, June is the start of the summer swim season. Delight in the sheer joy of splashing around in the waves, and feel the mental and physical health benefits of ‘vitamin sea’.
Please check tide times and sea temperatures before going in!
Time to explore
Pinewoods’ location is one of the best things about us. Situated between the pines, the beach, the salt marsh and Wells town, there’s plenty to discover on your doorstep. In June, the (hopefully!) bright blue skies meet with luscious green leaves and grasses. Enjoy strolls along the Norfolk coast path and rural trails, lined with wildflowers.
Alternatively, hire a bike and explore a little further. We have a range of bicycles and electric bikes available to hire here at Pinewoods. Contact reception for more information.
Great pubs which can be reached on a walk or cycle include The Three Horseshoes in Warham, The Red Lion in Stiffkey and The Lord Nelson in Burnham Thorpe.
Snippets of the past
History lovers will be pleased to hear that there’s plenty nearby. You might want to head to Walsingham Abbey, Binham Priory or Warham Camp Iron Age Fort, all six miles or less from Pinewoods.
Plus, it’s a month of tours and talks at Holkham Hall and Park. Head behind the scenes of the Hall in their attic or cellar tours, or learn more about the extravagant social events of the past in the Country House Party. Alternatively, hop onto the tractor trailer for the Temples, Trees, Turnips and a Tipple tour of the Park and its hidden buildings. You can also enjoy the Village People tour of Holkham Village.
Gardening inspiration
Come June, gardens will be alive with colour. Holkham’s Walled Garden looks particularly wonderful at this time of year, and you’ll find a stunning collection of irises in the vineyard, pelargoniums in the Thomas Messenger glasshouse and roses in the ornamental garden.
Other lovely gardens nearby include Houghton Hall’s Walled Garden and Hindringham Hall’s Gardens, which will both be bursting with blooms.
Meals to enjoy
We’re talking a lot about food, but for good reason – there’s so much to enjoy nearby! Enjoy a delicious, locally-sourced lunch or dinner at The Victoria, whose fresh, seasonal menu is sure to please. Punctuate your beach walk with a stop off at Wells Beach Café and The Lookout at Holkham Beach. Pop to newly-opened Two Magpies Bakery for tasty pastries and sweet treats in Wells town. Oh, and would it really be a trip to the coast without some fish and chips?
In the evenings, you can expect some of Norfolk’s favourite street food vendors to join us at Pinewoods. From pastas to pancakes, burgers to burritos, curries to crab and even a Sunday roast wrapped in a Yorkshire pud, there’s plenty to tempt you!
You can check who’s cooking each evening here.
Picnic time
June’s balmy summer days and light evenings are the opportune time for picnics. Whether it’s scones on the sand, pies under the pines or grazing by the grass, there are plenty of picture-perfect picnic spots near Pinewoods. Head to Holkham Park for lakeside relaxing, tuck into your snacks on The Buttlands after a mooch around Wells Town, or enjoy a walk through the woods followed by a beach picnic… just try to avoid too much sand in your sandwiches!
You can pick up some tasty items for your picnic from the Pinewoods Store.
Take to the water
It wouldn’t be a trip to the coast without some time on the water. Why not enjoy a boat ride from Morston to see the seals at Blakeney Point? It’s home to England’s largest grey seal colony, and seeing the creatures basking in the sunshine and lolloping about is certainly a spectacle!
Alternatively, you can head out on a stand-up paddleboard with North Norfolk Paddle Boards. Enjoy a taster session or a guided salt marsh tour, starting from Burnham Overy Staithe.
What a lot of lovely things you can enjoy at Pinewoods this June. If you’re tempted, check availability and book here.