Why spend Christmas at home when you can find a rural retreat in the countryside? But don’t let ‘rural’ scare you off, the three barn-style cottages at Fielding Cottage in Norfolk are just 15 minutes’ drive away from Norwich, one of the finest cities, steeped in history, with great shopping and exceptional restaurants.
This a venture of diversification by young farmer/entrepreneur Sam Steggles, who not only has his own farm at 37, but has developed the holiday accommodation alongside a successful goat cheese processing set-up and a goat skin care business. He also offers residential courses on how to make it, so no shortage of delicious cheese for the Christmas table!
For the Christmas and New Year period you can rent one or all three barns, which are family and dog friendly. The Nest, which sleeps two, plus there’s are also Kingfisher and Nightingale that sleeps up to four).
Superbly equipped and finished the cottages have comfortable double beds, a large ensuite bathroom with shower, a well-equipped kitchen, and a cosy lounge area with television.
There is also a games room, and a large open space for outside dining and picnics. The two larger units are ideal for families with young children who can, if they wish, meet the goats!
The Goat Shed is the on-site shop selling the cheese, goat’s milk, seasonable vegetables (including excellent asparagus) and basics like eggs, coffee, jams and honey, plus the award-winning Fielding Cottage skincare range. Just down the road you will find award-winning Norfolk Black turkeys from Peele’s farm in Thuxton.
As well as offering peace and quiet, the Cottage is an ideal base to explore what Norfolk has to offer. The famous Broads are about 40 minutes’ drive away, and a slightly longer trip can take visitors up to the north Norfolk coast, and resorts like Cromer and Sheringham.
Should guests fancy some extra effort, then the gym, pool, sauna and steam room, tennis and squash courts at the nearby Barnham Broom Hotel, Spa and Golf Club, can be used as part of the stay.
Norwich, The Fine City, is a mere 15 minutes’ drive along the nearby A47 and is really a “must” for Norfolk visitors.
There is so much to do: Visit the castle, built by order of William The Conqueror, and packed with art treasures; Norwich Cathedral, building of which was begun in the 11th century, has some fine stained-glass windows and one of the largest cloisters in the country.
And, just like Liverpool, Norwich has “one to spare”, the Roman Catholic Cathedral which is also endowed with many wonderful items of gothic splendour. There are also museums, open spaces, and one of the best selection of restaurants to be found in any UK city – from Thai to Turkish!
Nearby, only five minutes or so from the farm, you can dine at The Buck, in Honingham. This pub-restaurant combines the ambience of a village “local” with top-class dining using local produce and ingredients, served by a cheerful staff.
FACTBOX
Address: Fielding Cottage, Honingham, Norwich, Norfolk. NR9 5DJ
Phone: 01603 880685
Website: fieldingcottagenorfolkholidays.co.uk
Prices – Christmas and New Year
All three cottages, min of 4 night £487.50 per night
Beach House, Bacton. Min of 7 nights £128 per night
Goat Cheese Making Courses 2020
The regular courses will run on Fridays from 09:00 to 15:00 on Friday 17th January, Saturday 18th January, Friday 13th March, Saturday 14th March, Friday 15th May, Saturday 16th May 2020.
The courses will be a maximum of 16 people and tickets are sold per individual. They are available to purchase on their website or Eventbrite at a cost of £80.00.
fieldingcottage.co.uk/cheese-making-courses-at-fielding-cottage
Norwich
For full details of places to see and visit in the city, contact Visit Norwich on visitnorwich.co.uk, or call 01603 213999.
Eating out
Honingham Buck is at 29 The Street; telephone 01603 880393 or visit thehoninghambuck.co.uk
