Cycling, indoor and outdoor swimming, listening to jazz bands, watching the kids become engrossed by a magic show, table tennis, exploring adventure trails, spotting an abundance of wildlife – these were just some of the activities we enjoyed during our short break at Kelling Heath Holiday Park on Norfolk’s north coast.
The park promotes itself as “The Natural Escape” and the description is spot-on. Set amid 250 acres of woodland and open heathland, Kelling Heath exudes peace and tranquillity and, for me, was the perfect antidote after a very busy period of work.
Once you’ve turned off the main road and driven along the narrow country road to reach the park, it’s like entering a unique world. Kelling Heath has a village feel about it. Everyone lives – albeit temporarily – in a host of wooden lodges and holiday homes scattered around the site with the Village Square acting as a focal point, where people congregate, bands entertain, the shop sells everything you’d want, restaurants dish up tasty grub and families splash around in the two swimming pools.
The accommodation is of a high standard, whether you pick the lodges or holiday homes. We stayed in a deluxe holiday home and enjoyed every minute: after all, they were equipped with all the equipment you could ever need. Thought has been given to the layout of the park, too. You won’t find endless regimented lines of caravans here: instead, each unit has some space and we enjoyed al fresco dining without being overlooked.
One aspect that Kelling Heath prides itself on is its Countryside Team which cares for not only the surrounding environment – after all, it is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty – but also helps organise many activities for holidaymakers to enjoy. Sadly, we ran out of time and although we achieved much during our four-day break, there was plenty more we would have chosen to do, given the time. Among the other activities on offer were boules, fishing, pond-dipping, Nordic walking, falconry and canoeing. But of those activities we did undertake, our family cycle around the many car-free tracks was a delight.
© Keiron Tovell Photography 2013
© Keiron Tovell Photography 2013
You’re equally entertained when it comes to the evenings, too. The Forge and Terrace, found – as you’d expect – in the Village Square, offers a bar, restaurant, entertainment and amusements for the children – and all under one roof.
Considering all the activities on offer, you could easily spend all your holiday within the grounds of Kelling Heath; it’s worth dragging yourself away, though, to explore the immediate area because there is plenty to do and see, including visiting seaside towns like Cromer.
I hadn’t visited Norfolk since childhood and wanted to experience what everyone referred to as the county’s big skies. Also, many people effused about the north coast’s stunning beaches so visiting one was high on my agenda, too. I’m glad to say, I wasn’t disappointed, either.
Try making time for a ride on the North Norfolk Railway. This heritage line, which has some fine steam engines and vintage carriages, runs from Sheringham to Holt. We spent time wandering around both towns and enjoyed both; the children, meanwhile, loved the playground at Holt Station and the play carriage at Sheringham.
There is so much to do and see in this corner of England that you’ll need more than one holiday. We’ve already decided to return to Kelling Heath at the earliest opportunity.
Further information:
Kelling Heath, call 01263 588181 or visit www.kellingheath.co.uk.
For more details on Norfolk, contact www.visitnorfolk.co.uk