I had a magical afternoon at Walsingham this week. There are 18 acres of woodland carpeted with snowdrops in the season and quiet river walks alongside the Stiffkey.
These are the most beautiful snowdrops gardens I have ever seen at Walsingham
The magnificent East Window arch on the main lawn, just one of the mediaeval Priory ruins at Walsingham
The gates to the dell garden are locked at 3.30pm but I don’t honestly think I’d mind being stuck there
snowdrops follow the meandering river in the Walsingham Abbey grounds
Entrance to the Abbey grounds is permitted through the Georgian Shirehall Museum, for 200 years a courtroom but originally built as a pilgrim hostel where there are local artefacts and illustrations of life in Norfolk long ago. Entrance to the Abbey Grounds cost £5
It is particularly apparent that little has changed (architecturally) and the buildings are full of charm. You’re likely to see a nun or two as Walsingham has a long history of religious pilgrimage, dating back to the 11th century.
http://www.walsinghamabbey.com
If you’d like to see the snowdrops in full bloom I suggest you think about it quickly.
The Black Lion, Walsingham is a cosy pit-stop for a light lunch with great atmosphere and a roaring log fire.
A great light lunch sitting beside a roaring fire at The Black Lion Hotel, Walsingham
Whilst in the area, Pensthorpe Natural Park is definitely worth a visit, just seven miles from Walsingham. With beautiful gardens, spectacular wildlife, an adventure play area, lakes and trails, it’s a great attraction for families
Creake Abbey is only five miles away, where there are beautiful ruins of an Augustinian abbey founded in 1206. They are freely accessible and in the care of English Heritage.
http://www.english-heritage.org.uk
Creake Abbey is also the home to a stunning Café and Food Hall, fantastic shops and studios plus an award winning farmers’ market.
The farmers market is the first Saturday of every month and is a culinary feast of all things wonderful in Norfolk, not to be missed!
