Few days away in a cottage by the river

 We went to stay in Norfolk for our 3rd holiday of the summer holidays this week. My Uncle and Aunt and two children moved from Scotland down nearer to the south a year ago and we still hadn't been to see it. I had seen pictures on FB and heard lots of lovely stories but oh my goodness its so much more fantastic in the "flesh"! So picture perfect.

We arrived at tea time on wednesday evening just in time for roast pork (score!) let the kids run riot and settled them to bed. Thursday we took a trip up to the north coast to Cley Marshes which is owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Set in the most perfect location, with a lush cafe and a very cute gift shop.

That photo definitely does not do it justice. Joe was in his element and the boys enjoyed scoffing their faces! Not sure the fellow twitchers were impressed with Elsie's new ability to shout louder than a fog horn but hey, why waste a beautiful voice?!

We stopped off at Morston Quay on the way back, drew the short straw with the weather as it absolutely poured down. A few miles down the road we found a farm shop with a cafe which turned out to have the YUMMIEST cake and fabulous hot choccies!

The following day we had a morning at the cottage, the back garden has a river running through it and the kiddies all got their cosies (EDIT for my husband - swimming costumes, darling.) on and went for a swim (including my insane husband!). H loved going in the canoe and my uncle gave us a tour of the island the other side of the river, past a hotel that Hugh Grant has a monthly retreat at! Posh eh!?

Blickling Hall was our next adventure, owned by the NT. The main "house" was absolutely amazing, picture perfect and full of character. The gardens were stunning and the kids could run free to (EDIT for my pedantic husband. for ages.) ages.

We had an absolute ball and came away feeling very proud of our 3 smalls who behaved brilliantly, slept through both nights and ate well! Makes a holiday worth while :)

Thought of the day - Holidays are fuuuun!