The Village

Swanton Morley, situated in the heart of Norfolk, was mentioned in the Domesday Book as having a "church with one and a half acres, worth two pence". It is now a large but rural parish, three miles north east from the market town of East Dereham, 12 miles east of Swaffham and 16 miles west from the 'fine city of Norwich'.

Our village is the ideal base from which to enjoy your stay in Norfolk and has many great local services. These include the impressive Mediaeval church dating to around the late 1300s, the reknowned Mill Bakery, a high class butcher, delicatessen, village stores and two fantastic country pubs within walking distance. There are many lovely walks nearby and cycle routes which take you down quiet lanes or across country. If you wish to explore further afield, then most of the North Norfolk coast is within half an hour's drive and the nearby A47 makes the whole of the county easily accessible.

For a PDF document giving more information and a history of Swanton Morley, click HERE.

Dereham

Dereham itself has all the facilities you would expect in a modern town, including all the major banks and building societies, large supermarkets, a wide range of churches and many independent local shops. For relaxation there is a cinema, golf-course, swimming pool, tennis courts and a 10-pin bowling alley. There is also a thriving traditional market on Fridays and a local farmers market on the 2nd Saturday of each month. For eating out there is a range of cafes and pubs from trendy to country style. Not far from Dereham you will find numerous golf clubs, including Barnham Broom, Wensum Valley and Reymerston.

Attractions

Just a few miles from Maple Barns, in Gressenhall, is the popular Museum of Rural Life. Built in 1775 as a workhouse, at its peak in 1801 it housed 670 ill or destitute people from local parishes. Today it contains Roots of Norfolk, providing visitors with vivid experience of life in years gone by. Adjacent is Union Farm, still run today in the style of a farm from the 1920s. The children will also love a day out at the popular Dinosaur Park, which is just 10 minutes drive. Why not also pay a visit to Castle Acre Priory, or Banham Zoo, both of which are about 25 minutes drive.

The fine city of Norwich is just 16 miles away and has a fabulous assortment of pubs, clubs, shops, cafes, parks and churches, as well as a castle and two cathedrals. No holiday in Norfolk can be complete without visting the famous Norfolk Broads which are a short trip across to the east of the county.

There are ample country estates to visit, including the Queen's in Sandringham, birthplace of Diana, Princess of Wales. Others to enjoy are Holkham, Blickling, Wolterton Park, Houghton Hall (home of Britain's first Prime Minister), Oxburgh Hall and Felbrigg Hall.

For birdwatchers, head straight for the North Norfolk Coast and visit Holme's Dunes, Salthouse Marshes, or Titchwell Marsh where during the summer there is potential for a sighting of a marsh harrier hunting over the reeds. Other quaint seaside towns such as Hunstanton, Sheringham and Cromer will take you years back in time and beaches like Holkham, Wells-next-Sea and Waxham will provide days that you'll never forget. Enjoy an outing to see the seals at Blakeney Point.

For the historians, Burnham Thorpe (24 miles) is celebrating the 200th anniversary of the death of Lord Nelson this year, who was born in the village in 1758.

Just 1.5 miles from Maple Barns you can discover Worthing Lakes, a former major aggregate quarry now matured into spectacularly scenic fishing lakes and nature reserve.

Eateries

Maple Barns is within easy walking distance of two excellent public houses. Darby's, a traditional family pub owned and run by a local farmer, serves numerous real ales to complement an excellent and varied menu. They also have a large beer garden, incorporating "Darbyland", a childrens play area. The Angel Inn is also a fine public house and has claims to be an ancestral seat of the forbears of Abraham Lincoln, the celebrated American President.

There are numerous other delightful public houses nearby, including the White Horse at Longham, Canary & Linnet at Fransham, the Squirrel's Drove at Sporle and the Crown at Colkirk. Further afield you may wish to try the Saracen's Head at Wolterton, Recruiting Sergeant at Coltishall, or the Swan Inn at Ingham.

Walking and Cycling

You will be spoilt for a choice of walks when staying at Maple Barns. The 34 mile Nar Valley Way starts at the Gressenhall Museum of Rural Life and mostly follows the River Nar to the historic docks at King's Lynn, taking in the pleasant Castle Acre en route. The 46 mile Peddar's Way starts near Thetford and leads to Holme-next-Sea, from where you can continue with the Norfolk Coastal Path to Cromer which is a further 45 miles. Further information

If you fancy a more gentle stroll, the Norfolk countryside is scattered with footpaths for you to enjoy. From short circular paths on the edge of the village, to the Pingo Trail near Watton, the choice is immense. Then of course there are numerous trails through the Brecks and the vast Thetford Forest where you can encounter Grime's Graves.

The National Cycle Network has two major cycle routes in the heart of Norfolk, with the 54 mile Thetford to Fakenham Route 13 passing close by to the village. This route also passes within 4 miles of Brandon High Lodge and also takes in some of Peddar's Way on the journey. The 370 mile Harwich to Hull Route 1 has many circular options within Norfolk and passes through areas such as Norwich, Gately, Wells and Holkham. It joins with Marriot's Way along part of its route. The entire length of Peddar's Way is also suitable for cycling. With prior notice we can arrange cycle hire for you.

LEGAL | Website by: MRB i.s. Ltd | © Maple Barns, March 2005.