Flex those muscles

Drier and sunnier than the West Country, North Norfolk is made for getting active in the great outdoors.

The best way to experience the beauties of this area is to walk or cycle, which is why we have a section devoted to each. It’s excellent exercise, it’s free and you can discover your own hidden gems.

Horse Riding

Walsingham is lucky to have its own riding stables. The North Norfolk Riding Centre offers lessons for all ages from beginners upwards, with hacking in the glorious countryside that surrounds the village. Occasional rides at Holkham for experienced riders only. Call Sarah Noakes on 01328 820933 to book.

Boating

Since we’re so close to the sea, it’s a great opportunity to learn to handle a boat. Norfolk Etc at Morston is the closest place for sailing and powerboat tuition for all ages, in the safety and natural beauty of Blakeney harbour, just 20 minutes away on the coast north-east of Walsingham.

If you have your own boat, you could contact Wells Sailing Club for events and races and to find out where to launch.

The coast here is strongly tidal and weather can change swiftly, so you should check the tide times and local weather carefully. The Wells Harbour website is a mine of useful info  www.wellsharbour.co.uk

Wells is one of the few remaining commercial ports on the North Norfolk coastline. A busy working port for the offshore wind industry, there are also crab and fishing boats putting to sea daily. Norfolk Sea Fishing is a family-run charter fishing business that offers fishing trips for bass, tope and cod, plus short mackerel trips for novices or families wanting to introduce children to the joys of Norfolk sea fishing.

A little further afield, Brancaster Staithe Sailing Club is at the forefront of dinghy sailing, offering some of the best sailing and facilities on the Norfolk coast. Races through the season at weekends from Easter to October.

Squash / Tennis / Golf

If you want to play squash or tennis, or play a round of golf, the nearest place is Fakenham Racecourse.

Founded in 1982, The Royal West Norfolk Golf Club, in Brancaster, is among the world’s most highly regarded courses.

Swimming

If you fancy a swim and the tide is wrong and the sea is too cold, you can swim at the pool at Alderman Peel High School in Wells both in and out of term time. Morning and evening lane swimming is available as well as the fitness suite, and private hire. Check the website for details.

The pool at The Reef Leisure Centre in Sheringham is packed with all the very latest equipment and offers something for everyone, regardless of age or fitness level. There’s a 70-station gym, a spacious group fitness studio, as well as a group cycling studio. There are also two pools – a 25m main pool and a smaller teaching pool – as well as a splash pad. The centre also boasts extensive changing and parking facilities and has been designed specifically to make it more accessible to disabled people.