Clippesby Blog

If you are coming to Clippesby Hall this Februay Half Term, there is lots going on in the local area to keep you entertained ….

Saturday 16th February
Chinese Dragon Childrens Workshop 11.30am – 1.00pm @ The Norwich Puppet Theatre.  After constructing the basic puppet form, your child will be free to create the puppet’s character using the vast array of materials provided. The only restriction will be their imagination and at the end they will have a wonderful puppet to take home!

Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February
Bogglewish Bonfire @ BeWILDerwood 10.00am – 5.30pm,  Guess the wishes of your favourite BeWILDerwood characters, warm yourself around the BeWILDerwood bonfire and make your wish for the coming year the secret Boggle way…..

Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February
Signs of Spring week @ Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, 10.00am – 5.00pm,  Celebrate with us by looking for signs of Spring in our gardens to win a prize.

Saturday 16th – Sunday 24th February
Teddy Bear Express @ The Bure Valley Railway – see website for train timetable.  Join our new mascot Bear for a week of fun! Free travel for every child who brings it’s own teddy when accompanied by a fare-paying adult. (maximum of two children per adult.)

Monday 18th February
Nesting Necessities @ Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT), Hickling Broad, 10.00am – 11.30am. How can you provide a great home for a great tit and a safe spot for a sparrow? Join us at NWT Hickling Broad before the start of National Nest Box Week to find out about the nesting bird basics. Don’t worry about the weather, we have a warm retreat of our own in case of rain!

Friday 22nd Februay
Crafty Creatures @ Norfolk Wildlife Trust (NWT), Hickling Broad, 1.30pm – 3.00pm.  Join us at NWT Hickling Broad to create woodland works of art; look out for wildlife as we collect natural materials, then use these materials together with some clay to create masterpieces on the trees.

Hard Rain playing at the Dog Inn @ Ludham  8.30pm – From Bob Dylan to Johnny Cash, from Amy Winehouse to Sade, and from the Beatles to Frank Sinatra – even some Blue Grass and Country, local band.

Swimming Pools
Broadland Sports Centre, Fleggburgh  01493 369651
The Marina Centre, Great Yarmouth, 01493 851521
Riverside Leisure Centre, Norwich 01603 625166
Splash, Sheringham, 01263 825675

Cinemas
Hollywood Cinema, Great Yarmouth, 01493 852600
Odeon, Riverside Norwich, 0871 224 4007
Cinema City, Norwich 0871 902 5724
Vue, Castle Meadow, Norwich 0871 224 0240

Bowling
Regent Bowl, Great Yarmouth, 01493 856830
Wellington Bowl, Great Yarmouth, 01493 845947
Hollywood Bowl, Riverside Norwich, 0844 826 1466

Theatre
Theatre Royal, Norwich 01603 630000
Norwich Puppet Theatre 01603 629921
The Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich 01603 620917
Norwich Playhouse 01603 612580

All information given is correct to the best of knowledge but is not guaranteed.

Christmas & New Year Opening Times For Booking Office

Friday 21st Dec  9.00am – 5.00pm

Saturday 22nd Dec  CLOSED
Sunday 23rd Dec  CLOSED
Christmas Eve  CLOSED
Christmas Day  CLOSED
Boxing Day  CLOSED

Thursday 27th Dec  9.00am – 12.00pm
Friday 28th Dec  9.00am – 12.00pm

Saturday 29th Dec  CLOSED
Sunday 30th Dec  CLOSED

Monday 31st Dec  9.00am – 12.00pm

Tuesday 1st January 2013  CLOSED

Wednesday 2nd Jan  9.ooam – 5.00pm

The team at Clippesby Hall would like to wish all of our customers
a very Merry Christmas & Happy New Year !

If you are visiting us during the winter months our on site shop and the Muskett Arms bar & restaurant are closed, but we have listed below some local businesses that are open all year round.

Shops & Amenities

Filby Post Office – 3.5  miles.  Post Office & Convenience store open 7 days a week from 7am until 9pm.

Acle Post Office - 3.5 miles.  Open 8.30am – 5.30pm Monday – Friday and 8.30am – 12.30pm on Saturday.  Post office and pet food supplies.

Acle Pharmacy – 3.5 miles.  Open Monday – Friday 9.00am -6.00pm and Saturday 9.00am – 5.30pm

Co-Op, Acle – 3.5 miles.  Open Monday – Saturday 8.00am – 8.00pm, Sunday 9.00am – 6.00pm

Budgeons, Acle – 4 miles.  Open 8.00am – 9.oopm Monday – Friday, Saturday 8.00m – 8.00pm and Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm.  Small supermarket selling a good selection of local foods.

Tesco, Caister on sea - 6.5 miles.  Monday – Saturday 6.00am – Midnight, Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm

Pubs – serving food

Acle Bridge 01493 752907 - 3 miles.  Serving food from 12 noon until 9pm everyday, Sunday roast from 12.00 noon until 3.00pm (then main menu)

Kings Arms, Fleggburgh 01493 368463 – 1.5 miles.  Open Monday – Thursday 11.00am – 11.00pm, Friday & Saturday 11.00am – midnight and Sunday 11.00am – 10.30pm.  Serving food Monday – Saturday 12.30pm – 2.30pm then 6.00pm – 9.00pm, Sundays 12.00 noon – 7.30pm.

Thurne Lion, Thurne 01692 670976 - 2 miles.  Food served 12.00 noon until 2.00pm, then 6.00pm – 9.00pm

Restaurants

The Hermitage, Acle - 3.5 miles.  Open Tuesday – Saturday 11.30am – 2.00pm then 6.00pm – 9.03pm, Sunday 12.00 noon – 2.30pm.  Closed on Mondays.  01493 750310

Fiby Bridge – 3.5 miles – 3.5 miles.  To check opening times, call 01493 368142

The Castle Carvery, Caister – 6.5 miles.  Open Monday – Saturday 11.30am – 11.00pm, Sunday 11.30am – 10.30pm.  No need to book. 01493 728933

The Waterside, Rollesby – 2.5 miles.  Open 10.00am – 3.30pm (coffee shop) daily.   6.30pm

Tea Rooms & Coffee Shops

Fiby Bridge – 3.5 miles – 3.5 miles.  To check opening times, call 01493 368142

Olive Branch, Tunstead – 13.5 miles.  Open Tuesday – Sunday 10.00am – 5.00pm  01603 737555

The Waterside, Rollesby – 2.5 miles.  Open 10.00am – 3.30pm (coffee shop) daily.   Serving evening meals 6.30pm – 11.00pm Fridays & Saturdays (last food orders 9.00pm)

Take Away Food / Deliveries

Fish & Chips – Potter Heigham, Acle or Martham

Indian - Acle Spice, 01493 750800 – Free delivery

Chinese - Jasminum, Rollesby, 01493 748885 – Will deliver

Taxi Service

Acle Cars, Acle 01493 700006

Our Hire, Acle – 01493 752223

If you do require any further information on where to go, what to see & do, please ask in Reception, we will be pleased to help.

All information given is correct to the best of our knowledge but is not guaranteed.

Is the thought of Christmas shopping sending you into a panic?  The stress of finding that perfect present along with all the pushing and shoving and horn blowing that goes with city centre shopping, it’s not a great start to the Festive season is it?

This year why not combine your Christmas shopping with a short break to the Norfolk Broads.  Our Courtyard Cottage, Coach House or Pine Lodges are perfect for families or for friends to share, and with the Pine Lodges starting at just £199 for four night short break it makes an affordable treat just before Christmas.

Roys of Wroxham said to be the ‘largest village store in the world’ has everything you could need from present ideas, decorations, festive food and lots, lots more.  Parking is free and there is plenty of it, so no endless queue for the car park either!

If you do want to go into Norwich city centre, you can take the train from Acle station or pick up the ‘Park and Ride’ on the outskirts of Norwich.  Now listed as one of the  Top 10 places to shop in the UK, shopping in Norwich is a unique experience with high street stores, designer brands, independent shops and quirky goods are all on offer.  Outside of London’s Oxford Street, Norwich is the only place in the UK to have 4 national department stores as well as a local independent department store, Jarrold, within its city centre.

There is still lots going on in the Broads area out of the main holiday season, so while those who want to can go shopping, there’s the option for fishing just 2 miles down the road at Thurne, the local pubs and restaurants are still open and the Bure Valley Railway offers their ‘Santa Special‘ trips from the 24th November until the 24th of December, so a chance for the little ones to see Santa with their wish lists.

A little further afield the Thursford Christmas Spectacular is on from the 9th of November until the 23rd of December, “the biggest and most exciting Christmas show of all time in Britain.”  Booking is essential, see website for details.

Give us a call on 01493 367800 or drop us an email  holidays@clippesby.com  we’d be happy to help.

If you are thinking of visiting the Norfolk Broads area during the October Half Term, check out our guide to ‘What’s On’.

For information on our self catering accommodation, please visit our website or call 01493 367800 to check availability.

Saturday 20th October  1.00pm – 4.00pm
Happisburgh Church Tower Open Day.   One of the highest points in Norfolk, the view from the Church Tower is worth the climb to the top of the Thomas Marshall Memorial Staircase.

Sunday 21st October  2.30pm – 5.30pm
Barton House Railway – The Barton House Railway (BHR) re-creates a traditional railway atmosphere where the whole family can enjoy the nostalgia of the golden age of steam with two ride-on railways, a fully working signalling system and authentic tickets

Tuesday 23rd October 7.30pm from Adam & Eve P.H
Ghost Walk in Norwich Twilight creeps through the narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards of the old, old city. Its gnarled fingers unlock ancient secrets of dark deeds that lie entombed behind crumbling walls. It whispers into the shadowy recesses of a forgotten part of Norwich, disturbing the sleep of the long departed, and the City of the Dead stirs once more into ghostly, ethereal life.

Wednesday 24th October   1.00pm – 4.00pm
Happisburgh Church Tower Open Day.   One of the highest points in Norfolk, the view from the Church Tower is worth the climb to the top of the Thomas Marshall Memorial Staircase.

Friday 26th October
Hard Rain playing at the Dog Inn, Ludham  8.30pm – From Bob Dylan to Johnny Cash, from Amy Winehouse to Sade, and from the Beatles to Frank Sinatra – even some Blue Grass and Country, local band.

Saturday 27th October – Saturday 3rd November
Big Draw Week @ Museum of the Broads in Stalham. Take part by drawing a favourite object (big or small, from a boat to a bird!) from the Museum’s collection of amazing exhibits. Enter your drawing in a free competition to win a prize at the end of the week. Different ages from toddler to adult. Come along and have a go it costs nothing!

Saturday 27th October – Sunday 4th November
Snagglefang’s Spooky Spectacular @ BeWILDerwood, Horning.  Lantern making, mask decorating and parades – see the website for full details of the freaky goings on.

Saturday 27th October – Sunday 4th November
Spooky Seafarers Half Term Fun  Treasure trail and colouring crafts:  Weekdays 10.30am-3.30pm, Saturdays and Sundays 1.30pm-3.30pm.  Wednesday 31st October, 10.30am-3.30pm – Halloween Special with face-painting, crafts and treasure trail.   For further details of special events, please call the museum on 01493 850698

Saturday 27th October
Hard Rain playing at the Maltsters P.H, Ranworth  8.30pm – From Bob Dylan to Johnny Cash, from Amy Winehouse to Sade, and from the Beatles to Frank Sinatra – even some Blue Grass and Country, local band.

Sunday 28th October
Otter Spotting Canoe Trail  Otter Spotting Guided Canoe Trail – Honing Lock to Barton Broad.  You can paddle down miles of quiet, undistrubed tributaries and streams never seeing another soul but with a chance of seeing some of the broads best kept secrets – the Kingfishers, Bitterns and even the elusive otter. These secretive and wonderful creatures of the Broads National Park may, very occasionally, be seen from your broads cruiser are far more frequently spotted from a canoe.  See website for full details.

Sunday 28th October
Go Green for Halloween – Wildlife Watch  With Halloween approaching come along to NWT Hickling Broad and work with expert natural artist, Tim Willey to create a marvellous green man mask. Look out for wildlife as you collect materials before creating your own work of art to scare people with on Halloween.  See website for full details.

Tuesday 30th October 7.30pm from Adam & Eve P.H
Ghost Walk in Norwich Twilight creeps through the narrow alleyways and hidden courtyards of the old, old city. Its gnarled fingers unlock ancient secrets of dark deeds that lie entombed behind crumbling walls. It whispers into the shadowy recesses of a forgotten part of Norwich, disturbing the sleep of the long departed, and the City of the Dead stirs once more into ghostly, ethereal life.

Tuesday 30th October
Creatures of the Night @ NWT Ranworth Broad  Back by popular demand another chance to brave Ranworth after dark. We will be looking for nocturnal wildlife on a nature trail, bat detecting and finding out what owls eat for dinner. Wrap up warm as we will need to brave the cold before heading to the floating centre for a hot chocolate.
Venue: Meet at the Broads Wildlife Centre, NWT Ranworth Broad.  Full details on website

Tuesday 30th October
Horse Racing at Great Yarmouth Races – Season Finale  This is your last chance to enjoy a race meeting at Great Yarmouth during 2012 so don’t miss out.  First race at 1.10pm – last race 4.10pm  full details on website.

Wednesday 31st October
Halloween Spooky Trail at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden.  Join us for the spookiest Halloween party around. Scare yourself silly on the trail round our haunted garden. Live music. Thundermental fire artists. Werewolf on stilts. Children’s entertainers. Hot food. Don’t miss the frighteningly, fearful, firework finale at 7.50pm!  Full details on website.

Friday 2nd November
Bird Day at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden.  Prepare your garden for birds this winter with make your own bird feeders and bird boxes.  Free drop in activity. (normal garden fees apply!)

All information given is correct to the best of our knowledge but is not guaranteed.

Saturday 1st & Sunday 2nd

The Maritime Festival is a riot of colour with tall ships and supply vessels flying colourful bunting from their masts.  The Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival is organised by the Greater Yarmouth Tourist Authority. The Maritime Festival is one of the biggest events in Great Yarmouth’s annual calendar where we celebrate our maritime heritage and look to our maritime future on historic South Quay on the banks of the River Yare.  Saturday 10am-6pm, Sunday 10am – 5pm

Saturday 1st – Sunday 16th September (last show)

Summer Spectacular & Circus & Water Show – Show times vary, check website for show times and to book tickets – or call 01493 844172

Sunday 9th

Go Wild at Ranworth – Join in at NWT Ranworth Broad to experience our rich wetland wildlife in all its splendour! A family fun day where you can explore and learn all about the wildlife you can see at this time of year.  11.00am – 4.00pm – Free

Monday 10th

Wherry Sailings - Various journey’s mainly starting from Wroxham to How Hill, Ranworth, St Benet’s Abbey or Stalham. Please check website or telephone for more details. Unless specified: one way sailing, return land transport included, hot and cold drinks served, own refreshments welcome. Finish times are approximate. All proceeds support WYC in restoring and sailing the wherries Norada, Olive, Hathor and White Moth.  £35-£40 – Telephone 01692 630674

Wednesday 12th

Music Festival at Great Yarmouth Minster - Cavick String Quartet, 7.30pm start, tickets £5 – see website for details

Friday 14th

Local band ‘One Hand Clapping’ playing at the Thurne Lion P.H at Thurne from 8.30pm

Wednesday 19th

Happisburgh Church Tower Open Day -

One of the heighest points in Norfolk, the view from Happisburgh Church Tower is worth the climb to the top of the Thomas Marshall Memorial Staircase.  Open from 1.00pm – 4.00pm, entrance £2 adults &  £1 children

Friday 21st

Local band ‘One Hand Clapping’ playing at The Maltsters P.H, Ranworth from 8.30pm

Saturday 22nd

Music Festival at Great Yarmouth Minster - “Translated by Reeds”. Newly commissioned work of contemporary and traditional songs and words about the land and people along the banks of the rivers Waveney and Blyth commissioned by Waveney and Blyth Arts: 7.30pm start, Tickets £10 (Concessions £8) – see website for more details.

Sunday 23rd Sept

Swallows & Amazons – paddle to TheCanoeMan Woodland Activity Centre where you will be taught the mysterical art of bushcraft, learning to light fires and build shelters. During the lunch break you will have the opportunity to explore the wood, followed in the afternoon by a woodland archery session to discover who amongst your friends is the next Robin Hood.  Sessions start 11am – 3pm  or 3pm – 5pm.

Friday 28th

Hard Rain playing at the Lion Inn, Thurne  8.30pm – From Bob Dylan to Johnny Cash, from Amy Winehouse to Sade, and from the Beatles to Frank Sinatra – even some Blue Grass and Country, local band.

All information given is correct to the best of our knowledge but is not guaranteed.

Just one week left now of the summer holidays, here’s a ‘snapshot’ of what has been going on for the last few weeks.

The campsite has been fully booked from the start of the school holidays.  One of our younger guests has recently carried out a survey which shows that tents seem to be more popular than caravans on site this year – thank you Merri for doing this, it was very interesting.

Our next availability for pitches is the 2nd of September, so there is still time to get a few days away before school starts again.  Or, if you fancy a break in one of our cottages or lodges, take a look at our ‘Offers Page‘ where you will find details of which properties we have available.

It has been lovely to see some of your holidays photographs posted on our facebook page, please keep adding them and we will choose some to use as our cover page.

John has been working hard on his garden all summer, he now provides the Muskett Arms and the Coffee Shop with flowers and salad and the chickens are laying enough eggs for Sue to use when she baking the cakes – as food miles go, you can’t get much more local than that!

Also this summer we had the arrival of 12 geese which are living in the walled garden.

Ben and Malc have been busy keeping the park looking smart, the new ‘all weather’ pitches have been a real bonus this year especially during the early part of the season when it was wet.  We’ve got plans to add more in the Heath during the winter.

Ben – one of the Park Rangers

Brandan has been looking after the cycle hire this year, helping get people out and about in the Broads, mending punctures & doing repairs and giving advice on routes and days out.

Brandan hard at work

We are all starting to look forward to our ‘Beer Festival’ weekends, which are held on 14th & 15th and 21st & 22nd September – there are a very limited number of pitches left and only a couple of cottages, so if you fancy joining us, give the booking office a call on 01493 367800 – with lots of local ales and ciders to try, along with family entertainment, it is always a really relaxed and fun weekend for the whole family (not just dad!)

Sunday 5th August

Take a look on-board the Wherry Albion at Oulton Broad Yacht Station.  Learn about the history of the Wherries and their importance to the Broads.

Caister Lifeboat Day at Caister Lifeboat Station, Come and meet the crew, see both lifeboats being launched and enjoy a fun family day out supporting this very worthwhile cause.  10.00am – 4.30pm

Wroxfest - This one day music and beer festival, in partnership with The Shed Wroxham, will be held at Trafford Park on Sunday 5 August 2012 (Gates open 12pm – 11pm).

Tuesday 7th August

Evening Explorers at Ranworth Broad.  Join us for an evening adventure at NWT Ranworth Broad, it is a great time to be on the reserve as the wildlife that calls it home are either settling down for the evening or just getting active. Who knows what we will see. Keep your eyes peeled adventurers!  Cost: £4 adults, £2.50 children, booking essential – call 01603 625540.  7.30pm – 9.00pm

Wednesday 8th August

Take a look on-board the Wherry Albion at Norwich Yacht Station.  Learn about the history of the Wherries and their importance to the Broads.

Firework Display at Great Yarmouth Central Beach from 9.00pm

Friday 10th August 

One Hand Clapping, playing  at the Lion Inn P.H, Thurne.  Local band playing a mix of classic and modern rock, folk, rhythm and blues, roots and Americana from 8.00pm.

Saturday 11th August

Guided sunset canoe trail, with the help of your canoe guide you can silently explore South Walsham inner and outer broad and undisturbed tributaries, with the opportunity to see some of the Broads’ best kept secrets – kingfishers, bitterns and maybe the elusive otter.  For departure times and to book see website.

Sunday 12th August

Pirate Day at Museum of the Broads in Stalham  10.30am – 5.00pm.  Enjoy being a Pirate on the Broads. Make a pirate hat and eye patch, follow the clues to find the Treasure, have your face painted as a pirate, dig for gold, play on our Pirate ship, take a boat trip to our ‘Treasure Island’. Meet the Museum Pirates on their home ground!!  A PRICE FOR THE BEST DRESSED PIRATE ON THE DAY!  BBQ available at lunch time. Falcon rides from 11.00 to 15.00
Normal Museum charges. Adult £4, concession £3.50, Family (2+3) £12, child £2.50

Tuesday 14th August

Take a look on-board the Wherry Albion in Horning .  Learn about the history of the Wherries and their importance to the Broads.

Horse Racing at Great Yarmouth Racecourse – Great Yarmouth Racecourse invites you to join them for a day at the races.  Whether it’s a get together with friends, an excuse to get dressed up, or time to be enjoyed together as a family, there’s something for everyone.   Tel: 01493 842527

Wednesday 15th August

Pottering Round the Middle at Potter Heigham – A free guided walk starting at Potter Heigham and walking along the riverbank up to Candle Dyke, then inland along the dyke to Middle Wall where we turn south and return to Potter Heigham.  10.00am – 1.00pm
PLEASE NOTE – the walk is approximately 5km long.  Booking strongly advised. Limited to 20 places.  Angela Rowe  Tel: 01603 226173

Ghost Walk at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden, South Walsham.  Enjoy a spine-tingling walk through the woods listening to the myths and legends of the Fairhaven Garden.  Free with garden entry. £5.50 adult; £5 conc.; £3 child; under 5s free; dogs 25p. Free to members. No need to book.   From 6.30pm

Firework Display at Great Yarmouth Central Beach from 9.00pm

Saturday 18th August

Farmers Market at  Fairhaven Water Gardens, South Walsham - Lots of lovely local produce fresh from the Broadland area.   10.00am until 2.00pm

One Hand Clapping, playing at The Malsters P.H at Ranworth from 8.00pm.

Sunday 19th August

Nelson’s Column Ascents at The Norfolk Pillar/ Nelson’s Monument – A wonderful opportunity to climb all 217 steps of Nelson’s Monument in Great Yarmouth and experience the breathtaking views. Trained Monument Guides are on hand to explain the monument’s construction, history and restoration and its links with Admiral Lord Nelson.  10.00am – 4.00pm

Tuesday 21st August

Evening Explorers – Join us for an evening adventure at NWT Hickling Broad, it is a great time to be on the reserve as the wildlife that calls it home are either settling down for the evening or just getting active. Who knows what we will see. Keep your eyes peeled adventurers!  Information & Booking Tel: 01603 625540   7.30pm – 9.00pm

One Hand Clapping, playing at The Reedcutters P.H at Ranworth from 8.00pm.

Wednesday 22nd August

Summer Fun Day at Great Yarmouth Market Place – Family fun, entertainment and activities on market day in the town centre. Shop and have fun with all the family.  11.00am – 3.00pm

Firework Display at Great Yarmouth Central Beach from 9.00pm

Friday 24th August

Really Wild at Ranworth at NWT Ranworth Broad.  Join us this morning at our floating visitor centre before heading out and exploring the reserve in search of wildlife. Keep your eyes peeled explorers! Who knows what may be lurking in the reeds.   11.00am – 12.00pm  Ms Val Bowers Tel: 01603 625540 – children £2 each

Saturday 25th – Monday 27th August

The Curious Crocklebog Capers at BeWILDerwood, Horning.  A celebration of all things Crocklebog… Brave through the Crockleclock Challenge, follow Mildred’s Butterfly Bumble AND make an authentic Crocklebog handbag or tiara!

Sunday 26th August

Take a look on-board the Wherry Albion in Coltishall.  Learn about the history of the Wherries and their importance to the Broads – this event is to mark the 1912 flood centenary.

Thurne Windpump Open Day – A unique opportunity to experience first hand the workings of the mill.  2.00pm – 4.00pm

Swallows & Amazons – paddle to TheCanoeMan Woodland Activity Centre where you will be taught the mysterical art of bushcraft, learning to light fires and build shelters. During the lunch break you will have the opportunity to explore the wood, followed in the afternoon by a woodland archery session to discover who amongst your friends is the next Robin Hood.  Sessions start 11am – 3pm  or 3pm – 5pm.

Wednesday 29th August

Firework Display at Great Yarmouth Central Beach from 9.00pm

All information given is correct to the best of our knowledge but is not guaranteed.