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| Norfolk's westerly parts are home to some of the county's finest features - so go west for a mix of old and new on this right-royal tour |
The west of Norfolk has so much going for it: King's Lynn is the most notable location, with its medieval history, lovely town centre and Old Gaol House museum. Here, we have included a diverse tour of the region, with some of the most interesting, beautiful and unique places to visit - amongst the best we've yet seen.
1. At home with the Queen
Possibly Norfolk's most famous residence, Sandringham House is the Queen's country retreat and will undoubtedly be a popular place in this, her Golden Jubilee Year. If you really want to
get an idea of how the royals live, you can view all the main ground floor rooms they inhabit, complete with some of their most treasured possessions. Beyond the stately splendour of the house itself, the 60-acre grounds and fabulous gardens offer a lovely environment in which to lose yourself.
2. Weird and wonderful
The Collector's World of Eric St John Foti is the labour of love of one man, but he's clearly very
committed as he's chosen some tricky things to collect, such as Armstrong Siddeley cars and Lord Nelson memorabilia. There are a couple of rooms dedicated to more recent phenomena: the Pink Room is all about the doyenne of romance novelists, Barbara Cartland; the Sixties Room has a corner devoted to the band of that time, Freddie and the Dreamers.
3. Bin there, done that
The EcoTech Discovery Centre promotes the use and development of sustainable energy sources in the future. If you think that sounds too worthy for younger visitors, think again - the Rotten Experience looks at the ways various beasts and micro-organisms work to decompose your rubbish, with all the ‘delightful' smells this entails. And while you're there,
it's also worth climbing the
300-odd steps to catch the fine views of west Norfolk.
4. Impressive priory
The Norman castle at Castle Acre is but a shadow of its former self. The Priory, however, is a different story - though in ruins, parts of it are largely intact and it makes for a stunning sight on a summer's day.
5. The way things were
Find out what daily life was really like for the antecedents of modern-day Norfolkians, at the Norfolk Rural Life Museum. Watch a 1920s farm in action or
see how the Georgian workhouse buildings in which the museum is housed were put to use over the years. There are also 50 acres of countryside with three trails and three gardens to explore.
6. Norfolk Lavender
For a garden experience with a difference, head for Norfolk Lavender, which supplies the Prince of Wales. Take a guided tour of this working farm to find out what's grown there or take a stroll round the Fragrant Meadow Garden, where all the plants have been chosen for their aroma.
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Distance 100 miles
Time All day
Suitable for All the family
Refreshments
Sandringham House
Tel 01553 772675
Castlegate Restaurant, Castle Acre
Tel 01760 755340
EcoTech Discovery Centre
Tel 01760 726100
Norfolk Lavender
Tel 01485 570384
Attractions
Sandringham House
Tel 01553 772675
Collectors World
Tel 01366 383185
EcoTech Discovery Centre
Tel 01760 726100
Castle Acre Priory
Tel 01760 755394
Norfolk Rural Life Museum
Tel 01362 860563
Norfolk Lavender
Tel 01485 570384
Tourist information
Downham Market Tel 01366 387440
Kings Lynn 01553 763044
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