Boat trips to see the seal colony at Blakeney Point…read more This is a wonderful trip to make for nature lovers who love to see wildlife in their natural habitat. Although there are other companies who do these tours as well, I went with Bishop's Boats as they were running an evening trip at 6.45pm. I phoned to book 4 places and we were given instructions to pick up our tickets from Blakeney Quay, and from there we were directed to the village of Morston, to the marshes there. As we arrived, everyone was wearing welly boots and I had the impression that they all knew something I didn't, but after walking over boarded bridges to Morston Quay, wellies were not essential, but maybe I was just lucky that day! Arriving half an hour early at the landing stage, there were the 2 Bishop's Boats moored abreast into the mud and no sign of sea in sight......I couldn't imagine that there would be enough water to set sail in......but sure enough, it was there when we needed it. The 'skippers/guides' suggested that people with dodgy hips should go into the 2nd boat thereby avoiding the extra climb from one boat to the other. I chose not to take notice and went for the 1st boat and with dodgy knees, it was not the best of ideas, but getting off afterwards was much easier. As we set off, the skipper explained all the safety details, where lifebelts were and not standing on the seats etc.This was soon replaced with information about the wildlife and what to look out for and answering any questions we had. The sea was a bit choppy, so the video I tried to make just makes me feel sea-sick, and as the 'heavens opened up on us', my pictures are not the greatest, but they will give you an idea of how big the seal colony at Blakeney Point is. As we neared the island many seals were swimming about in the water and many more basking in the rain on land. We had a strange pre storm/sunset light in the sky which seemed to compliment the seal colours. The Common Seal is actually rarer than the Grey Seal and we were lucky to see both, it was truly an awesome sight. We were told that when the water is calm, seals will swim right up to the boats. Also, June is a good time for this boat trip as the seals will have all their baby pups with them then. This was a lovely trip despite the weather and one that I hope to do again sometime. It took around an hour and cost £8 per adult and £4 for each child under 14 *One day I saw a seal swimming around the pier in Cromer, a lifeguard had to warn the body boarders as they hadn't noticed and it could have bobbed up anywhere presenting a danger to both beast and man! You can see a slide show of my trip here:- http://blog.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=blog.Confirm&friendID=154279587

my aunt and uncle own a cottage in blakeney and i would say woo hoo to anyone who was going it is a…read morelovely little village and the seal trip, and perhaps crab and river fishing :) is a must. But i do recommend taking wellies and a warm coat as when we went at the end of march it was snowing and hailing but still a very beautiful place.

Oxburgh Hall is a place that shouldn't be missed when visiting the area. It sits within a moat and…read moreis a great example of English brick gatehouses of the 15th century. It was originally built circa 1482 by Sir Edmund Bedingfeld and has been continuously occupied by the family ever since. There have been several upgrades as well over the years...centuries. There are Victorian additions that were added later in the 1800's like the terracotta chimneys and windows along with amazing gardens to name a few. It has always been used as a home, and not a fortress. The home has seen the War of the Roses, survived a fire and near demolition prospects and still stands. It is truly an amazing place to visit and I'm happy it's under the care of the National Trust. The hall is known for its "Priest hole". In the event of a raid a priest could hide in the wall and couldn't be found. This is open to the public, whereas most like it are closed. That makes this is a fantastic historical opportunity alone. I must say, it is a little unsettling to go into the hole and you definitely get the idea of how the priest must have felt. The home is also known for the needlework on display by Mary, Queen of Scots while imprisoned in England and Bess of Hardwick. You can also tour the Kings Room where King Henri VIII stayed when visiting. Photos are not allowed inside...darn it, but you are welcome to take pictures of the grounds and such. You can obtain books and postcards in the gift shop. This review was overdue and I simply can't believe that I didn't finish it. But I'm even more surprised that no one else has reviewed this place when it is so extraordinary. It shouldn't be missed if you are in the area. If you are a history buff like us, then you'll truly enjoy it. Gee Whiz info...the name is pronounced: "OX bru" Note: I also recommend becoming a member of the National Trust. They do great things and keep history alive. Whether you are from or live in the UK or just visiting from outside the country...it's well worth it and goes to a great cause...it's a win/win for all!

Beans Means Seals and lots of 'em. Book a seal watching boat trip at Blakeney Quay or more easily…read moreby 'phone, turn up the next day at Morston Quay and be whisked away (more like chugged away) in one of the bright white and orange Beans boats. Superb setting, eye level with Morston Salt Marshes along the meandering waterway to emerge out into the deeper Blakeney Channel. Choppy and windy, so don't forget your warm clothes and if sitting at the front of the boat, a waterproof for the showers of spray. On past the old coastguard station on Blakeney Point, keenly looking for the first seal sighting, like Captain Ahab but with less bloodthirsty thoughts. Thar she blows!! A seal, peering back from just ahead, bobbing in the swell, cheeky as you like. Continue round Blakeney Point and there're all her brothers and sisters and the rest. Seals too many to count, lumbering out of the surf, fighting in the water, lazing on their backs in the sun, small ones, big ones, pups. Amazing, Sir David Attenborough eat your heart out, don't need the North Pole, just pop along to Blakeney Point in Norfolk!

We are visiting from the US and a friend booked our spot. When we arrived I stood in line for 15…read moreminutes only to discover someone walking down the line asking for tickets. I told them I didn't have a ticket and where do I go. The person pulls me aside while I left my two children in line. She proceeds to tell me that I have to get in the back of the line since I did not have my ticket to begin with. The line was super long because I had arrived early. After that I called to let the manager know of my experience and they said "you people never listen". So rude. People visiting be warned. Not a kind company.