A Perfect 48 Hours at The Huddle

Arriving, the sense of escape and the perfect 48 hours ahead

There is a particular moment on the road to Brisley when you spot the impressive tower of St Bartholomew’s, the sky suddenly seems to stretch in every direction and you start passing some of our village landmarks. Clouds may drift overhead at their own unhurried pace and you may notice your shoulders dropping without quite knowing why. You have arrived in Norfolk proper for a perfect 48 hour break. By the time you turn into the drive of Big Sky Brisley, you are already a little lighter. There is space and views all around you – space to breathe, to notice, to simply be.

First Afternoon: settling in, local brews, sunset.

We like to imagine you arriving before the light fades, so you can see the way The Huddle sits in the meadow, on it’s own and peacefully private. Step inside, put your bag down, and let your eyes adjust to the calm: warm wood, simple lines, everything you need and nothing you don’t. Open the doors and let the outside in for a moment. There is usually birdsong, often the rustle of wind through the nearby trees, sometimes the distant sound of a tractor finishing up for the day.

Most guests tell us their first ritual is a drink. In time for an afternoon cuppa then try a local tea or coffee from the selection left for you. Or brew some fresh sprigs of mint from the garden outside. For later perhaps you have picked up a bottle from a local distillery on your way, or a few bottles of ale brewed not so far from here. Take your brews outside, relax in the garden chairs and watch to see if the sky does what it does best here with the colours softening and then deepening through every possible shade. The horizon feels wide and generous; there is nothing to block the view as the day draws to an end.

First evening: simple dining, stargazing

For supper many guests book a table at one of the many traditional pubs nearby or pick up an award-winning Fish and Chip supper, all within a 5 minute drive. Others stop at a farm shop en route and arrive with some delicious local fare. Perhaps complemented by some great-tasting sausages or pies produced by our nearby farmer from traditional breeds with a Dann ‘s ice-cream tub for dessert. Both available on site. This is the moment when the week you’ve just had starts to loosen its grip. Later, when the sky has finally let go of the last of the light, switch off as many lamps as you dare and step outside. On clear nights, the stars here can be startling. You might hear an owl, or just the deep quiet of the countryside. It’s a simple first evening, but it sets the tone: slow, spacious and grounded.

Next Morning: no alarm, birdsong, walk around Brisley village.

There is no need to set an alarm. Morning arrives gently at Big Sky Brisley. Light filters in and birds get on with their business in the hedgerow.. Put the kettle on, open the door and wrap your hands around a mug while the day unfolds. If you’re lucky you’ll spot hares in the fields or a pheasant strutting along as if he owns the place or some spring lambs.

When you are ready, pull on the necessary and wander into the village. Brisley has that peaceful lived-in Norfolk feel: a generous Common, cottages that have seen more than one lifetime, and a church which anchors everything. We love the way St Bartholomew’s sits majestically in the village, looking out over us, the fields and sky. It is nearly always open welcoming you to step inside and discover more about it’s rich history. Loop slowly further on, around the Common, past one or two of our many ponds, across the wooded amenity grounds or through the allotments.

Having worked up an appetite why not treat yourself to a delicious breakfast or brunch at the excellent Old Dairy, Elmham Tea Post or Bilney Lakes cafe, all within a 5 minute drive away. Alternatively some people choose to hike the circulate routes, resting and refreshing themselves half-way round.

Late morning: Reepham or Heydon for coffee

From there, we like to send people over to Reepham or Heydon for a late-morning coffee. A short drive (or longer bike ride) through Norfolk countryside. Reepham’s market place is small but full of life, with independent shops and places to sit and watch the world go by. Find a café that suits your mood. Order a good coffee and maybe something freshly baked, and enjoy feeling like you’re part of a village Saturday rather than just passing through. Heydon is a private village, the beautiful location for several films and has an excellent tea room

Lunch: 40-min drive to North Norfolk coast, Holkham beach or Wells-next-the-Sea, crab sandwich on the quay

After a slow start, the coast begins to call. One of our favourite things about this part of Norfolk is how the landscape stretches from inland fields to salt marsh and beach in under an hour. From Brisley, it’s around a 40-minute drive to the North Norfolk coast. Depending on which beach you choose: the coastline stretches for 45 miles.

Holkham beach is often our go-to suggestion if you’ve never been before. Park up, wander through the pines and out onto that astonishing sweep of sand. The sky and the sea seem to compete for which can feel bigger, and at low tide the beach seems to go on forever. Walk as far as your legs fancy, breathe in the salty air and look back at the line of trees that mark the edge of the Holkham estate. It is wild and open and beautiful in all seasons.

Or head to Wells-next-the-Sea, with its cheerful harbour and row of painted beach huts standing neatly to attention along the shore. There is something deeply satisfying about sitting on the quay with a crab sandwich made from crabs that were landed just along the coast. Boats creak softly, gulls argue overhead, and the tide does whatever it chooses to do that afternoon.

Evening: dinner at a proper Norfolk village pub, fire pit back at the Huddle

It’s difficult to restrict all the recommendations we’d like to make to fit into your perfect 48 hours. However you must include a stop at a proper Norfolk village pub. There are several within easy reach, where the fire is real and the blackboard changes with the season. Look out for local favourites on the menu: such as Brancaster mussels when they’re in season or Norfolk grown asparagus. A pint of Norfolk ale or a glass of something local completes the picture. Or head straight back to Brisley where you can stroll 5 minutes to the outstanding gastro-pub, the Brisley Bell. Without the need to drive you are free to sample as many glasses of local specialities as you dare!

Back at The Huddle, on a still and dry night, the fire pit really comes into its own. Gather a few logs, strike a match and settle into the quiet theatre of flames and embers. Out here, in a dark skies village, the sky can be a revelation. Sometimes it is a clear, dense spread of stars. Alternatively it is streaked with high cloud that catches the moonlight. Bats dart past at dusk. Either way, you’re part of it for a while.

Departure Morning: slow breakfast, one last walk, stop at a beautiful Norfolk village on the way home

Sunday mornings at The Huddle have their own tempo. With a generous 11 am check out there is no rush to be anywhere. Put the kettle on again, crack open the free-range eggs supplied for you and slice into home-made bread. Breakfast might be as simple as toast with local jam, or a proper fry-up cooked at your own pace whilst the day awakens outside. Eat at the little table, or enjoy patio dining in your private garden.

Before you leave, we always suggest one last wander. It doesn’t need to be far. Another gentle loop around the nearby footpaths, or a quiet moment standing at the edge of a field or woodland. This is often when people start to notice the details they missed on arrival and start planning their next visit.

As you head home, consider taking the route via Castle Acre or Great Massingham. Whittles or The Dabbling Duck are both located in old buildings in the centre of fascinating Norfolk villages and are lovely places to linger over coffee or lunch. Ideally you will have time to complete your break with a relaxing wander around one of these stunning villages.

Is this your perfect 48 hours itinerary?

This little itinerary is simply one way to spend a perfect couple of days here. Some guests do all of it, some do very little and are perfectly content to stay close to the Huddle. With books, comfy chairs, board games and cards and binoculars there is something for everyone. That is the quiet pleasure of The Huddle: there is no right way to be here, only your way.

If you’ve already booked, we hope this helps you picture the time ahead. Big skies, the simplicity, the unhurried hours. And if you’re still thinking about it, there is no pressure. We’ll be here when you’re ready, with the kettle, the birdsong and the space waiting for you.