We welcome you to the magical charm of The Old Chapel
A home with spirit.

We feel blessed to share The Old Chapel as a retreat for you. Built in 1885 in Victorian, England.

As part of your welcome pack, we have put together ours and our visitor’s top places to eat, explore and be merry. 

Norfolk is such a beautiful sanctuary, and this is why many gentries, ladies, and Royals have frequented and bought up many a property in the rural bliss of the East. 

Did you know that Snettisham boosts to be graced with the best sunsets in the whole of Norfolk, it’s only a 10-minute drive away, so definitely worth a watch. 

You may also associate The Northern Lights with Norway, Iceland, Alaska, Finland, Canada…I bet you never thought it possible that the Northern lights are known to bless the skies of Norfolk.  So, make sure you keep an eye on the daily updates, and the best place to spot, as the Northern lights have been dazzling us at the start of this year displaying themselves in all their glory off the coast in Happisburgh. 

Link: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ckdjzlq0eppo 

What is Norfolk famous for?

I’m guessing a few things spring to mind! But did you know that you are actually standing upon the ground that is a part of the Sandringham Estate?  That’s right the village of Flitcham and the villages of West Newton, Sherborne, and Anmer, make up part of the Royal Sandringham Estate.  Many of the estate workers once lived in and around the smaller surrounding villages and accommodated properties owned by the estate. 

In fact, dwellings with the duck egg blue doors are owned by the Estate.  The Duke of Edinburgh Prince Philip once travelled by horse and trap through the village of Flitcham, and rumour has it that Queen Elizabeth’s best friend resided in Flitcham village. 

Thomas Coke, the Earl of Leicester, is a member of the House Lords and owns the impressive Holkham Hall Estate which we highly recommend visiting: https://www.holkham.co.uk/ 

For more details on Flitcham Village:  http://www.flitcham.com/ 

Royal spotting:  Kate, Will’s, and the kids are often seen out walking and bike riding in the neighbouring village of Anmer and now more so at the Sandringham Estate.  We have heard of many spots in a lovely country pub named aptly The Crown in East Rudham.  A great spot for a delicious Sunday Lunch:  https://crowninnnorfolk.co.uk/ 

local to you

FUEL:  The Esso petrol station is conveniently situated at postal code:  PE31 6BJ 

Here you will find a Spar shop for emergency essentials. 

Supermarket:  The nearest decent sized Co-Op supermarket can be found at postal code:  PE31 6JX  

Walkies for your 4- legged friend(s) in Flitcham 

There is a great place where your K-9 (s) can run free in the village.   

Cross the road onto the path opposite the house and walk past the bus stop.  You will see a car park to your right just after and a dog poo bin as a clue enter the car park and takes the alley to the left.  It opens up into a playing field with a park (great for letting the kids run around in).  You can walk through the playing field and over the style into the larger outer field.  There is plenty of wildlife in the village, so keep an eye on your dog if they have a hunter’s instinct! 

Alternatively, you can turn right out of the property and follow the road to the church.  You will notice a track that allows you a right of passage through the farmer’s fields that run alongside Lady Hillingdon’s grounds. 

 

Farm Shops:  We have an abundance of farm shops around us that are far-reaching.  A personal favourite for meat, groceries and a spot of brunch is Back to the Garden.  It is a bit of a drive, but worth the experience, as it is close to Binham Priory, The Raw Dairy (another favourite, delicious coffee), Holt Park, and Salt Marshes Beach. They all accept four-legged woofy friends.

  • Holt Country Park (dog friendly):  https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/attraction_activity/holt-country-park I just love Holt Country Park, with its wild white horses, and goats it’s a truly remarkable place.  A little park and a quirky tea and coffee shop caters to all tastes here.  There are also picnic benches where you sit and take in the beautiful nature around you. 

Holt is a fantastic stop-off for a stroll around the town, a tasty bite, of a delicious piece of cake and coffee.  There are lots of dog-friendly cafes. The Folly Tearoom: https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowUserReviews-g503730-d3874890-r228866499-The_Folly_Tearoom-Holt_Norfolk_East_Anglia_England.html 

Closer to home

Farm shops with Butchers:  

E H Priors and sons:  https://ehpriorandsons.co.uk/our-stores/ 

A great selection of meats and seasonal fruit and veg 

The Rising Lodge:  https://www.facebook.com/Risinglodgefarmshop/ 

Affordable and a great meat selection 

The Norfolk Lavendar Farm Shophttps://norfolklavenderlounge.co.uk/2019/10/04/norfolk-lavender-farm-shop/ 

Pricey, but meat is not overpriced like some of the other produce in the store 

The Royal Butcher: https://members.royalwarrant.org/company/j-e-howard-butchers The place to pick up some royal bangers and meaty goods for brunch/lunch/dinner.  This butcher is only small so do not expect to find all your salad and veggie needs or accompaniments here. 

Great Brunch Spots

Local:  The Sandringham Restaurant 

No dogs are allowed in the restaurant sadly, but they are allowed in the café just next door for a more casual bite after a glorious walk around the estate grounds. Dogs are free to be off-lead, and a “stick and flick” policy has been adopted in the woodland area off the main path. The breakfast here is just delish, meat sourced by the royal butcher can be found on the drive home to The Old Chapel, great for enjoying on the BBQ, or making a homely winter dish. Please see details for J E Howard Butcher above. 

https://www.sandringhamestate.co.uk/sandringham-restaurant 

Local Dog Friendly Pub within reasonable walking distance for the stumble home 

The FFolkes:  https://www.ffolkes.org.uk/ 

A somewhat interesting vibrant and quirky vibe here to experience.  A modern take and what a family pub should now be. This place is not only dog-friendly, but kid friendly with a fab treehouse park out the back, and container golf that you can enjoy as a family.  The food is street style and a Sunday Roast pie twist.  It’s all a bit topsy turvy in a fun vibrant way, we recommend a visit!  It’s a great stroll back, just take a torch in the winter as we have no streetlights! 

Recommended pubs within close driving distance: 

The Rose and Crown at Snettisham:  https://www.roseandcrownsnettisham.co.uk/eating/ 

Everything you would expect from a cosey country pub. 

The Dabbling Duck: https://www.thedabblingduck.co.uk/ a delicious selection of beautifully cooked dishes.  Highly recommended.  Nice for a romantic bite, or family gathering. 

For those of you who wish to chill with no mess or stress

Suited and Booted

For those of you who have come away to experience some local fine dining the following restaurants are highly recommended to book in advance: 

Fine dining on your doorstep:  

The Old Bank Bistro:   https://www.theoldbankbistro.co.uk/ 

The Dabbling Duck:  https://www.thedabblingduck.co.uk/ 

On par with The Dabbling Duck but further a field 

Barsham Arms:  https://barshamarmsnorfolk.co.uk/eat-drink/ 

Further afield for a special night out Michelin stars: 

The crème del la crème of Norfolk: https://sociusnorfolk.co.uk/ 

The Mill experience:  https://www.stokemill.co.uk/ 

The Farmyard https://farmyard.restaurant/ 

Fishy Dishy 

Love lobster how about a rib of beef: https://www.thegintrapinn.co.uk/ 

Locally famed Brancaster Oysters:  https://www.brancasterstaithe.com/pubrestaurantsfood  

Posh Fish n Chips 

Ever tried Michelin Star Fish n chips?  You can now:  https://www.barefootretreats.co.uk/the-best-fish-chip-shops-along-the-north-norfolk-coast/ 

Personally, we love a bottle of bubbles a good quality fish n chips and a breath-taking sunset. Old Hunstanton beach is our personal favourite, but with many sandy hidden gems on the Norfolk coast you are simply spoilt for choice. 

For all of you adventure enthusiasts that want to explore the delights of Norfolk we have put together this guide.  We’d be amazed if you manage to fit it all in, in one visit!  We encourage our guests to share their photographic experiences with our social media platforms, as we love to see our guests having a good time 😊 

Link: https://www.facebook.com/theOldChapelFlitcham 

https://www.instagram.com/theoldchapelflitcham/ 

Kids Activities

Stateley’s that are Family friendly. 

Here’s a little summary:  https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/post/stately-homes-in-norfolk-to-visit but Here are some of our personal close favourites: 

Sandringham Estate 

https://sandringhamestate.co.uk/ 

Great Park for the kids, a gift shop, a restaurant and coffee shop, and a paradise for dogs, and that’s not even mentioning the splendour of the palace and the grounds. 

Holkham Hall 

https://www.holkham.co.uk/ 

Great harness climbing adventures for kids, bike hire, boat, hire, great food and drink events and activities, as well as the museum the hall itself, and a park for the kids to boot…Oh, we forgot to mention the walled garden and a safe walking and bike adventure for all ages.  Dogs are welcome but they need to be kept on a lead as dear roam freely here.

Norfolk Museums 

https://www.norfolkpassport.com/top-5-things/top-5-norfolk-museums-1/top-5-norfolk-museums 

Iconic Buildings 

https://www.norfolkpassport.com/top-5-things/top-5-iconic-norwich-buildings/top-5-iconic-norwich-buildings 

The Norfolk Broads 

https://www.norfolkpassport.com/top-5-things/top-5-norfolk-broads/norfolk-broads 

Emergency, Fire Safety and Useful contacts 

In an emergency always dial 999 

The Old Chapel is equipped with a fire extinguisher and fire blanket in the marked first aid cabinet next to the sink.  Do familiarise yourself with the usage instructions on the side of the blanket and extinguisher. Here you will also find the First Aid Kit. 

Please do not use naked flames or candles inside The Old Chapel. Please find battery powered alternatives. 

SMOKING is not permitted in The Old Chapel. 

Water Shut off 

Is located under the kitchen sink 

Fuse Box 

Is located next to the back door behind the Welsh dresser

Emergency contacts: 

Doctors Surgery 

Grimston Medical Centre – Congham Road, Grimston PE32 1DW 01485 600341 

Carole Brown Health Centre – Church Lane, Dersingham PE31 6GZ 01485 500139 

Hospital and A&E 

Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Gayton Road, Kings Lynn PE30 4ET 01553 613613 

Dentist 

Castle Rising, East Barn, Castle Rising, Kings Lynn PE31 6AG 01553 631094 

Vets 

Coastal Vetinary Group, 16 Alma Road, Snettisham PE31 7NY 01485 544201 

Assistance during your stay 

Sykes Holiday Cottages 01244 352048