We love our little corner of Norfolk. Packed with exciting days out, brilliant local businesses and bespoke countryside adventures, you’ll find plenty to do in the area.
Whether you’re looking for a nature-inspired walk at dawn, feeling creative or a fancy a full day at the races, Norfolk promises an enticing choice of recreation and relaxation, all within easy reach of The Brisley Bell.
Hidden gems and scenic spots
If you’re joining us for a meal or staying with us longer and looking to plan your itinerary, we’ve picked out a few of our favourite things to do close by.
The joy of cycling and picturesque walks
We’re situated in a beautiful part of the Norfolk countryside, packed with open fields, picturesque villages, and a rich tapestry of wildlife and history. To explore the area, there are several scenic circular walks directly from The Bell and a registered Country Wildlife Site on our doorstep. Or, further afield, you can enjoy the scenery by bike. We’re located on National Cycle Route No 13.
If you’re planning to indulge in a touch of sport, you’ll find plenty of great golf courses to choose from and Roosting Hills Fishery for day ticket fly fishing from April to the end of November.
Explore more local sports and activities here.
Day trips and active adventures
The famed Norfolk shoreline, stunning broads, and unique byways of Norwich and Holt are all within close reach.
If you’re looking for experiences, why not take a tour at St George’s Distillery, home of The English Whisky Co.? Or re-live the magic of the Golden Age of rail travel on the Mid-Norfolk Railway? For bespoke countryside adventures from the heart of Brisley, Hidden Norfolk organises excursionsand tailored courses ranging from beekeeping to walking tours.
We’re spoilt for choice when it comes to coastal days out. Wells-Next-The-Sea offers sightseeing, watersports and a host of independent shops and cafes. For wildlife fans, the North Norfolk Heritage Coast is awash with opportunities for birdwatching. Titchwell and Cley boast world-famous bird reserves backed by salt marshes and sand dunes, and more locally we have a Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve and Pensthorpe.
For history lovers and country walks we’ve plenty of estates nearby such as Houghton Hall and Sandringham. Walsingham Abbey is only 20 minutes away. Home to the mediaeval Priory of Our Lady ruins, the Abbey boasts 18 acres of scenic landscapes and a captivating museum. Mesmerising during the snowdrop season from January to March, the grounds become a white floral spectacle. The Abbey, also a renowned religious pilgrimage site, is open year-round.
Discover more days out here.
Local Artists
If you’re an art lover, we encourage you to join one of Carolyn MacArthur’s art classes and life drawing days. Carolyn’s talent for teaching and inspiring is a great way to build your skills and confidence at your own pace, or simply to indulge in your passion for painting & drawing.
Alternatively, the beautiful hand-painted ceramics designed by Katherine Barney are well worth a visit to her studio in the nearby village of Elsing. Katherine undertakes bespoke commissions if you’re looking for a unique gift for a special occasion, or you can purchase one of her colourful pieces online.
Complementary Therapies
Finally, we work with some lovely local small businesses to offer complementary therapies to our guests. These include The ‘Norfolk Hygge’ Experience, Aromatherapy, Holistic and Thai Massage. Indulge, rejuvenate, and help support the heartbeat of local enterprises.
Find out more here.
We’re not only proud of what we offer at The Brisley Bell but of everything that’s on offer on our doorstep or just a short drive away. If you’re from outside of the county, we hope you get to enjoy a slice of Norfolk life soon – Breckland and the surrounding area has some truly hidden gems!