What to look out for this weekend in Norfolk...
The tour of Britain is well under way now and tomorrow the 7th stage flows from Fakenham to Ipswich through the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk. So if you're staying at Barnham Broom keep a look out!
The origins of the Tour date back as far as the 1940s, though the race has changed hands a couple of times, and had several different names since then. After a brief hiatus, the Tour of Britain returned to our calendars in 2004 and has remained popular since. It is the UK's biggest professional bike race and attracts over a million roadside spectators each September.
This year the race took off from Beaumaris in Anglesey and from there it has moved from Wales, up through England and Scotland, skimmed the Pennines, climbed through beautiful Peak District scenery and is now dropping back down south to conclude in central London. Tomorrow on Saturday 12th September, the penultimate leg of the journey is also the longest one at 227.4 km. Beginning on the Fakenham Racecourse, 20 of the world's top men's cycling teams will be led through stunning Norfolk countryside, heading south through Aylsham and Norwich city centre. They'll travel through Wymondham just 15 minutes from Barnham Broom, then onto Attleborough and Thetford before crossing into Suffolk, moving through the town of Bury St. Edmunds and finally concluding in Ipswich town centre. If you're thinking about going along to support the cyclists things are kicking off around 9.45am and the fastest of the group could be finishing anywhere from around 3pm. You can take a look online for a detailed route map and more information here.
The weekend promises to be a good one as the race coincides with the Norfolk Food and Drink 11-year anniversary. Last year was a huge, award-winning success and 2015 is advertising all the same kinds of attractions and events including Battle of the Bangers, the Moveable Feast, the Tallest Jelly Competition, The Brecks Food & Drink Festival and the Norwich Food & Drink Festival. So lots to see and do! September is the month for food festivals across Norfolk; restaurants, pubs, farm shops, farmers' markets and breweries will all be getting into the spirit of things, so come with a healthy appetite! Take a look at the Norfolk Food and Drink website here.
Find out how to visit Norfolk yourself and stay at the lovely Barnham Broom by following the link below.
Luci Ackers
Luci loves getting out and about for a good cycle ride or easy-going walks in the countryside, and thoroughly enjoyed the time she previously spent working for the National Trust. Her love of writing started from a young age and on rainy days nothing beats curling up in a secret corner with a good book.