Cycling in Holland with Derek & Wendy

  Cycling in Holland  

 Our ride took us around the lanes and along cycle paths and through forestry areas. We arrived at  the village of Borkel where we stopped at The Swan Inn for a drink. With the sun out, we continued on to the monastery at Achelse Kluis to have a drink and look around an art gallery.

In the ground of the parc we went to say hello to the farm animals and had a chance to hold some guinea pigs and chickens. We also enjoyed petting the friendly little goat and donkey.

We cycled to the town of Valkensvaard where we cooled ourselves off by cycling through the fountains in the town square. We then looked round the beautiful church. 

During our staying we had a great time playing games of ten pin bowling, badminton, pool and mini golf.

We cycled into Belgium and rode along a canal path, stopping at a harbour cafe for some lunch and ice cream. We cycled back along tree lined roads and through the forest which shaded us from the hot sun. When we returned to the beach bar at Centre Parcs we were all very proud to have completed a 25 mile circuit on our bikes that day! 

 In Borkel we had the chance to visit an old windmill. We were able to climb up inside the windmill and it was very interesting to see all the different parts which were being carefully restored.

Royal Norfolk County Show with Darren, Candy & Isobel

  Royal Norfolk County Show   

At the Grand Ring we saw stunning programmes including The King’s Troop Royal Horse Artillery, professional horse riders,  heavy horses, a parade of hounds and farmers exhibiting their livestock which were all spectacular!

We saw many species from  the largest cattle in the land to rare breeds and world class show-jumping. The Royal Norfolk Show’s farming, livestock and equine programme was amazing.

We relax over a summer drink whilst we were entertained by some brilliant musicians.

We stopped at many of the little stalls there as we strolled around the grounds.

There were hundreds of them, whether it’s a new lawn-mower, a new jacket, a new hat or even something scrummy from the food hall.

We visited the brilliant maritime museum and enjoyed a walk on the Lowestoft sea wall. We then went on a steam train ride that took us along the coast stopping at Sheraton. We wandered through the wonderful seaside village and looked at the different shops there. 

In Great Yarmouth we visited the Merrivale Model Village, a beautiful attraction with landscaped gardens, streams and waterfalls, a miniature garden railway and an old penny arcade.

In Fritton Garden Centre we wandered through and came across a massive flea market which was a wonderful surprise.  In addition to that there was an owl rescue unit showing off some wonderful birds. There was also a small animal farm with an array of chickens, goats, ducks, parrots and turkeys.