Norfolk Broads with Colin, Pat & Linda

We all met up for lunch at the historic cathedral city of Ely in Cambridgeshire, which gave us a chance to get to know each other before heading to The Norfolk Broads. With a full-English breakfast on offer each morning, we needed to keep up our energy as we made the most of the fantastic facilities available to us, so close to our accommodation.

Everyone joined in rowing one morning before spending the afternoon sailing. This was a new experience for many of us as everyone had a turn on the tiller, and we managed to pick up quite a bit of speed across the Broad. We spent a day on a cruiser touring the Broads, looking out for all the flora and fauna on show. We also went on a smaller cruiser, "Grey Admiral". During the few hours cruising everyone was given the chance to steer the boat around "Barton Broad" which was again another new experience for most.

One day we took a drive to Holt where we caught the Steam Train to Sheringham. Everyone enjoyed the train ride and after we had reached Sheringham we took a walk through the high street, stopping to buy gifts and souvenirs. We headed to Great Yarmouth one evening and to the stadium to catch the "Adrenaline Overload" stunt show, complete with monster trucks and somersaulting bikers!

In Great Yarmouth we took a stroll along the front, enjoying the customary ice cream. We went ten-pin bowling, which was not only fun as it always is, but the air conditioning gave a welcome break from the hot weather! With great weather all week we enjoyed BBQ dinners as well as our usual pub visits. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

French Countryside & Coast with Derek & Faye

After a very relaxing journey, we arrived at our fantastic gite. We soon settled in and explored the vast grounds. Having done that, we drove into Montrieul for dinner. It was a good start to our holiday.

We had a wonderful week as the weather was warm and mainly sunny. We spent our days visiting some lovely places and picnicking wherever we could as the weather was perfect. BBQ’s, a dinner at home on the patio and restaurants helped keep us in the holiday mood throughout the week.

Our days included; a trip to Montrieul for a wander around the old walled town, off to Boulogne to see the sea life aquarium, visiting the old town of Boulogne, taking a steam train ride between St Valery & Le Crotoy and taking a horse and carriage ride, sightseeing around the beautiful countryside with stops at the chocolate factory, resting by the river, seaside towns of Le Touquet and Hardelot and going underground in the city of Naours!

As always an ice cream or two helped confirm the holiday spirit. It was a very enjoyable holiday and all helped to make it special.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Isle of Wight with Colin & Jen

We had a brilliant week on the Isle of Wight. As always, we made the most of the wide selection of food on offer, each night enjoying our three course meals. Every evening we joined in with the fun, at The Mariners Show Lounge and The Waterfront Lounge, watching the entertainment and dancing til late. As became the norm for the week, we were the last to leave the dance floor! Particularly entertaining was the comedian and cabaret show.

With some fantastic weather this week, we had many outings. We drove to Wroxall to visit the Isle of Wight Donkey Sanctuary, where we got to see many handsome donkeys, stroking some as well. We saw the Waltzing Waters show – an elaborate water, light and music display. At the hotel the boys went swimming when the girls were being pampered having their hair and nails done.

We made a trip to Alum Bay, from where we could see the famous Needles. We also watched the amusement park and the chair lift, which takes people down to the beach below. Here we filled our shapes with multi-coloured sand, taken from the local cliffs. We watched a glass blowing demonstration, which was interesting and beautiful to see being made, as well as visiting the shops, with some buying souvenirs.

We drove out to Seaview, where we visited the hands on wildlife centre. We strolled around the park looking at all the birds and animals and helped with the feeding of the wallabies and penguins before stopping for lunch. The best part of the whole holiday though was celebrating Lizzie's birthday together!