As we wove through historic market towns and mile after mile of gold and green fields, the magic of North Norfolk began to reveal itself. Surrounded by farms and woodland, nestled between three pretty villages but belonging to none, nowhere embodies this magic quite like Thursford Castle. This historic site lay forgotten for decades until Sally and Mark Hickling stumbled upon the overgrown grounds in 2013, and its potential as a restorative, romantic escape was realised.
Enclosed by woodland, a trio of stylish properties lie hidden away from the rest of the world. For peace-seeking couples, there’s a spacious sun-trap garden room set within original Victorian walls, or a cool Scandi-style cabin occupying a meadow all of its own. The 4-bedroom house built within the abbey remains is a design lover's dream, perfect for special occasions. While they differ in size and style, all three are supremely comfortable, equipped for self-catering, and totally private. North Norfolk’s stately homes and picturesque beaches are all within striking distance, but we could’ve happily spent all our time sat on our deck, absorbing the peace and spring sunshine; a chorus of birds and buzzing bees were all that broke the silence. It was bliss, and we can't wait to return.
Thursford Castle
Great Snoring, Norfolk, United Kingdom
Highs
- Unique, beautifully designed accommodation offering plenty of privacy and outdoor space
- Peaceful location within the bucolic Norfolk countryside, and only a short drive from the coast
- After a day of exploring, the plump beds and wood-fired sauna are a treat to return to
- On a clear night, the stargazing here is incredible - well worth staying up for
- We loved chatting to Sally, and her tips about what to see and do in the area steered us well
Lows
- You'll need a car to get around as there's nothing within walking distance, but you can rent e-bikes on-site for shorter journeys
- Kitchens come with the essentials (seasoning, oil, tea and instant coffee), but stock up on food before you arrive; the closest supermarket is 15mins away
- Two quiet country roads run either side of the property so you may occasionally hear a passing car (or tractor!)
- Cabin and Walled Garden are adult-only, but kids are allowed in The House
Best time to go
Our top tips
- Hire an e-bike and cycle around the quiet countryside
- The picturesque North Norfolk coast is a 10-15 minute drive away; lots of Blue Flag beaches, but it was the pine-fringed Holkham Beach that stole our hearts. Visit Blakeney Point to see the UK's largest grey seal colony
- Potter around charming market towns like Holt, Burnham Market and Thornham; try to line up your visit with market day (varies between towns) and bring back some fresh produce for dinner
- There are loads of heritage sites and National Trust properties nearby, such as Holkham Hall and Sandringham Estate
- Back at Thursford Castle, book a slot to use the wood-fired sauna, tucked away in a private corner of the walled garden
- There's a lovely farm shop in Little Walsingham (2 miles away) which stocks local produce and has a great deli counter
- Fakenham has a range of supermarkets if you need to do a big shop
- The Carpenter's Arms in Wighton and The Three Horseshoes in Warham are popular gastropubs nearby.
- Country rentals
- 2 cabins for 2 + 1 house for 8
- Self-catering
- Children welcome in The House
- Open all year
- Pool
- Sauna
- Beach nearby
- Pet Friendly
- Disabled Access
- Car recommended
- Parking
- Restaurants Nearby
- WiFi
- Air Conditioning
- Guest Lounge
- Terrace
- Garden
- Gym
- Daily Maid Service
- Towels & Bedlinen
- Bicycles Available
Walled Garden (sleeps 2)
Offering plenty of space and all the creature comforts, we thought the Walled Garden was close to perfect. An open-plan living space and bedroom are split across two wooden suites that sit side by side in a private two-acre garden, surrounded by Victorian-era red brick and flint walls. Gravel paths cut through flower beds and pockets of lawn, tracing the footprints of the buildings that used to occupy these grounds.
The rustic wall forms the back of the spacious living suite. There's a full kitchen on one side, a dining table big enough for 4 in the middle and a stylish lounge on the other. Beams run along the sloping ceiling, cowskin rugs soften the wooden floors, and a large woodburner sits in the heart of it all. It comes with a few more mod-cons than the Cabin, such as an oven, a full-size Smeg fridge-freezer and a TV for snuggly evenings in, so it would work well for longer stays.
A few steps away, across an outdoor dining patio, lies the bedroom suite. A ginormous super-kingsize bed takes centre stage, with views of the garden on all sides. There's a dressing room at the far end - so feel free to bring your entire wardrobe - and a high-spec ensuite bathroom which features a roomy walk-in shower. The patio between the suites is not covered, so if it rains you may need to make a dash for it, or keep a brolly by the door!
We loved spending slow mornings watching the garden and listening to the birds from the deck. When the borders are in full meadow-like bloom, take a chair to a concealed patch of lawn, sit with a book and a cuppa, and absorb the quiet.
Cabin (sleeps 2)
Hidden away in a private meadow, the blackened wood Scandi-inspired Cabin is a cosy bolthole wrapped up in contemporary design. It's smaller than the Walled Garden, but this just adds to the romance. You can soak up the stillness from the covered veranda by day or around the firepit at night. It has unobstructed westward views, so expect spectacular sunsets.
Inside, everything is laid out in one room but cleverly designed to create separate spaces. There's a sleeping area at one end with a kingsize bed and floor-to-ceiling window that draws the outdoors in. Bags can be stored away under the bed, and there's a mini wardrobe for hanging clothes.
A snug living space occupies the middle of the cabin. There's a well-equipped kitchenette with a hob, fridge, crockery, pots, pans - everything you need for making simple meals. Between that and the bed is a dining table, bench seat for 2 (with hidden storage) and a wood-burning stove. The firepit also comes with a grill for fair-weather alfresco cooking.
The bathroom is compact but doesn't scrimp on style, featuring a luxurious (and surprisingly spacious) rainfall shower, a basket of fluffy white towels and pampering Norfolk toiletries.
The House (sleeps 8)
The House is an architectural masterpiece that belongs in an episode of Grand Designs. Enter through the handsome red-brick remains of the old abbey, then glass hallways branch out left and right to contemporary rooms that centre around a pretty courtyard garden.
With four ensuite double bedrooms and plenty of areas dedicated to lounging, this is a great choice for friends and families holidaying together. All ages are welcome, though it's worth noting that only four kids are allowed and there are no twin beds.
You'll probably find that everyone gathers in the beautiful open-plan living area, home to a high-spec kitchen, farmhouse dining table and lived-in lounge. The kitchen has every piece of kit you could need for whipping up a family feast, while the opportunities for entertainment are endless thanks to Sonos sound systems, smart TVs and a library.
In the summer months, peel back the wide patio doors for easy indoor-outdoor living; in chillier conditions, gather around the double-sided fireplace for cosy nights in. For extraordinary style and house-party vibes, it's hard to imagine a better base.
Kids
The Cabin and Walled Garden are just for couples, but The House works for families. Although there are no specific facilities for them, children will enjoy movie nights in the cosy snug, barbecues in the courtyard and the beaches nearby. Kids of all ages are welcome but only 4 can stay at a time. There's a travel cot to borrow, but note there are no twin beds.
Best for:
Babies (0-1 years), Children (4-12 years)
Kids Activities nearby:
- Beaches
- Spot seals along the coast
- National Trust estates
- Crabbing in Cromer
- Roarr! dinosaur-themed adventure park (Lenwade)
- Wroxham Miniature Worlds indoor model railway and miniature attractions
For more family-friendly places, see our Kids Collection
Location
Thursford Castle sits between the villages of Little Walsingham, Great Snoring and Thursford, a short drive from the North Norfolk coast.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Norwich (40km / a 40-minute drive away), which sees flights from other cities in the UK and a few European destinations, but far more airlines serve London Stansted (148km / a 2-hour drive away).
From the Airport
You'll need to hire a car (see below), as Thursford Castle is remote and you’ll have to drive to shops and restaurants.
By Car:
You definitely need a car to explore North Norfolk. If you’re not bringing your own and want to hire one, see our car rental recommendations.
There's plenty of parking on-site, and detailed directions will be provided when you confirm a booking through i-escape.com.
More on getting to the UK and getting around
Airports:
- Norwich Airport 40.0 km NWI
- London Stansted 148.0 km STN
Other:
- Beach 10.0 km
- Shops 4.0 km
- Restaurant 4.8 km
Need flights?
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Our guests' ratings...
Based on 2 independent reviews from i-escape guests