Author: thriftynorfolkmummy

My name is Jodie and I'm a Norfolk based Mummy of two boys. I am always looking for new and cost effective ideas for things to do with the children. Days out that won't break the bank and even better for free! Whether you are on a budget (or not!) it's always nice to save some money and here I hope to share my experiences. I really hope it may be of some help or inspiration? This blog is not intended to show off any sort of lifestyle or feature products for any gain, glamour or as I've felt viewing some blogs, just slightly inferior. I'm always looking for new ideas, so do feel free to contact me.
Stations and Trains

Third Time Lucky! The Flying Scotsman

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On Saturday 11th November we finally got to see the Flying Scotsman– three times!

The first spotting meant a very early rise to get to Norwich Station for 7.30am. We parked in our usual free space just outside the station, although there were plenty of spots in the car park just to the side of the station too. Even that early in the morning there were plenty of enthusiasts about and so after checking with the station staff we joined a queue to go onto the platform and see Flying Scotsman, once the paying customers had boarded.

The wait wasn’t too long at all and soon we were allowed on the platform where we walked past all the carriages set for breakfast up to the end of the platform where we saw Flying Scotsman. Seeing the train was absolutely amazing and made all the more pleasurable because of the good organisation the Station Team and Police had put in place. We were asked to file along the platform in one direction round and then back past the train, ensuring everyone got a chance to view, take photos and soak up the atmosphere. The team were particularly mindful of the children and there was a really nice atmosphere amongst those that had come to view with absolutely no pushing, hurrying or shoving.

We waved the train off from the station and watched it steam away with its long entourage of carriages.

Later that morning we watched Flying Scotsman steam back from Ipswich from a field entrance just off the A140 and then during the afternoon we stopped off at Thetford Railway Station on our way back from a day out in Bury St Edmunds just in time to see it rush through on its way to Ely. For future reference Thetford Railway Station has plenty of parking and watching from the pedestrian bridge over the track was the perfect vantage point to soak up the atmosphere and the wonderful cloud of smoke that billowed from the engine.

Seeing the Flying Scotsman was completely free and truly a rare opportunity. We did a great deal of research (my husband mainly!) to ensure we knew times, destinations and researched the best vantage points that were both safe and legal to stop and view from. We checked the local news, as well as the Steam Dreams website (the company that chartered the flying Scotsman) and liaised with Norwich Railway Station. Although this was a one off, we are often on the look-out for vintage trains traveling to the East of England via Norwich Railway station.

Better photos of the train to follow- watch this post!

Animals, Gardens, Walks

Felbrigg Estate

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The National Trust Felbrigg Estate is a staple spot to visit for us, it’s very close to Cromer and wonderful to visit all year round.

We tend to visit the estate only paying £2.00 for parking all day. The car park is huge and great for picnics or you can venture closer to the hall for picnic tables which are freely available. There are some lovely walks around the estate; all so far I have found to be buggy friendly.

Toilets, cafe and shop are all free to access and during the summer the grass outside the hall has a big wicker basket on it full of lawn games which the boys adore exploring!

We love Felbrigg, there is always something to see, the landscape changes with the seasons and the farm animals and wildlife are always go great interest to the kids.

Air and flight

The Nook at Mildenhall

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On the way home from Undley Farm we visited the Nook campsite at Mildenhall. This is a lovely spot for viewing the aeroplanes at RAF Mildenhall. Besides trains the boys absolutely love planes and we are always on the lookout for safe places to stop and view aircraft from.

The Nook is primarily a campsite but also welcomes those who would like to watch the aeroplanes taking off and landing at the RAF base. The Nook is on Pollards Lane, just off Hurdle Drove, it’s easy to miss the turning so do keep your eyes peeled!

Once you arrive at the site, you need to stop at the campsite office/ toilet building to your right and pop £1.00 per adult in the honesty box at the front of the building. Full info on what to do when arriving at the site can be found by clicking on this link. Then follow the track straight ahead and park to the right of the field near to the viewing platform.

It’s an excellent spot with a great view, even better if you stand on the viewing platform (mindful of keeping hold of little ones!). During the summer we have stopped and had a picnic and seen some wonderful aircraft. The kids absolutely love being so close to the planes and the amazing sounds they make as they perform their manoeuvres.

I’m guessing it would probably get quite busy on days when rarer aircraft are about so it’s probably worth doing your research to find out what’s flying and when. We have always been lucky and seen lots of planes each time we’ve visited the site.

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Farms, Halloween

Halloween at Undley Farm

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After a busy Halloween that seems to have lasted well over a week and most activities costing more than I’d ideally like to spend, we had one very thrifty day.

We decided to visit Undley Farm Pumpkin Patch on Monday 30th October as we thought it would be quieter after the official half term finished. The Pumpkin Patch is a wonderful place to visit, truly ‘Halloweeney’ with fields full of pumpkins, a huge maze and lots of activities.

Having visited it last year we knew how amazing it was. When we arrived it was very quiet and the owner said that they had had over 11,000 visitors the previous day so the pumpkins were very depleted; this was no problem as the kids had a fabulous time searching round the fields for intact pumpkins and gathering all the wonderful gourds (which there were lots of!). The owner very kindly said all the pumpkins and gourds we could find were free, along with the maze and all the children received free balloon air walker animals.

The children had a fabulous time, playing in the straw bales and running around. We had a lovely picnic and spent a good three hours enjoying the wonderful atmosphere of the farm.

Thank you Undley Farm, we had a wonderful time and really appreciated your hospitality! We felt very special being one of the few enjoying the last day of the pumpkin patch and will be back next year.

Beaches, Playgrounds

Happisburgh Light House Play Park

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IMG_9302Happisburgh Light House play park is a real favourite with the kids and I, discovered with thanks to Nanny and Grandad!  I think it should win the award for the playground with the best view (at least in the East of England category!).

IMG_9900The playground is set directly in front of the lighthouse with views of the beach and sea. There is good parking, if a little pricey should you wish to stay all day. Please see my photo for tariffs but also check the website as they may be updated from time-to-time. The toilets are excellent and there is a picnic area with benches just to one side of the car park.

I would just say from experience there is a slope going down to access the beach off the picnic area and this is a little prone to the elements so always best to make sure little ones are well supervised if you are picnic-ing as my two were drawn to this slope like moths! The beach is absolutely gorgeous, full of rock pools and beautiful sand for building with.

A day can easily be spent there in the summer for no more cost than the parking and even during the rest of the year this is a real staple for an hour or so on a fine day.

Playgrounds

The Reading Room Keswick Play Area

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This is a little gem; I stumbled across The Reading Room play area a couple of weeks ago when taking a diversion and looking for a postbox. Its a lovely play area with parking next to the Reading Room in Keswick just outside of Norwich.

IMG_5312The play area is just off Low Road, Keswick, NR4 6TZ- if you need sat nav directions; it has easy parking and is just a lovely location. The fields surrounding are full of cattle and the whole area feels incredibly tranquil.

We’ve visited several times now with the boys, I also use it as a pit stop if I’m running early for the pre school pick-up. It’s a great 30 minute diversion and a really well-considered play area with plenty to do. It’s always been really quiet when we’ve visited and this is also a bonus as it feels like our own private play area.

Definitely worth a visit if you are in the area.

 

Stations and Trains

An Evening Treat!

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This evening we got the boys all ‘PJ-ed’ up and took them to Norwich Railway station. We did our usual 20 minute free parking and asked nicely to go on the platform. This evening was very exciting as ‘Flying Scotsman‘ was supposed to coming to Norwich from Ely, sadly (and we knew before we set out), it had experienced some engineering issues and so had been swapped for a vintage diesel. This disappointment didn’t dampen spirits and besides a whole plethora of trains leaving in the 20 minutes we were there, we saw the ‘Catherdral Express‘ minus the ‘Flying Scotsman’ pull into the station. It was a fabulous experience and brought a tear to my eye seeing everyone waving back as we waved furiously at its passengers. After everyone had disembarked we also got to walk along the platform and see the beautiful carriages all set for dining. A wonderful evening, completely free and so exciting for the boys. We will be back early Saturday morning, fingers crossed to see the ‘Flying Scotsman’.

Shopping

Raspberry Rascals- Bury St Edmunds

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Just a quick entry about Raspberry Rascals in Bury St Edmunds, this is a lovely nearly new shop which also sells some new toys and clothes; offering an alternative to the more well-known brands. I’ve found some gorgeous pre-loved Joules and Mini-Boden clothing there, along with lots of super Brio toys which can often be harder to find on the high street. The shop has a nice atmosphere and is well organised with all clothing clearly grouped in age ranges, there is also excellent train table which my children love and are happily occupied by whilst giving me a few minutes to browse all of the lovely treasures!

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PS You can also sell your own items with Raspberry Rascals. They have a comprehensive list of T’s & C’s which they can give you if you pop in and ask them. I haven’t tried selling anything with them as yet but looks like a nice alternative to sell some of the better quality items we have from the boys.

 

Animals, Birds, Gardens, Playgrounds, Walks

Bury St Edmunds- Abbey Gardens

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E26D01C6-40F0-401F-8BB2-C8BD17E6CD10IMG_2957We really love visiting Bury St Edmunds; the Abbey Gardens are truly lovely to take a wander through, enjoy a picnic and play in the fantastic children’s play area.

We tend to park in Ram Meadow car park which is a 3 minute walk from the Mustow Street Entrance to the Gardens. All day parking is £2.30- 8am-6pm. There are lots of spaces, although no parent and child.

The kids really enjoy the playground, especially the sand and water play area in the summer. The water comes from a pump that creates a small & child safe river and is great fun to splash around in, but remember to bring a change of clothes! There is also an excellent tree house for slightly bigger children or toddlers with a helping hand. Just to note the pump only runs on certain days during the summer but everything else is accessible all year round.

The Abbey gardens are completely free and its easy to spend a day there. Along with the playground there is an aviary, sensory garden, riverside, water garden and lots of ruins to explore. There are excellent toilets, extremely buggy friendly paths and a small kiosk cafe.

Our favourite thing to do all year round is feed the squirrels, so remember to bring a big bag of monkey nuts!

Playgrounds, Walks

West Stow Country Park

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We stumbled across West Stow Anglo Saxon Village and Country Park a few years ago when the Grandparents were caravanning at a nearby site.

Saturday was a day out with Nanny & Grandad so we planned to stop there for a picnic on our way to Bury St. Edmunds and use the facilities. Parking is only £2 for the whole day and there are good toilets and a great playground catering for both smalls and slightly bigger ones. There are plenty of picnic benches accessed easily from the car park and some lovely circular walks. The benches are in the woods near the activity centre and cafe and its great to see the boys running about and finding pine cones and playing hide and seek behind the trees. The walks are between 1 and 2 miles and the longer of which goes round the lake and alongside the river Lark for part of the way and all are accessible for buggies.

If you have a slightly bigger budget there is also a museum, shop and cafe. I haven’t visited the Anglo Saxon Village museum with the kids yet, but from the reviews on Trip Advisor it looks to be a good day out and with content to suit all ages.

More to come about Bury St. Edmunds, squirrels and an aviary…