Bridge, Norfolk Broads & Sandringham

Make your own way to the hotel. This evening we enjoy a welcome drink with dinner, followed by evening bridge.

This morning our coach takes us to Sandringham Estate, built in 1870 by The Prince and Princess of Wales, who later became King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra. Both Queen Alexandra and later Queen Mary were great collectors of objects d'art.

Members of the Russian and European Royal Families were frequent guests at Sandringham House and brought gifts of enamel, silver and silver-gilt, for example, Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany gave a fine Dresden porcelain chandelier and mirror frame. The walls are hung with family portraits by leading contemporary court painters: Heinrich von Angeli, Sir Luke Fildes, Franz Winterhalter and Edward Hughes. An important collection of oriental arms and armour is housed at Sandringham House, brought back from the Far East and India in 1876.

A densely planted shrubbery with a shady woodland walk was instigated by Her Majesty in the late 1960’s. A collection of Rhododendron, Camellia and Magnolia trees were brought up from Windsor were planted to create more interest, shelter and privacy in the garden.

The west side the house overlooks a large expanse of lawn, once the site of an elaborate series of colourful formal flower beds and pathways, these were ploughed up during the 2nd World War to make way for crops as part of the dig for victory campaign. In recent years these large expanses of lawns have proved useful for large Garden Parties including one to celebrate Her Majesties Diamond Jubilee.

We return to the hotel for dinner followed by bridge this evening.

This morning our bridge director will give a seminar. Then, join us for afternoon bridge, or take the opportunity to relax and enjoy the superb hotel facilities.

Tonight, we enjoy dinner and evening bridge.

This morning we travel to the pretty village of Horning and board the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat for a cruise on the Broads. The route takes us along the Bure River, passing thatched cottages, windmills and Norfolk reed beds, with an excellent commentary which also points out the water birds. After our cruise we head to Wroxham, known as the ‘capital of the Norfolk Broads’. You have some free time here to explore before we board the Bure Valley Railway at Wroxham station.

This delightful route takes in some of the most unspoilt countryside as it crosses 17 bridges and passes through idyllic villages to reach the market town of Aylsham. On arrival into Aylsham we board the coach for the return journey to the hotel.

We enjoy dinner tonight followed by evening bridge.

After a relaxing morning, join us for an afternoon bridge. This evening we have dinner followed by evening bridge.