I visit Norfolk regularly, having two sets of friends living there; one in a village called Syderstone and another just outside Norwich in a place called Costessey (which is pronounced Cossie).
Great place to visit and it does host one of my favourite hotels, the Congham Hall (go for the Dandelion Suite). But as others have said the Burnham Market area is like Chelsea-on-Sea in the summer and is heaving. As for living there? No.
So what's wrong with it? Well, personally I don't like the houses made out of bits of old stone, which seems to be some sort of fad up there - just makes the place look untidy and dull.
The big downsides in my opinion are the roads and the sky. The roads because it takes an age to get anywhere on account of the lack of dual carriageways, all the tractors, particularly those hauling sugar beet, caravans of both the towed and motorised versions and general tourists around Lynn and Sandringham. So you don't want to be living on a through road, even a minor one, just too noisy.
So, what's wrong with the sky? Well, basically the USAF and the RAF. The really noisy ones are the USAF F15s out of Lakenheath which run day and night training sessions, as do the F35s but they are not so bad. But the RAF join in with Typhoons from Conningsby flying loops from Peterborough through to Norwich and of course their F35s out of Marham. There's also the occasional very noisy Apache attack helicopter and some cargo jobbies. All very nice if you spot these things but not so good if you want a quiet non-vibrating life and operational ear drums.
Then there's the weather: I don't think there's anywhere on the planet as cold as Fakenham racecourse on a winter's day. The wind off the North Sea along that coast is brutal.
Still, the local Iceni tribe while strange are very friendly as long as you don't laugh at their woad.
I visit Norfolk regularly, having two sets of friends living there; one in a village called Syderstone and another just outside Norwich in a place called Costessey (which is pronounced Cossie).
Great place to visit and it does host one of my favourite hotels, the Congham Hall (go for the Dandelion Suite). But as others have said the Burnham Market area is like Chelsea-on-Sea in the summer and is heaving. As for living there? No.
So what's wrong with it? Well, personally I don't like the houses made out of bits of old stone, which seems to be some sort of fad up there - just makes the place look untidy and dull.
The big downsides in my opinion are the roads and the sky. The roads because it takes an age to get anywhere on account of the lack of dual carriageways, all the tractors, particularly those hauling sugar beet, caravans of both the towed and motorised versions and general tourists around Lynn and Sandringham. So you don't want to be living on a through road, even a minor one, just too noisy.
So, what's wrong with the sky? Well, basically the USAF and the RAF. The really noisy ones are the USAF F15s out of Lakenheath which run day and night training sessions, as do the F35s but they are not so bad. But the RAF join in with Typhoons from Conningsby flying loops from Peterborough through to Norwich and of course their F35s out of Marham. There's also the occasional very noisy Apache attack helicopter and some cargo jobbies. All very nice if you spot these things but not so good if you want a quiet non-vibrating life and operational ear drums.
Then there's the weather: I don't think there's anywhere on the planet as cold as Fakenham racecourse on a winter's day. The wind off the North Sea along that coast is brutal.
Still, the local Iceni tribe while strange are very friendly as long as you don't laugh at their woad.
Each to their own. I love it because of the fact there are no major roads. Despite holidaying there numerous times and travelling around the county a lot I can’t relate to the tractor issue, but living in rural East Sussex maybe I’m used to them. Nor the airforce one. Only time I’ve seen or heard a jet is when visiting friends in Mildenhall who are a stones throw from the airbase. Otherwise can’t ever remember seeing or hearing one. As for the skies, one of the best parts. Big, clear skies, stars at night are amazing.
I'd rather take my chances on a single-track road facing an 80-year-old farmer in a massive John Deere than on a dual carriageway with pissed-up selfish ****s trying to break the land speed record in souped up cars that don't appear to have working indicators.
A lack of dual carriageways can be a bit of a problem up here but it's preferable to the carnage of the roads down south.
When I go to The Valley the first 40-50 miles of my journey (it varies depending on whether I'm joing the A11 at Thetford, Elvedon or Barton Mills) is on single-lane road with about eight safe overtaking places ... and I'd prefer that to the M25.
Second the comment above, I can’t fathom the Norfolk sky being anything other than one of its best features (living there now and having lived in Greenwich and Brighton). As a longer part way option, quite often driven as far as the Epping area and get the tube in. This gives you the best bit of the M/A11 and the flexibility to do night games without navigating the N circular at rush hour. It’s not always the best option time wise, but one I’ve taken up on occasion.
As others have said, the train from Norwich shouldn’t be ruled out as an option, but the Kings Lynn route has the bonus of being on the Thameslink line which then services Charlton. Booking to Kings X then oyster can often work out cheaper. Advance tickets can be £20 or so even a week or so in advance, but it’s not always that simple (having this dilemma with the Rotherham game).
I wouldn't rule out train from Norwich, @housemate
I've driven down and back more than I've used the train... but I must say that I've noticed I enjoy the experience more if I train it. If you have a pre match drink ritual with mates, you may find the same.
Time is about the same for me , too... 2h15m-2h30m to The Valley whether I drive or get train to Stratford then Jubilee line to N Greenwich for bus.
Tickets can be £20 return if bought about 8 weeks in advance
I'd factor in your ability to get down to Norwich and back to keep your options open...
Once the drive feels like a slog it can put you off going. Train is a nice option to motivate attendance.
Thanks @Siv_in_Norfolk, that's really useful. I'd only been looking at trains to Charlton, which involved going into central London & back out again. The Stratford to N Greenwich option sounds much better.
My nearest station is likely to be either Sherringham, Cromer, North Walsham or possibly West Runton so would travelling to Norwich from one of those. Would be very happy if I could do it in 2h 30m so can I ask how you get down to Norwich ?
I wouldn't rule out train from Norwich, @housemate
I've driven down and back more than I've used the train... but I must say that I've noticed I enjoy the experience more if I train it. If you have a pre match drink ritual with mates, you may find the same.
Time is about the same for me , too... 2h15m-2h30m to The Valley whether I drive or get train to Stratford then Jubilee line to N Greenwich for bus.
Tickets can be £20 return if bought about 8 weeks in advance
I'd factor in your ability to get down to Norwich and back to keep your options open...
Once the drive feels like a slog it can put you off going. Train is a nice option to motivate attendance.
Thanks @Siv_in_Norfolk, that's really useful. I'd only been looking at trains to Charlton, which involved going into central London & back out again. The Stratford to N Greenwich option sounds much better.
My nearest station is likely to be either Sherringham, Cromer, North Walsham or possibly West Runton so would travelling to Norwich from one of those. Would be very happy if I could do it in 2h 30m so can I ask how you get down to Norwich ?
It's a roundabout route from Sheringham/Cromer to Norwich. Takes a while.
I'd rather take my chances on a single-track road facing an 80-year-old farmer in a massive John Deere than on a dual carriageway with pissed-up selfish ****s trying to break the land speed record in souped up cars that don't appear to have working indicators.
A lack of dual carriageways can be a bit of a problem up here but it's preferable to the carnage of the roads down south.
When I go to The Valley the first 40-50 miles of my journey (it varies depending on whether I'm joing the A11 at Thetford, Elvedon or Barton Mills) is on single-lane road with about eight safe overtaking places ... and I'd prefer that to the M25.
An emotive, if hysterical and wildly inaccurate viewpoint.
KSIs per billion miles on UK motorways is around 12 per year, 26 on dual carriageway A roads. Whereas on single lane A roads in Norfolk it's 79! I'll take my chances on the M25 thank you.
Don't have too much to add as have only been researching potential routes from Suffolk so as not to drive all the way and have to find parking....... not done them yet though. The things I can add are - Possible to drive down and get South East rail train from Stone Crossing direct to Charlton........ Stone Crossing being just on the south side of the Dartford bridge. Stratford to North Greenwich as mention by @Siv_in_Norfolk looks best option by rail for me........ about an hour journey from Ipswich to Stratford then train to N Greenwich is about 20 mins......... and........ from N Greenwich there are frequent buses to River Ale House (6 mins)........ never been there tbh but they have an Ad on Charlton Live and say they are Charlton supporters....... after your beer there's a 177 bus to the bottom of church lane (13 mins)..... bingo!
I'd rather take my chances on a single-track road facing an 80-year-old farmer in a massive John Deere than on a dual carriageway with pissed-up selfish ****s trying to break the land speed record in souped up cars that don't appear to have working indicators.
A lack of dual carriageways can be a bit of a problem up here but it's preferable to the carnage of the roads down south.
When I go to The Valley the first 40-50 miles of my journey (it varies depending on whether I'm joing the A11 at Thetford, Elvedon or Barton Mills) is on single-lane road with about eight safe overtaking places ... and I'd prefer that to the M25.
An emotive, if hysterical and wildly inaccurate viewpoint.
KSIs per billion miles on UK motorways is around 12 per year, 26 on dual carriageway A roads. Whereas on single lane A roads in Norfolk it's 79! I'll take my chances on the M25 thank you.
Just because there aren't as many killed or injured on motorways or dual carriageways compared to our little roads doesn't mean people drive worse up here - it just means there's a bit more room to get out of the way of the f***wits and therefore not so many major incidents!
I wouldn't rule out train from Norwich, @housemate
I've driven down and back more than I've used the train... but I must say that I've noticed I enjoy the experience more if I train it. If you have a pre match drink ritual with mates, you may find the same.
Time is about the same for me , too... 2h15m-2h30m to The Valley whether I drive or get train to Stratford then Jubilee line to N Greenwich for bus.
Tickets can be £20 return if bought about 8 weeks in advance
I'd factor in your ability to get down to Norwich and back to keep your options open...
Once the drive feels like a slog it can put you off going. Train is a nice option to motivate attendance.
Thanks @Siv_in_Norfolk, that's really useful. I'd only been looking at trains to Charlton, which involved going into central London & back out again. The Stratford to N Greenwich option sounds much better.
My nearest station is likely to be either Sherringham, Cromer, North Walsham or possibly West Runton so would travelling to Norwich from one of those. Would be very happy if I could do it in 2h 30m so can I ask how you get down to Norwich ?
Glad to be of help
I live in Norwich
Yeah, Trainline etc will navigate you into central London e.g Farringdon and back out... but Stratford to The Valley is pretty slick really... and sets you up for pints with mates
We had an Addicks meet up in Norwich a few years back (to watch the Championship game v Fulham that saw Pearce vs Mitrovic in The Murderers) inspired by @UEAAddick and his time as a student here. May happen again with favourable winds, I guess...
I wouldn't rule out train from Norwich, @housemate
I've driven down and back more than I've used the train... but I must say that I've noticed I enjoy the experience more if I train it. If you have a pre match drink ritual with mates, you may find the same.
Time is about the same for me , too... 2h15m-2h30m to The Valley whether I drive or get train to Stratford then Jubilee line to N Greenwich for bus.
Tickets can be £20 return if bought about 8 weeks in advance
I'd factor in your ability to get down to Norwich and back to keep your options open...
Once the drive feels like a slog it can put you off going. Train is a nice option to motivate attendance.
Thanks @Siv_in_Norfolk, that's really useful. I'd only been looking at trains to Charlton, which involved going into central London & back out again. The Stratford to N Greenwich option sounds much better.
My nearest station is likely to be either Sherringham, Cromer, North Walsham or possibly West Runton so would travelling to Norwich from one of those. Would be very happy if I could do it in 2h 30m so can I ask how you get down to Norwich ?
It's a roundabout route from Sheringham/Cromer to Norwich. Takes a while.
53 mins from Sheringham 43 mins from Cromer 23 mins from North Walsham
Key factor would be the connections onto London trains.... and... I believe they try to sync these up for people coming down from N Coast
Does seem to be a few of us around Norfolk. I would be happy to be part of a Norfolk Addicks group and as Large says, good excuse for a beer now and then
Cromer seems to be a favourite amongst friends that have moved up there. Had some great holidays at Hemsby and on the Broads.
I'll give you 18 months before you start pointing at planes.
Very happy memories of a boat trip around the Broads on leaving school with a few friends. I wonder if they’ve done anything about the Potter Higham bridge yet, so low that it was almost impossible to get through for amateurs like us. I remember families picnicking on the bank enjoying the sight of all the scraped hulls.
Cromer seems to be a favourite amongst friends that have moved up there. Had some great holidays at Hemsby and on the Broads.
I'll give you 18 months before you start pointing at planes.
Very happy memories of a boat trip around the Broads on leaving school with a few friends. I wonder if they’ve done anything about the Potter Higham bridge yet, so low that it was almost impossible to get through for amateurs like us. I remember families picnicking on the bank enjoying the sight of all the scraped hulls.
We lived in Happisbugh for a year or so in 2004. Lovely place, really quiet, but sadly now more and more of it is falling into the sea. The sky of a nighttime was amazing as there was little artificial light. The only issue was, if driving out of the county to go anywhere it took a bloody eternity. However I loved living there!
We lived in Happisbugh for a year or so in 2004. Lovely place, really quiet, but sadly now more and more of it is falling into the sea. The sky of a nighttime was amazing as there was little artificial light. The only issue was, if driving out of the county to go anywhere it took a bloody eternity. However I loved living there!
Comments
Great place to visit and it does host one of my favourite hotels, the Congham Hall (go for the Dandelion Suite). But as others have said the Burnham Market area is like Chelsea-on-Sea in the summer and is heaving. As for living there? No.
So what's wrong with it? Well, personally I don't like the houses made out of bits of old stone, which seems to be some sort of fad up there - just makes the place look untidy and dull.
The big downsides in my opinion are the roads and the sky. The roads because it takes an age to get anywhere on account of the lack of dual carriageways, all the tractors, particularly those hauling sugar beet, caravans of both the towed and motorised versions and general tourists around Lynn and Sandringham. So you don't want to be living on a through road, even a minor one, just too noisy.
So, what's wrong with the sky? Well, basically the USAF and the RAF. The really noisy ones are the USAF F15s out of Lakenheath which run day and night training sessions, as do the F35s but they are not so bad. But the RAF join in with Typhoons from Conningsby flying loops from Peterborough through to Norwich and of course their F35s out of Marham. There's also the occasional very noisy Apache attack helicopter and some cargo jobbies. All very nice if you spot these things but not so good if you want a quiet non-vibrating life and operational ear drums.
Then there's the weather: I don't think there's anywhere on the planet as cold as Fakenham racecourse on a winter's day. The wind off the North Sea along that coast is brutal.
Still, the local Iceni tribe while strange are very friendly as long as you don't laugh at their woad.
A lack of dual carriageways can be a bit of a problem up here but it's preferable to the carnage of the roads down south.
When I go to The Valley the first 40-50 miles of my journey (it varies depending on whether I'm joing the A11 at Thetford, Elvedon or Barton Mills) is on single-lane road with about eight safe overtaking places ... and I'd prefer that to the M25.
My nearest station is likely to be either Sherringham, Cromer, North Walsham or possibly West Runton so would travelling to Norwich from one of those. Would be very happy if I could do it in 2h 30m so can I ask how you get down to Norwich ?
I'll give you 18 months before you start pointing at planes.
And for 2050:
KSIs per billion miles on UK motorways is around 12 per year, 26 on dual carriageway A roads. Whereas on single lane A roads in Norfolk it's 79! I'll take my chances on the M25 thank you.
Possible to drive down and get South East rail train from Stone Crossing direct to Charlton........ Stone Crossing being just on the south side of the Dartford bridge.
Stratford to North Greenwich as mention by @Siv_in_Norfolk looks best option by rail for me........ about an hour journey from Ipswich to Stratford then train to N Greenwich is about 20 mins......... and........ from N Greenwich there are frequent buses to River Ale House (6 mins)........ never been there tbh but they have an Ad on Charlton Live and say they are Charlton supporters....... after your beer there's a 177 bus to the bottom of church lane (13 mins)..... bingo!
I live in Norwich
Yeah, Trainline etc will navigate you into central London e.g Farringdon and back out... but Stratford to The Valley is pretty slick really... and sets you up for pints with mates
We had an Addicks meet up in Norwich a few years back (to watch the Championship game v Fulham that saw Pearce vs Mitrovic in The Murderers) inspired by @UEAAddick and his time as a student here. May happen again with favourable winds, I guess...
43 mins from Cromer
23 mins from North Walsham
Key factor would be the connections onto London trains.... and... I believe they try to sync these up for people coming down from N Coast
The sky of a nighttime was amazing as there was little artificial light.
The only issue was, if driving out of the county to go anywhere it took a bloody eternity. However I loved living there!