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Car(e)-free itineraries

A series of car free itineraries, funded by the East of England Development Agency, have been produced for the six special landscapes of the East of England, five of which are Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

These itineraries encourage visitors to explore and enjoy the special landscapes of the East of England with minimal impact on the environment and positive benefits for local people.

The itineraries give visitors ideas about what they can do in the area, either by leaving their car at home or leaving it at their accommodation and exploring by bike, boat, bus, horse or train.

NOTE: The 3 Norfolk Coast Itineraries were developed with local businesses in 2006 and supplied to the Norfolk Coast Partnership. Evaluation comments received during 2006 suggested that they were useful and some business have developed their own itineraries. Our web statistics suggest these are still extensively used as an information source. However, over time some details may well have changed so if you do note any changes please email them to us at office@norfolkcoastaonb.org.uk so that we can update them.

PDF: cycling itinerary

Itinerary 1 • Exploring the Norfolk Coast Cycleway

The landscape of north Norfolk seems made for cycling. It’s not hilly and easily managed even by occasional cyclists. Yet it rolls enough to be interesting, and from the saddle you can go at your own speed and savour the distinctive character of the area – its flint walls, red tiled roofs, birdlife, majestic medieval churches, cosy pubs, grand country estates and wonderful tranquility. And you’re nearly always aware that the sea is not that far away.

As you cycle, the pace of life seems to slow down, and you see, hear and sense more. Cycling is not only kind on the environment, but it’s inexpensive, easy to arrange and wonderful exercise. Norfolk is fast gaining a reputation as one of the most cycle-friendly parts of Britain – suitable for experienced cyclists, families and older visitors alike. There are signposted cycle routes leading you round the area, and plenty of places to stay that are on the routes and welcome cyclists.

PDF: Wildlife Itinerary

Itinerary 2 • See the wildlife wonders of North Norfolk by bus

The Norfolk Coast is one of England’s great coastal wildlife areas, rich in birdlife and sea life. Thousands of seasoned birdwatchers come here over and over again. But you don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the wildlife experience– just a pair of binoculars, enthusiasm and knowing where to go.

All year round there is plenty to see. In winter particularly there’s real magic here, with a spectacular number of migrant birds seen in late October. And in winter larks, pipits and finches frequent Holkham Bay, and along the approach road to the beach wildfowl (wigeon, brent geese, white-fronted geese, pink-fronted geese) on the meadows.

The coast includes the largest area of saltmarsh in Europe, and large areas of dunes, shingle and sandy beaches that are habitats for mammals, birds and insects, and which harbour distinctive flora.

PDF: Public Transport Itinerary

Itinerary 3 • Great ideas for making the most of the area by bus and train

One of the pearls of Britain’s long coastline, the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty is well served with public transport. You can easily arrive in the area by train or bus, and spend days or even weeks exploring the best of it without a car. And even if you’ve arrived by car, the buses and trains are a really tempting alternative: they are remarkably good value, there’s no hassle about parking or driving, and you can enjoy the views of the countryside as you go.

And there’s a very useful bus called the CoastHopper, which operates regularly along the coastal road (A149) between King’s Lynn or Hunstanton and Cromer. Parallel to it runs the Norfolk Coast Path, the area’s undisputed gem for walkers: easy walking takes you through the loveliest landscapes, along sea dykes above reed beds, past huge saltmarshes, along magnificent beaches, past ancient round flint church towers and within sight of windmills.

Other areas

In 2006, each area developed 3 itineraries on their website and some of the other five areas are still carrying them. Below is a list of the other five areas, their car(e)-free itineraries and their websites.

Illustration for Car(e)-free itineraries

The Brecks
http://www.brecks.org/

• Enjoy living on a working farm
• Horse riding breaks in and around Thetford Forest
• Biking and Brewing in Thetford Forest

Illustration for Car(e)-free itineraries

The Broads
http://www.broads-authority.gov.uk/index.html
• Canoe Safaris
• Great ideas for discovering the best of the Broads by cycle
• Walks and sights of the Broads by train and bus

Illustration for Car(e)-free itineraries

Suffolk Coast and Heaths AONB http://www.suffolkcoastandheaths.org/
• A car free weekend in Southwold
• Exploring the Stour Estuary
• Woodbridge, Sutton Hoo and the Deben Estuary

Illustration for Car(e)-free itineraries

Dedham Vale AONB and Stour Valley http://www.dedhamvalestourvalley.org/
• A day walking through Constable Country
• Days out cycling on the Painters’ Trail
• Exploring the Stour Valley on foot

Illustration for Car(e)-free itineraries

The Chilterns AONB http://www.chilternsaonb.org/
• Grand Union Canal and Tring Reservoirs
• North Chilterns Villages by Bicycle
• Walking and Cycling in the Northern Chilterns and Hitchin