Day 303 - October 30th

Today we had a last walk on the beach before returning home tomorrow.

We drove 20 minutes to one of our favourite beaches at Winterton-on-Sea. 

Having donned warm coats and wellies (essentials for an autumn beach walk) we visited the Dunes Beach Cafe for hot drinks  (also an essential) to take onto the beach. 

There were lots of other people enjoying a walk, many with their dogs,  but with a vast expanse of sand there was plenty of room to spread out without being on top of other people.

Whilst we walked we were lucky to spot a couple of seals in the sea a few yards off the shore. A little further north along the beach at Horsey there is a colony of seals and on a previous visit to the area we walked from the village of Horsey to see them on the beach. Today however we had to be satisfied with brief glimpses of them bobbing up and down in the surf.

Day 302 - October 29th

Today we visited Banham Zoo. Open since 1968 Banham Zoo is part of the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA)  

We saw Birds of Prey .....

..... Owls .....

..... Lemurs .....

..... Kangaroos (complete with a baby in her pouch) .....

..... Penguins .....

..... Zebras .....

..... Giraffes ......

..... Red Pandas .....

..... Sleepy Fennec Foxes ......

..... Meerkats .....

..... and many more animals.

It was a lovely day and the rain stayed away until we left.

Day 301 - October 28th

Today the weather was drizzly. No heavy rain, just a little damp. We planned to visit the Sea Life Centre at Great Yarmouth but when we got there it appeared everyone else had had the same idea because there were 100+ others queing to get in. 

We decided to spend some time at the Pleasure Beach instead. Lara was eager to try some of the newer rides like The Sky Drop. Standing 22m above the sea front seated passengers are lifted to the top then free-fall to the bottom before being hoisted back up and down again several times.

There was also 'Evolution'. Evolution carries riders 20m into the air on its giant arm - as the cars revolve 90 degrees on their axis.

We all got to enjoy the rather more tame, 4D cinema. 3D imagery and special effects of lighting, moving seats, water sprays, air blasts, leg ticklers, smells and bubbles made for an interesting viewing.

Some of the rides were the same as when we used to visit Great Yarmouth when I was a child like the Carousel. This particular one was made in 1901. 

Wayne and Lara also went on the caterpillar ride.

We ended our visit to Great Yarmouth with a quick visit to some amusement arcades. Where else would you win plastic cat-ducks????

Day 300 - October 27th

Today on Lara's request we went into Great Yarmouth for a game of crazy golf.

The weather wasn't as bright as yesterday but it stayed dry and we enjoyed the game.

After the golf we had a mooch around the shops (no photos) and also had a ride on the log flume at the Pleasure Beach. We emerged from the ride very soggy - thankfully again no photos.

Day 299 - October 26th

Today was my birthday. I was supplied with a couple of badges just in case I forgot.

The day started with quite a few cards and presents to open. I was truly spoiled.

After breakfast we decided to drive to Blickling Hall, a National Trust property which was at one time owned by the Boleyn Family. 

The huge house set within the 4777 acre Blickling estate has been in the care of the National Trust since 1940. 

The gardens although obviously not looking their best at this time of year were still immaculately manicured and there were several gardeners tending them whilst we were there.

Unfortunately the lakeside walk was too muddy to investigate on this occasion.

The orangery was filled with various types of citrus trees. 

Several had fruit on them albeit not ripe.

The main door into the house was very impressive .... as was the interior.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to take photos inside the house but I've found a few photos online which give a flavour of what it was like.