TROY London is the British luxury fashion brand offering hardworking pieces that are just as wearable for escapes to the country as they are for city runarounds.
The brainchild of sisters Rose and Lucia Keene, Rose has lived in Norfolk since 2013, with Lucia joining her during lockdown.
Norfolk living sounds as idyllic as you’d expect: “We live on a farm, so where possible, we collect carrots, potatoes, and onions from the fields and add harissa, chilis, and fresh coriander to create curries and spicy soups,” Rose says.
From the best pubs, to the most inviting beaches, we caught up with Rose to get her insider tips for a perfect stay in Norfolk.
Essential items to pack…
A good waterproof raincoat like the TROY Wax Parka or the Shell Parka, sunglasses, swimsuit for chilly dips, and warm knits for fireside sundowners.
The best time to visit Norfolk is…
May or September when the hoards of visitors have left and peace returns to the most stunning coastline in the country. One of our favourite times on the farm is April, when the tulips fields flower and the house is surrounded by a rainbow of colours. Norfolk also has wonderful lavender farms, for example at Heacham, which is well worth a visit.
Our first pitstop should be…
Drove Orchards on the coast – it’s a deli of delights. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, there’s a menu of top-rate fish and chips, stone-baked pizzas, and gelato to enjoy.
For an early morning workout head to…
Holkham beach (though we prefer to allow the horses to take on the work, while we enjoy the stunning views).
Your favourite hotel to check-in at is…
The Gunton Arms for priceless art, mouthwatering food, and views across the deer park. We are also keenly anticipating our first trip to The Harper this year once things open up.
The Gunton Arms
Where should we go for breakfast?
The Victoria, post run/ride/swim at the beach, or alternatively Siding Yard in Melton Constable for the best croissants and sourdough on the British Isles. The lady who runs it trained at a Boulangerie in Paris and the quality of the pastries is unbelievably good. Our eldest sister lives near there, and we can never resist a quick stop off on the way!
How about for a long, lazy lunch?
The Brisley Bell. Just make sure you are seated in the lovely old rooms.
And for dinner with friends?
Bedingfeld Arms is a family run pub opposite the fine Tudor Oxburgh Hall. It’s currently under renovation but a treat to visit.
The best drink at the bar…
Norfolk offers many gin distilleries – such as Bullards – and we are also very fond of the Suffolk-based Fishers Gin, which is made using locally foraged botanicals. Both are perfect with a splash of tonic and a wedge of lime.
The best place to treat yourself?
West Lexham host some fabulous yoga retreats but we have yet to visit, it’s on our list for later this year.
The cultural spot to rave about…
The majestic grounds of Houghton Hall have exhibited some exciting and world-level sculpture, including Henry Moore and most recently Anish Kapoor.
Houghton Hall, Henry Moore Mother & Child
For great shopping head to…
Burnham Market.
The one place only locals know about….
Holme Beach. It’s hidden quietly down a rutted track, and surrounded by a bird sanctuary.
For a change of pace try…
A day at Newmarket Racecourse.
Great day trips include…
The tracks through Thetford Forest are great whether on foot, bike, or riding horses. The ruins of Castle Acre – both the castle and the priory – are a hidden gem, plus there is a lovely two-hour walk to stretch the legs should you need to walk off all those chips! Wells Beach has easy access and multicoloured beach huts, making it a perfect choice for family day trips.
For the best views head to…
The quiet country lanes leading from Docking to the North Norfolk coast.
by Nicole Hains
A book to read before we go (or while we’re there)?
We both read a lot but have not focused our reading on Norfolk as yet! We shall make this our new project for this summer.
How should we spend the final day of our trip?
Eating ice cream at Brancaster Beach whilst soaking up the sun in the sand dunes.
What’s your Norfolk secret?
Now that would be telling…
In a word Norfolk is…
Unspoiled!
Any Questions or Tips to add?