St Olaves
Nestled on the banks of the River Waveney, St Olaves is a small village with a population of around 500 people, including the residents of nearby Fritton. It is a 30 minute drive from central Norwich, using the A146.
Things to see and do:
You can hire a self-drive boat for the day or half day from the Bridge Stores, adjacent to St Olaves road bridge. Visit the ruined St Olaves Priory, built in the 14th century and housing a well preserved refectory under-croft. The under-croft is noted for its vaulted brick ceiling, one of the earliest uses of brick in the country. The Priory is to be found in the grounds of the Priory Farm Restaurant. Nearby Somerleyton Hall was built in 1240 and is everything you expect from a stately home. The rooms are ornately decorated in the Victorian style of the building's era. Outside are wonderful formal gardens to admire.
Local pubs, restaurants, cafes and takeaways:
The Bell Inn is a large establishment with extensive grounds down to the river. It is reputed to be the oldest riverside inn on the Broads. There is an extensive food menu, including breakfast for those who want to stay out of the kitchen on a morning. The Priory Farm Restaurant is well thought of and is built around the ruins of the Priory mentioned above. It's grounds house a number of lamas, goats and sheep, which will enchant the children. Advance booking is advised where possible.
Cafes and takeaways:
None in St Olaves
Other Shops:
Curiously, while there are no general stores, newsagents, banks or pharmacies in St Olaves, there is a beauty salon. The nearest food store is in Somerleyton, a 10 minute drive away. A service station (no food) is situated a little way up the road from the Bell Inn.
Things to see and do:
You can hire a self-drive boat for the day or half day from the Bridge Stores, adjacent to St Olaves road bridge. Visit the ruined St Olaves Priory, built in the 14th century and housing a well preserved refectory under-croft. The under-croft is noted for its vaulted brick ceiling, one of the earliest uses of brick in the country. The Priory is to be found in the grounds of the Priory Farm Restaurant. Nearby Somerleyton Hall was built in 1240 and is everything you expect from a stately home. The rooms are ornately decorated in the Victorian style of the building's era. Outside are wonderful formal gardens to admire.
Local pubs, restaurants, cafes and takeaways:
The Bell Inn is a large establishment with extensive grounds down to the river. It is reputed to be the oldest riverside inn on the Broads. There is an extensive food menu, including breakfast for those who want to stay out of the kitchen on a morning. The Priory Farm Restaurant is well thought of and is built around the ruins of the Priory mentioned above. It's grounds house a number of lamas, goats and sheep, which will enchant the children. Advance booking is advised where possible.
Cafes and takeaways:
None in St Olaves
Other Shops:
Curiously, while there are no general stores, newsagents, banks or pharmacies in St Olaves, there is a beauty salon. The nearest food store is in Somerleyton, a 10 minute drive away. A service station (no food) is situated a little way up the road from the Bell Inn.
