On my travels
last week I visited Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse (near Dereham, Norfolk) with
my son. We had a great day, helped by the sunny weather, and recommend that you
add it to your ‘places to visit’ list.
Gressenhall
is a former workhouse where you can get a taste of the life of the ‘inmates’
from the displays, films and artefacts on show. We were surprised by the
strange, wedge-shaped beds, shocked by the rules and harsh punishments recorded
and intrigued by the graffiti wall ‘signed’ by former residents.
We enjoyed
exploring Cherry Tree Cottage, the old School Room and the ‘shops’ in Village
Row, but there is more to Gressenhall than just the fascinating museum displays.
Across the
road from the workhouse is the farm, where you can see horses, pigs, sheep etc,
as well as visit the old farmhouse and shepherd’s hut. If you’re lucky enough
to experience good weather on your visit (as we did) then you can wander along
the river and farm walks. On these trails, children have the opportunity to
stamp a card that they are given – a full cards results in a badge. You can
also enjoy a tractor and trailer ride around the farm.
Other
attractions include the centenary wood, where you can take a stroll, a woodland
playground, to allow the kids to let off steam and a café, for some well-earned
refreshment.
What I
particularly like about Gressenhall is that there are plenty of areas with
picnic tables and benches to pause for a rest, and toilets are plentiful too,
situated in many of the buildings. However, there appeared to be a shortage of
bins for the rubbish from our picnic, although we did eventually spot one by
the chapel. I was impressed that ice creams were not over-priced as at some
attractions, with a Magnum costing £1.60 as opposed to the £2+ that we have
paid at some places.
Overall we
had a really great, reasonably priced day out (admission for adult accompanying young person
£8.30, young person £6.30), with lots to see and do.
I would
have liked to be able to share some photos of our day out with you, but
unfortunately I experienced a camera mal-function that day, sorry!
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me on Twitter @shoppersjoy
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