Scotland
A wonderful first-floor converted cart barn in the village of Godmersham, Kent. Hot tub. Within the Kent Downs AONB. Romantic. Off-road parking. Ashford 6.3 miles; Canterbury 8.9 miles; Folkestone 19.8 miles.
This ancient Norfolk market town is brimming with history and is the ideal location for those wanting a serene, escapist holiday away from the hustle-and-bustle of everyday life. It’s the perfect spot for unforgettable family holidays and couple’s hot tub breaks.
Renowned for its history of markets, Diss has a fantastic shopping scene where visitors are guaranteed to find unique goods from the shops and market stalls in town. The Diss Yards host a range of specialist stores, each offering something fascinating and different. Every Friday, a traditional market is held and this is the epitome of the town’s community charm.
Six acres of parkland await at Diss Mere. There’s a beautiful lake to stroll around, which is easily accessible at all times of the year. The idyllic atmosphere makes it the perfect spot to enjoy the calm of this historic town. By the lake is Katie’s Kitchen, ideal for a coffee pit stop. This café also serves simple breakfasts and lunches.
In town, Amandine’s Café Restaurant is located in a beautiful red brick building covered in foliage. Specialising in vegetarian and vegan food, this eatery prides itself on using local produce to craft delicious meals for all. Pizza fans should visit On The Hill, which offers freshly-cooked handmade pizzas along with locally sourced craft beers.
The heritage of Diss is still prevalent from its intricately preserved architecture to the various attractions to discover its history. One such place is Diss Museum, located in an old butcher’s shop. This contains intriguing collections and exhibits and has won several awards for these. The town itself has been given a Cittaslow status, earnt from its ties with a market heritage.
Just outside town is Bressingham Steam & Gardens, which is a vintage-style theme park containing antique steam vehicles and a lush garden to explore. Guests can travel round the site in true Victorian style via a steam train and can learn all about this fascinating part of Diss’s history. There is also a fairground with arcade games and quad bikes for children to try.
Escape into nature at Redgrave and Lopham Fen, where there is a large woodland to stroll through and a lake to sit idly by and watch the resident birdlife. Known as the largest valley fen in England, this is an important reserve for wildlife and makes for the perfect spot for an afternoon walk, being only a 10-minute drive from Diss.
25 minutes away from Diss is the bigger market town of Thetford. There is an incredible range of independent shops here, making it the perfect place for some retail therapy. There are also ruins of a 12th Century priory, a fascinating part of the town’s history. The Ancient House Museum is situated in a quirky, Tudor-style building and tells the story of the town.
Next to Thetford is Thetford Forest, a vast woodland covering nearly 19,000 hectares. There are many different routes to take to discover this outstanding area of nature, including Lynford Stag which is a tranquil, peaceful walk. Abundant birdlife and luscious plants and flowers can be discovered at Lynford Arboretum. High Lodge offers exciting forest activities ideal for active travellers, such as Go Ape and archery.