Norfolk - A Tranquil Escape in East Anglia
A traditional trip to the seaside
Immerse yourself in the unspoiled beauty of North Norfolk, where vast beaches, charming villages, and sweeping countryside create a peaceful retreat.
Based in a stunning 19th-century barn conversion, this holiday offers a blend of comfort and adventure. From scenic boat trips and steam train rides to hands-on experiences like glass-blowing and guinea pig therapy, there’s something for everyone. Explore grand estates, stroll through nature reserves, and savor classic fish and chips by the sea. With expert support and plenty of time to relax, this is the perfect opportunity to unwind and soak up Norfolk’s tranquil charm.
Available Dates
- 21st–25th April 2025 - Booking Window Closed
We believe everyone deserves the chance to enjoy a holiday.
Speak to an Adventures Coordinator about your needs and grant eligibility today – we’re here to help make adventures happen.
Highlights
Relax beneath the beams of Brazenhall Barn
Brazenhall Barn is set in the heart of the Norfolk countryside, just nine miles from the North Norfolk coast.
Nestling under the medieval church of St Peter, Dunton, and surrounded by superb summer meadows, this 19th century barn conversion offers a truly relaxing country experience.
A packed intinerary on the Norfolk Coast
The North Norfolk coast has plenty of activities for you to enjoy, whatever the season. You can take a ride on the famous steam train, play with fluffy guinea pigs, or admire the beautiful art of glass-blowing.
There are also the stunning gardens of Holkham Hall estate to wander through — and, of course, no trip to the coast would ever be complete without fish and chips by the sea! The fresh seaside air and sprawling sands of the beach await you.
Our friendly team with you every step of the way
From the moment you enquire to the last day of your holiday, our experienced and compassionate team is here to support you. We take the time to understand your needs, ensuring every detail is thoughtfully planned so you can relax and enjoy your time away.
Whether it’s providing gentle guidance on excursions, offering a reassuring presence, or simply sharing a laugh over dinner, we’re always there to make your journey seamless, stress-free, and filled with joyful moments.
Delicious, worry-free dining
Every meal on your holiday is carefully planned to be both enjoyable and stress-free. We only visit handpicked restaurants and cafés that provide a welcoming, dementia-friendly environment, ensuring you can relax and savour the experience.
You’ll enjoy picnics and pub lunches on our days out, and delicious meals prepared by our team when back at your accommodation. We’re mindful of different dietary requirements and aim to fully accommodate them, whether due to allergies or religious beliefs.
With the information we gather during booking, we craft a tasty menu to suit the whole group, sharing mealtimes in a warm, communal setting.
What's included?
The price you pay includes:
- Four nights’ full board accommodation
- All meals, including lunch and dinner on the first day and breakfast and lunch on the last day. Some of these will be in cafés and pubs as part of the planned itinerary, and some at ‘home’ in the accommodation
- Soft drinks, tea and coffee are available at the accommodation
- All activities and venue entrance charges
- Transport throughout the holiday
- Around-the-clock support from the Dementia Adventure team, on location and throughout the holiday
- Pre- and post-booking support
- Organisation, remote support, and personal communication in the run-up
- One free photobook per booking
Location
Fakenham and North Norfolk are some of the last unspoilt parts of the UK, with plenty of charming villages and excellent restaurants, and sitting on the famous Norfolk coastline. Here you can enjoy delightful walks on wide sandy beaches and through shady pine forests, making for some superb bird-watching opportunities. With its big skies, sprawling countryside, and wild beaches, there really is something for everyone.
Accommodation
Brazenhall Barn boasts a magnificent living space with a high-pitched ceiling, original beams, and French windows which flood the house with light. Each of the level-access bedrooms are ‘zip and link’, meaning the beds can be made up as either two Twins or one King at your request. All have ensuite shower rooms, in which the showers may need to be accessed by a small step. There is also a pretty walled garden for us to enjoy.
Please note that the bedrooms have floor-to-ceiling windows that open.
Facilities
- Bedrooms with ensuite showers
- Level access
- Garden
- Wifi
- Washing machine
- Parking
Activities
The North Norfolk coast has plenty of activities for you to enjoy, whatever the season. You can take a ride on the famous steam train, play with fluffy guinea pigs, or admire the beautiful art of glass-blowing. There are also the stunning gardens of Holkham Hall estate to wander through — and, of course, no trip to the coast would ever be complete without fish and chips by the sea! The fresh seaside air and sprawling sands of the beach await you.
Example Itinerary
Every holiday with Dementia Adventure is unique! Your itinerary may vary depending on the date, and will be released to you in good time before your departure — usually about two to three weeks prior.
If you would like to get an idea of the kinds of activities that may be in store for you, see the example itinerary below. However, please note that this example is just a mock-up based on past years’ schedules, and does not constitute your final itinerary.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Morning | Glass-blowing demonstration and workshop | North Norfolk Railway steam train from Holt to the seaside town of Sheringham | A day at the impressive Holkham Hall estate. Begin with the Holkham Hall Stories experience, followed by a picnic lunch on the lawn and a self-guided tour of the grounds and walled garden | Walk around Pensthorpe Natural Park | |
| Afternoon | Arrival. Boat trip along the beautiful waterways of the Broads with commentary. Picnic lunch on the boat | Lunch in the glass-blowing café, then a restful afternoon at the accommodation with tea and cake | Fish and chip lunch, with time to explore the town, paddle in the sea, and take a trip to Sheringham Museum | Cake and refreshments in the café | |
| Evening | Return to accommodation to unpack and enjoy a home-cooked evening meal | Evening boat trip to see the Blakeney Seal colony, before dining at a local fish and chip pub | Buffet meal at the accommodation, prepared by your support staff | Home-cooked evening meal at the accommodation and a Guinea Pig therapy session |
Who is this holiday for?
- People who enjoy fresh air and want to see the sea (and maybe paddle!)
- People with restricted mobility, who can manage the steps into our minibus with support
- People who want to share a holiday with three other pairs who are looking for the same chance to unwind and have a great time among gorgeous, natural surroundings
Need more support or options? Why not consider a tailored holiday instead?
| Dementia Adventure Holiday | Package Holidays | Hotel Stays | Cruises | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Who's it for | People with dementia and a carer or companion, who are happy to holiday as part of a small group of people who live with similar circumstances. | General travelers, with accessible options | General travelers, with some accessible rooms | General travelers, with some dementia-friendly options |
| Dementia Support | Specialised dementia-trained support staff available 24/7 | Limited dementia awareness, accessible support only | Basic accessibility features, dementia awareness unlikely | Some dementia support may be available, but not always specific |
| Personal Care | May be available at extra cost, although assistance with feeding, or spending time with the person with dementia so their companion can have a break is included. | Not Available | Not Available | Not Available |
| Types of Activities | Nature-focused, sensory, and gentle outdoor activities | Tourist activities (general) | May include entertainment, but not tailored | Onboard entertainment, excursions, but not dementia-specific |
| Accommodation | Hand-picked to be safe, accessible and dementia-friendly | Standard, with some accessible options | Accessible rooms available, but not dementia-friendly | Accessible cabins available, not dementia-specific |
| Duration | Monday to Friday | Fixed duration (typically 7–14 days) | Flexible, depending on the stay | Fixed duration (3–14 days), limited flexibility |
| Location | Natural, peaceful settings (e.g., countryside, coastal) | Varies (city, resort, beach destinations) | Varies widely, city or scenic locations | Specific cruise routes, ports of call |
| Cost | Provided at cost price, with additional discounts available through our charitable support fund | Budget to luxury (depending on the package) | Varies widely based on location and services | Ranges from affordable to luxury |
| Health & Safety | All accomodation and activities assessed and handpicked for dementia-related needs | General health and safety standards | General health and safety standards | High standards, but not specifically for dementia |
| Group Size | Small, intimate groups of people who live with similar circumstances | Large groups (usually) | Alone | Large groups |
| Inclusivity | Fully inclusive for people with dementia | Some accessible features, not dementia-focused | Accessible features, not dementia-specific | Accessible features, not dementia-specific |
| Dining | Varied locations, often in quiet, relaxed settings (e.g., outdoor or private rooms), with tailored dietary needs (e.g., soft foods, specific textures). Meals served in calm, stress-free environments to minimise overstimulation. | Standard dining locations, usually in large dining rooms or buffet-style settings with limited flexibility for dietary needs. | Standard dining locations, usually in large dining rooms or buffet-style settings with limited flexibility for dietary needs. | Multiple dining venues with some dietary-sensitive options, but not dementia-specific. |
Available Dates
We believe everyone deserves the chance to enjoy a holiday.
Speak to an Adventures Coordinator about your needs and grant eligibility today – we’re here to help make adventures happen.
Select a date to make a reservation request today!
Before you make a reservation, please read our Frequently Asked Questions and Terms & Conditions.
Please note that because of the limited number of places, we ask that you only book one holiday per year.
Deposits are £200 per room. We require full payment two months before the holiday. If you need to spread the cost of your holiday, talk to us about a payment plan.
If you have a question, please contact us or call us on 01245 237548.
