I’ve lived in different parts of Norfolk for most of my life but never spent any time exploring Little Walsingham, well what better way to do so than spending the day with good friends from Oasis? Friday 28th Feb. meeting at the Read & Digest Tearoom by The Old Pump, Lilly, Rachel, Petra, Sue & Amy, Serena, Lorraine, myself Theresa and doggy Penny enjoyed some delicious homemade refreshments and blended teas, such a lovely quirky friendly café perfectly set the tone for the rest of the day.
The entrance to the Abbey grounds is via The Gatehouse which is just two minutes walk from the café, we paid our fees on entry and headed towards the priory ruins. Was great to see and imagine what would have been there before Henry VIII affected its destruction.
We went to see snowdrops and weren’t disappointed, the wooded areas were carpeted with the small milky white Galanthus. Following a map of the grounds we headed towards the Packhorse Bridge and stopped for photos, as we do, then over to the Dell Gate tunnel under the village’s Sunk Road. Lorraine’s mobility scooter off-roading skills were put to the test and sometimes the mud won. Further pleasant walking through trees and meadows eventually took us back over the river and towards The Crypt which is part of the old priory.
Lastly we explored the Shirehall museum, lots of Walsingham’s history on display and quite amazingly it housed the Walsingham courtroom where we had lots of fun acting out different roles, who was the guilty one?
We booked the café for a 2:00pm return which turned out to be perfect timing, more soups, scones and blended teas were enjoyed while chatting amongst ourselves and the friendly staff, would love to return there someday.
Time flies when you’re having fun but we didn’t want to leave Walsingham without seeing The Shrine. Not far along the road we found ourselves walking through The Shrine Gardens before entering The Shrine itself. Knowing that this place means so much to so many people I felt a bit lost as to its significance due to my ignorance, I need to educate myself. I know now that there is a visitor centre which is probably worth a visit first in order to get the best out of the Shrine experience.
Walsingham is certainly worth another visit, there’s more to see and experience when more time is available, there’s even a Wells & Walsingham railway, now there’s a thought.
Theresa x
oasis norfolk 
it sounds a perfect day, so pleased you enjoyed yourselves.
love Gaye lilac
Looks like a lovely day and lovely picture, you all look great.