Standing in the heart of north Norfolk Bircham Windmill now looks as it did over 100 years ago. At that time over 300 mills ground corn for horse & cattle feed and bread-making in Norfolk.
Today, very few windmills are left, and Bircham Mill is considered one of the best still remaining: it is the only windmill in working order in this area open to the public.
We can climb the five floors up to the fan stage and, when possible, on windy days, you can also see the sails and the milling machinery turning. This is the first part of our visit and entry for this is about £6pp.
Then there is their mini bread-making experience. For which they charge £3.50pp. Let’s see who can come up with an interesting design with their allocated piece of dough. You’ll have to use your loaf for this!
We will have to split into at least two parties one bakes while the other tours the mill. As if that was not enough they have a super menu in their café which we will take advantage of for lunch.
In the afternoon we visit West Acre Gardens – a ‘perennial’ favourite when we can stock up on some plants. The nursery and display gardens are set in a walled garden which is full of interesting and unusual plants, many of which are propagated here. Oops did I not mention it, there is a nice little café.
Meet 9.15am B&Q South NR4 6FB for 9.30 departure with just over an hour’s run to arrive at Great Bircham PE31 6SJ about 10.40am.
After our visit to the mill we’ll have about a half hour run to West Acre Garden PE32 2BW. Return run of about 45 minutes to the A47 Easton roundabout just west of Norwich, but as usual members can peel off or find a more direct route for home.
David
Sign up for this run and I’ll confirm your place asap, bear with me though as I’m abroad in time leading up to this event. Numbers limited to 12 but will ask if more can be accommodated should this be necessary.
David & Rosemary
Tamsin & Kevin
Paul & Linda
Penny & John
Rona & Phil
Allan and Jan
