The pride and joy of West Norfolk

Our county is renowned for beautiful towns and villages, but these charming spots don’t appear overnight. Local parishes, committees and residents dedicate so much to the upkeep of these places, allowing visitors to fully appreciate their beauty.

This is especially true for Great Massingham, where passionate residents and business owners play a pivotal role in the historic village’s ongoing success.

Over the years it has earned several impressive accolades, including a CPRE Community Space award for the effort devoted to maintaining the striking central green, and two consecutive Pride in Norfolk awards.

Spending an afternoon in Massingham is highly recommended, and what better way to enjoy the beautiful scenery than with a traditional countryside walk? With numerous footpaths leading you to local gems around the area, exploring everything might be quite a feat, but it’s certainly worth it.

The grand tower of St. Mary’s Church rises above the rooftops and is an excellent starting point for an afternoon ramble. Thought to have been constructed in the 1100s, the church has served the community in many capacities over the centuries. Its 14th century porch once functioned as a schoolroom, educating notable figures such as Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.

Next door is the welcoming Massingham Stores and Post Office, run by Mark and Kerry Eldridge. They have pushed the boundaries of what a village shop can be, even winning Independent Retailer of the Year in 2021 as a result.

“We always want to give back to the community that’s supported us,” Mark says. “We’re currently in the process of refurbishing and extending our shop to stock even more fresh food and essentials.”

That’s not all, as the upcoming garden section will attract keen gardeners, and the extra seating being added to their delightful tearoom, The Cartshed, guarantees your spot for some delicious tea and cake.

Continuing down the tranquil lane and past the smaller of the two duck ponds brings you to Lings Country Goods, an ideal stop for those wanting to fully embrace country living. Established by John and Julia Morton, the family-run business has been providing Massingham with premium country clothing for over 25 years.

Continued support from residents enabled the couple to open Heath Farm Shop right next door. This treasure trove offers a delectable selection of locally sourced meat, seasonal fruits and vegetables, and luxurious ice cream that any passing visitor would be foolish to miss.

Returning to the village centre brings you to the quintessentially British pub, the Dabbling Duck. Saved from being redeveloped into housing in 2006 by two local farmers, it is now run by Sally and Mark Dobby, who have transformed it into an award-winning venue that is at the top of many must-visit lists.

“The dedication of our staff has enabled us to grow each year,” says Sally. “We’ve since added The Orangery Restaurant and even bought the house next door to add more guest rooms. Massingham is a gorgeous place and we feel very fortunate to serve this community.”

You can take a break at the largest duck pond and even spend an hour fishing there. When you’re ready to continue your tour around Great Massingham, head north past the bustling village hall, now celebrating its 100th year, until the landscape opens around you. The surrounding fields present a captivating view of Norfolk’s countryside, making it easy to lose yourself for hours exploring the winding lanes.

If fitting everything Massingham offers into one day seems impossible, you won’t need much persuading to explore accommodation options within the village. Little Massingham Manor, located at the end of a secluded driveway, stands out as the perfect spot for a countryside retreat. With 63 acres of private woodland, carefully sculpted gardens and luxurious leisure experiences, it’s been thoughtfully designed to ensure ultimate tranquillity for guests.

With the addition of exquisite on-site lodges, Little Massingham Manor is an ideal destination for office get-togethers, allowing visitors to escape the stresses of a busy work life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty that’s been so carefully preserved around Massingham.

If you’re planning to explore the delights of Great Massingham with a large group, Hill Farm offers lavish barn conversions which accommodate up to 40 people. Set in a deer park that is home to several species, this breathtaking location also makes for a unique wedding venue. Indeed, the first wedding hosted at Hill Farm celebrated the union of two Massingham locals, with much of the village invited.

“My husband and I have had a lovely response from the community since opening,” says co-owner Heidi Symington. “We always send our guests to the village to shop and dine.”

The enduring community spirit has fuelled Great Massingham for centuries, making it a thriving hub of happiness within Norfolk’s beautiful landscape.