The Barns
Rookery Farm, a family run farm...
Rookery Farm is a working arable farm of some 600 acres. Crops include malting barley for beer and whiskey, wheat for bread making, potatoes for chips and sugar beet. Daffodils are grown for export to Holland - visit in early spring to witness fields full of cheery colour!
It’s an arable farm so visiting children may be disappointed at the lack of furry friends, but parents will possibly appreciate the absence of farmyards smells.
The farm has been in the same family for three generations – in days gone by there was no electricity and ploughs were horse-drawn. During the 1914-18 war, military horses were stabled on Meadow Field – army uniform buttons were unearthed for years to come by farm workers.
The farm is relatively high up by Norfolk standards and during the second world war, 400ft high masts were erected as part of the first radar early warning defence system. The masts were decommissioned in 1948 and taken down in the 1950s.
The height of the land means there are tributaries to two rivers in one field – Scarrow Beck that leads to the river Bure in the east and the Glaven in the west.
The farm can be enjoyed by all; fields are surrounded by wide grass margins to allow ‘permissive access’ and encourage wildlife. Many lead to footpaths, so from the barns, the two and a half mile walk to Sheringham can be taken via fields, footpaths and the beautiful Sheringham Park.
West Beckham and Bodham
Rookery Farm lies between the villages of West Beckham and Bodham, both just a few minutes’ walk.
In West Beckham…
West Beckham is a tiny village, lost in time and steeped in history. The little flint church is the village centrepiece, built in Victorian times from the components of two other much older churches, one in East Beckham, one in West Beckham. Nearby is the The Wheatsheaf pub, serving excellent food and fine ales. Remains of the former West Beckham Workhouse are just outside the village. An occasional bus service links the villages to Sheringham and Holt.
In Bodham…
The village shop and post-office is well-stocked with groceries, wine and beer and remains the centre of village life, while the Red Hart pub serves good food and ales. Pretty flint cottages abound - all in all, it’s a slow and tranquil pace of life.
And a little further afield…
Sheringham
The delightful seaside town of Sheringham is a five-minute drive away. Small but bustling, with a market each Saturday and Wednesday, it’s shingle beaches give way to miles of perfect flat sand once the tide retreats.
Its famous steam train takes you on a gentle five mile ride to Holt, through wooded hills and the north Norfolk beauty spots of Kelling Heath and Sheringham Park. It calls at picturesque Weybourne station where time has stood still - it frequently attracts film crews and artists.
Sheringham is well known for its Little Theatre – check out what’s playing before you leave home!
Favourites
The National Trust houses of Felbrigg Hall and Blickling Hall are nearby, as are The Norfolk Broads. Further round the coast is the birdwatchers’ paradise of Cley and Blakeney.
The Muckleburgh Collection
Just outside Sheringham is the Muckleburgh Collection, the UK’s largest privately owned working military museum – a must for tank enthusiasts of all ages!
Holt
The charming Georgian town of Holt is a five-minute drive and hosts a myriad of shops, boutiques, art galleries, antique shops, restaurants, delis and the remarkable Larners and Bakers food hall. The Auden Theatre at Gresham’s School hosts some remarkable productions.
Cromer
Nearby Cromer has an air of charm and was once a favoured summer destination for the Victorian and Edwardian gentry. It’s well known for its crab fishing community – you won’t find a fresher, tastier crab sandwich anywhere! Its unspoilt Blue Flag beach stretches for miles and a visit to The Pavilion Theatre on Cromer Pier is a must. There is also a cinema with several screens.
Thursford
At Christmas the Thursford Festival will get you into the festive spirit. It’s home to largest Christmas Spectacular show in England, showing twice daily.
Permissive Conservation Paths
Read about the available on and around Rookery Farm.
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