Norfolk

🚐 Vanilla’s Norfolk Adventure
14 – 16 August 2025
🌿 Day 1 – Thursday 14th August: Stafford ➝ Norfolk Coast
Started from home in Berkswich, Stafford mid-morning. Vanilla rolled out with a full tank, sunshine overhead, and adventure brewing.
First leg: a short hop to Classic Windows, Stafford (a brief errand stop), then south on the M6.
After a fuel-sipping glide down the motorway, Vanilla stretched her wheels with a 178-mile cruise across the Midlands and East Anglia. Average speed 47mph, topping at a breezy 77mph.
By mid-afternoon, we reached Trimingham, North Norfolk (NR11 8DZ) – a stone’s throw from the sea.
Later runs took us to:
Overstrand (Sea Marge Hotel, High Street) – perfect coastal vibes.
A quick supply stop at Morrisons, Cromer, then back to Trimingham to settle in for the night.
📏 Total distance today: 222 miles
⛽ Fuel: about 32 litres (£46)
🌊 First sea air of the trip: inhaled deeply!
☀️ Day 2 – Friday 15th August: Norfolk ➝ Suffolk
A gentle start from Trimingham, rolling south along the coast roads.
A 38-mile stretch carried us to Oulton Broad (Lowestoft area), where Vanilla took in riverside views.
Supply and breakfast stop at Tesco, Lowestoft, followed by a pause at the Wherry Hotel – classic Broadland scenery.
Afternoon brought short hops via Beccles and into charming Wheatacre.
Final destination: The Swan Motel, Gillingham (South Norfolk) – a cosy spot to park up for the night.
📏 Distance today: 59 miles
🍻 Evening reward: a pint and pub grub.
🌅 Vibe: rivers, broads, and plenty of Norfolk charm.
🌤 Day 3 – Saturday 16th August: Homeward Bound
Morning start at The Swan Motel. A little shuffle to a BP garage, then Vanilla stretched her legs for the big homeward dash.
A 192-mile cruise carried us back across country, hitting a top speed of 78mph on the motorway.
Rolled into Stafford by early afternoon – trip complete, but not quite finished.
Afternoon / evening mini-hops:
Quick jaunt to The Wildwood (Stafford) for a catch-up.
Short spin to Mum’s house in Berkswich.
Finally, parked up safe and sound back at Vanilla’s home base.
📏 Distance today: 196 miles
🥳 Celebrated the return with family and friends.
🛣 Total trip mileage: ~489 miles
📝 Trip Totals
🚐 Journeys: 23
⏱ Drive time: 11h 12m
🛑 Idle time: 1h 46m
📏 Distance: 488.5 miles
⛽ Fuel: 75.1 litres (£110.99)
🌍 CO₂: 145kg
🏎 Top speed: 78.3mph
Mood of the trip: A perfect late-summer loop – coastlines, riversides, and the comfort of Vanilla ticking along like a faithful travel companion. Norfolk gave us sun, sea, and gentle roads, before heading back to the familiar warmth of Stafford.Read more