New 'Deep History Coast' trail boosts county's family-friendly activities

There's lots of fun to be had in North Norfolk during the half-term school holidays and families can save 15% on a stay if they make Congham Hall Hotel (01485 600250; www.conghamhallhotel.co.uk) their base between 28-31 October.

Among the diversions for families is a new Deep History Coast Discovery Trail. Available as an app, it explores the North Norfolk coastline from Weybourne to Cart Gap, home to some of the earliest evidence of human civilisation in Britain. On the route there are 10 app-led walks that bring the past to life. Augmented reality summons up a Hominin family as guides, who reveal the landscape of millions of years ago, including the ancient, submerged Doggerland. Plus there are virtual treasures to collect, as well as rock-pooling and fossil-hunting opportunities.

Other local attractions include Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, near Norwich, featuring Predator High Ropes, Dinosaur Trail, Secret Animal Garden and Stone Age Road Race. High ropes thrills also feature at Extreeme Adventure, and younger children can burn off excess energy outdoors at Bewilderwood, the treehouse fantasy adventure park.

There are real animals to encounter on a deer safari at Snettisham Park and Pensthorpe Natural Park, where the threatened Red Squirrel is being reintroduced to the British countryside, plus there's a nature trail and indoor play centre to enjoy.

Congham Hall's room prices do not attract a premium during school holidays. The Georgian manor house close to King's Lynn is very family-friendly, set in huge grounds with a tennis court, putting green, croquet lawn and large trampoline, plus an indoor pool with kids' swimming slots. There is a choice of suites and interconnecting rooms to choose from: family rooms start from £300 per night and cots and roll-up beds are provided free for children under 12 who share their parents' room, with their meals charged as taken. To take advantage of the 15% discount, quote 'Family half-term' when booking.

Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, access to the pool and thermal suite in the Secret Garden Spa, room larder featuring an espresso machine and mini fridges for fresh milk and mineral water, biscuits and fruit, Elemental Herbology luxury toiletries, bathrobes and slippers.

Follow developments at Congham Hall Hotel on Twitter: @Congham_Hall and at www.facebook.com/ConghamHallHotel. For information on Norfolk, go to www.visitnorfolk.co.uk

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Notes to editors:

Room rates at Congham Hall start from £140 per night, room only, and £235 per night for dinner, bed and breakfast.

Relaunched in May 2013, the 26-room Congham Hall Hotel sits in 30 acres of parkland, including orchards and its renowned Herb Garden, which has 400-plus varieties and attracts visitors from far andwide. The modernised, 2 AA Rosette, bistro-style restaurant features much homegrown produce on its menu and benefits from a sophisticated bar.

Congham Hall offers five-star service at three-star prices, in stylish but relaxed surroundings. It won Best Hotel in the East at the Best Loved Hotels Awards 2015, and has been recognised several times by the Eastern Daily Press/VisitNorfolk.co.uk Tourism Awards, winning Best Adult Leisure Break in 2015 and Best Independent Hotel in 2013. Congham Hall was also named Best Small Hotel in the UK at the International Hotel Awards in November 2012. 

Nicholas Dickinson and his team took over Congham Hall in March 2012. The hotel relaunched in May 2013 after completing the last phase of a major refurbishment. Nicholas has spent his entire working life in the luxury hotel business. Early on, he worked at the five-star country-house hotel Chewton Glen and Raymond Blanc's two-Michelin-starred restaurant and hotel, Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons. In 1994, Nicholas formed a partnership with Nigel Chapman, who had developed Woolley Grange in Wiltshire. Together, they created Luxury Family Hotels, which soon became the market leader in the UK for luxury family short breaks, and Alias Hotels, for the stylish mid-market corporate and leisure sectors. Both groups were successfully sold, and Nicholas and Nigel went on to develop Martinhal Resort on Portugal's Algarve. This is Nicholas's first independent hotel project.

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