Leanne Chambers

£300 Raised!

Update!

Although the walking side of things has officially come to an end, the sponsorship is still rolling in - thank you so much! I’ve now doubled my original fundraising target, and I am genuinely so blown away by everyone's generosity.

Looking back, I have loved every single step of this journey. From wandering through quiet countryside and discovering stunning village churches to tracing ancient ruins, Roman walls, and the subtle outlines of a 5,000-year-old henge. I’ve walked past Anne Boleyn’s likely birthplace, explored hidden WWII radar sites, hunted down local countryside artworks, and taken in peaceful wildlife havens alongside plenty of bunnies, muntjac deer, aloof horses, dancing dragonflies, woolly sheep, a poised grey heron and a majestic cormorant!

Clocking an estimated 180,000 steps across more than 140km, this entire experience has been so enriching, beautiful, and deeply fulfilling. Best of all, together we’ve now raised an amazing £300 for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity!

Thank you!

Thank you!

Pic of the Walk - Paper Maps, Secret Gardens and the Cathedral of the Broads

Paper Maps, Secret Gardens and the Cathedral of the Broads

For yesterday’s walk, my final big route in this year’s Royal Marsden walking challenge, I chose somewhere that brings together a bit of history and plenty of nature: Ranworth Broad and the surrounding countryside.

I laced up my trainers, packed my raincoat into my bag, and headed over to Ranworth straight after school drop-off. The morning was looking a bit grey and drizzly, but the clouds started clearing the second I parked up by Malthouse Broad, which links right into Ranworth Broad. Boats were lined up along the water’s edge, and beyond them, the open broad stretched right out to the tree line on the far side.

Ranworth Broad is actually one of the most famous nature reserves in the Broads, managed by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. Like all the Broads around here, it isn't a natural lake at all, it’s actually the leftover flooded pits from when medieval villagers dug out millions of tonnes of peat for fuel centuries ago. To keep the wildlife safe, Ranworth Broad itself is completely closed to motorboats, which makes it wonderfully peaceful compared to busy Malthouse Broad next door.

My phone had zero signal, so I popped into the little information centre by Malthouse Broad hoping for an old-fashioned paper map. The two men working inside were brilliant, helping me map out a route that took in both local history and wildlife. As we were chatting, I mentioned I was out pushing my distance for a charity challenge. When I said it was for The Royal Marsden, one of the men paused and told me how incredible they had been when caring for his wife during her cancer treatment. Hearing his stories made the whole walk feel so much bigger, a really touching reminder of why every single kilometre counts.

Map in hand, I set off! Winding down narrow country lanes flanked by high hedgerows, I soon got my first peek at St Helen’s Church, and what an impressive place it is.

Known locally as the "Cathedral of the Broads," St Helen’s mostly dates back to the 1300s and 1400s. It’s famous for its incredible 500-year-old painted wooden screen, its priceless medieval manuscript, and a super rare 15th-century cantor's desk. If you’re feeling brave enough to tackle the 89 steps and ladders up the 100-foot tower, you get views for miles across the marshland, right out to Norwich Cathedral on one side and the off-shore wind farms on the other!

I left the church behind and carried on as the sun finally started breaking through. Before long, I spotted another church tower poking out above the trees, except as I got closer, I realised there wasn't actually a church attached to it!

This turned out to be the lonely tower of All Saints in Panxworth. The main church fell into decay centuries ago, and even though the Victorians rebuilt it in the 1800s, it eventually closed and was pulled down in the 1980s, leaving just the 14th-century tower standing on its own. Today, it’s a quiet spot surrounded by trees, and a home for nesting barn owls. I wandered into the small churchyard, which felt so calm and remarkably well looked after. I took a moment to read the WWI memorial plaque on the tower wall before moving on.

From there, the route picked up public rights of way weaving through open fields and woods. Then I stopped dead in my tracks. All of a sudden, I was standing right in the middle of someone’s back garden! It was a gorgeous plot with a huge pond, manicured lawn, and a big open cart lodge, but very obviously private property. I panicked and backtracked to check the footpath markers, but sure enough, the official public trail ran straight through their garden! I quickened my pace, feeling like a cheeky intruder despite following the map, and made a swift exit onto the next track.

Eventually, the path brought me into South Walsham, a postcard-pretty village famous for having two medieval churches, St Mary’s and St Lawrence’s, sitting right in the exact same churchyard.

I picked up my stride, bypassing a stretch of trail that was looking a bit too overgrown and remote for my liking, and found a lovely sun-dappled B-road instead. The sun was filtering through the canopy as I crossed quiet bridges, even catching a quick glimpse of a grey heron standing near a stream.

Before heading back, I made a point of following the nature trail out to the Broads Wildlife Centre on Ranworth Broad. The NWT have built a fantastic raised wooden boardwalk that winds for about 750 metres through soggy woodland and towering reedbeds. As I was walking, a tiny water vole suddenly zipped across the wooden slats right in front of my feet and dived straight into the watery marsh!

The boardwalk opens right out onto a floating visitor centre moored on the broad, and the view across the open water is just stunning.

I spotted a cormorant fishing nearby. After a quick dive, he hopped up onto a wooden post sticking out of the water and dramatically spread his wings out wide. Because cormorants don't have as much natural oil on their feathers as ducks, they have to dry themselves off using the sun and wind. A couple of ducks drifted past him, looking completely unimpressed by his grand pose.

After eating my packed lunch out on the platform, I headed back along the trail through the reedbeds, with dragonflies dancing all around me in the warm air.

Back at Malthouse Broad, I popped in to thank the men at the info centre again and tell them about my walk. They seemed to enjoy hearing about what I had seen and told me all about Ranworth’s famous ospreys, the only breeding pair in East Anglia, who fly all the way back from West Africa every spring to nest on platforms set up by the Wildlife Trust.

By the time I reached the car, my watch showed 9.93km. It was such a lovely reminder of how incredible the Broads are and that they are right on my doorstep, but what made this final walk so special was connecting with someone whose family had been directly supported by the Royal Marsden. It felt like the universe had mapped it out that way, ending the challenge with the very reason I took it on in the first place.

With my total sitting at 136km for the month, I realised I needed to squeeze in one more thing before school pick-up, so it was time to get those feet moving again…

Pic of the Walk - Boleyn’s Birthplace and Beating My Record!

Boleyn’s Birthplace and Beating My Record!

I was determined that today would be the day I beat the distance I walked last September for the Royal Marsden. At 110km already, I needed another 13km to top last year’s 122km, and I knew exactly where I wanted to attempt it.

The Blickling Estate lies approximately 14 miles north of Norwich and covers over 4,600 acres of parkland, ancient woodland, and gardens. It’s managed by the National Trust, with the whole landscape centered around a massive red-brick Jacobean mansion.

I drove over straight after school drop-off, my backpack loaded with a water bottle, a travel cup of vanilla coffee, and a thermos of spicy ramen. I parked up and didn’t mind paying the £5 National Trust parking fee, they do such brilliant work preserving these places, so it felt like a fiver well spent. I skipped buying a ticket for the hall itself because my main goal was simply to explore the vast estate outside, especially all the corners I’d never walked before.

Long before today's hall was built in the early 1600s, a medieval manor house stood on this exact spot. In 1452, the estate was sold to Geoffrey Boleyn, a wealthy London merchant, Lord Mayor of London, and the great-grandfather of Anne Boleyn. He purchased it from Sir John Fastolf, the famous soldier who served as Shakespeare's real-life inspiration for the character of Falstaff. The estate remained with the Boleyn family for several generations, serving as the home of Thomas Boleyn and the likely birthplace of Anne Boleyn around 1501.

Anne Boleyn was Henry VIII’s second wife and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I. Though her family moved to Kent during her childhood, her roots remained firmly tied to Norfolk. Anne’s story is legendary: her refusal to become Henry’s mistress pushed him to break away from the Catholic Church, kicking off the English Reformation just so he could marry her. Of course, when she failed to produce a male heir, court drama quickly led to her downfall, and after being accused of witchcraft and adultery, she was executed at the Tower of London in 1536.

Today, people tend to view her as a victim of court politics, immortalised in portrait galleries and history books as one of the six iconic wives of Henry VIII. She’s had a huge pop-culture resurgence in recent years thanks to the stage musical Six, where she’s portrayed as a witty, pop-punk rebel. Local legend also claims her headless ghost returns to Blickling every year on May 19, riding in a carriage driven by a headless horseman…

That original medieval house was eventually pulled down to make way for the grand Jacobean mansion you see today, built by Sir John Hobart, complete with corner turrets, decorative gables, and a moat outline around the entrance. Remarkably, some of the foundations and cellars beneath it are actually the surviving originals from the old medieval manor.

It stayed in private hands for centuries, passing through the Hobart and Lothian families. When the Marchioness of Lothian passed away in 1901 it spent thirty years being let out to private tenants before Philip Kerr, the 11th Marquess of Lothian, moved back in during the 1930s as Blickling's final private owner. Upon his death in December 1940, he gifted the entire estate to the National Trust. After serving as RAF aircrew quarters during World War II, the hall officially opened to the public in 1962.

I picked up a sandy trail heading out into the open parkland. A group of sheep watched me warily as I passed, despite me giving them a big smile and a hello! The path snaked behind a heavily wooded area before leading me deep into the trees. It was lovely and busy with families, joggers, and dog walkers out enjoying the day. In fact, unlike the unbothered sheep, every person I passed offered a friendly "good morning", and even the dogs wagged their tails!

Hidden deep within the woods sits the Blickling Mausoleum, a striking stone pyramid built in the 1790s as a final resting place for the 2nd Earl of Buckinghamshire and his wives. It looks incredible standing out against the green canopy, a nod to the Georgian obsession with ancient monuments.

I walked past the lake and followed another path through ancient oak trees, bringing me close to the gardens where I got a fantastic view of the Temple Folly, a little retreat built as an eye-catching feature looking out across the countryside.

Just outside the main gates stands St Andrew’s Church. Inside stands a late-medieval baptismal font which local tradition says was used for Anne Boleyn’s baptism as a baby. Since Tudor infants were almost always baptized in their local parish church within days of birth, it’s very likely that if she was born at Blickling, this exact font was used for her christening. The stained glass windows were stunning, and the walls featured some very interesting medieval carved faces!

After exploring the church and signing the guestbook, I set off to find the ice house. I’ve always been fascinated by these, but I'd actually never seen one in person! Tucked away in Icehouse Plantation, Blickling's ice house dates back to the 18th century. It was built straight into an earth mound under a thick canopy of trees, built deep underground to keep winter ice frozen through the summer months. It was actually used right up until the 1930s to preserve meats and chill fine wines and ice creams for the estate! It’s still remarkably well-preserved today, standing as a quiet piece of old engineering right alongside the walking paths.

I carried on walking, looping back over a few paths I’d already covered just to push my distance up. The sun came out, making the bright green of the spiky burrs pop against the orange fallen leaves. 

Before long, it was time to head back to the car so I could grab Clemency from her after-school football tournament. Before hitting the ignition button, I checked my watch to see how far I’d gone. It registered just over 16km, bringing my month-to-date total to 126km! That’s 4km past last September’s record!

Can I finally give my feet (and my trainers!) a rest now? I think I owe it to all my amazing sponsors to keep pushing and see just how far my legs will take me - I’ve raised £265 so far, and as a team we’re up to £1,060! Plus, I’m far too curious to see what else I can discover before September comes to an end! 

Pic of the Walk - Parch Marks, Partridge & Pushing On!

Parch Marks, Partridge & Pushing On!

Even though I reached my 100km goal for my walking challenge on Thursday, it’s still September, which means one thing: keep going! Yesterday, despite the warm autumn sunshine, I felt like a gentle stroll, so I picked a spot closer to home, the site of an ancient Roman village just a couple of villages away.

I parked up on the boundary of Stoke Holy Cross and Caistor St Edmund, following a track past a field of horses lazily munching on the grass. I crossed the road and there it stood, or rather, once stood: Venta Icenorum.

Today, the site looks like a tranquil, open expanse of green Norfolk countryside, with its ancient walls crumbling around the perimeter and streets hidden beneath the turf. It was originally built as the capital for the Iceni, the Iron Age tribe famously led by Boudicca. Translating from Latin as "Marketplace of the Iceni", the Romans set it up on the banks of the River Tas after crushing the Iceni revolt in AD 60–61, mostly to integrate and keep a close eye on the local population. What makes it so special today is that it’s one of the very few Roman tribal capitals in Britain that was never built over by a modern town, which is why the buried street grid underneath the grass is so remarkably preserved.

For a long time, people assumed Venta was thrown up as a grim punishment camp. But modern digs show a much clearer picture: the town layout actually came later, laid out on a classic Roman grid between AD 70 and 90, well after things had settled down. And far from being a packed, bustling metropolis, it was surprisingly sparse. Much of the enclosed space was used for livestock, gardens, or market stalls, working more as a country gathering spot for local administrators and tax collectors.

As I walked around, it was wild to think about what life was like here at its peak in the 2nd and 3rd centuries. About 2,000 people lived here, and skeletal analysis shows a surprisingly global mix, one person buried here actually grew up all the way over in the Mediterranean. They had public baths, a central forum, and even an amphitheatre just outside the south gate. The River Tas was wider back then, allowing shallow-bottomed boats to float grain, wool, and hides down toward the Yare estuary. Industry buzzed around the edges - pottery, glassmaking, and metalworking - and archaeologists even found a physical shoe print left in the mortar near the top of the wall by a local builder nearly two thousand years ago.

The local beliefs were a mix of Roman and Celtic deities. A bronze handle depicting Mercury was found on the site, and the River Tas itself was treated as a shrine to Neptune. One lead tablet recovered from the riverbank details a furious victim begging Neptune to punish a thief who stole some of his belongings, including a mirror, pewter mugs, and a pair of leggings, offering the leggings directly to the god in exchange for the thief’s blood!

Eventually, as Roman power faded in the early 400s, people gradually moved away toward new farming settlements along the river, eventually concentrating a few miles north at Norwich. But the secret of just how massive Venta really was stayed hidden until a scorching summer in 1928. 

An RAF plane flying over the drought-stricken fields south of Norwich snapped aerial photos of the crops. The grain growing over buried gravel roads dried out into yellow "parch marks," while crops over deeper ditches stayed lush and green. The resulting photos captured the ghostly, complete outline of the buried grid town with stunning clarity, causing an absolute sensation on the front page of The Times.

I wandered past sheep grazing near the remaining portions of ruined wall. Seeing the empty fields wrapped in those ancient earthworks makes it so easy to imagine the living town that used to be here.

On the southeast side of the site stands St Edmund’s Church, a historic listed building right inside the Roman ramparts. Local 11th-century builders scavenged red brick, tile, and flint straight from the nearby Roman ruins to build its walls. Beyond its ancient history, the church holds a brilliant place in comedy lore: it’s the venue where Steve Coogan’s fictional North Norfolk FM DJ Alan Partridge married his ex-wife Carol in 1982! As detailed in his spoof 2011 autobiography, Alan walked down the aisle at St Edmund's to the theme tune of BBC’s Grandstand, followed by a reception of pork pies, paste sandwiches, and 70s pop hits.

I made my way back to the car, but feeling like I had a bit more walk left in me, I headed into the meadows and woodland of High Ash Farm.

I passed a sunflower field, a little sparser than in peak summer, but still blooming majestically, and kept going into the trees. Some movement caught my eye: a male Reeves's muntjac deer (often called a "barking deer") with short, unbranched antlers. Small in size, roughly equivalent to a medium-to-large dog, muntjac were originally native to southeast China and Taiwan. They were introduced to Woburn Abbey in Bedfordshire in the late 19th century and have since established widespread wild populations across England and Wales. He stood watching me as I walked, then all of a sudden dashed into the trees.

I continued past a fallow meadow and a patch of young oaks where resident squirrels darted around, bushy tails trailing behind them. I glanced into the trees, and suddenly froze in terror. I closed my eyes for a slow blink, but when I opened them, it was still there... just a few metres away on the forest floor was a gigantic green head...

The plaque calls him the "Cranky Green Man", a larger-than-life interactive kinetic sculpture by Derbyshire artist Johnny White, designed to mix woodland folklore with mechanical play. You can use old car window winders and levers to move his mossy eyebrows, ears, mouth, and eyes.

After having a bit of fun playing with the levers, I looped back toward the car. I’d clocked up 7km for the day, bringing my total distance to a nice round 110km! My original target was 50km, but now I’ve got my sights set on beating last September’s 122km... and it looks like I might just do it!

Pic of the Walk - Trainers, Torrential Rain, and Triumph: Crossing the 100km Mark!

Trainers, Torrential Rain, and Triumph: Crossing the 100km Mark!

100km Target Smashed!

Pic of the Walk: Sunlit Lanes and Secret Ruins

Sunlit Lanes and Secret Ruins

Straight after the school drop-off, I set off from Stoke Holy Cross to cover some more kilometres for my walking challenge! 

Under a brilliant blue sky with intricate, lace-like patterns of clouds, I headed in the direction of Saxlingham Nethergate, before turning off towards Hawes Green. The sky felt absolutely vast, and walking along the quiet country lanes made me feel tiny beneath the great expanse of blue and white above.

It wasn’t long before I reached a truly captivating sight: two ancient churches, one active and thriving, sitting right alongside a picturesque ruin…

Located in Shotesham, St Mary’s and St Martin’s stand barely 120 metres apart across a shallow, sunken lane, looking remarkably like two stone ships moored in the same field. Historically, the area was once wealthy enough to support four distinct manorial parishes, hence the numerous places of worship.

Dating back to at least the 11th century, St Mary’s remains intact and active today, featuring an unusual mix of flint and red brickwork with a chancel rebuilt in 1486. Standing right alongside it, St Martin’s was heading towards a grand 16th-century expansion before the English Reformation abruptly halted construction around 1550 and it’s roof was taken down so the materials could be used elsewhere. Local conservation efforts in 2009 finally made it possible for visitors to explore safely.

Both churches contain a rare medieval banner stave locker - a tall, narrow wall recess built specifically to store long processional cross poles, found in fewer than 30 churches across England. This stark contrast between a working parish church and its open-sky neighbour has long fed into local folklore, with whispers of phantom hymn-singing and flickering lights seen through the roofless tower on misty autumn evenings...

Passing through Shotesham, I paused to take in the war memorial and All Saint’s church silhouetted against the dramatically glowing sky. I then took the road towards Brooke, turning off in the direction of Howe. I absolutely love the country lanes around this part of Norfolk - quiet, surrounded by open fields, edged with lush hedgerows and shady trees, and often with clumps of grass or daisies growing right down the middle of the road.

Howe is a quiet, hidden parish carrying remarkably deep roots. Its name derives from the Old Norse word haugr, meaning a hill or burial mound. At its heart sits St Mary’s Church, a Grade II listed Saxon-Norman round tower church built around 1050 - this beautiful building was standing before the Battle of Hastings took place and before the Bayeux Tapestry (actually an embroidery) was stitched! A close look at the exterior flintwork reveals re-used Roman building materials, including fragments of Roman tiles.

Near the parish noticeboard, I spotted a little shelf of decorated pebbles - a sweet throwback to the Covid lockdown days. One in particular caught my eye: it simply said “Keep going.” I took it as a welcome sign of encouragement for my Royal Marsden fundraising!

Heading along the narrow lane to Poringland, I arrived at a picturesque rural ford (or "water splash" as smaller ones like this are known). Complete with a wooden footbridge for walkers, it's a charming landmark popular with countryside hikers and back-road explorers.

Heading into Poringland, I had a brief moment of thinking I was almost at today’s finishing point... until I remembered my car was actually in the next village where I’d started! I headed north to Upper Stoke, the gigantic masts I’d seen from a distance earlier now towering directly above me.

By the time I finally reached Stoke Holy Cross, I’d clocked up 17km exactly! That brings my cumulative distance to an incredible 82km! With only 18km left to go to reach my 100km goal, I’m almost there! Thank you so much to everyone supporting along the way!

Pic of the Non-Walk: City Streets & Culture: A Tracking Pause in London

City Streets & Culture: A Tracking Pause in London

I’ve had a few days off from counting the kilometres as I’ve been down in London with my mum.

We had such a wonderful time taking in the city. We visited the exhibition at Buckingham Palace showcasing the clothing of Queen Elizabeth II, enjoyed an amazing champagne afternoon tea at The Ritz, and spent plenty of time exploring on foot. From admiring the street art around Nelson's Column and the newest Fourth Plinth installation at Trafalgar Square to tracking down the latest Banksy piece at Waterloo Place, there was so much to see.

Although I didn’t have my distance tracker running, we certainly covered a fair distance pounding the pavements! It’s good to step away from the numbers now and then, but I'm ready to get back to the tracked mileage from tomorrow!

Pic of the Walk: Finding Art, Literature, and History in Poringland

Finding Art, Literature, and History in Poringland

Saturday morning and the sun was shining, though the wind was blowing keenly, rustling the leaves in the trees. I set out before 8am to add a few more kilometres on to my month of walking! I kept it local today, striking around Poringland, and wondered about its history…

It turns out Poringland is so much more than just a quiet spot south-east of Norwich - it’s a place that has inspired artists, writers, and centuries of local history. Long before modern homes lined the main road, Poringland was a scattered, hard-working farming settlement. Ancient records call it Porringhelanda, which scholars think means either "land of poor springs" or "land of Pora's people." By the time of the Domesday Book in 1086, it was already split across eight different manors surrounded by heavy clay and gorse. 

The village’s medieval anchor, All Saints’ Church, boasts one of Norfolk’s famous round towers, built from unhewn local flint way back in the late 11th century. Inside, its medieval heritage runs deep, featuring a beautifully preserved 15th-century octagonal font and traces of ancient stained glass that survived centuries of change. A very special place for me as that’s where my daughter was baptised. However it will take a divine intervention to make me accept she’ll be eleven this year…

For generations, village life quietly revolved around mixed farming, sheep grazing, and market gardening, supplying fresh veg to nearby Norwich. The area was heavily shaped by the Norfolk enclosure acts of the 1800s, which transformed the open heathland into the neat fields and hedgerows we walk past today.

In the early 1800s, John Crome, co-founder of the famous Norwich School of Painters, fell in love with the local scenery. Right along Carr Lane beside a small pond, he painted his famous masterpiece, The Poringland Oak, turning our local countryside into a golden, sunlit scene that now hangs in the Tate gallery in London! You can even spot Crome painted at his easel on the carved Poringland village sign today, and Crome’s Oak Close sits near the spot where that setting for the painting is thought to have been.

In the late 20th century, the famous writer and UEA professor W.G. "Max" Sebald made Poringland his home, living at The Old Rectory on Upgate for nearly 25 years. He drew huge inspiration from the Norfolk landscape for his books like The Rings of Saturn. Sadly he passed away in 2001, but he rests just half a mile down the road at St Andrew’s in neighbouring Framingham Earl. 

The village grew rapidly after the war, but history is still everywhere you look. In fact, the lovely nature reserve at Poringland Lakes was originally created from old WWII sand and gravel pits that were excavated to help construct nearby military airfields like RAF Hethel and RAF Seething.

Between ancient flint church walls, golden oak trees, and quiet country lanes, Poringland is just full of hidden stories once you start looking. 

When I got back home, I had clocked up another 9km, bringing my total so far to 65km! Every single step brings that 100km goal a little bit closer! 

Pic of the Walk: Soggy Steps & Blue Plaques: A Rain-Swept Norwich Walk

Soggy Steps & Blue Plaques: A Rain-Swept Norwich Walk

The torrential rain wasn’t about to stop me today! Straight after the morning school drop-off, I pulled on my husband’s heavy-duty raincoat, laced up my trainers, and stepped out for another big walk. Starting in Trowse, I passed the long lines of morning traffic queuing up to get into Norwich and set my sights firmly on the city centre.

My mission today was to hunt down Norwich’s famous blue plaques. If you’ve ever spotted these round markers fixed to building facades, they are essentially permanent historical footprints. They link famous ground-breaking events, and historic buildings directly to the exact spots where they happened, acting as a mini open-air museum right above our heads!

Of course, the weather had other ideas. The heavens opened, and the rain beat down relentlessly the entire time. Despite being swathed in a giant waterproof, by the end of the day I was thoroughly soaked to the skin - but discovering these hidden gems made every single soggy step completely worth it.

Even under a persistent downpour, Norwich manages to look like an absolute dream. There is something so quietly atmospheric about the city when the weather turns - the wet cobblestones glisten like fresh varnish, and the historic brickwork takes on a richer, deeper hue. The spire of Norwich Cathedral looks magnificent rising up through the mist, cutting through the moody grey skies with such effortless grace. The grand tower of City Hall looms with impressive, regal charm against the clouds, while down along the River Wensum, the water turns to pure silk, rippling gently under the raindrops and reflecting the ancient bridges and lush greenery along the banks. Far from dampening the spirit, the rain only amplifies Norwich’s timeless beauty, turning a soggy stroll into a wonderfully scenic adventure!

So, With my eyes peeled, it was time to search for the plaques...

Vernon Castle (1887–1918)

 Location: Prince of Wales Road (on the building of the Nelson Premier Inn)

 The History: Born Vernon William Blyth right here in Norwich, Castle grew up living in the Great Eastern Hotel, which once stood on this exact site. After emigrating to the United States, he met and married Irene Foote, and together they became a global entertainment phenomenon in the decade leading up to World War I. They fundamentally revolutionised modern social dance, introducing refined, elegant routines to ragtime music, popularising the Foxtrot, and opening dance schools and clubs across New York and Paris.

 Did You Know? When war broke out in Europe, Vernon gave up his lucrative dance career to return home and join the Royal Flying Corps. He became a decorated flying ace, completing over 300 combat missions on the Western Front and shooting down two enemy aircraft before tragically dying in a flight training crash in Texas in 1918. He and Irene were so influential that their life story was later turned into a famous 1939 Hollywood film starring Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers!

The Beatles

 Location: Prince of Wales Road

 The History: This plaque commemorates the iconic night of May 17, 1963, when Beatlemania officially arrived in Norwich! The Fab Four performed a legendary set at the Grosvenor Rooms, a premier local dance hall venue that hosted many of the biggest British bands during the 1960s pop boom.

 Did You Know? Immediately after their set, the band didn't vanish into a private backstage VIP area. Instead, John, Paul, George, and Ringo casually walked down to Rose Lane and joined the late-night queue at Valori’s chip shop for a bag of chips alongside their local fans. Imagine bumping into them while waiting for your salt and vinegar! To top it off, tickets for that historic Norwich performance cost just 6 shillings and 6 pence (around 32p)!

London Street Pedestrianisation

 Location: London Street

 The History: On July 17, 1967, Norwich made national urban planning history when London Street was officially closed to motor vehicles and dedicated entirely to shoppers. Led by forward-thinking city planner Alfred Wood, Norwich became the very first city in the entire United Kingdom to permanently pedestrianise a major commercial shopping street.

 Did You Know? At the time, the radical proposal faced fierce resistance from local shopkeepers who worried that banning cars would ruin footfall and kill trade. Instead, sales soared overnight, turning London Street into an international blueprint for town planning and sparking a pedestrianisation revolution across Britain. As part of the grand scheme to make the street feel like an outdoor lounge, the council even installed modern potted trees and street furniture that were considered wildly futuristic for 1960s Britain!

Aeronautical Firsts (Boulton & Paul Ltd)

 Location: London Street (mounted near the entrance of The Ivy)

 The History: While Boulton & Paul originally started in 1797 as a modest ironmongery firm, its engineering division grew into a world-leading industrial force. Operating nearby along the banks of the River Wensum, the company expanded rapidly into aviation manufacturing during the early 20th century, becoming a major supplier of military aircraft during World War I and World War II.

 Did You Know? They were true pioneers of aviation materials, developing the world's first all-metal framed aeroplane, which made groundbreaking early use of plastic components when exhibited at the Paris Air Show in 1919. They went on to construct the giant metal airframe for the famous R101 airship in 1925, as well as thousands of wartime fighter aircraft, including the iconic Boulton Paul Defiant nightfighter. In addition to planes, Boulton & Paul was also famous for manufacturing prefab wooden buildings, even supplying pre-made huts used by European royalty and Antarctic expeditions!

Pablo Fanque (1810–1871)

 Location: All Saint’s Green (mounted on the wall of John Lewis)

 The History: Born William Darby right here in Norwich, Pablo Fanque rose from humble beginnings as an orphaned apprentice to become a master equestrian, acrobat, and the first Black British circus proprietor. Throughout the Victorian era, his touring circus was acclaimed as one of the most professional, popular, and spectacular entertainment shows in the entire country.

 Did You Know? Fanque was immortalised over a century later by John Lennon! In 1967, Lennon bought an 1843 Victorian circus poster in an antiques shop that advertised "Pablo Fanque's Fair" in Rochdale. That poster directly inspired the lyrics for The Beatles’ song Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!, featuring the famous line: “The Hendersons will all be there, late of Pablo Fanque’s fair, what a scene!” Fanque was also renowned for his generous benefit performances, frequently donating entire evenings of circus proceeds to support local charities and needy families in the towns he visited.

The Orford Cellar

 Location: Red Lion Street / bottom of Orford Hill

 The History: Hidden in a dark basement venue beneath the city streets, The Orford Cellar was the absolute beating heart of Norwich’s music scene during the swinging sixties. Managed by local impresario Howard Platt, the intimate, sweaty club became an essential tour stop for emerging rhythm and blues, rock, and jazz musicians.

 Did You Know? Long before they were filling arenas, legends including Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Rod Stewart, and Ginger Baker played intimate gigs in this tiny venue. It was the testing ground where rock royalty honed their fresh line-ups alongside adored local Norwich bands like Lucas & The Emperors! Because the basement room was so tiny and tightly packed, the humidity inside would routinely cause condensation to drip straight off the low ceiling onto the performers and their electric instruments!

Birthplace of the Modern Postcode

 Location: Gentleman’s Walk (on the wall of Lloyds Bank)

 The History: In October 1959, Norwich was chosen by the Royal Mail as the nation's official test site for a revolutionary automated mail-sorting system using alphanumeric codes. To help launch the trial in, every single household in Norwich received a personal letter from the Postmaster General explaining how to write their new eight-character code on outgoing mail! The successful eight-year trial using the pioneer code "NOR 01A" (the Norwich area now uses the shortened NR prefix)  paved the way for the national postcode format used across the UK today.

 Did You Know? This exact site has a postal heritage dating back over 350 years! The plaque also marks where the historic Kings Head Inn once stood - the site from which Norwich's very first Post Master, John Sotherton, operated the city’s inaugural General Post Office from 1649 to 1666.

Norwich Hippodrome

 Location: St Giles Street (near the multi-storey car park)

 The History: Opening its doors in 1903 as the Grand Opera House, the Norwich Hippodrome was a magnificent theatre capable of seating over 1,000 patrons. For six decades, it served as Norwich's premier venue for variety theatre, opera, pantomimes, circus acts, and early cinema before its eventual demolition in 1966.

 Did You Know? Its stage saw performances from world-famous comedy duo Laurel & Hardy. It was also where a young British acrobat named Archie Leach performed with the Bob Pender Stage Troupe - years before he moved to Hollywood and adopted the stage name Cary Grant! Interestingly, despite the venue taking on the name "Hippodrome" in 1910 (a term traditionally associated with venues featuring water arenas or circus rings), the Norwich Hippodrome was built strictly as a standard theatrical stage and never had the facilities to be flooded like its Blackpool counterpart.

Wrights Court

 Location: Elm Hill

 The History: Tucked off the cobblestones of historic Elm Hill, Wrights Court is a rare and poignant survival of ordinary working-class living conditions. From medieval times right through to the early 20th century, Norwich was filled with hundreds of enclosed, high-density "yards" and "courts" hidden behind main commercial streets.

 Did You Know? Wrights Court is the only remaining residential court off Elm Hill and one of just a handful left in the whole city. Multiple families were routinely crammed into single properties here, sharing one outdoor cold-water pump and a single shared toilet in the yard, before mid-20th-century slum clearances demolished almost all of these historical courtyards. Despite the cramped conditions, these courtyards had fiercely tight-knit communities where neighbours shared childcare, cooking equipment, and laundry duties in the communal central yard.

Reverend Johannes Elison (1581–1639)

 Location: St Andrew's Plain (on a wall near Blackfriars' Hall)

 The History: Johannes Elison served for decades as the senior minister of the Dutch Strangers - a community of Protestant craftspeople and weavers who fled religious persecution in the Low Countries to settle in Norwich during the 16th century. The congregation held their services inside Blackfriars' Hall for over 300 years, which led to the building being known locally as the "Dutch Church."

 Did You Know? During a visit to Amsterdam in 1634, Elison and his wife Mary had full-length life-sized portraits painted by Rembrandt van Rijn! These masterpieces are of major global significance, as they are the only known portraits Rembrandt ever painted of British residents. After remaining in the Elison family for over two centuries, those twin Rembrandt portraits were sold at auction in 1860 and now hang proudly in the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Pellegrino Mazzotti (c. 1785–c. 1870)

 Location: Charing Cross (adjoining Strangers’ Hall)

 The History: Emigrating to Norfolk from Lucca, Italy, Mazzotti was an exceptionally talented master sculptor and statuary worker who opened his Norwich studio on this spot in 1819. He quickly became a key figure in the region's cultural life, regularly exhibiting his intricate plaster sculptures with the prestigious Norwich Society of Artists.

 Did You Know? Mazzotti's workshop specialised in detailed busts and classical figures. He created likenesses of major national and local historical figures, including William Shakespeare, Lord Nelson, Methodist founder John Wesley, and Norwich School of Painters co-founder John Crome. Beyond high-art portrait busts, Mazzotti ran a thriving everyday trade creating decorative architectural plasterwork, shopfront mouldings, and intricate ceiling roses for grand homes across Norfolk.

John Asger (c. 1365–1436)

 Location: Charing Cross (near St Lawrence’s Church)

 The History: John Asger was a prosperous merchant who originally moved to Norfolk from Bruges, Belgium, becoming a prominent civic leader and eventually being elected Mayor of Norwich in 1426.

 Did You Know? Asger gifted one of his properties near St Lawrence's Church to a community of poor, religious women known as "beguines." Beguines were religious women who lived in communal houses dedicated to prayer, textile work, and charitable care without taking formal monastic vows. The house Asger established was one of only three beguinages ever recorded in the whole of England. Asger made his immense fortune trading luxury Flemish textiles and Norfolk wool, helping to cement Norwich's medieval status as the second most prosperous city in England after London.

Leaving the city pavement behind, I turned back toward Trowse for a peaceful wander around the village as the weather finally began to ease.

Trowse is steeped in fascinating industrial heritage. During the 19th century, the village was dramatically reshaped by the Colman family (of Colman’s Mustard fame). They transformed Trowse into a model worker village, constructing gothic-style brick cottages, a school, and reading rooms to ensure their factory workforce enjoyed healthy living conditions. Walking past its historic brickwork and lush green edges near the Whitlingham Country Park trails, you can really feel that rich legacy all around you.

By the time I finally finished my walk and peeled off my dripping layers, my watch clocked in another 18.54km! That brings my grand total for this challenge to a whopping 56km! Having officially smashed my original 50km goal, I’ve raised the bar to 100km - which means I am officially over halfway to the finish line! Every single kilometre, rain or shine, is bringing us closer to our goal for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. Thank you so much to everyone who is supporting and donating - we are doing this, whatever the weather!

Pic of the Walk - Solstices, Secrets, and 17km

Solstices, Secrets, and 17km

Pic of the Walk - Walking With a Purpose

Walking With a Purpose

I was out of the door and into the pitch-black silence of Saturday morning by 4:50 am. Walking through the quiet village, my mind kept drifting back to memories of a lovely lady I knew who sadly lost her battle with cancer this week. Although every step felt a little heavier this morning, I had a profound sense of purpose in my strides - a quiet, urgent reminder of why I’m taking on this challenge... I’m walking for The Royal Marsden.

Founded in 1851 as the world’s very first hospital dedicated entirely to cancer, The Royal Marsden is so much more than a medical facility - it is a beacon of hope, where world-class science meets the deepest, most compassionate care.

What makes The Royal Marsden so extraordinarily special is the way they bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real human lives. Working hand-in-hand with The Institute of Cancer Research, their teams turn laboratory discoveries into lifesaving clinical trials with incredible speed. From pioneering precise targeted therapies to introducing cutting-edge robotic surgery that protects healthy tissue, they aren't just treating cancer - they are actively rewriting what a diagnosis means for patients across the globe.

But beyond the state-of-the-art technology and revolutionary medicine, it’s their heart that truly sets them apart. They understand that a cancer diagnosis touches every single part of a person’s world, as well as those of the families holding their hands through it. From psychological support and dedicated young person’s units to dignified, compassionate palliative care, they surround every patient with warmth, dignity, and unwavering support when they need it most. Through the incredible work of The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, they continue to transform harrowing journeys into moments filled with comfort, hope, and humanity.

As I turned for home, the sky erupted into a glorious sunrise. The colours felt softer, richer, and somehow even more beautiful than on my previous walks - a gentle moment of light after a subdued start to the morning. 

By the time I reached my front door, I had logged another 8km, bringing my challenge total to a neat 20km so far. Every step counts, every kilometre matters, and knowing where every penny of this sponsorship money is going makes each mile worth it.

Pic of the Walk - Power Walking and Podcasts!

Power Walking and Podcasts!

Trainers on and out of the house by 5:04 am - a little later this morning, as Hugo the cat from next door popped over to say a quick hello before I set off. I pounded the pavement up the main road as Poringland turned into Framingham Earl, which then merged into Upper Stoke, before finally opening out into the quiet Norfolk countryside.

I do a lot of walking, and podcasts are easily my favourite thing to have playing through my earbuds as I take on the kilometres. Whether I need a laugh, a bit of eerie drama, or a slice of history to pass the miles, my audio queue is always busy.

If you're looking for a few ideas to keep you company on the pavement, here are my current go-to shows:

Off Menu

Ed Gamble and James Acaster ask guests to choose their dream menu, which sounds simple enough, but James’s totally unpredictable energy makes it absolute fantastic. It’s light, hugely entertaining, and brilliant for taking your mind off the miles - though fair warning, it will leave you starving by the time you get home! (Mind the occasional naughty language when the banter gets going.)

Katherine Ryan’s Telling Everybody Everything

Listening to Katherine feels like walking alongside a fiercely funny friend who has zero filter. She rambles through everything from celebrity gossip and relationship dilemmas to everyday family chaos, all delivered with her trademark sharp wit. It’s brilliant, candid company on any route. (Definitely expect a fair bit of explicit language here!)

Uncanny

If you like your walks with a subtle chill down your spine, Danny Robins’ show about real-life ghost stories and unexplained encounters is top tier. Hearing ordinary people describe terrifying things while you're out on a quiet path on your own is certainly one way to guarantee you keep your pace up!

Joe Marler Will See You Now

Imagine former rugby star Joe Marler setting up a completely fake therapy office and pretending to be a psychologist - that’s the setup here. He invites celebrity guests in and puts them through bizarre, made-up psychological tests and weird mind games instead of doing a standard interview. It’s hilariously awkward, total anarchy, but surprisingly, people end up opening up and having really genuine, heartfelt chats with him. It’s brilliant, unpredictable fun. (Expect a bit of strong language!)

Stuff You Should Know

Josh and Chuck have been chatting about how the world works for years, covering everything from how quicksand actually functions to the history of the ballpoint pen. It’s calm, easygoing, and delightfully low-key. Perfect for when you just want a gentle rhythm and fancy learning something random while out and about.

Wolf and Owl

Romesh Ranganathan and Tom Davis basically just ramble at each other for an hour, and it is pure joy. They answer listener emails, reminisce about the 90s, and relentlessly poke fun at one another. It feels like eavesdropping on two old friends having a proper catch-up over a pint. (Fair warning: expect plenty of swearing throughout!)

You’re Dead to Me

Hosted by Greg Jenner (who worked on Horrible Histories), this pairs a comedian with an expert historian to dissect a moment or person from the past. It’s witty, completely unpretentious, and wonderfully researched. You end up ticking off the kilometres while accidentally learning something new.

Like Minded Friends

Comedians Tom Allen and Suzi Ruffell chatting about their lives, career mishaps, and daily struggles is just lovely company. Their giggly, effortless chemistry makes the time pass so quickly, and listening to them feels like going for a stroll with your favourite pals. (Expect strong language every now and then!)

The Ancients

For times when you want to get lost in a proper story, this one dives into the mysteries of the ancient world. They cover everything from Roman battles to forgotten civilizations, and the experts make the past feel so vibrant that a loop around the local roads feels a bit like an expedition.

Dish

Nick Grimshaw and chef Angela Hartnett invite guests round for dinner, where Angela cooks while Grimmy keeps the conversation flowing. It’s cosy, wonderfully gossipy, and full of great food chat. It feels like sitting in the corner of a lively kitchen while a dinner party is in full swing. (Contains occasional swearing.)

Ridiculous History

History is packed with bizarre, absurd moments, and hosts Ben and Noel seem to track down the absolute weirdest ones. From historical blunders to eccentric historical figures, it highlights the lighter, stranger side of human history with a fun, easygoing vibe that keeps every walk lively.

As I neared home, the sky erupted in beautiful sunrise colours - the pinks, oranges, and yellows popping against the serene backdrop of blue.

Earbuds out, 5.76km officially in the bank, and my morning queue completed! Now, time to hit pause on “Off Menu” and get ready for work!

Pics in gallery!

Pic of the walk - From Unpacking to Pavement: Kickstarting September for The Royal Marsden

From Unpacking to Pavement: Kickstarting September for The Royal Marsden

September has officially landed! Despite stepping foot back inside my front door only yesterday afternoon after my holiday and with two loads of laundry done and a third currently spinning around in the washing machine - I somehow pulled on my trainers and was out the house by 4:40 am.

The streetlights weren’t even awake yet. Everything was just pure, unbroken black.

By the time I reached the well-lit main road, Poringland was still sound asleep. The quiet instantly transported me straight back to my early morning walks of last September: the bliss of a usually chaotic main road totally devoid of traffic, and the stark white streetlight beaming through the trees.

I headed up towards Framingham Earl, the neighboring village, and turned my eyes upwards. The sky was just beginning its morning shift, fading from midnight black to a rich, deep navy, with softer shades of blue pooling toward the horizon. Tucked low in the sky was Mars, showing off its pinkish-red shimmer, while Jupiter sat higher up, practically glowing white against a completely starless backdrop.

Continuing on toward Upper Stoke, I caught sight of the local landmarks: the two tall masts, illuminated by their red warning lights. The thinner one is a piece of living history - a WWII radar mast from the late 1930s - standing right next to its younger, 1970s counterpart.

From there, I wove through the quieter residential streets where the streetlights had finally flicked on, passing the occasional early-bird dog walker. Above us, the sky was putting on a subtle show, softening into muted oranges and pale yellows to announce the sun’s imminent arrival.

Deciding to call it a morning, I turned for home, where I was greeted at the driveway by Hugo, the neighbor’s cat. He strutted over as if he’d been stationed there specifically to cheer me across the finish line.

All in all: a 75-minute pre-dawn stroll, crisp air, a bit of stargazing, and my very first 6km logged toward my 50km challenge. Not a bad way to welcome September and kick off this month in support of The Royal Marsden!

Resting the Feet in Crete, Ahead of the Month of Mileage!

We did it!

I am officially floating on cloud nine right now! Over the past few days, we crossed the finish line and hit my £150 fundraising goal! I am honestly so blown away by everyone's kindness and generosity - thank you, thank you, THANK YOU to every single wonderful human (and cat!) who has sponsored me so far. It truly means the absolute world to me.

But guess what? Hitting the target doesn't mean it's time to put my feet up!

Every single penny raised goes straight to the incredible team at The Royal Marsden, doing work that genuinely changes lives. So, we keep going! The more we raise, the bigger the impact we can make!

I can’t wait to get stuck into those kilometres this September. Let's do this! 

New Shoes, No Blisters: Breaking in My Nikes for the 50k

My old trainers finally hit their limit last week… After three years and 960 kilometres of walking and running, they’d completely lost their bounce and earned a well-deserved retirement.

To replace them, I headed over to the Nike outlet in Norwich to pick up a new pair ahead of September’s Royal Marsden 50k Challenge. Naturally, they needed a proper test run - a lap around the house wasn't going to cut it.

I laced them up for an 18.6km loop through the South Norfolk countryside. The weather was classic British summer: cloudy and breezy, but ridiculously humid. It turned out to be the perfect test environment to see how they'd handle the distance.

The good news? They held up brilliantly. They stayed comfortable the entire way, gave plenty of support, and, most importantly, left me with zero blisters.

Finding footwear for long distances without having to suffer through a painful break-in period is always a bit of a gamble, so this feels like a genuine win. These Nikes are officially locked in for September!

Whooaaa! We’re halfway there…

I had to double-check the numbers today because I honestly can’t quite believe it - thanks to the incredible generosity of my amazing supporters, I’ve officially reached 50% of my fundraising target for The Royal Marsden!

And to make it even sweeter? It’s still only July!

Reaching this midpoint milestone so early has given me the biggest boost. Knowing you are in my corner makes all the training and preparation feel so worth it.

With half the target already locked in, I am more excited than ever to get stuck into the 50km challenge this coming September. Every step of those 50 kilometers is going to be dedicated to this brilliant cause, and having your backing makes me want to make these walks truly unforgettable.

A massive thank you to each person (and also to one beautiful cat) who has already donated: thank you from the bottom of my heart. It really does mean the world to me, and your support is pure motivation as I keep clocking up the training miles.

I’ll be sharing plenty of progress updates and route sneak peeks as we get closer to the big event in September, so stay tuned!

My T-Shirt Has Arrived!

My T-shirt arrived today, which means it’s official! This September, I’ll be walking at least 50km to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.

I’m already diving into the planning stage and mapping out some fantastic local routes - including an extended hike through the gorgeous Blickling Estate and a historic trek following Norwich’s blue plaques.

It’s going to be a rewarding challenge for a truly wonderful cause. I’ll be sharing updates, route details, and progress along the way - stay tuned, and thank you so much for the support!

The 50km Challenge 2026 is on the horizon…

What started as a simple 50km challenge last September quickly ran away with me (and my legs!) during the 2025 challenge! It turned into a full-blown Norfolk-meets-London adventure, spanning 13 walks, 127km, and a hunt for hidden stories in lanes, ruins, and riversides.

I began that challenge with a golden-hour stroll in rain-washed air, but soon found myself time-travelling on foot. My routes took me past Roman ruins and Saxon burial grounds, round-towered churches and lost chapels, through tangled woods and along the fading trail of Norwich’s medieval city walls. I discovered flint towers nestling beside busy roads, wounded WWII radar masts, rumours of UFO sightings, and ruined churches said to shelter moonlit angels. Village signs whispered centuries of history, and one memorable 4:30am start under a star-scattered sky made me wonder how many sunrises others have watched over millennia.

London added its own layers to the journey - from the old pleasure gardens of Battersea to the iconic chimneys of the power station, and a zoo where pigs now roam underneath flocks of wild parakeets. Each walk peeled back more than just miles; they revealed the hidden past in places I thought I knew. I may have signed up for the challenge, but I stayed for the stories.

The best part of last year's journey? Thanks to your incredible support, I raised £227 for the Royal Marsden!

Building on that adventure, I am so excited to do it all over again. I’m looking forward to clocking up the kilometres this September, blogging about my walking adventures, and exploring even more of the fascinating history around the Norwich area!