California in Norfolk is a small area where countryside meets coast about five miles north of Great Yarmouth. It owes its name to the discovery of some 16th Century gold coins on the beach by locals in 1848, at a time when the California gold rush in America had caught the attention of the world. I've been holidaying there since 1982 and it's one of my favourite places to camp.
The village, if you can call it that, consists of a handful of old fishermen's cottages on the clifftop, about three dozen chalet bungalows, a pub/restaurant, a small shop and a take-away. What would have been agricultural land many years ago has been turned into three large holiday sites with static caravans, chalets, amusements, shops and swimming pools, though in spite of these the area is still quiet. The camping field where I stay is right on the clifftop and is surrounded by fields and heathland, with a great beach just down below the cliff. Just up the road from the holiday sites is the larger area of Scratby which has gift shops, bistros, a small baker's shop, a general store and garden centre.
California is well-placed for access to other parts of Norfolk, especially the Broads, and the popular boating centre of Potter Heigham is only seven miles away. Local attractions within a short drive are too numerous to mention, but I'm sure that anyone who chooses to take a holiday at California won't be disappointed as there's lots to see and do nearby - after all, if I've been going there for over thirty years it must be okay!
** I'm away for a much-needed break now so any comments and replies to this and the next three posts will be published when I get back - have a lovely Easter everyone!
