The Old Bakehouse
A historic and artistic home in Little Walsingham, offering peaceful stays for pilgrims, families, and travellers exploring North Norfolk.
Walpole
A Place Shaped by Pilgrimage, Story and Quiet Wonder
“Impossible not to like it — we were enthralled.”
Something remarkable happened in this corner of North Norfolk a thousand years ago, and its resonance is still felt today. Little Walsingham draws pilgrims from many Christian traditions — and from none — all seeking the promised help in time of need. Stories of answered prayers continue, and this small village of 600 people was recently voted by BBC R4 listeners, their favorite place of religious pilgrimage in the UK. Writers, journalists and artists have long found inspiration here, and the village remains a place where reflection comes easily.
The Old Bakehouse is our Catholic family home, and we welcome guests warmly whatever brings you to this beautiful part of North Norfolk. Whether you’re visiting the Shrines, bird‑watching on the coast, heading to Thursford, cycling the quiet lanes, walking with your dog, taking a weekend break, or simply looking for peace, reflection or creative space, you’ll find a gentle, lived‑in hospitality here.
A House with Seven Centuries of Stories
There has been a dwelling on this site for at least 700 years, ever since Richeldis de Faverches, the Lady of the Manor, was granted her visions of the Holy House of Nazareth in 1061, shortly before the Norman Conquest. The Georgian façade dates from the mid‑18th century, but parts of the house are far older.
Erasmus, the great humanist scholar, visited Walsingham twice in the early 1500s and stayed at The Falcon Inn, which at that time included both The Old Bakehouse and our neighbours at Falcon House. In the 19th century, Elizabeth Fry — connected to the Gurney family of Walsingham Abbey — also stayed here. The house has quietly held centuries of stories, and we’re glad to share it with you.
A Quiet Draw for Thinkers and Creatives.
In recent years, The Old Bakehouse has quietly become a stopping‑place for writers, poets, philosophers and storytellers who have “wended their way to Walsingham” — among them Paul Kingsnorth, Martin Shaw, Rod Dreher and James Orr. Many come seeking stillness, inspiration, or simply a roof with a bit of history in it. Something about this village — and this house — seems to invite reflection, and we’re always glad when guests find the space they need here.
🌿 A Warm Catholic Family Home
The Old Bakehouse is our Catholic family home, and we welcome guests with warmth and simplicity, whatever brings you to this beautiful part of North Norfolk. We host:
Pilgrims visiting the Catholic and Anglican Shrines
Families exploring the coast and countryside
Dog‑walkers enjoying the quiet lanes and footpaths
Bird‑watchers and nature lovers
Cyclists and weekend breakers
🛏 Our Rooms
Warm, characterful spaces shaped by centuries of history
Each of our rooms has its own story, its own quirks, and the gentle atmosphere that guests often comment on. All are suitable for pilgrims, families, dog‑friendly stays, and travellers exploring North Norfolk.
🌟 Nelson
Sleeps up to three adults and one child
A spacious 16th‑century room with a super‑king bed and the option to add an extra single bed and a fold‑up bed. Nelson is one of our larger rooms and ideal for families or small groups. It’s also the closest room to the ground floor.
First‑floor room dating from the 1500s
Super‑king double, with optional extra beds
Private en‑suite down two steps (with handrail), with a small bath and shower‑hose
Private lockable corridor — perfect for dog crates
12 stairs with handrail to access the room
A generous, peaceful space with centuries of character.
Cavell
🌿 Walpole
Sleeps up to three adults and one child
A welcoming 18th‑century first‑floor room, similar in size to Cavell and ideal for families, friends, or pilgrims travelling together.
Can be arranged as a super‑king double or twin
Space for an extra single bed and a fold-up bed
Private en‑suite shower
Adjacent to Cavell — ideal for groups
Access via 12 stairs, then 6 more, all with handrails
🌿 Cavell
Sleeps up to three adults and one child
Cavell mirrors Walpole in size and layout — a flexible, comfortable room with a calm, homely feel.
Can be arranged as a super‑king double or twin
Space for an extra single bed and a fold-up bed
Private en‑suite shower
Adjacent to Walpole — perfect for families or groups
Access via 12 stairs, then 6 more, all with handrails
🌼 Twin Room Options
Flexible spaces for families and small groups
Both Walpole and Cavell can be set up as twin rooms or triples, making them ideal for friends, siblings, or groups who prefer separate beds.
Optional extra fold‑up bed in each
Private en‑suite showers
Quiet landing shared between the two rooms, with fridges for milk and perishables.
🌾 St Joseph’s & The Cabin — Quiet, Secluded Rooms Across the Courtyard
Together sleep up to five adults and one child
Tucked away at the back of the house and reached across a small internal courtyard, St Joseph’s and The Cabin offer a peaceful, slightly more private corner of The Old Bakehouse. These two first‑floor rooms share a Jack‑and‑Jill bathroom with a shower.
🛏 St Joseph’s
A characterful room with a very high, super‑king four‑poster bed — a favourite with guests who enjoy something a little dramatic.
Space for an extra fold-up bed and a floor Z‑bed
Can be rented on its own
Ideal for couples, small families, or pilgrims wanting a quiet space
🛏 The Cabin
A cosy room with a standard double bed, perfect for an additional couple, older children, or friends travelling together with a couple staying in St Joseph’s.
Cannot be rented alone — only available with St Joseph’s
Works beautifully as part of a family or group booking
🚿 Shared Jack‑and‑Jill Bathroom
Both rooms share a simple, practical bathroom with a shower, accessed directly from each bedroom.
🌹 St Rose
A spacious en‑suite attic room at the very top of the house, full of light, character and calm. St Rose offers excellent headroom and a king‑sized double bed, with room for up to two extra adults or three children on Z‑beds if needed — accommodating up to five guests in total.
This is a beautiful, peaceful space with a gentle view up towards the hill above the Stiffkey Valley. In winter, when the trees stand bare, you can even glimpse the Lonely Arch through the branches.
Please note: access is via a steep staircase, so this room is only suitable for guests without mobility issues.
🥐 Breakfast
“The best breakfast I’ve ever had.” — Iona, aged 7
Breakfast at The Old Bakehouse is relaxed, generous and entirely on your own time. We offer a self‑service continental breakfast in the drawing room, so you can start your day whenever suits you — early for Shrine prayers, or slowly after a morning walk.
🌿 What’s Included
A typical breakfast includes:
Granola with homemade berry compote
Fresh bread and a choice of croissants
Jams and preserves
Cereal and fruit
Fruit juice, tea and coffee
🍽 Flexibility & Simple Meals
Guests are welcome to use the small kitchenette next to the sitting room to prepare simple meals and store food — especially helpful for families, pilgrims on retreat, or anyone staying a little longer.
We’re very happy to offer gluten‑free and dairy‑free options for bread, cereal and milk. Just let us know when booking.
Breakfast is entirely flexible and can be taken at any time. All rooms have kettles and a small fridge for your morning milk or late‑night tea.
🪑 Eating Spaces
The dining table in the sitting room is communal and open to all guests, but you’re equally welcome to eat in your room if you prefer privacy or a quieter start to the day.
🍳 Cooked Breakfast Options
If you’d prefer a cooked breakfast, we can arrange this with a little notice at the Pilgrim Bureau during the season. It’s a friendly, relaxed option just a short walk away.
Alternatively, we’re very happy to book you a table at the Black Lion, only 100 yards from the house. They serve breakfast from 8:30am–11am, and Old Bakehouse guests receive a breakfast discount, which many visitors enjoy.
Cycling…
🚴♂️ Cycling
A welcoming stop for Rebellion Way riders
Rebellion Way cyclists are very welcome at The Old Bakehouse. Access for all bikes, tandems and trailers is through the front door, and we’re used to hosting riders who need a safe, comfortable overnight stop.
🔐 Secure Storage
Indoor, overnight storage for bikes and tandems
Locked outdoor yard for dog trailers or larger kit
Please let us know in advance if you’re bringing bikes so we can make space
🧺 Laundry & Drying
We’re happy to wash lycra for you and leave it to air‑dry or tumble‑dry overnight. Heated racks are also available for damp gear after a long day on the route.
🔌 Charging
Bike batteries can be plugged in directly from your bike, ready for the next morning’s ride.
🍽 Eating Out Locally
Good food and friendly places within a short walk
🍺 The Black Lion
The Black Lion, just 100 yards from the house, is the best nearby option for a good dinner.
🍕 Vined‑Me Pop‑Ups
Just a five‑minute walk from The Bakehouse, Vined‑Me often hosts Friday and Saturday night pop‑up food events. Recent offerings have included pizzas, steak, seafood, and Brazilian‑themed evenings. They also serve an excellent selection of wines, beers and spirits, many of them Portuguese.
☕ Epiphany Café
Only three doors away, Epiphany Café is a lively village hub — perfect for watching Walsingham life drift by through their sunny windows while enjoying a slice of cake.
🍽 Elmham House Pilgrim Bureau
For evening canteen style meals, we can arrange for you to eat at the Elmham House Pilgrim Bureau.
Two‑course meals served at 6:30pm
🥪 Nortons at the Anglican Shrine
Just 300 yards away, Nortons offers daytime snacks and basic evening meals — a convenient option for pilgrims and families.
🍰 Read and Digest Café
Nearby, Read and Digest serves an excellent range of teas and cakes, ideal for an afternoon pause.
🍻 The Bull
The Bull is the village’s traditional pub — good for a pint and also the best place locally for late‑night chocolate bars and ice cream. Great curries nowadays and under new management.
🍴 A Little Further Afield
Great places to eat within a short drive
If you’re exploring North Norfolk or fancy heading a little further out, we also recommend the following — all just a few miles away:
The Three Horseshoes, Wighton — classic Norfolk pub cooking with a cosy atmosphere.
The Carpenters Arms, Warham — good food and a friendly village feel.
The Globe, Wells‑next‑the‑Sea — popular spot for relaxed meals near the harbour.
Sculthorpe Mill — a beautifully restored watermill serving excellent seasonal food in a stunning riverside setting.
🐟 Fish & Chips in Wells
For a proper seaside supper, French’s and Plattens in Wells‑next‑the‑Sea are local institutions. There’s often a queue — a good sign — and Wells is only a 10‑minute drive from The Old Bakehouse.
🍱 Takeaways in Fakenham
Fakenham, also 10 minutes away, has numerous late‑opening takeaways if you’re arriving late or want something quick and easy.
🍷 Socius, Burnham Market
About 15 minutes’ drive away, Socius in Burnham Market won English Restaurant of the Year in 2023 — and with good reason. It’s a standout dining experience and well worth the short trip.
Nelson - double bedroom from the mid-16th century
🏡 House Notes
A few things to help you enjoy your stay
🐾 Do…
Bring the dog — we love welcoming four‑legged guests, but please let us know in advance. There is a small £5 per night charge per dog.
📺 Please Don’t…
Watch live TV. We’re not licensed for it and don’t permit live TV access in the house — but you’re very welcome to use the Wi‑Fi to keep up with the world, stream, or unwind with your own devices.
🚬 Smokin’ n’ Vapin’…
We have a yard. ’Nuff said.
🌿 A Family Home in a Peaceful Village
The Old Bakehouse is our family home, and we live on the premises. We aim to welcome guests with warmth and simplicity, and many of our reviews speak to that.
Our rooms are quiet, the beds comfortable, and Walsingham itself is a peaceful medieval village in the “Golden Triangle” of North Norfolk. Nearby you’ll find sandy beaches, big skies, abundant countryside, and wildlife of international importance in this AONB and conservation zone.
🎭 Thursford Spectacular & Wedding Guests
If you’re attending a wedding or the Thursford Spectacular, you’re very welcome to arrive early. We’ll do our best to help if you need to shower, change, or have a cup of tea before heading out.
Your allocated room will be ready by 3pm, but if you arrive earlier you may be asked to use a different room temporarily. You’ll be able to return and let yourself in at any time.
Transport can be arranged if taxis are scarce. Tiny’s Taxis: 01328 888 888 — do book ahead. If they’re unavailable, we may have alternatives.
🕒 Check‑In & Check‑Out
Check‑In
Our preferred check‑in time is after 3pm. Please let us know a one‑hour window for your arrival and update us if you’re delayed. Couriers can leave luggage before you arrive, and we can almost always arrange an earlier check‑in on request.
Check‑Out
Check‑out is by 10:30am. You’re welcome to leave your bags downstairs, linger over breakfast, or collect them later in the day. Before heading home, feel free to make a cup of tea or coffee back at the house.
🏰 About The Old Bakehouse
“We felt very privileged to simply see the place, let alone stay there…”
The Old Bakehouse is a house with deep roots. Parts of it date back to the Tudor period, with the basement possibly originating in the 1480s, when the street itself was first laid out.
Guest accommodation spans the Tudor, Georgian, and Victorian wings of the building — the 1500s, 1740s, and mid‑19th century — each with its own character. Guests are welcome to enjoy the lofty drawing room, complete with its stunning inglenook fireplace, a favourite place to read, rest, or simply breathe in the history of the house.
By arrangement, guests may also use the private chapel in the basement — a quiet, contemplative space that many find deeply moving.
Our furnishings are largely antique, and many of the paintings are homegrown, created by Charlotte Harmer.
🚗 Parking
We have solutions — including some you won’t find online.
Although The Old Bakehouse has no dedicated parking, there are several convenient options very close by:
🅿️ Mill Car Park
Just 200 yards away
£7.00 for 24 hours
🅿️ Free Parking (when available)
Friday Market
Church Street
