Deer and wildlife
Deer stalking, wildlife observation, photography, fieldcraft and time spent understanding the landscape, its wildlife and its management.
Begin the conversationPrivate Countryside
Time in the countryside,
personally arranged.
Privately arranged countryside experiences in Norfolk and Suffolk, England.
Explore Norfolk and Suffolk through local knowledge, personal introductions and time in the countryside.
Start a conversationOnly a small number of bespoke experiences are arranged each season.
A personal approach
Every visit begins
with a conversation.
From a morning in the countryside to several days in Norfolk and Suffolk, I arrange each visit around your interests, with trusted local hosts, places to stay and the practical details brought together.
Visits can range from a privately arranged half day to several days combining different experiences and accommodation.
That might mean meeting the people who care for a working estate, watching wildlife on the Halvergate marshes, fishing on the Yare, sailing on a traditional Norfolk river cruiser yacht, or enjoying local food. Sporting interests can form part of a visit, alongside comfortable accommodation and access to a quieter side of Norfolk and Suffolk.
Tell me what you have in mind, and I will explore what is possible.
Visiting from overseas? Plan your stayPossibilities, not packages
Experiences shaped
around you
An experience may be built around a single interest or may combine several elements over a longer stay.
Water and landscape
Fishing, sailing on the Norfolk Broads, guided and self guided walks and opportunities to experience the countryside from a different perspective.
Begin the conversationEstates and countryside
Time on working estates, farm and woodland visits, and introductions to countryside specialists offer a closer understanding of the land.
Begin the conversationClay and simulated game shooting
Clay shooting and simulated game days for those trying something new or returning to a familiar pursuit. Simulated game shooting uses clay targets presented to reflect the variety of a game day. Simon can discuss suitable hosts, locations and equipment arrangements, subject to availability.
Discuss a shooting visitBespoke visits
Celebrations, private groups and individually planned visits combining countryside experiences, accommodation and local hospitality.
Begin the conversationExample experiences
Ways your visit
could unfold.
These aren't packages. They're simply examples of what we might arrange.
A photographer from London
Three days exploring the marshes at dawn and dusk, with time spent photographing deer, birds and the changing light.
View an example itineraryA father and son
Three days together combining country pursuits, wildlife, good food and time outdoors.
View an example itineraryA guest from overseas
Four unhurried days in Norfolk and Suffolk, combining wildlife, the Broads, local food and personally arranged countryside visits.
View an example itineraryAutumn and winter
A quieter time to be here.
Low light over the marshes, time watching wildlife and a good meal after a morning outside: the quieter months invite a different pace. For guests interested in deer stalking, autumn and winter also bring a wider range of seasonal opportunities, with the species and ground selected according to the season and deer management objectives. Woodland and estate life can offer another perspective where a host is available. We plan around daylight, weather and the activities appropriate to the season, with time indoors and local food considered alongside the outdoors.
Discuss an autumn or winter visit
Your stay
A stay that suits
your visit.
From a cottage beside the Broads to a country house hotel, accommodation can be incorporated into your itinerary according to the character of the visit.
Phloxhaven and Holly Cottage offer relaxed, well appointed bases in the Broadland village of Reedham, with easy access to the Broads, Breckland and the surrounding countryside.
Other cottages, country house hotels and places to stay across Norfolk and Suffolk can be arranged according to your preferences and plans. You are also welcome to stay elsewhere and ask us to arrange your countryside experiences.
Discuss your stay
About your host
A personal introduction.
I’m Simon Norman, and Private Countryside grew from a lifelong interest in the countryside and the relationships I have built with landowners, guides and people who know their ground exceptionally well.
I believe the most memorable countryside experiences are rarely found in brochures. They come from local knowledge, trusted introductions and taking the time to understand what someone would genuinely enjoy.
Every enquiry is handled personally, and I remain involved in shaping and coordinating your visit. I work with trusted guides, landowners and hosts, bringing in the right local knowledge for each experience. Some days may be hosted by me; others by people who know their landscape or craft exceptionally well.
Start a conversationPrivate.Unhurried.Rooted in the land.
Why Private Countryside
A more personal way to experience the countryside
Personally arranged
Every visit is discussed and planned individually.
Trusted relationships
Experiences are built around places and people known personally to me.
Carefully limited
Only a small number of bespoke experiences are arranged each season.
Respect for the countryside
Wildlife, land management and the character of each place are treated with care.
Begin a conversation
What would you like to experience?
Whether you already have a clear idea or are simply looking for inspiration, every visit begins with a conversation. Tell me what interests you, and together we'll shape something around you.