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Terminal moraine: a rarely used term (unless you happen to be a geographer
or a geologist). One of Britain's best-known is named after this little
resort, famed for its end-of-the-pier variety shows. In theory, today's plan
is simple: head west and find a grand country estate. In practice, however,
the plan turns out to be slightly more complicated; there are too many
distractions, not least that almost the entire journey is through an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. Totalling 174 square miles, it was established
in 1968. I encounter the first distraction in a second seaside town
(Domesday's Silingeham), four miles west of the first. But do I tarry to
sample its preserved railway? No - although I almost succumb to temptation
at the magnificent gardens on the southwestern outskirts of town. Now owned
by the National Trust, they were designed by an 18th-century landscape
gardener who was born in an adjacent county. Displaying great fortitude, I
drive 18 miles further west along the coast where, near Domesday's Hoccham,
I pull off the main road. But not because I have found the country estate -
although I am sorely tempted by a nearby, palladian-style stately home,
built for Thomas Coke from 1734. Its architect, a great palladian advocate,
was also a landscape gardener, painter and furniture designer. No, I have
stopped here for a late lunch at a fabulous beach, whose sand, whipped up by
a boisterous breeze, adds a whole new crunchiness to my cheese and onion
sandwiches. I wonder if they experienced similar problems when the final
scenes from an Oscar-winning 1998 film were shot here? (Writer's block?
Never heard of it!) Hunger sated, I continue my journey west. A minor detour
south takes me through a hamlet, birthplace of a great naval man (husband of
Mrs Nisbet), then west again to a coastal village, site of a Roman fort,
Branodunum. Here, I veer south, then southwest until, 14 miles later, I find
the grand estate. Much is designated a country park - in the same
"ownership" for several generations. The current house was built in 1870. I
halt and check my watch. Three o'clock. Splendid. Just in time for tea.
HOW TO ENTER
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passage of text on the left, then give the answers to these two questions:
Q1: What is the title of the film?Shakespeare in Love
Q2: What is the name of the grand estate? Houghton Hall
THE PRIZE
A luxurious three-night break for two at La Mamounia, in Marrakesh, courtesy
of Simply Travel. The prize includes three nights' B&B accommodation at this
famous five-star hotel, which has a swimming pool, a Turkish bath and a
sauna, and is set within the city's 12th-century ramparts - perfect for
forays into the nearby souks and squares. The prize also includes return
flights from Gatwick and transfers, and must be taken between July 1, 2003
and May 1, 2004, excluding December 13-January 2 and April 3-18, subject to
availability. For bookings or further information, call Simply Travel on 020
8541 2211 and ask for the Morocco team, or visit www.simplytravel.com To
enter, please click the "enter the competition" button above. Entries must
be submitted by midnight, May 7, 2003. The winner will be first correct
entrant drawn at random after that time. Winners will be announced in next
week's Directions and online. Only one entry per household. Normal Times
Newspapers rules apply. Please note: Due to the provisions of the Gaming and
Lotteries Act 1956, this competition is not open to readers in the Irish
Republic.
LAST WEEK'S WINNER
Last week's answers are the Isles of Scilly and Bryher.
The winner is Susie Nicholls of Torpoint, Cornwall, who wins a luxury
four-night break at the four-star La Frégate hotel, in Provence, with the
tour operator Powder Byrne (020 8246 5300).
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