Mrs Temple’s Cheese - Norfolk

Victoria Bowers
May 6
3 min read

Our journey to North Norfolk was unusually bright and warm for Spring, offering clear blue skies and blazing sunshine you would normally expect during the Summer.

The route from Cambridgeshire follows the Fen Rivers Way through winding roads that run alongside fertile agricultural land dissected by dykes, rivers and embankments (The Cam Washes are a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest because of their special habitats and wildlife).

Upon arrival at the guest house, we were greeted by dozens of chirping House Sparrows that drowned out the sound of wheels crunching over gravel in the large driveway.

'Meadowview' is situated in the village of Wighton and is conveniently located next door to a pub. It’s just under 4 miles to the coastal town of Wells-next-the-Sea, close to Holkham Estate and a short drive to Pensthorpe. The village is known for its annual Scarecrow Festival, Vintage Tractor Crank-Up and Duck Race.

We checked in, dropped off our bags in the luxurious room complete with robes, slippers and toiletries aplenty and went to explore the outside area. We were delighted to see a field of golden brown cows relaxing behind a low fence at the back of the garden. Meadowview certainly lives up to its name.

Little did I know that the resident grazers were local celebrities. These delightful Brown Swiss cows are proudly owned and cared for by Copys Green Farm. Dr Catherine Temple and her husband Stephen took over the farm in 1998. It was founded by Stephen’s great-grandfather and the farm still operates under the name of J. F Temple & Son Ltd. (1)

Catherine decided to use the pasteurised milk of the Brown Swiss to create a range of Artisan cheeses. After experimenting in her kitchen, within the 17th century farmhouse, Catherine successfully sold a range of cheeses at local farmers markets and this is when the business really took off.(2)

Mrs Temple is now a well-known, multi-award winning producer and the cheese-making has since moved from the kitchen to the farm’s on-site dairy where they make 32 tons a year.(3)

The farm was started in 1912 by Fred Temple and Stephen (Catherine’s husband), now farms approximately 225 hectares (over 500 acres) of land in Wighton, Binham and Field Dalling. The majority of the land is owned, with 6 hectares of meadows rented from Holkham Estate. (4)

Each of the cows have their own name tag and are adored by residents and visitors alike due to their playful and friendly nature. If you stay at Meadowview (which is not part of the farm but an established family-run guest house for over 30 years), you will find that they often come to greet you at the fence and appear to enjoy the interaction with guests.

As well as taking trips to Pensthorpe, Wells and Holkham beach, we visited the walled gardens at Holkham Estate and popped into the shop on site.

On display, alongside fine wines, sat Mrs Temple's Cheese in the fridge - We couldn't leave without purchasing 'Copys Cloud', a mild and soft buttery brie-style cheese - It is truly delicious!

We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Meadowview Guest House, not only because of the stunning rooms complete with a touch of luxury and gorgeous garden views but because of the generous and tasty breakfast that sets you up for the day.