111 Places in Norwich book launch

We had the pleasure of hosting the book launch of Martin Dunford’s 111 Places in Norwich That You Shouldn’t Miss. Especially once we found out The Garnet is included as one of those 111 places!

We caught up with Martin before the event to have a chat about what inspired him to set up the 111 Places series and his life in Norfolk… and beyond.

Martin, tell us a bit about yourself

As one of the original founders of the travel guide series Rough Guides, I have worked in travel publishing for most of my working life - as a publisher, editor and writer. Nowadays I run a digital and publishing business focused on UK travel - www.coolplaces.co.uk - and write books and articles about UK hotels and travel destinations, in particular Norfolk and the rest of East Anglia. I live part of the time in Horning, just outside Norwich, and am the author of the Rough Guide to Norfolk & Suffolk. 111 Things Not to Miss in Norwich is my latest book.

What made you set up your own business? (& where can we find you?)

Most of the time I can be found poking around Britain for new finds and places to stay, particularly in the East of England. My business Cool Places is devoted to celebrating the UK as a travel destination, promoting the best independently-owned accommodation, from the boutique hotels and cosy B&Bs, to glamorous glamping, the coolest hostels and most remote self-catering retreats. Up to 2 million people a year use its website and buy Cool Places books.

Who is part of your team?

There are 111 Places books to destinations all over the world so there are lots of us writing about the places we love. Both of the books I have written have been brilliantly photographed by Karin Tearle, who has a unique and very useful talent for depicting well-known places in a new light. Currently she lives near me in Greenwich, London and we worked on 111 Places in Greenwich together. However, she was so taken with Norwich she is planning to re-locate there!

What are your plans for the future?

I’d like to write a 111 Places guide to Norfolk or perhaps the Norfolk Broads. I’d also like to spend more time in my canoe and walking the long-distance paths that criss-cross the region.

What’s the best thing about the area you live in?

I have had a home in Norfolk for almost 14 years and during that time I have become very fond of the county in particular and the region in general, particularly Norwich and the Norfolk Broads. I like Norfolk for its people, who always have time, even in Norwich, and for the fact that it’s not on the way to anywhere - you have to want to come! I especially love the eerie beauty of the Broads, the beaches of the north and east coasts, and the sense of the history under your feet everywhere you go - something that is especially noticeable in Norwich, which has a slice of history on every corner and under every paving stone.

If you’d been interested in holding a private event, book launch, workshop or give a talk here at he Garnet Stores, please do click on the link for hire details. We’d love to have you!