Guest contribution by Dakota Murphey
Nestled in the east of England, Norfolk’s charms are as broad as its famous man-made network of rivers that run through it. Home to the Royal Family’s famous Sandringham Estate, this picturesque pocket of the country is rich in more ways than one thanks to its variety of pretty villages, outstanding cultural attractions, historic houses and an abundance of natural beauty.
Rather than being a flat landscape, Norfolk is a quintessential rural delight with a fabulous combination of breathtaking countryside and more than 90 miles of stunning beaches to explore. With that said, there’s plenty of stuff to see and do if you’re planning a family visit at any time of year, an active dog-walking holiday with friends, or a couple’s retreat in a relaxing, luxury cottage. Whatever you’re after, Norfolk has everything you need for an amazing holiday, as this comprehensive Norfolk travel guide explains.
Why Norfolk?
Meadow Manor near Cromer, Norfolk
Norfolk possesses a different kind of beauty than that of the UK’s other regions thanks to its famous and peaceful Norfolk Broads. Windswept marshlands and blissfully empty beaches have the power to make travellers feel that they are well and truly away from it all. A trip to Norfolk isn’t complete without experiencing the Broads’ tranquil waterways which provide a link to a series of stunning villages, such as St Olaves, medieval priory ruins and the winding River Waveney.
For peaceful walks along the shores, there’s no better place for it than the Winterton Dunes National Nature Reserve. The golden sand dunes and expansive beach make for a dramatic landscape far from the crowds. While there, look out for the resident grey seals at Blakeney Point when early morning visits or boat trips offer the best chance to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.
What Awaits?
From festivals to food markets, there’s plenty to enjoy in Norfolk to make your holiday or family staycation enjoyable. There is something for everyone from music and food festivals, art and literature festivals to craft fairs, county shows, exhibitions and much, much more. Whenever you arrive, you’ll find a fantastic variety for families or solo travellers, plus popular activities throughout the year. Look out for seasonal events too, such as Cromer Pier’s renowned Summer Show, circus acts at Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome, or a weekend of live music at Sandringham in August.
Meanwhile, if cycling is your passion, Norfolk has a variety of picturesque places to pedal to. For one, Rebellion Way is a route which follows the footsteps of the legendary warrior Queen Boudicca on an unforgettable ‘bikepacking‘ route around Norfolk. The county operates a strong road safety partnership and travel information base, hopefully limiting any concerns about accessible roads to pretty routes, and the potential for accidents with other road users. Even though the Highway Code acknowledges cyclists as vulnerable road users, taking your own further safety precautions is crucial. To enhance your safety while cycling the picturesque routes of Norfolk, be sure to wear bright attire, use front and rear lights as appropriate, and maintain complete awareness of your surroundings.
Whether you’re wildlife watching on the tranquil riverbanks or exploring the quaint flint villages, at any time of year, you won’t need to compete for space with other tourists. While there are record numbers of travellers to popular destinations, Norfolk makes a great place to document your travels and retreat to for some peace. If the isolation gets too much, you can always head into Norwich, where a buzzing cultural scene, a handful of big-name sights and some excellent food and drink will ease you back into civilisation.
Must-See Sights and Hidden Gems
Norfolk has a wealth of must-visit sights and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Meandering around the Broads takes some beating although a trip on the Bure Valley Railway is a treat. The narrow gauge steam railway winds through some of Norfolk’s prettiest landscapes. The 18-mile round trip from Aylsham to Wroxham offers a leisurely way to admire the countryside. If you really love vintage transport, head to the Wells and Walsingham Railway for another charming journey – this one holds the distinction of being the longest 10¼-inch narrow gauge steam railway in the world.
If you love waterside stays of any kind when you’re away, it’s inevitable you’ll spend a little time in Norfolk’s wetlands, so it’s well worth learning about the ecosystems before you go. One of the best places to find out more is at the Broads National Park visitor centre (formerly known as Green Quay), an interactive museum about the county’s diverse wildlife. You can see the animals that live in the waters of the region and learn about the effects of climate change on the beautiful Norfolk wetlands. Here’s a pick of top places close to water to enjoy:
- North Norfolk Coast – Marvel at miles of untouched landscapes in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
- Holkham and Wells Beach – Sink your toes into the golden sands of this beach, which was voted as Britain’s best.
- Norwich – Wander the cobbled streets and the riverfront of the pleasant county capital.
- Great Yarmouth – Join in with the fun of the fair in this lively seaside resort.
Grand Homes and Gardens
If stately homes and grand, landscaped gardens tick your box, Norfolk has lots of National Trust properties. Most visitors make a beeline for Blickling Hall, and indeed this red-brick mansion is one of the most attractive heritage sites in the county. Houghton Hall is also a magical place to wander through with majestic halls and grounds set on an elegant country estate. For garden lovers, the romantic walled garden at Holkham Hall offers a secluded seat among roses and perennials—a perfect spot for a private picnic or even a proposal.
With the Sandringham Royal Estate an unforgettable reason Norfolk is on the map, the area is brimming with other manor houses, historic properties and regal castles that invite visitors to experience regal life for themselves on holiday. But there are other, less well-known buildings you shouldn’t miss, namely the moat-encircled Oxburgh Hall, whose history is particularly compelling, and the less-often explored Felbrigg Hall which features grand mahogany libraries and carefully kept walled gardens dating back to the 17th century.
Family-Friendly Inspiration
If you’re planning a family-friendly staycation to Norfolk any time soon, then you won’t be disappointed. Choose anything from a tennis holiday to outdoor swimming, and picnics in the countryside. There are loads of lovely nature walks across the Broads and so the countryside for a fix of fresh air is a must. If you have adventurous children in tow, then an activity centre in the woods is a great contrast to a traditional day at the beach or a farm visit.
One of the best reasons to take children to Norfolk, however, is the county’s connection to water. Whether it’s in the sea or river, most of the top attractions in the region involve getting wet in some way. Dive underwater in scuba gear, learn to canoe on the Waveney or watch for wildlife from the deck of a fishing boat to experience Norfolk’s wondrous waters.
With the North Sea nuzzling up against Norfolk’s coast, there’s ample opportunity for a bit of exploration on the high seas (though not too high – the North Sea can get pretty rough!). There’s plenty of opportunity for a boat trip or, if the kids are a bit older, a spot of fishing.
But it’s not just the sea that offers water adventures in Norfolk. Kayaking and canoe trips can be taken through the broads, spotting cute wildlife as you go. Norfolk also boasts a huge variety of museums, castles and stately homes, and while they might not seem like the most obvious place to take the kids, most have facilities, gardens and tours that will fascinate (and even educate!) the whole family. A great example is Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, which features a massive variety of wildlife for kids to see, from tigers to tiny otters.
Norfolk’s Diverse Food and Drink Scene
As Norfolk is coastal, there are some must-try dishes that the region is famed for. Cromer crab is one highly prized dish. Though it’s the same species of brown crab that you’ll often find for sale at fishmongers throughout the land, the shallow waters and chalk reefs off the Norfolk coast produce sweet meaty crabs that don’t need much – just some brown bread, lemon juice and a pinch of pepper.
And as a side dish for your seafood, look out for samphire. Growing near the Norfolk coast, this vegetable has a distinctive salty taste and is often compared to asparagus. With so much farmland in the county, you’ll also be enjoying fresh and seasonal produce no matter where you eat – but don’t forget that quality extends to dairy produce too! You’ll find some great cheese in Norfolk, but keep your eyes peeled for Binham Blue, Norfolk White Lady and Ruby Dapple.
Throughout the year, Norfolk has a fantastic variety of food markets to choose from. In the summer, the county’s famous Food and Drink Festival takes place and is a prime time to sample the area’s local flavours and seasonal produce. If you’d prefer someone else to prepare meals for you on your holiday, Norfolk’s finest restaurants and bars, from Michelin Guide options to café-style dining. are ready and waiting to welcome you through their doors. Here are a few more to choose from:
- Wiveton Hall in Holt is informal with an eatery full of art and light, serving up the very best seasonal produce from the Hall’s adjacent farm. You can even stock up on supplies in the farm shop to take home with you.
- Amandines in Diss serves the very best vegan and vegetarian food, and with their regular menu changes you know you’ll always be in line for something fresh and tasty.
- Brancaster’s White Horse restaurant delights with the freshest and tastiest seafood and a bevy of local meat and vegetables on the menu for those who aren’t that keen on fish. The views are spectacular too.
- The Ingham Swan in Norwich is the place to go if you want to try a bit of Norfolk’s fine dining – their tasting menu comes highly recommended, though the à la carte menu boasts temptations like a trio of local lamb and honey-roasted guinea fowl.
Unusual Things to Do in Norfolk
There are some fantastic museums and galleries in Norfolk, covering everything from mustard to Cold War-era tanks. There’s even a museum dedicated to the popular TV show Dad’s Army, so there really is something for everyone! If you’re after some art, the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (SVCA) makes a fantastic choice. With a permanent collection as well as hosting touring exhibitions, the SVCA is a great place to appreciate 5,000 years of human creativity.
Norfolk’s relatively flat landscape means there’s a huge number of golf courses to choose from, so if you and your friends are avid devotees of the links you’ll find loads of places to indulge. Glen Lodge in the Yare Valley has two courses (one with 18 holes, one with 9) meaning you’ll have a bit of choice on how much time you want to spend on the greens (and how much time in the 19th hole afterwards!)
Getting Around
If cycling isn’t your preferred mode of transport or you’re visiting from further afield, it’s great to know that there are direct flights from many destinations within the UK and Europe arriving at Norwich International Airport. If you love walking, one of Norfolk’s major draws is its peaceful, expansive countryside, which is best explored on foot. The local County Council website lists the majority of walking trails you can join in the county, from long-distance routes to shorter circular walks.
If you want to see more of the area, all the major towns in Norfolk, such as Norwich, Great Yarmouth and Cromer, can be reached by train. Discovering the majestic Norfolk Broads can be done with a relaxing nature walk or on a longer hike if you’re an intrepid explorer. There are plenty of more challenging and scenic routes to tackle across Norfolk and you can reward yourself with a soothing hot tub at the end of the day.
Meanwhile, to widen the towns and areas you want to see even further, you might like to bus hop between all the best walking routes. es run throughout the major towns and villages of Norfolk. The North Norfolk coast is served by the regular and reliable bus service which runs between King’s Lyn and Cromer as well as a new Park and Ride system that is available seven days a week.
Whenever you’re planning to visit the county after reading our Norfolk travel guide, there’s plenty to see and do whether you’re visiting with friends, walking in a group or on a family-friendly holiday this summer. For a holiday home in the UK or to take a closer look at all the delights Oliver’s Travels can offer, get in touch with our concierge team today.
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