5 Hidden Gems to Explore in Norfolk

Norfolk is renowned for its wide, open beaches and these are a major reason that families flock to the county each summer, but that does mean they can get a bit busy.

Our recommendation?

Skirt around Wells-next-the-Sea and Hunstanton, and head instead to Trimingham Beach.

This secluded, sandy beach is slightly further east along the coast from Cromer and sits at the end of a narrow lane with limited parking. High, chalky cliffs mean that Trimingham has proved popular with fossil hunters, but you’ll also find dog walkers and watersports enthusiasts. 

Even better, Woodhill Park is just around the corner!

This is one of the best discoveries we’ve made in Norfolk and, once you’ve visited, we reckon you’ll keep returning. Wildcraft Brewery is, as you’d expect, a working brewery and taproom, but it’s also much more than that.

The business also hosts farmers markets and live music, as well as its own fledgling festival, Wildfest. You can even camp on site.

Located just outside the Norfolk Broads and northeast of Norwich, Wildcraft Brewery is well worth a diversion on your next tour, even if beer isn’t your standard tipple.

Clippesby Hall, a family-run park in the Broads, is close by if you need to get a taxi...

One of the best-preserved Roman ruins in the UK, Burgh Castle is a must-visit attraction if you’re visiting near Great Yarmouth.

The site was originally built as a fort to defend against Saxon raids, with enormous stone curtain walls and imposing towers. One of those walls has since collapsed into the marshes but three remain standing at nearly their original height, making this a fascinating place to visit.

Head to the village of Burgh Castle to discover the stone tower of Saint Peter and Saint Paul, and enjoy birdwatching at nearby Breydon Water, home to an estimated 64,000 overwintering fowl.

Clippesby Hall is again the closest Premier Park to this destination, and it's definitely worth visiting!

Not too far from Wildcraft Brewery is Hoveton Hall, a large estate with a series of stunning gardens to explore.

The walled ‘Spider Garden’ is a beautiful space to relax within and is set close to the Old Kitchen Garden, featuring lawns, herbaceous borders and productive fruit trees. A historic iron-wrought Glass House features historic plants and there is much to explore in the woodlands on the estate, including rare breeds of butterfly.

Visit the café on the estate to enjoy delicious dishes produced from the gardens’ beds!

Cobbleacre Park, a scenic campsite with five fishing lakes, is within easy reach for a comfortable stay.