Things to do in Norfolk
Our pick of the top attractions and things to do in Norfolk...
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Norfolk Beaches
Beach-lovers are spoiled for choice in Norfolk. It boasts miles of unspoilt coastline, with beautiful beaches and wildlife havens, as well as birdwatching, walking and cycling. On top of that is a selection of charming seaside resorts, ranging from quaint villages through to bigger coastal towns.
Hunstanton
Despite being on the east coast of England, Hunstanton actually faces west and as a result enjoys lots of sunshine and some dramatic sunsets. It is a traditional family resort, boasting a long promenade, and the large sandy south beach has pony rides, ice cream kiosks and seafood stalls. The resort itself was purpose-built in the 1840s, and the beach at the original village of Old Hunstanton, just along the coast, is known for its famous striped cliffs.
Holkham
Stunning Holkham beach comprises four miles of white-gold sand backed by pine woods. When the tide’s out, it’s a long old walk to the sea – the dunes and woods here are lovely, though. Also a nature reserve, you’ll find a maze of creeks, miles of dunes, green pastures and marshes.
Image credit (L-R): Brancaster ©rickbowden/stock.adobe.com, Sheringham Pier ©nicola/stock.adobe.com
Brancaster
With around two miles of unspoilt golden sand, Brancaster beach is a great place for a day of building sandcastles, paddling in the sea or just relaxing and soaking up the sun. The wide-open beach is also renowned for kite flying and kite karting. The kiosk opposite the car park sells all your seaside essentials, including drinks, ice creams and takeaway food. The beach is dog-friendly all year round with a dog-free zone in the summer season.
Sheringham
When the tide is in, the shingle and pebbles at Sheringham beach are great to walk along. But it’s at low tide that this lovely beach really comes into its own. When the tide goes out, it reveals miles of firm sand and even on the hottest summer day you’ll never feel that it’s overcrowded. Sheringham itself is an old-fashioned seaside resort filled with restaurants, and cafés, as well as quirky gift shops and a busy Saturday market. Beach huts and chalets can be hired throughout the season.
Great Yarmouth
For a traditional bucket-and-spade seaside break Great Yarmouth takes some beating as the regulars who flock here year after year prove only too well – so get here early on a sunny summer’s day! The town has a superb and large sandy central beach where you can soak in the sun. There are two piers to enjoy, Britannia (which is a Grade II listed building) and Wellington and both are worth a look at. Great Yarmouth’s seafront is known as the Golden Mile and has arcades, crazy golf, fairground rides and numerous other attractions. The town has been a recognised seaside resort since 1760 and is well versed in looking after its many visitors.
Image above left: Holkham ©davidyoung11111 stock.adobe.com
Norfolk Attractions
The North Norfolk Railway
The glorious North Norfolk Railway runs between Holt and Sheringham and The North Norfolk Railway’s Poppy Line from Sheringham to Holt, with its three beautifully restored century-old stations, has been lovingly recreated and maintained by enthusiastic volunteers over the last 45 years and is a must-do when you’re in this part of the world.
Holkham Hall and Estate
As well as the stunning sandy beach, Holkham is also home to a hall and estate that includes grand interiors, walled gardens, a deer park, lake, bygones museum and woodland play area. Cycle hire is available at the hall to enable you to see the most of this historic and beautiful area.
Blakeney and Morston
The ideal place on the north Norfolk coast to go seal spotting. The best way to get up close to the seals is by boat, and regular seal safaris depart from Blakeney and nearby Morston Quay. They may also include a landing on the nature reserve at Blakeney Point, where you won’t see seals but may spot a variety of birdlife including terns and oystercatchers.
East Ruston Old Vicarage
The gardens at East Ruston Old Vicarage are quite a find. The vicarage was bought in 1973 after being empty for two years and with no garden at all just overgrown grass. The owners took this blank canvas and designed the gardens themselves, wanting visitors to be able to wander through a floral landscape that is very much part of a family home.
The Coastal Path
The Norfolk Coast Path stretches for 84 miles between Hunstanton and Hopton-on-Sea. You could spend as long as you like on this trail, perhaps stopping off along the way at villages like Thornham and beautiful Brancaster Staithe, and taking in sights like Holkham Hall and Felbrigg Hall – then use the regular Coast Hopper bus service to get back.
Sandringham House
The country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen, is set in 240 hectares of country park which is part of a larger 8,000 hectares of the Sandringham Estate.
Sheringham Park
Managed by the National Trust this is a landscaped park and woodland garden with miles of stunning coastal views and plenty of walking or cycling routes. It is also the perfect place for a summer’s day picnic or a wintery morning walk.
The Broads
A magnet for those who love messing about in boats. With 60-odd broads – each something between a lake and a widened river – and 125 miles of waterways, there is plenty of space here and even in high season it is possible to find yourself alone in a peaceful backwater. Various vessels – day boats or picnic boats – can be hired by the hour or day, typically accommodating seven or eight people and many accepting dogs.
FANCY A TRIP TO THE EAST OF ENGLAND?
To start planning your next break, search our Premier Parks in the East of England.
Find out what there is to do in Suffolk.
Read about the attractions of Essex.