Summary
In East Anglia, Norfolk is predominately a rural county recognized for its expansive farmlands, expansive skies, historic windmills, charming towns, and picturesque waterways.
The illustrious heritage city of Norwich is abundant with period architecture and features a captivating cathedral, esteemed as one of England’s finest examples of Norman heritage.
Along the coastline, visitors can choose from vibrant seaside resorts or traditional fishing and crabbing communities, many boasting extensive sandy beaches.
One of the distinctive features of Norfolk is its intricate relationship with water: the wetlands and broad rivers found within the serene Norfolk Broads are remnants of a significant flood during medieval times.
Today, the Broads attract a plethora of tourists in the summer months, drawn by barge holidays and an array of watersports.
Let us explore the most remarkable destinations in Norfolk:
1. Norwich
The Cathedral in Norwich is a marvel, completed rapidly in the Norman style and faced with a cream-coloured limestone imported from Caen.
Numerous gothic modifications and additions were performed in subsequent centuries, including the distinctive two-storey cloister, which is unique in England.
The Norwich Museum has Norman origins and features the city’s history, where you can encounter the ancient Queen Boudica, an English national figure, and the Snettisham Hoard, a collection of gold artifacts from the Iron Age.
Discover exhibits at the modern Forum, which hosts various exhibitions and shows, and wander through the city’s charming historic areas such as Elm Hill and along the banks of the River Wensum.
2. Great Yarmouth
Ranking alongside Blackpool as one of England’s cherished seaside locales, Great Yarmouth has welcomed holidaymakers since the 1760s.
The expansive sandy beach extends for 17 miles throughout the Greater Yarmouth region.
If the traditional pleasures of sandcastles and paddling do not captivate your children and teenagers, the popular Pleasure Beach, an amusement park bustling with rides and entertainment, is readily accessible.
Additional entertainment is found along the Golden Mile, featuring arcades and the splendid art nouveau Empire Cinema, currently being revitalized to restore its former grandeur.
3. King’s Lynn
During the medieval period, King’s Lynn was England’s principal and most bustling port, engaging in trade with the Hanseatic League from the Low Countries and the Baltic region.
A collection of magnificent historical buildings from this era endure, such as the remarkable Guildhall of St George, recognized as both the oldest and largest guildhall in the nation.
Along the quay of the Great River Ouse are Hanseatic warehouses showcasing their exposed timber structures, making one ponder the wealth of goods once stored in these historic edifices.
The city’s importance is evident through its magnificent minster and impressive landmarks such as Castle Rising and the 15th-century Oxburgh Hall.
4. The Broads
In the summer, this low-lying area characterized by vast open skies and charming villages transforms into a veritable paradise.
This region comprises lakes, rivers, and artificial waterways, primarily navigable by boats, barges, and canoes.
The Broads are especially appreciated for the sense of liberation they provide; enabling visitors to embark on their vessels and navigate freely for days at a time.
One can anchor and relax under the sun or venture ashore for a tranquil walk through secluded woodlands.
Along the way, you can discover landmarks such as traditional windmills, designed to drain the land and many of which continue to operate to this day.
5. Cromer
Characterized by a stunning Gothic church, this resort exudes a sophisticated charm, distinguishing it from the typical English seaside retreat.
Originally attracting affluent Georgians who constructed summer homes away from the historic fishing district, Cromer became a destination for seaside bathing.
A significant part of Cromer’s appeal persists in its beach, which is agreeable for surfers at times, and its picturesque Victorian pier which features a renowned theater.
The Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) operates a crucial station in Cromer, and a fascinating museum dedicated to Henry Blogg, the most decorated lifeboatman, is also present.
Cromer continues to sustain a modest fleet of crabbing vessels, with the delectable shellfish in season from March through October.
6. Wroxham
This location consists of two villages (Wroxham and Hoveton) spanning the River Bure, nestled amidst the captivating landscape of the Norfolk Broads.
Marketed as the “Capital of the Broads,” Wroxham is certainly the prime location for traditional Broads activities such as cruises and self-navigated boat excursions across the picturesque waterways.
Biking can also be enjoyed, offering a family-friendly experience as the low-lying terrain is gentle and filled with woodlands and open spaces suitable for picnics by the water.
7. Wymondham
Wymondham is a charming country town featuring a marketplace complete with a traditional cross elevated on stilts to safeguard the town’s official documents from rodents and flooding.
Numerous half-timbered houses adorn the town, featuring flintwork that is characteristic of this region of Norfolk.
The town’s most notable landmark, Wymondham Abbey, is a splendid Gothic structure dated between the 12th and 15th centuries.
Following the dissolution of monasteries in the 16th century, the abbey experienced a period of decline before being repurposed as a parish church during the reign of Elizabeth I, who visited in 1573.
8. Sheringham
Positioned along Norfolk’s northern coast, Sheringham is a traditional fishing and crabbing town, now preferred by visitors for its historical maritime charm.
This allure is further amplified by the grand North Norfolk Railway, a heritage steam-powered line connecting Sheringham to the town of Holt.
The local council has successfully advocated for maintaining the integrity of its high street, preventing national chains from dominating the shopping experience and preserving its independent character.
Additionally, a modern, purpose-built establishment overlooking the North Sea, known as the Mo Museum, explores various aspects of Sheringham’s history, from its 19th-century shipwrights and fishermen to the remnants of elephant bone found along the town’s cliffs, which date back 1.5 million years.
9. Thetford
The facades of many of Thetford’s older structures are adorned with flint, a material plentiful in the western section of Norfolk.
This elevated terrain was once occupied by Celtic tribes, and Grimes Graves located in Thetford Forest Park represents a fascinating flint mine established roughly 5,000 years ago.
The Ancient House Museum offers insights into flint knapping and showcases the Thetford Treasure, a trove of Roman gold, silver, and precious stones.
If you are familiar with British television comedy, you may recognize Thetford’s flint buildings from the series Dad’s Army, filmed in this town: a statue of Captain Mainwaring can be found by the river, along with a museum dedicated to the show, which operates during the summer months.
10. Swaffham
Noteworthy for its location and understated elegance, Swaffham is situated at the northern edge of the Brecks.
For centuries, this parched landscape was deemed unfit for agriculture, suffering from sandstorms, until innovative irrigation techniques were introduced in the 20th century.
The town’s museum features exhibits on Howard Carter, the Swaffham-born Egyptologist credited with discovering the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Furthermore, Swaffham boasts the world’s only publicly accessible wind turbine.
The Green Britain Centre hosts exhibitions focused on renewable energy, allowing visitors to ascend the 67-metre Enercon Turbine for stunning vistas.
11. Wells-next-the-Sea
The beach at this whimsically named resort consistently receives accolades as the finest in Norfolk.
Indeed, it is a striking location: an expansive stretch of golden sand flanked by dunes and pine forests, complemented by a long arrangement of charming beach huts elevated on stilts.
The beach lies a distance from the town, separated by marshes and farmland, yet a narrow-gauge railway provides access to the seafront from the town.
Within the town, you can explore delightful alleyways like the quaint Staithe Street, featuring galleries, artisan shops, and traditional amenities uncommon in many English towns, such as butchers and a bakery.
12. Diss
Diss is a charming town characterized by half-timbered residences situated at the boundary of Norfolk, known for its artistic community, as evidenced by the Corn Hall.
This former neoclassical stock exchange has been transformed into a performing arts center, largely run by volunteers, where you can experience theater, music, and dance.
The center of the town features Diss Mere, an enigmatic ovular lake spanning over two hectares, surrounded by lush greenery, the origin of which remains a point of curiosity.
For those feeling adventurous, you can embark on a long walk from Diss to Norfolk, approximately 40 miles north along Boudica’s Way, which includes Roman ruins at Venta Icenorum.
13. Dereham
Situated at the geographical center of the county, Dereham epitomizes a quintessential Norfolk town replete with well-preserved history and an abundance of intricate details to uncover.
A quintessential example found in the county is Bishop Bonner’s Cottage, established in 1502, featuring “pinking,” a decorative plasterwork applied to maintain the structure’s waterproof integrity.
Inside the cottage, a museum dedicated to Dereham provides insights into the 16th-century Bishop Bonner’s connections to the town.
The market square is flanked by Georgian townhouses, and the unique Norman parish church boasts a separate bell tower.
A visit to Fendick’s Mill, constructed in 1836 and recently restored, is also recommended.
14. Fakenham
A serene locale, Fakenham has recently been recognized as one of the premier towns in England for quality of life.
The town has maintained its 17th and 18th-century flat-fronted buildings and is crowned by the impressive tower of the Church of St Peter & St Paul, erected in the 1400s.
In Fakenham, one can explore relics of bygone eras: The town retains its original “town gasworks” and represents the last site in England or Wales to preserve this antiquated utility, which produced gas from coal solely for local homes and businesses.
Although it ceased operation in the 1950s, it now functions as a museum showcasing its preserved machinery.
15. Hunstanton
Due to its western orientation, Hunstanton is one of the few beaches in the region where you can witness the sunset over the water.
If you prefer a more tranquil experience than the bustling ambiance of an establishment like Great Yarmouth, Hunstanton offers a quaint town atmosphere, complete with a stunning beach and abundant wildlife.
A short coastal walk leads you to the town’s two-tone cliffs, composed of red limestone at the bottom and a layer of chalk at the top.
Additionally, boat excursions into The Wash allow you to explore sandbanks that host sizable seal colonies.
Visitors can also see seals at the Sea Life Sanctuary located within the town, facilitating an introduction to the local marine nature along England’s North Sea Coast.
