Welcome to my A to Z guide celebrating the wonders of Norfolk!
This beautiful county in the east of England boasts a rich history, stunning landscapes, charming towns and villages, and an array of attractions to suit all interests. From the captivating Broads National Park to the historic city of Norwich, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, whether you’re a nature lover, history buff, or just looking for a great family day out, let my guide inspire your next visit to this gorgeous county.
Let’s get started!
Ancient monuments
Norfolk is home to numerous historic sites, such as the impressive Castle Acre Priory and the ancient Roman fort at Brancaster. There’s so much to learn about life in Norfolk’s past.
Broads National Park
An extensive network of navigable rivers and lakes, perfect for boating, fishing, and wildlife watching. From a day trip on a Broads cruiser to a week away based at a cute cottage, it’s ideal for immersing yourself in nature.
Cromer
This charming coastal town is famous for its Victorian pier and delicious Cromer crab. Don’t forget to stop for some fish and chips at the seafront while you’re there!
Read about my favourite Norfolk beaches.
Dereham
Often referred to as the heart of Norfolk, Dereham is a charming market town with a rich history. Visit the fascinating Bishop Bonner’s Cottage Museum, enjoy the beautiful gardens at Dereham Windmill, and explore the local shops and eateries. It’s a wonderful place to experience Norfolk’s traditional market town atmosphere.
Elm Hill
Step back in time as you wander through the picturesque cobbled streets of Elm Hill in Norwich. Lined with beautifully preserved Tudor buildings, this historic area exudes charm and character. Discover quaint shops, cosy cafes and hidden courtyards, making it a delightful spot to explore and immerse yourself in Norfolk’s rich heritage.
Fakenham Racecourse
A popular horse racing venue offering exhilarating viewing and family fun days.
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse
A fascinating open-air museum that provides a unique insight into the rural and social history of Norfolk, featuring a Victorian workhouse, traditional farm and pretty gardens.
Holkham Hall
This magnificent 18th-century Palladian mansion is set within a vast and beautiful estate, including a stunning deer park. Plus, it’s super close to one of the most beautiful beaches in the county.
Iceni Village
A fascinating reconstruction of an ancient Iron Age village, offering a glimpse into the lives of the Iceni tribe.
Jurassic history
Norfolk’s coastline is a treasure trove of fossils dating back millions of years. Beaches like West Runton are great places to hunt for ancient relics from the Jurassic era.
King’s Lynn
A historic market town with a rich maritime heritage, featuring stunning architecture and fascinating museums.
Loddon
A charming market town nestled in the heart of the Norfolk Broads, Loddon boasts picturesque scenery, historic architecture and lovely riverside walks.
Mundesley
A picturesque coastal village with a sandy beach and charming flint cottages.
Norfolk Lavender
This lovely lavender farm is a sight for sore eyes, offering colourful displays of flowers and a variety of lavender-based products.
Oxburgh Hall
This 15th-century moated manor house has stunning gardens, a secret priest hole and needlework by Mary, Queen of Scots. Read more.
Pensthorpe Nature Reserve
Just a few miles outside of Norwich, Pensthorpe is a fantastic day out, with walks through beautiful meadows and the chance to see local birds and wildlife.
Quirky museums
Norfolk is home to a variety of unique and interesting museums, such as the Time and Tide Museum in Great Yarmouth, which explores the region’s maritime history, and the Norfolk Tank Museum, which offers hands-on exhibits and displays of military vehicles. These museums provide fascinating insights into the county’s diverse heritage.
RSPB reserves
Norfolk is home to several Royal Society for the Protection of Birds reserves, such as Titchwell and Strumpshaw Fen, providing crucial habitats for rare and endangered species.
Seal watching
Boat trips from Blakeney Point and Horsey Beach offer the opportunity to see both common and grey seals in their natural habitats. Read more.
Thetford Forest
The UK’s largest lowland pine forest, perfect for hiking, cycling, and horse riding.
Upton Broad
A stunning nature reserve within the Broads National Park, home to a diverse range of wildlife and plants.
Vineyards
Norfolk’s climate and soil make it a surprisingly good location for vineyards. Discover local wineries like Chet Valley Vineyard, which produces flavoursome wines and offers tours and tastings.
Wells-next-the-Sea
A picturesque coastal town with a bustling harbour, sandy beaches, and traditional beach huts.
eXplore Norwich Market
One of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the country, Norwich Market offers a vibrant and eclectic mix of stalls selling everything from fresh produce to unique crafts. It’s a bustling hub of activity and a great place to experience the local culture and cuisine.
Discover my favourite Norwich Market stalls
(Great) Yarmouth:
This lively resort beach town has lots on offer, from features amusement arcades, theme parks, and the famous Golden Mile. You can even watch greyhound racing and stock car racing at Yarmouth Stadium.
Zoos
Norfolk is home to several wildlife parks and zoos, such as Banham Zoo, Amazona Zoo and Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, where you can see a range of exotic and native animals up close.
Share your favourite Norfolk attractions with me
I hope you’ve enjoyed my A to Z guide of Norfolk’s treasures, and that it’s inspired you to explore this beautiful county. Of course, there are many more gems waiting to be discovered. Share your own experiences, favourite spots, and suggestions with me so I can extend this guide.
Happy exploring!
