A visitor's guide to Norfolk

What to see and do - Discover Norfolk’s best bits, as told by visitors and residents

Photo: Windmill near Weybourne - Norfolk

Welcome to our tourist guide to Norfolk

Considering a holiday in Norfolk? Perhaps just a day trip?
Or perhaps you’re lucky enough to already be here.
Our guide gives you all the information you need to know about some of Norfolk’s best-loved attractions and beautiful locations

This guide has been created by asking over 1,000 visitors and residents of Norfolk what they love best about the county. We’ve pulled together a selection of people’s favourite things to do to make it easy for you to discover what’s not to miss during your visit.

The people, the pace, the place. Nowhere else in the world offers such wonderful wide windswept beaches, such big beautiful skies, such quaint quirky villages, such delicious home-grown and homemade produce from such talented artisans, and such a culturally diverse and individual city.

A weekend in Norfolk is worth a week anywhere else: beach huts, seals, cobbled streets, samphire and crabs, mighty mussels, crumbling castles, poppy fields, bluebell woods, miles of broads, barn owls and bitterns, arts and crafts, live music and theatre, real fish and chips, steam trains, quiet lanes, drove roads… and no motorways.

You can’t help but return home rested, relaxed and with your faith restored in the kindness and wholesomeness of humanity. Norfolk – it’s perfect.

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Photo: Satellite image of Norwich - Norfolk
© 2013 Copyright Google Maps

Places to go:

The Broads

The Norfolk Broads: one of the most famous parts of the entire county.
The Broads give you the opportunity to explore Norfolk by boat at a truly relaxed pace along more than 125 miles of man-made waterways.
Soak up the scenery, marvel at the big open skies, and explore hidden waterways that are unreachable by road.

Photo: Yachts on the River Bure - Norfolk

Places to go:

The Beaches

It’s not just the watery fun of the Broads that this county has to offer: head almost anywhere along the expansive Norfolk coast and you’ll find a family and dog-friendly beach with tons of activities on offer. Whatever you enjoy, from the peace and tranquillity of Holkham to the bustle of seaside towns like Yarmouth and Cromer, you’ll find the perfect place to while away the hours by the sea in Norfolk.

Photo: Cromer Pier and Beach - Norfolk

Places to go:

Norwich

As Norfolk’s only city, the county capital of Norwich has a huge amount to offer. Visit Norwich for a unique blend of the modern and historic, living side by side in harmony. Within the city you’ll find the famous Norwich Market, museums, theatres, pubs, clubs, shops, heritage buildings, fabulous architecture, and of course the domineering spire of Norwich Cathedral.

Photo: Norwich Castle and market - Norfolk

Things to do:

Family Friendly

However big your family, and however broad your interests, you’ll find something for everyone across the county of Norfolk. Visit Norwich or Kings Lynn for shopping and museums, head out on the Broads for riverside fun, spend time by the sea building sandcastles and exploring rock pools, or visit some of the many attractions including Banham Zoo and Bressingham Steam & Gardens.

Photo: Family fun on the beach - Norfolk

Things to do:

Arts & Heritage

If you like at least part of your holiday to be spent learning more about the history of an area, or exploring the arts on offer, Norfolk will certainly not disappoint. From Norfolk Lavender to National Trust properties, and from ancient windmills to the Queen’s holiday residence, there’s so much to explore.

Photo: Blickling Hall from the Aylsham Road - Norfolk

Food & Drink

One of Norfolk’s best loved assets is its huge offering of locally produced food. Enjoy delicious cakes and lunches at a riverside café, dine out in one of the many homely restaurants, taste locally brewed beer inside an ancient pub, or try your hand at cooking after browsing the farmers markets, seafood stalls or pick-your-own farms.

Photo: Norwich Farmers Market - Norfolk

People to meet

When asking people why they love Norfolk, one of the most common answers was the welcoming and friendly nature of the people in the county’s towns and villages. Although we can’t tell you exactly where to go to meet some of Norfolk’s loveliest folk, we’re sure you’ll come across them during your stay, wherever you choose to spend your days.

Photo: Norwich skyline from Mousehold Hill - Norfolk

Join the conversation - Share why you love Norfolk on Twitter by using the hashtag #whyilovenorfolk

Photo: Satellite image of Cromer coastline - Norfolk
© 2013 Copyright Google Maps

Find your perfect Norfolk Cottage Holiday

Norfolk promises a welcoming mix of unspoilt coastline and picturesque countryside. Browse our handpicked selection of exclusive holiday cottages below.

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Planning your
holiday in Norfolk?

Choose from a wide selection of quality holiday properties across Norfolk from the UK’s leading independent cottage rental agency - Sykes Cottages.

Call: 01244 356695

or Browse Norfolk Cottages

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