Norfolk Travel Guide

England
King\'s Lynn showing heritage architecture
This distinctive county is characterized by unspoiled beaches, wild marshes and gently rolling countryside landscapes.

Visit Norfolk for its lovely beaches and equally beautiful heaths, salt marshes and “Big Sky” countryside farther inland. With its coastline extending into the North Sea, Norfolk has often been isolated from the rest of the country for years, resulting in a distinctive local culture. Relax on sandy beaches, cycle through picturesque farmland, go bird-watching in rich nature reserves and shop in lively Georgian towns.

The Norfolk Broads are perhaps the county’s most famous attraction, comprising 115 square miles (300 square kilometres) of lakes and rivers in scenic countryside. A network of tranquil walking and cycling paths runs through the Broads. Rent a boat for sailing or fishing.

Norwich is a fine base for exploring the Norfolk Broads. This attractive town is dotted with old flint buildings, lively markets and other reminders of its medieval golden age. Be sure to see the town’s impressive 11th-century Norman castle, as well as the Anglican cathedral with its 315-foot (96-metre) spire and vaulted ceiling.

Find 17th-century Blickling Estate 15 miles (24 kilometres) north of Norwich. Once owned by the Boleyn family, this grand estate is said to be haunted by Henry VIII’s executed wife Anne Boleyn. Check out the Jacobean plaster ceiling in the impressive South Drawing Room and wander around the estate’s expansive surrounding parklands.

Don’t miss the charming coastal village of Blakeney, with its flint cottages and pretty seafront. Watch common and grey seals lounging in the sun at Blakeney Point, a nature reserve where you can also spot pied flycatchers, bluethroats, whinchats and other wildlife.

Visit Burnham Market, a traditional Norfolk town. Here, Georgian houses surround a central green. Check out the town’s old-fashioned shops, which include a chemist, butcher and post office.

Spring and autumn are ideal times of year to travel to Norfolk because you can enjoy generally good weather and fewer crowds than the busy summer months. Reach the county by flying to Norwich International Airport or ride the train to Norwich. Two highways run to the county from southeast England and London.

Popular cities in Norfolk

Mousehold Heath featuring a city, heritage elements and landscape views
Norwich
Known for Friendly people, Football and Historical
On the River Wensum sits this modern city that retains its strong medieval roots, located within easy reach of the breathtakingly beautiful Norfolk Broads.

Reasons to visit

  • University of East Anglia
  • Norwich Cathedral
  • BeWILDerwood
King\'s Lynn
King's Lynn
Known for Friendly people, Bars and Gardens
This town’s rich maritime history is evident in its quayside warehouses and fine old merchants’ homes. It was once one of England’s most important ports.

Reasons to visit

  • Snettisham Park
  • Castle Rising
  • Oxburgh Hall
Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth
Known for Friendly people, Sea and Culture
Great Yarmouth is calling! Discover its theme park, oceanfront, culture and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Britannia Pier Theatre
  • Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells-next-the-Sea
Known for Bars, Gardens and Countryside
Trip time! Discover the bars, gardens and natural setting in relaxing Wells-next-the-Sea.

Reasons to visit

  • Wells-next-the-Sea Beach
  • Holkham National Nature Reserve
Cromer
Cromer
Known for Friendly people, Beaches and Bars
Relaxing Cromer is calling! Discover its beaches, entertainment, golf and more.

Reasons to visit

  • Cromer Beach
  • Cromer Pier
Hunstanton
Hunstanton
Known for Friendly people, Dining and Beaches
Trip time! Discover the seaside, beaches and gardens in relaxing Hunstanton.

Reasons to visit

  • Hunstanton Beach