A FIRST-TIMERS GUIDE TO EXPLORING THE BEST OF NORFOLK, ENGLAND

Think windswept beaches, picture-perfect villages and big skies that seem to go on forever—Norfolk is the kind of place that pulls you in and makes you want to explore every little hidden corner. From charming market towns, such as Burnham Market to the wild beauty of the coastline, where you’ll find beaches like Brancaster and Wells-next-the -Sea. There’s plenty to discover whether you’re chasing sea views, boutique shops, or just a slower pace of life. Add in some cute and cosy stays, brilliant vegetarian-friendly places to eat and plenty of adventures along the way, you’ll have the perfect recipe for a Norfolk road trip you’ll want to do over and over again and recommend to friends.. Read on to discover how we planned ours, where we stayed andh what we ate and drank in this beautiful county in east Anglia, England.

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How to Get to Norfolk

Norfolk has some great links to London as well as the rest of the country and an international airport.

• By Car: Driving is the best way to get to Norfolk as well as getting around Norfolk (via the A14) with total flexibility. Norfolk is the perfect road trip itinerary destination! The cities of Norwich and Kings Lynn are easily accessible as well as the coastal towns, villages and Broads National Park. A useful list of car parks in Norfolk for trip planning. If you’re travelling by train to the area but would also like the convenience of driving locally, look into hiring a car from the closest area to your base.
• By Train: Great Anglia trains have a regular service throughout the country with changes and direct services from London Liverpool Street and Kings Cross every hour with the journey lasting around two hours. To check Norfolk train times and fares head to Omio.
• By Coach: Coaches, including National Express, travel daily into north Norfolk from the Midlands, London and the southeast.
• By Air:  If coming from further afield, the closest airport to search flights to is Norwich International  but London Stanstead, Heathrow. Gatwick, Luton and East Midlands are all accessible via transport to Norfolk.

How To Get Around Norfolk

Norfolk has a great regular bus service running throughout and timetables are available at Travel in East Anglia

If you’ve chosen your accommodation location wisely, then you may be within walking distance of everything you may be interested in seeing, therefore walking is a good way of discovering the area. There are also a number of coastal walks you can take to spot wildlife. It’s also a very sustainable activity. Having access to a car will give you a lot more flexibility to reach the more remote locations. Another option can be to hire a car.

When to Visit Norfolk

Norfolk is a great place to visit anytime of the year, but if you want to spend the majority of your time on the beaches, then we’d say summer would be your the best bet! We personally think, Norfolk’s landscape makes it great for beautiful autumnal/winter walks as well as summer strolls. Think of long summers on the beaches, sipping on a drink looking out to an endless horizon of sand and sea whereas colder months can be spent wrapping up and walking the coastline, maybe heading to a couple of the towns, museums, having afternoon tea and snuggling up by open fires. The only thing we can never guarantee in the UK is the weather but Norfolk has you covered with many pass time options.

We have to add that although summer is a wonderful time to visit, the school holidays do make it very busy and it can feel pretty crowded due to this. Quite a few Londoners have home sin Norfolk that they head to during holiday periods so shoulder season can be fun with fewer crowds, more accommodation availability as well as restaurant reservations readily available.

How Many Days To Stay

Norfolk is an all round destination so, it’s great for a weekend break or you can have a full two weeks, exploring the Broads national Park, combined with a city break and balmy beach days. Weather permitting of course. We personally visited for 4 days and found this long enough to see everything we wanted to and more.

The Best Things To Do In Norfolk

City Breaks In Norfolk

Norwich

Norwich is known to be the UK’s best preserved medieval city and in our opinion it’s a complete knockout of a city. Rich in history and culture, a plethora of dining and drinking places, parks, historical points of interest, one of England’s oldest market places as well as the magnificent Norwich cathedral. Find everything you may need to plan your trip to this stunning east Anglian City in our Guide to the very Best of Norwich.

Things to do in Norwich to Add to your itinerary:

• Stroll along Tombland
• Visit the stunning Norwich Cathedral
• Mooch around the Norwich Cathedral Herb Garden
• Head to the historical Norwich Castle
• Look up at the Sir Thomas Erpingham Statue
• Walk through The Ethelbert Gate
• Spot the colourful facades of the houses along the Wensum River
• Spot the Pulls Ferry Watergate
• Walk past the Cow Tower
• Walk up the prettiest street in Norwich, Elm Hill
• Check out the stalls at Norwich Market
• Discover the artisan stores on The Lanes
• Learn about the city’s history at Stranger’s Hall Museum
• Head out of the city to see Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
• Garden-lovers, don’t miss Plantation Garden
• Learn the history of business and industries at Museum of Norwich at The Bridewell
• Do some window shopping at Jarrolds, Norwich’s Oldest Department Store
• have afternoon tea at the The Maid’s Head Hotel
• Why not catch a show at Maddermarket Theatre?
• Head to Mousehold Hill for beautiful views of Norwich
• Visit the quirky shops at The Royal Arcade

Details:

• Find it Here: Map Location

Kings Lynn

King’s Lynn has been the capital city of West Norfolk as well as an important ports since the 12^th century and you’ll certainly see lots of its maritime heritage past throughout the town with medieval old merchant’s houses stretching down the river between cobbled streets, elegant custom houses beside the quays and River Great Ouse, which leads out the The Wash and North Sea. Be sure to check out the medieval harbour front to get a great view of the river and maritime architecture.

Things to do in Kings Lynn to Add to your itinerary:Add to your itinerary:

• The focal point of the history in Kings Lynn is The Custom House which houses a display on the town’s links with the Hanseatic League.

• Pay the statue of Explorer George Vancouver a Visit 

• The Georgian Hanse House is one of the country’s most significant historic buildings and well worth a visit.

• True’s Yard Museum is dedicated to the town’s fishing heritage is you love maritime adventures.

• Two hot spots: Holy Trinity Guildhall or King’s Lynn Minster.

• If you’re a lover of history and fancy stepping  into prehistory, discover the story of Seahenge at Lynn Museum.

Be-lavie Tip: Wander the streets and mooch around the multitude of independent shops and cafes or popping down to the local Market Place on Tuesday or Saturday

Details:

• Find it Here: Map Location

Beautuful Beaches in Norfolk

Wells-next-the-Sea

Wells-next-the-Sea is a pretty small seaside town in North Norfolk and has one of the most stunning coastlines you’ll see. The entire 50 mile stretch runs from Snettisham to Mundesley and has been designated and Area of Outstanding Beauty

It is pretty famous for the long line of beautiful, colourful beach huts (some  that you can rent along the beach) but also the sand dunes and white powdery sand. The town’s iconic features are the overhanging harbour gantry, crab fishing off the quay and the miniature train running the mile from the town to the beach.

Things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea to Add to your Itinerary:

• Wells-next-the-sea beach

• Crabbing on the quay

• Enjoy Fish & Chips on the Quay (a soggy bag of vinegar drenched chip shop chips are the best!)

• Pay the Wells Harbour Railway

• Burn off some calories on the Beach Mile walk

• Watch the Well’s Carnival (usually around November)

• Take a local Harbour Tour

• Take a ride on the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway

• Stroll along the Pinewoods Walk

• Mooch around Maltings & Staithes Street

Details:

• Find it Here: Map Location

Holkham Beach

 The beach at Holkham is one of the most unspoilt and beautiful stretches of sand in the country. At high tides, the semi-circular basin behind the shoreline fills to form a shallow lagoon. If you’ves seen ‘Shakespeare in Love’ you’ll remember the last scene where Gwyneth Paltrow walked across a beach, that beach is Holkham Beach at Low Tide.

We learnt that Holkham National Nature Reserve, one of the largest in the country, is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. The Holkham Estate is one of a select few privately owned estates to have been awarded Approved Body Status allowing it to manage its own land whilst the beach is managed by Natural England in partnership with Holkham.

Holkham beach was recently voted ‘Best Beach in the UK’ in a survey of travel writers in 101 holidays

Things to do in Holkham to Add to your Itinerary:

• Have a meander around Holkham Hall Estate
• Explore Holkham Nature Reserve

• Check out the Holkham Ropes Course for some sailing adventures

• Take part in some Alpaca Trekking

Details:

• Find it Here: Map Location

 Brancaster Beach

Brancaster beach is an expansive stretch of flat golden, unspoilt sand is a year-round favourite. With literally miles of beach there is plenty of room for summer picnics and romantic winter walks.

As well as being a good family beach with all this sand, Brancaster is a popular spot for windsurfing, kite surfing and various buggies. It is also one of the best dog friendly beaches in Norfolk.

Brancaster beach is part of the Brancaster Estate, which is now owned by the National Trust. This iconic stretch of coast is designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and also home to important natural features such as the tidal salt marshes of Scolt Head.

Be-lavie Tip: Please note although Brancaster beach is a National Trust site the car park is not therefore members have to pay.

Things to do Near Brancaster Beach to Add to your Itinerary:

• Head over to the RSPB Titchwell Marsh if you enjoy bird watching

• Keen golfers can go to the Royal West Norfolk Golf Club

• Walk through Holme Dunes National Nature Reserve

Details

• Location: Brancaster Beach, Beach Road, Brancaster, Norfolk, PE31 8BW
• Find it Here: Map Location
• SatNav: For Brancaster Beach: PE31 8AX (Beach Road), If you are visiting Brancaster Staithe Harbour, please us PE31 8BW (Harbour Way)

Thornham Old Harbour (Salt Marshes)

Situated around four miles away from Hunstanton and on the North Norfolk coast declared an area of outstanding beauty, Thornham is a pretty delightful town to be visited for it’s salt marshes, beach and deli!

The salt marshes are a fab walk from the village and serves as a nature reserve – great for bird watchers and the like. There are well defined paths as well as fishing boats lining the route, which is perfect to stroll down to the beach itself through the marshland. Think of endless views over the horizon!

Things to do Near Thornham to Add to your Itinerary :

• Walk through the old boats and through the salt marshes to the beach

• Grab a picnic from the well-known Thornham Deli

• Bird spotting at the marshes
• Meander the cute villages with its picturesque church and cottages.

Details:

• Find it Here: Map Location

For Those That Love Slow Villages & Towns

Cley-next-the-Sea

Cley next the Sea was an important trading port in the middle ages and is now best known for its renowned nature reserve. Between the village and the sea, you will find Cley Marshes, a nature reserve owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, in perpetuity as a bird breeding sanctuary. Cley’s lagoons and beach, grazing marsh and reedbeds attract wintering and migrating wildfowl and waders, making it a haven for birdwatchers

Standing on the edge of the marshes and the village is Cley’s other famous landmark, an 18th century windmill. Now a hotel, it is open to the public offering fantastic views over marshland which was used for horse races in the early 19th century and was a haunt for smugglers! The shingle beach can be accessed through the marshes and is a great place for sea fishing or a picnic on a warm day!

Next to the village green sits the impressive 13th century St. Margaret’s Church. The narrow village streets are lined with unique shops including a Smokehouse, bookshop, Picnic Fayre Deli, tea shops and a pub as well as a shop selling hand-thrown stoneware pottery, made on site.

Things To Do In Cley-next-the-Sea To Add to your Itinerary:

• take some photographs of the Cley Windmill Hotel & Restaurant or why not stay over!

• The renowned Cley Smokehouse Deli

• Pick up some lovely gifts at The Cley Pottery Shop

• Grab some o the go food and drinks from Picnic Fayre Deli for a romantic picnic

• Eat at the Art café (just outside Cley- vegetarian café with a beautiful art gallery.

Details

• Find it Here: Map Location

Blakeney

Blakeney, in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, is an ideal base to explore the north Norfolk Coast. At the heart is Blakeney National Nature Reserve with wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the coastline, ideal for walking and spotting local wildlife including seals and migratory birds. The village has pretty flint cottages, once home to local fisherman, and there are plenty of places to eat and stay as well as pubs, gift shops and art galleries to visit. 

Tucked away in an alley just off the quay is Blakeney Guildhall, where you will find the remains of the house of a prosperous Blakeney merchant, which has a fine 15th century brick-vaulted undercroft. 

Things To Do In Blakeney To Add to your Itinerary:

• Meander the village and fishing, as well as private boats that line the quay

• Stay or dine at the famous Blakeney Hotel

• Book a Seal spotting or bird watching boat trip

• Have a snack or breakfast at 2 Magpies Bakery with fab views

Morston Quay

A short five minute’s drive from Blakeney is Morston Quay. If you’re in the area, We would highly recommend taking a seal watching boat trip with Bishops Boats. This was probably the highlight of the Norfolk trip as absolutely mesmerising as well as educational. Tickets have to be pre-booked and collected at Blakeney harbour then you drive to Morston Quay to board the boat. The area is owned and run by the Nations Trust therefore parking for members is free.

Boats leave regularly and trips last around an hour round trip. One not to be missed.

Blakeney Point Nature Reserve is home to England’s largest Grey Seal colony and many summer breeding birds. A boat trip to see the seals is one of the best things to do in Norfolk. The National Trust are based in the Blaekeny Point Nature Reserve continuing their work in protecting the resident and seasonal flora and fauna in the area.

Be-lavie Tip: Book your boat trip early to avoid disappointment and don’t forget your binoculars and camera!

Best time to see a large proportion of pups is November/December.

Burnham Market

Norfolk’s version of Chelsea on the sea, Burnham Market is over a mile from the glorious coast, with its open green surrounded by characterful flint cottage, this charming village is extremely popular with holiday makers and as well as second homeowners.

The village provides a great mix of renowned restaurants, pubs including The Hoste Arms and The Nelson and a special mix of local shops including a traditional post office, butcher, hardware shop, fish shop and around 30 highly original independent and specialist shops, deli’s, beauty salons, and galleries selling paintings, prints and unique coastal artworks.

THings To Do In Burnham Market To Add to your Itinerary:

• Stock up at Mable’s Paint Pot and Sweet shop

• Visit Socius fine dining Restaurant

• Wander the independent shops and boutiques

• Have a drink or two at The Hoste Arms or stay at The Hoste Hotel

• Admire the beautiful All Saint’s Church

• Stay in one of the many pretty holiday cottages.

Holt

Holt’s fine 18th century Georgian buildings make the town one of the most attractive in north Norfolk. The town is home to many art galleries, antique and book shops and places to eat located along the high street and tucked away in hidden, charming courtyards and alleyways.

The market place in the middle of the town has a cross memorialising the soldiers who lost their lives in the war. Off the market place, a tree lined avenue leads to the 13th century church of St. Andrew. To make sure you see all the key landmarks in the town, take the Holt Owl Trail, by following the owl pavement plaques.

Things To Do In Holt To Add to your Itinerary:

• Visit the nearby Holt Estate

• Meander the independent shops in the town

• Discover the hidden Folly Tearooms

• Mooch around the cute Hopper’s Yard artisan shopping courtyard.

Sandringham

Sandringham needs no introduction but it’s the much-loved 243 hectare country retreat of her Majesty the Queen and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862.

The Sandringham estate is open all year-round, however certain areas can be closed for events. It’s wise to plan your visit before hand.

Things To Do In Sandringham To Add to your Itinerary:

• Walk around the Sandringham Estate Country Park
• Head to some of the many Events including equestrian shows

• Take a look at the local Shopping and Restaurants

• Visit the St Mary Magdalene Church

• Peruse the Gardens and Grounds

Bawburgh

The village of Bawburgh in North Norfolk is pretty small, encompassing traditional village life and a pretty stream running through it’s centre.

Bawburgh village is a picturesque village to the west of Norwich, about five miles from the city centre. It has a thriving community and the Village Hall is at the centre of many varied activities such as quiz nights, coffee mornings and social evenings. Many of the original family members still live in the village and it has become  popular for those who work at the University of East Anglia, Norfolk and Norwich Hospital and Norwich Research Park. Bawburgh is a lovely village with a great friendly and welcoming community

It’s a great place to have a short stroll through especially if you’re staying or dining at The Kings Head, a popular 2 x AA rosette winning gastro Pub. It comes highly recommended and it’s easy to see why once you’ve eaten there.

Wiveton

The charming North Norfolk village of Wiveton is within walking distance of the popular coastal villages of Blakeney and Cley-next-the-Sea. Set in a picturesque location overlooking the Glaven Valley, Wiveton is home to the the multi award winning Gastro Pub, The Wiveton Bell and the popular and quite superb Wiveton Hall Cafe and ‘Pick Your Own’ farm. During the late summer the lanes around Wiveton and the paths on The Wiveton Downs are laden with elderberries, which are excellent for wine-making and preserving, later in the year Blackberries and Sloes are abundant.

Dining at The Wiveton Bell is a must if you’re staying or walking through the village. You can stay at the Bib Gourmand 2021 restaurants in one of it’s six beautifully appointed rooms or dine. Book a table in the marquee at the back which features quirky décor and local art pieces.

Norfolk Lavender, Heacham

Aiming to form a reference collection of all varieties of lavender known to us, Norfolk Lavender is a brilliant place to visit if you love this gorgeous purple flower. Walk up and down the lavender rows to see the different varieties as well as stopping off at the shop. There’s also a tea rooms to grab a cuppa whilst you ponder your floral purchases.

Norfolk Lavender also has daily trips to its Lavender fields, which are completely stunning – imagine those images of endless rows of lavender into the horizon. Check before you go if these are running when you plan to visit.

Where to Stay in Norfolk.

There is accommodation galore in the Norfolk from camping, glamping, caravan sites, canal barges on the The Broads to boutique luxury hotels and bed and breakfasts.

Norwich has a great selection of boutique hotels in the heart of the historic centre however if you’re looking for something quirky in the countryside with parking and easy access to most Norfolk locations, have a look at Willowfen Retreat.

Be-lavie Tip: Accommodation in Norfolk does get booked up pretty quickly. We were a little late and many of the hotels that we wanted to stay in had no availability or were outside of our budget. Luckily, we did come across the Willowfen Shepherd’s hut, but you will need a car as it is quite remotw.

Recommendations of Norfolk Hotels

• Willowfen Retreat – We stayed in this cute Shepherds Hut during our stay in Norfolk but this does rely upon having a car as it is pretty remote so we have included some hotels we also reserached for our stay.
• The Wivoten Bell Pub & Rooms – A stunning award winning gastro pub 2 miles away from Blakeney with beautifully decorated luxurious rooms in the pretty, peaceful village of Wivoten

• The Blakeney Hotel – the hotel is quite the constitution in Norfolk. Blakeney Hotel with its coastal, quayside location has magnificent views across the estuary and salt marshes to Blakeney Point, which has been designated an area of outstanding Natural Beauty

• The Hoste and The Vine House Hotels – A luxury boutique hotel located in Burnham Market, North Norfolk. It offers guests sixty two bedrooms, two acclaimed restaurants and a spa plus there’s an excellent choice of food in their gastro Pub.

• The Ingham Swan – An award winning restaurant with beautiful rooms set in rural Norfolk, just minutes from the coast. & Beautifully appointed and contemporary styled rooms with four off the main courtyard in the old coach house.

Dining in Norfolk

There are a huge number of places in Norfolk for foodies, ranging from fine dining, cosy pubs, beach side restaurants, wonderful delis for putting together beach picnics as well as cafes and afternoon tea spots. Our Norfolk food guide details some of our favourite places to eat and drink, with lots of vegetarian options of course!

A Guide To Norfolk FAQs

The Best Of Norfolk Round-Up

Norfolk is truly one of those popular coastal destinations that offers something for everyone. It’s no wonder with its close proximity to the capital and fabulous array of foodie places, the county is such a big hit. Unfortunately with this popularity comes crowds and higher price margins, therefore if possible opt for shoulder season and definitely out of the school holidays if you don’t have children. Booking restaurants, especially the fine dining award winners and gastropubs needs some organisation so bear this in mind before you travel if you’re not planning on going self-catering! When it comes to accommodation, it’s definitely worth looking at cottages as well as quirky accommodation options which allow more flexibility than teh rigid hotel stays and don’t forget car parking charges are in operation at many of the coastal car parks. Norfolk – A true gem of a place to those who know it and for those who don’t one for your list.

Resources To help Plan Your Trip

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