Norfolk is a popular city located on the coast, where you can find a fantastic mix of nature, a beautiful city, and more. This is a place where you can see the sky for miles and never become used to the sight. Norfolk is an excellent place to live and work!
We’ve put together some of the top things we enjoy doing in Norfolk. Let’s get started!
1). The Broads National Park
If you love the sea and coastline, this is a must-see when visiting or living in Norfolk! Here, you can experience dramatic landscapes filled with natural beauty. It’s said this area has a special light quality you won’t find anywhere else. If you’re into painting or photography, the Broads National Park is the place for you.
The park has something for everyone in the family. You can easily plan a family holiday here. For example, kids can learn about the waterways and animals and have fun at the area’s theme parks. Adults will find this a lovely area to relax, filled with fine dining, shopping, and more.
2). Norwich Cathedral
Norwich Cathedral is one of the most complete Romanesque cathedrals in Europe! And it has the second tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England. If you love history, then you’ll love visiting this place. You can enjoy the cathedral, exhibitions and more at the cathedral.
Be sure to watch out for the medieval graffiti on the cathedral. This was found back in 2013, where the graffiti was found etched into the very stones of the cathedral. The images depict scenes of ships and much more!
The facility also offers some great food and refreshment at the Refectory Café, which is open every day from 11am to 4pm.
Entry is free, and there are free tours available, too!
3). East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
The East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden was no garden when two men were dedicated to creating a beautiful, natural garden that provided a home to wildlife. These men have been entirely successful in their endeavours, as you’ll see when visiting this unique garden.
There are several gardens to visit and enjoy, each offering its own type of environment. Each garden offers a riotous mix of colours, plants, and flowers. What’s more, the gardens are filled with unique plants you may not find in other places!
Dogs are not allowed in the gardens. However, there are guided tours available. They also offer refreshments and have disabled access. And if you’d like to buy some plants, they do offer some for sale!
4). Oxburgh Hall
If lovely country houses are something you love, then be sure to visit Oxburgh Hall. The home was built for Sir Edmund Bedingfield, who was granted a license to crenellate the structure in 1482. Some of Sir Bedingfield’s family members went on to hold high posts in the Yorkist and Tudor governments. However, being Catholic, some of the family was persecuted during Elizabeth I’s reign.
Oxburgh Hall is another fantastic place for anyone who loves history. You’ll find plenty of it here! There are house tours available every Thursday and Friday; however, it’s only possible to take a guided tour of this magnificent home during the winter.
Spend time exploring the hall, taking a walk in the gardens, and more!
5). Cromer Pier
Cromer Pier is one of the most famous landmarks in Norfolk. In fact, the pier is regularly used by filmmakers and TV shows worldwide! Here, you can enjoy all types of entertainment, including ballet, visits with Father Christmas, great music, and of course the scenery.
This heritage pier is 495 ft long and was first opened on 8 June 1901. Today, as well as entertainment, the pier is famous for its crab fishing. If you love crabs, you must visit Cromer Pier!
This is a great family area with great restaurants, entertainment, and more!
6). Time and Tide Museum
The Time and Tide Museum is the perfect place for anyone who loves history. Learn about maritime history and so much more. The museum’s building was originally once a Victorian herring curing works.
Take a walk through the Victorian “Row” and learn how fishermen lived. Learn about the quayside back in the 1950s and hear tales about shipwrecks and rescues. What a thrilling place to visit! Your entire family will enjoy the Time and Tide Museum!
7). North Norfolk Railway
The North Norfolk Railway offers a ride on a steam engine or a heritage diesel locomotive. You’ll find the steam trains run every day in the summer. However, the schedule does vary in the winter. Enjoy a 10.5-mile trip through lovely natural areas.
Take in the stunning views of the coast and have fun at the special events that are held throughout the year! The young and old in your family will love the North Norfolk Railway!
8). Norfolk Coast Path
Do you love walking along the coast? If so, then be sure to check out the Norfolk Coast Path. Here, you can enjoy a walking trail, which offers up wonderful views of the stunning landscape. It passes through the town of Hunstanton and then across areas filled with wildlife.
Stop by the salt marshes, then take in the sandy beaches and pine forest of the Holkham National Nature Reserve.
Make a day of walking this excellent trail as you take in the sea and the coastline’s stunning views!
9). Cromer Beach
Enjoy the same beach loved by Victorians at Cromer Beach! Here, you’ll find a sand and shingle beach that’s still popular for swimming and surfing. The beach faces the North Sea, making the area prone to storms mainly in the winter months. Many of the structures in this area date from Victorian times.
Cromer was originally a fishing village and today is still famous for its crabs and lobsters. Many families love to spend time here building sandcastles, swimming, enjoying watersports, and more. The pier (Cromer Pier) is also popular for those who love to fish for cod and bass.
10). Sea Life Hunstanton
Sea Life Hunstanton is a beautiful facility where you and your family can view many different sea creatures, learn about different sea environments, and more.
You’ll love seeing various turtles, Rainforest species, snakes, sharks, rays, and more!
Summing It Up
As you can see, Norfolk has a ton of things to see and do! There’s no way we could list them all here, so you will have to visit Norfolk and see everything it has to offer!
