Norfolk is a place where the countryside, coastline, and villages come alive in ways that feel effortless. From quiet beaches and sweeping salt marshes to bustling market towns and historic estates, there’s something to suit every pace of holiday.
Top Attractions/Must-Sees
Norfolk is rich in grand estates, historic landmarks, and classic seaside sights. You’ll find stately homes set in wide parkland, iconic beaches, and cultural stops that balance history with relaxed exploration. These are some of the places that give the area its strongest sense of identity and scale:
- Holkham Hall & Holkham Beach
- Blakeney Point (seal trips from Morston Quay)
- Sandringham Estate
- Norwich Cathedral
- The Broads National Park (Wroxham, Hoveton, Salhouse)olk
- Cromer Pier & Pavilion Theatre
- Blickling Hall
Outdoor Activities
The landscape here invites you outdoors, whether on foot, by bike, or on the water. Coastal paths, marshes, and parkland offer space to slow down, while wildlife encounters feel close and unforced. Many activities suit all ages and don’t require much planning.
- Norfolk Coast Path (Wells, Brancaster, Sheringham)
- Cley Marshes Nature Reserve
- Titchwell Marsh RSPB Reserve
- Pensthorpe Natural Park
- Sheringham Park
- Boat hire on the Broads (Wroxham, Potter Heigham)
- Marriott’s Way cycling route
- Horsey Gap (winter seal watching)
Indoor Activities
When the weather turns or you want a slower pace, Norfolk still has plenty to offer. Museums, galleries, and small attractions mix local stories with hands-on experiences. Most are easy to combine with nearby cafés or town centres.
- Muckleburgh Military Collection (Weybourne)
- RNLI Henry Blogg Museum (Cromer)
- SEA LIFE Hunstanton
- Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (Norwich)
- Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
- Alby Crafts & Gardens
- Hollywood Cinema (Fakenham)
Seasonal Events
Throughout the year, festivals and events add colour and character to the area. From lively summer carnivals to atmospheric winter displays, these moments give a glimpse into local traditions and community life. Many are family-friendly and easy to drop into during a visit.
- Sheringham Viking Festival
- National Trust Easter Trails (Blickling, Felbrigg)
- Cromer Carnival
- Holt Festival
- Wells Carnival Week
- Norfolk Food & Drink Festival (Holkham)
- Holkham Harvest Events
- Deepdale Festival
- Thursford Christmas Spectacular
- Holkham Hall by Candlelight
- Norwich Tunnel of Light
The Local Area
Norfolk’s towns and villages each have their own feel, from quiet marsh-side settlements to lively seaside resorts. They’re ideal for short stops, coastal walks, or slow afternoons browsing shops and cafés.
- Wells-next-the-Sea – famous for its colourful beach huts and vast sandy beaches.
- Blakeney – a quiet coastal village known for seal trips and scenic salt marshes.
- Holt – a market town with independent shops, cafés, and galleries.
- Burnham Market – often called “Chelsea-on-Sea,” this village combines stylish boutiques, galleries, and local cafés.
- Sheringham – a classic seaside town with a pier, promenade, and heritage railway.
- Cley-next-the-Sea – known for its RSPB reserve and quaint village charm.
- Brancaster and Brancaster Staithe – popular for sailing, beaches, and fresh seafood.
Our Recommendations
Best for Families
Ideal if you’re travelling with little ones and want stress-free fun, easy parking, and plenty of room to roam. Bewilderwood, Holkham Hall, Wells Beach, and Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure are some of the best spots for keeping kids happy without exhausting the grown-ups.
Best for Couples
Quiet, scenic, and effortlessly romantic. These locations are perfect for slow days, long walks, and good food. Holkham Beach, Blakeney (for seal trips), Burnham Market, and the Cley Marshes are a must-visit for the lovebirds.
Best for Food Lovers
Norfolk is perfect for anyone who plans trips around what to eat next. These are the places serving standout meals, local seafood, and Norfolk flavours worth travelling for: The Wiveton Bell, The Gunton Arms, Morston Hall, and Rocky Bottoms, to name a few.
Best for Rainy Days
Warm, interesting, and easy to enjoy indoors. When the weather doesn’t play nice, these spots still deliver a good day out: Norwich Castle Museum, Amazona Zoo indoor areas, Muckleburgh Collection, and the Cromer Museum.
Best for Dog Owners
Beautiful open spaces, dog-friendly pubs, and long stretches of coastline where four-legged companions are more than welcome. Options include Wells-next-the-Sea, Holkham Beach (seasonal restrictions apply), Sheringham Park, and Holt Country Park.
Best Free Things to Do
Ideal for budget-friendly days that still feel special. Holkham Beach, Cromer Pier, Sheringham Coastal Walk, andHolt Country Park offer Norfolk’s best scenery and atmosphere without spending a penny.
Hidden Gems
Perfect for escaping the crowds and discovering something a little quieter, quirkier, or loved by locals. These lesser-known spots offer a more intimate taste of Norfolk: Wiveton Downs, Stiffkey Saltmarsh, Horsey Windpump area, and Salthouse Heath.
Plan Your Norfolk Getaway Today
Explore, unwind, and make yourself at home. At Blakeney Cottage Co, our holiday cottages put you right in the heart of Norfolk’s best coastline, countryside, and character. Browse our holiday accommodations today and start planning a stay that feels exactly like the escape you’ve been looking for.