The best things to do in Norfolk

You’ll never be far from the water here. In fact, the county is home to the famous Norfolk Broads National Park, Britain’s largest protected wetlands with 125 miles of beautiful waterways and riverside paths to discover by boat, bike, or on foot. 

Along the windswept coast you’ll find plenty of tranquil beaches and untouched dunes, perfect for off-the-beaten track beach adventures or lazy days lounging beneath big open skies. There are thriving seal colonies in some areas too, who often haul out along the sandy shoreline. 

Inland, Norfolk offers ample activities and places to explore too, with mile-upon-mile of glorious green countryside, characterful towns, birdwatching spots, and historic estates and railways, as well as excellent pubs and restaurants to get your foodie fix. 

So, if you’re seeking a holiday destination where the coast meets the countryside away from the crowds, Norfolk could be it. To give you some inspiration for your trip, here’s our round up of some of the best things to do in the county. 

See the seals at Blakeney Point

Norfolk is famous for its huge numbers of grey seals and the best place to see them is at Blakeney Point, a 4-mile sandy spit and National Nature Reserve. With over 4,500 pups born here between late October and mid January each year, it’s the largest colony in England, making for a jaw-dropping wildlife spectacle in pupping season. You can see the animals from a safe distance during an accredited boat trip from Morston Quay. Booking ahead is recommended. And don’t forget your binoculars! 

Get a taste of royalty at Sandringham Estate 

Perhaps the most famous historic site in Norfolk, Sandringham has been the much-loved country estate of British Monarchs since 1862 – and today is the private retreat of King Charles III and Queen Camilla. There’s plenty to see during a visit, from the sumptuous rooms in the grand house to the fascinating museum in the old stables and coach houses, including a collection of the royal family’s vehicles dating back to 1900. There are 60 acres of beautifully landscaped gardens to wander, as well as a relaxed restaurant to pause for lunch too. 

Paddle a katakanu on the Broads

The calm, meandering waterways and abundant flora and fauna of the Norfolk Broads are perfect for exploring up-close atop a canoe or kayak – and for a fun option for groups or families, why not choose a katakanu?! These cataraman-meets-canoe crafts (like a double kayak) seat up to six people and provide a more stable and comfy paddling experience, so are especially suited to those with young children in tow. They’re available for hire from the likes of Martham Boats and Whitlingham Adventures. 

Spend a day at the beach

With over 50 beaches dotted along its 90-mile coastline, from near-deserted stretches of sand to traditional family seaside locations, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to spots for a beach day. If you’re seeking somewhere quiet to roll out your towel and parasol, Holkham Beach is regarded as one of the best in England for its sweeping expanse of dune-backed golden sands. Or if you’re looking for somewhere the children will be entertained, head to Hunstanton for rockpooling and ice cream parlours (known as ‘Sunny Hunny’ for its west-facing location). 

Eat crab in Cromer

Norfolk’s flavoursome Cromer crab, caught in the surrounding nutrient-rich waters of the North Sea, has been one of the county’s most well-loved foodie exports for centuries – and it’s a must-try when you’re in the area. Upstairs No. 1 restaurant is a good choice for dishes like crab soufflé or crab linguine, or if you’re after a classic crab sandwich, head to Crab Pot Café. Afterwards, wander the Victorian Cromer Pier and admire the spellbinding ocean views. 

Walk the Norfolk Coast Path

The Norfolk Coast Path National Trail runs for 84 miles from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea through National Landscapes, providing plenty of opportunities for coastal walks with stunning scenery. For an easy 5.5 mile route that takes in Norfolk’s wild salt marshes and the North Sea, take a look at the Salthouse Circular route. Or if you’re up for a challenge and a bit of a climb, try the Roman Camp Circular, a 9-mile walk that takes you to the highest point in East Anglia. It’s only 103 metres above sea level but offers gorgeous ocean and countryside views. 

Visit a windmill

Norfolk is known for its iconic and historic windmills, many of which are still dotted around the county. Some were built for water draining, others used to ground flour for bread. Although many of them have now fallen into disrepair or disappeared completely, there are still plenty of picturesque restored windmills you can visit. These include the Horsey Windpump in the Broads and Bircham Windmill in the north Norfolk countryside – both of which have steps you can climb to the top to be rewarded with panoramic views. 

Shop independent in Norwich

Norwich is Norfolk’s only city, with historic streets, great eateries, and a vibrant independent shopping scene. The cobbled streets of Norwich Lanes are the perfect place to start. Here you’ll find centuries-old shops selling antiques, clothing, artisan goods and more, amongst modern coffee shops and boutiques. Norwich Market is another fantastic destination for a spot of retail therapy. It’s one of the largest and oldest open-air markets in England with almost 200 colourful stalls to browse, from jewellery and homewares to flowers and foodie goods. 

Have a picnic at Wells-next-the-Sea

Wells-next-the-Sea is a pretty seaside town on the north Norfolk coast, with a gorgeous sandy beach lined with colourful beach huts and historic pinewoods. It’s a picture-perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely beach picnic – or grab a takeaway pizza from the Beach Hut Hatch if you don’t fancy packing your own. Find a spot to lay out a blanket on the sand with a beach hut backdrop or, if you’re after some shade, set yourself up in the dappled woodlands just behind the beach. Just be aware that the beach can become cut off by the tide, which comes in very quickly. 

See a show at Hippodrome Circus

The Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth was built in 1903 by circus showman George Gilbert – and today it is Britain’s last surviving full circus building, complete with a unique 1930s sunken water stage. The site has played host to a wonderful variety of world-class circuses and shows over the years, including the greats like Houdini and Charlie Chaplin. It’s a spectacular destination to go and see a show, if you can. And with specials over summer, Halloween and Christmas, there’s something entertaining happening almost all year round. 

Marvel at Devil’s Punchbowl

Just outside of Thetford Forest in southwest Norfolk lies a mysterious perfectly-circular pool that seemingly empties and fills with water at random, completely unrelated to rainfall. Named Devil’s Punchbowl, legend had it that the strange phenomenon was the work of Satan himself – but now it’s understood that it’s an example of a ‘fluctuating mere’, caused by the area’s underlying chalk bedrock which eventually formed a surface sinkhole. It refills with the rise and fall of the water table, sometimes taking months to filter through. Regardless, it’s a fascinating site to see from the dedicated viewing area. 

Go bird watching at Cley Marshes 

Norfolk may well be the bird-watching capital of the UK, with an incredible variety of common and rare species to spot in its many nature reserves. Cley Marshes is one of the best sites and a haven for keen birders. Its diverse habitats of shingle beach, saline lagoons, grazing marshes, and reed beds attract an equally diverse range of birds. There are more than 300 resident species here, in fact, as well as large numbers of migratory birds and speciality species like bearded tits, bittern and marsh harriers. The spectacular spoonbill is one of the most popular sights. Keep your eyes peeled from the network of walking trails and bird hides.

Discover Norfolk’s fine food scene  

Norfolk’s countryside and coastal location provide a rich bounty of food and drink, making for a brilliant culinary scene. If you want to sample the best of the best in a fine dining yet relaxed setting, head to The Ingham Swan in north east Norfolk. As well as excellent Du Jour, A La Carte and Sunday lunch menus, this 3 AA Rosette, Michelin recommended restaurant offers a signature seven-course taster menu inspired by locally-grown and sourced seasonal ingredients, carefully created by Chef Patron Daniel Smith.

Have an outdoor adventure at BeWILDerwood

Described as a ‘curious treehouse adventure’, BeWILDerwood in the Norfolk Broads is a fantastic place to take children on a special day out in the great outdoors. The 18 acres of wood and marshland are packed with wonky treehouses, long zip wires, jungle bridges, mazes, craft corners and more, all based on the wonderful books written by local author Tom Blofeld. There are also captivating storytelling stages and boat trips where you can hear more about the magical tales and characters of BeWILDerwood. It’s a real treat for the imagination, for adults and children alike. 

Ride a steam train

Perhaps the most romantic and nostalgic way to experience Norfolk and its scenery, this county has a great network of heritage railways to travel via steam train. Hop on the Poppy Line from Sheringham to Holt and soak up the stunning landscapes of North Norfolk. Encounter the world’s smallest public railway line at the quaint Wells and Walsingham Light Railway. Or take the Bure Valley narrow gauge railway through the Norfolk Broads, stopping off at Wroxham to see the intricate model railway displays at Wroxham Miniature Worlds. 

Explore the charming town of Holt

Set in north Norfolk, this historic Georgian town is one of the most characterful in the county. Spend a few hours wandering the charming streets, admiring the 18th-century buildings and popping in and out of art galleries, book shops, and cosy cafés, often tucked away in pretty alleyways and courtyards. Call into The Feathers for a hearty pub lunch and pint of real ale. And if you want to make sure you take in all of the market town’s history, follow the free Holt Owl Trail for a 45-minute circular walk that stops at points of interest along the way.

See the tulips in King’s Lynn

If you happen to be visiting in the springtime season, you might just be lucky enough to witness the dazzling display of thousands of brightly coloured blooms at Norfolk Tulips in King’s Lynn. Here there are 37 varieties of the flower, making it the largest grower of outdoor tulips in the UK. Whilst the spectacle is only open to the public for two weeks a year, when the tulips are in bloom the ticket sales raise money for local charity, Norfolk Hospice. You’ll have to be quick though, as it’s a popular event that often sells out! 

Staying in Norfolk

If you’re searching for a special base for your adventures in Norfolk, you might love our handpicked hideaways, Pine Lodge or Laurel Lodge. Set amongst rolling countryside just a stone’s throw from the coast, both of these wooden-clad cabins feature a covered outdoor hot tub and barbecue area, as well as a soul-soothing onsite spa.