Things to Do in Norfolk

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There’s so many things to in Norfolk, with visitors able to discover historical hidden treasures, beautiful scenery and charming market and seaside towns in this wonderful East Anglian county.

Wildlife in Norfolk

Whether you are looking for a weekend away in the countryside, there is plenty to explore. The gentle landscape of the Broads National Park, with its woodland, fens, lakes and waterside trails is perfect for those who love walking and cycling.

The Broads National Park is made up of over 60 open areas of water known as Broads and seven rivers, the Ant, Bure, Chet, Thurne, Waveney, Wensum and Yare. The Norfolk Broads are popular for boating and sailing enthusiasts due to the relaxed and accessible nature of the tranquil waterways. Picturesque landscapes and peaceful waters have made the Broads National Park a favourite location for holidaymakers.

For those looking to escape the city life, there are so many nature reserves and parks to explore. The Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens close to Great Yarmouth is a great place to visit with the whole family. The Gardens have a wide selection of animals such Snow Leopards, rare tigers, gibbons, deer otters and crocodiles.

The Hickling Broad Nature Reserve in Potter Heigham is another beautiful area rich in natural wildlife. It is the largest Broad which offers wildlife boat trips between April and October and various walking routes around the reserve.

Beaches in Norfolk

For those hoping to spend some sunny days at the beach, you will want to visit Holkham Bay. The beach gained worldwide publicity when it featured in the Gwyneth Paltrow Oscar-winning movie Shakespeare in Love.

If you are planning on taking your four-legged friend with you, visit Brancaster Beach. The vast beach offers a perfect playground for your pet pooch.

Watersports enthusiasts will be keen to visit Hunstanton Beach. The shallow open water here is perfect for kite surfing, paddleboarding and windsurfing.

For those looking for something a bit more lively, the beach at Great Yarmouth offers lots of family entertainment. There’s crazy golf, trampolines, boat trips, donkey rides, and a range of attractions and amusements.

For information on the best walking routes in the area, check out our Walking in Norfolk guide.

Norfolk History and Heritage

Norfolk has its fair share of captivating castles and cathedrals, medieval churches and stately homes to explore. It was also home to thousands of young Americans who were part of the United States Army Air Force, sent here to assist against Nazi-occupied Europe. Known as ‘Little America’, the arrival of 50,000 American troops transformed the rural landscape and left a lasting legacy.

Arts and Culture

Norfolk has a huge array of festivals, exhibitions, theatres, shows and events to enjoy throughout the year. The Norfolk and Norwich is the most renowned festival in the county, bring people together from all over the UK and parts of the world. For 17 days each May, the Festival transforms the county’s public spaces, city streets, performance venues, parks, forests and beaches to experience fantastic music, theatre, literature, visual arts and free outdoor events.

 

Photo by Andrew Banner on Unsplash

Pubs in The County