Top things to do in Norfolk

Whether you’re after a break overflowing with coastal charm, prefer to roam picturesque countryside landscapes, or like to immerse yourself in the rich culture and heritage of the areas you visit, experience the lot in copious measures with a holiday to Norfolk.

With the National Landscape along the north coast at your fingertips and offering a delicious selection of wild beaches, panoramic seascapes, and diverse wildlife to explore, it’s no wonder you’ve found yourself contemplating a break there. Travel further inland and discover the rich heritage of its many towns as well as the medieval history of Norwich with its castle and cathedral.

Plan days out come rain or shine with this handy blog listing our favourite things to do in Norfolk. Then take a look over our collection of cottages, from romantically snug boltholes to larger properties for hosting memorable gatherings. Norfolk will provide the most wonderful backdrop for your next holiday.

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• Beaches in Norfolk
• Historical sites in Norfolk
• Walking in Norfolk
• Family days out in Norfolk
• Map of things to do in Norfolk

Beaches in Norfolk

Renowned for its versatile landscape, no holiday to Norfolk is complete without a trip to one of its many beaches. If you are a sand dweller and relish the feel of grains passing through your toes, a trip to the beach at Gorleston-on-Sea will help scratch that itch. Roll out your towel and settle down in front of the colourful beach huts. For those who prefer not to sit still, we suggest Cromer Beach. Located within the Norfolk Coast National Landscape, it’s a popular spot for swimming, fishing and surfing. There are also plenty of shops along the promenade selling crabbing gear should you fancy dangling your legs over the pier hoping for a catch.

Journey to Hunstanton, perfect for long salty beach days in the summer or windy rambles with Fido in the colder months. The picture-perfect spot benefits from the most spectacular sunsets, sandy dunes and its infamous striped cliffs. Or perhaps you fancy a bit of grey seal spotting – another unique pastime when you’re planning things to do in Norfolk. Wander over the edges of The Broads and across the dunes to the secluded spot at Horsey Gap. Visit over the winter for prime seal scoping and remember to take the camera!

Historical sites in Norfolk

Get ready to step back in time and uncover the rich history of Norfolk, where centuries of heritage await.

Royal Sandringham Estate, Sandringham

One of the most well-known regal estates in the UK, and with 600 acres of parkland and woodlands set around its royal residence and gardens, Sandringham Estate makes for a remarkable day out when looking for memorable things to do in Norfolk.

Boasting leafy trails to explore on foot, by bike and with your four-pawed pal in tow, energetic little ones will also love the impressive children’s play area where they can burn off excess energy. You can head inside the house, where you can discover its rich noble history, remarkable interiors and striking gardens.

Holkham Hall and Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea

With a sprawling 25,000 acres of landscapes at your feet, embark on a visit to one of the finest country houses in England, Holkham Hall. Showcasing a large, imposing portico adorning the grand, symmetrical façade, the 18th-century Palladian-style hall poses a memorable day out in Norfolk.

Discover the hall’s rich heritage at the interactive Holkham Stories exhibition, ditch your shoes for a sandy-toed stroll along the shores of Holkham Beach, hire a boat and glide across the mile-long lake, or swing from the treetops through the exhilarating ropes course featuring two zip lines.

Norwich Cathedral, Norwich

Steeped in over 900 years of history, and standing as a symbol of Norwich’s rich medieval past and spiritual heritage, Norwich Cathedral is one of the most impressive landmarks in East Anglia. Peacefully wander through the stunning centuries-old cloisters and appreciate the intricately carved roof-bosses adorning each walkway. Visit at dusk and revel in a moment of reflection as you listen to the melodic harmonies, chants and organ music of Evensong.

Guided tours run throughout the week with Explorer Backpacks available for kiddies. Once you’ve walked around, make a beeline for tea and cake at the Refectory Bakery and Café based on the site of the original monks’ dining room.

Walking in Norfolk

Blow away the cobwebs and take to the many tracks, trails, footpaths and coastal paths Norfolk has to offer.

The Broads National Park

The result of medieval peat digging, which created over 125 miles of waterways, The Broads National Park is made up of 60 open areas of water and seven rivers. This unique and beautiful landscape is bursting with cultural heritage and diverse wildlife.

So, grab your walking boots, and take to the trails. We recommend How Hill to St Benet’s Abbey riverside walk as it starts by the car park and a public mooring spot for anyone arriving by boat. Take in the remarkable remains of St Benet’s Abbey before continuing towards Ludham village on the circular walk, or head back along the same path for a shorter route.

Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Blakeney

Stroll along the shingle-ridge coastline of Blakeney National Nature Reserve. Backed by dunes leading up to the salt marshes and mudflats beyond, this 4-mile stretch is renowned for playing house to an array of resident and migratory wildlife throughout the year.

Popular for bird watching and seal spotting, it’s internationally recognised for its breeding tern colony over the summer months and the captivating sight of common and grey seals over the winter, with over 4,000 pups born each year.

Titchwell Marsh, King’s Lynn

Tread peacefully through the quiet haven of Titchwell Marsh and let the sights and sounds of nature take hold. Located on the north Norfolk coast, this RSPB nature reserve boasts a mix of fresh water and salt marshes, woodland, meadows and unspoilt shoreline that lend themselves to the heady mix of foliage and wildlife.

There are various trails to roam and thoughtfully placed benches to sit and reflect whilst admiring the leafy and verdant views. Spot birds of prey, avocets, marsh harriers and more.

Family days out in Norfolk

Little ones to entertain? No problem! Take a look at our pick of the best attractions in Norfolk to make unforgettable memories with your loved ones.

BeWILDerwood, Hoveton

Grab your wellies and head out together for an enchanting day of action-packed, creative fun at the woodland-based BeWILDerwood. It centres around a magical make-believe world from a children’s storybook series, featuring colourful and charming characters including Boggles and Twiggles.

Clamber, climb and slide your way around play areas bursting with treehouses, dizzying treetop mazes and magical villages. There are also playful meet and greets, a storytelling stage, a den-building zone and tons more!

Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, King’s Lynn

If you’re looking for an extra special and unique thing to do in Norfolk on your stay here, well, we’ve found it. For the ultimate wildlife adventure with the whole family, set your sights on Watatunga, a wildlife reserve set over 170 acres of wetland and home to some of the world’s most endangered species including deer, antelope and birds.

Hire a self-drive buggy or book a space on a buggy or trailer tour. There’s also an option for private tours as well if you’d rather. The tours offer a great insight into the animals on the reserve – and the habitat they’re thriving in – with live commentary transmitted over the buggy’s speakers.

Wroxham Barns, Wroxham

For an action-packed and memorable family day out, head to Wroxham Barns near Norwich. It’s up to you where you start your day, but we recommend buying some animal feed and making tracks to the bustling barn where you’ll find goats, sheep and alpacas, as well as other small animals – timing a cuddling session and animal talk is a must!

When you’re all cuddled out, embrace new heights on the elevated tree-top walkway, before making a stop for lunch in the café or one of the food trucks. After lunch, there’s soft play and bouncy pillows to conquer, before a wander through the shopping village, home to unique, independent makers selling an array of handmade treasures from their studios.

Roarr!, Lenwade

Step into an adventure-filled land when you take the family for a day at Roarr!, found to the northwest of Norwich. There are plenty of thrills to experience, and of course, the dino-themed attractions will capture the interest of inquisitive and excited little ones (and big ones!).

Wander around The Secret Garden, which houses a whole menagerie of friendly creatures: from the feathery and furry to the scaley and snouty. Roam through the Valley of the Dinosaurs featuring 21 animatronic dinos, and test your wits through the puzzling maze. Don’t forget to pack a change of clothes for the Foam Zone.

Map of things to do in Norfolk

Take a look at our handy map to locate all of our top things to do in Norfolk.

Book your Norfolk break

Now that your travel buds are truly tantalised for a break in this remarkable corner of the UK, we suggest you pop the kettle on and peruse our collection of holiday cottages in the area. With so many things to do in Norfolk, it’s an adventure-filled spot for the perfect staycation; whether you want to stay by the coast with friends, or perhaps in the Broads with a special someone, we have the cottage to tick your boxes.