Top Things to do in Norfolk
10 Points of Interest & Landmarks in Norfolk That You Shouldn't Miss
A holiday in Norfolk is not a glamorous break. While the Norfolk Broads of East Anglia are a beautiful part of the UK, they represent a relaxing rural getaway rather than a high-powered city-break. Although its reputation is mostly rural, with people associating the county mostly with the wetlands of the Norfolk Broads, there are also towns such as Norwich and King's Lynn to visit, both of which provide shopping opportunities, nightlife and entertainment. Norfolk also contains a large stretch of coastline, and seaside destinations such as Cromer and Great Yearmouth mean there are great beaches to be found as well. Many areas of the Norfolk Broads and the coastal region are sites of outstanding natural beauty, and are also protected as bird reserves, so take a pair of binoculars on holiday. There are also popular wildlife attractions such as Banham Zoo, with a great collection of big cats, and Great Yarmouth's Sea Life Centre, one of the biggest of its kind in the country, complete with tropical sharks and conger eels. And of course, if any of your family are interested in boating, you'll need to rent a boat and explore the waterways of the Broads themselves!
Restaurants in Norfolk
1. Surrey House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Romnarz - London, United Kingdom
So pleased to find the public are allowed inside this amazing building - built around 1900 it seems like a much older palace. Three is a very informative leaflet about all the origins of the various marble in the building. I understand that that some additional rooms are open to the public in September
2. Hardley Windmill
3. Dereham Windmill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 56 reviews
Reviewed By 789fleurc - Dereham, United Kingdom
The family all enjoyed the visit to Santa. The windmill had been beautifully decorated and the volunteers were very professional. The cafe near the windmill offered a good range of food including gluten free.
4. Elm Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 622 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Allied to its proximity to the Cathedral area and the river, this is undoubtedly the nicest part of the city. Elm Hill itself has managed to retain an old- fashioned and almost quiet atmosphere that is entirely appropriate to its age. Although it now has shops etc., the style of the place has been retained and its lovely old buildings and cobbled street evoke images of times long past and it is certainly a place you should visit.
5. St Julian's Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
The Julian Centre is currently CLOSED to visitors until further notice. However, St Julian’s Church and Julian’s Cell are OPEN to all for daily worship, silent prayer and visiting. COVID-19 regulations must be followed.
Reviewed By johnpI2804PY
Sorry for the late review! I visited last year, and found the staff of the centre incredibly helpful. I'd heard that Julian was a mystic with a very forward-thinking religious attitude, and went to get a better understanding of who she was as a person. By talking to some of the workers, I found out so much about her and the surrounding areas, and got many recommendations on where to go for more beautiful religious history in East Anglia. Thank you so much for the awesome time, and interesting histories.
6. Holkham Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,501 reviews
Holkham is a beautiful place rich in wildlife, history and heritage, with lots of things to do for all ages. With a stately home at its centre, Holkham encompasses a National Nature Reserve, a beach, a walled garden, and acres upon acres of parkland that is roamed by its resident fallow deer. Visit the Holkham Stories Experience to truly discover the history the estate and come away enlightened with one or two interesting facts up your sleeve. Children will enjoy our Woodland Adventure Play Area and ropes course, and all will be able to explore more of the grounds with cycle and boat hire available most of the year. Holkham hosts a number of events throughout the year; visit our website for full information on our visitor attractions and events.
Reviewed By E3847QJjohnd - Northampton, United Kingdom
Everything about this location is near perfect: the house is so well kept and the history is fascinating, the grounds are picture perfect and the walled garden is a must see. The facilities are exceptional: a good restaurant with reasonable prices and a well stocked shop. Staff everywhere, including those working in the grounds, were all very friendly.
7. Thursford
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,569 reviews
Visited by over 5.7 million people. The Thursford Collection - The sights, sounds and sensations of the golden age of steam are never forgotten. Climb on board and enjoy all the fun of the fairground on our traditional carousels and gondola. Experience the size scale of steam with the largest collection of traction engines in the world. Delight in the unique sounds of Robert Wolfe show on the mighty Wurlitzer. Christmas Spectacular - Set in the magical surroundings of mechanical organs and fairground carousels, a cast of over 130 performers deliver an extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety. Santa's Magical Journey - A trip to Santa will never be the same again with this truly unforgettable journey to the perfect Christmas memory.
Reviewed By PennyW1228 - Norwich, United Kingdom
Superb ,non stop action christmas show .Complemented by the abundance of christmas lights ,trees and decorations both inside and outside the show .Variety of different acts underpinned by a fantastic group of dancers ,choir and orchestra
8. Baconsthorpe Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 118 reviews
Reviewed By 923Dan - Swindon, United Kingdom
Baconsthorpe Castle - really an old manor house with a moat is a wonderfully preserved ruin with the old moat. Out in the sticks (well it was originally for a sheep rearing family), its a little tricky to find outside the nearby village, along farmers tracks, but well worth the effort. Small free car park, and free to visit. Well maintained by English Heritage. No tourist trappings or rubbish here. Wonderful way to spend the morning watching swans on the moat!
9. Houghton Hall & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 456 reviews
Houghton Hall in Norfolk was built in the 1720s for Britain's First Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. An example of Palladian architecture and interiors by William Kent. It is currently home to the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley, Walpole's descendant, and his family. Situated in traditional parkland, the house is surrounded by white fallow deer. An award-winning five-acre Walled Garden includes a spectacular double-sided herbaceous border, a kitchen garden with arches and espaliers of apples and pears as well as a formal rose parterre. An impressive collection of contemporary sculpture and other works by world-renowned artists such as Richard Long, Anya Gallaccio, Stephen Cox, Jeppe Hein, Rachel Whiteread, Phillip King, Henry Moore, James Turrell are displayed in the grounds. There is a model soldier museum, gift shop, pop-up exhibition Contemporary & Country in the stables as well as this year's art installation of works by Anish Kapoor. Due to COVID all tickets must be pre-booked.
Reviewed By Norfolknewby-1
Although we live only a short drive away, this was our first visit to Houghton Hall and thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon strolling around the spacious grounds and appreciating the Anish Kapoor and other exhibits. All the staff were very friendly and available to offer help if needed. The highlight for us was the magnificent Sky Mirror, lucky to see it on a sunny day which produced the best reflection and light. The mirror works in the main hall were also amazing, in complete contrast to the traditional paintings and furnishings but it worked! Enjoyed a nice lunch and coffee in the Stables courtyard but would suggest if possible a few more tables and seating provided as several customers having purchased their food, were having to wait for a table. Quite understandable as the courtyard is a beautiful place to sit and linger! The formal gardens again were wonderful and plenty of space, were particularly impressed by the ‘Waterflame’ feature
10. Sheringham Life Boat Station
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 45 reviews
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