Top Things to do in Norfolk
The 10 Best Architectural Buildings in Norfolk, England
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. St. Peter's Church
2. The Guildhall
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 4 reviews
The Guildhall sits in the heart of Thetford and is part of one of our many Heritage sites/buildings. A long with the beautiful building comes The Guildhall Tearoom, a splendid tearoom with lots of cakes, coffee and other treats! The Guildhall is currently under renovation to perk up one of our proud historical sites here in thetford.
Reviewed By I2994PVjoec
Visited with the girlfriend to try out the tearoom, was greeted by 2 lovely ladies that served us our coffee and amazing cakes! A big variety to chose from, would highly recommended stopping by for some!
3. Norwich Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,926 reviews
“Norfolk’s favourite building”Founded in 1096 and built using Normandy stone shipped from Caen, Norwich Cathedral is set in the 44 acre Cathedral Close, a peaceful city centre sanctuary.The Cathedral itself is one of the finest complete Romanesque buildings in Europe, with the highest Norman tower and largest monastic cloisters in England. Inside, the Cathedral tells almost 1000 years of history, with our enthusiastic volunteers on hand to talk you through the incredible stories of its past.There is more to see at Norwich Cathedral than you think. Our award-winning 21st century Refectory restaurant is open seven days a week, as is the Hostry which features a rolling programme of exhibitions, many of them featuring local artists.You can also experience the tranquillity of our expansive Library, Herb Garden or Japanese Garden, as well as guided tours of the building throughout the week.Afterwards, feel free to explore the lanes of the Cathedral Close, a quaint village just minutes from the bustling city centre, and stop for a picnic on one of our many well kept greens. Norwich Cathedral is a living centre for worship, learning and hospitality, extending a warm welcome to all our visitors from Norfolk and beyond.Part of the Norwich 12 - An initiative of Norwich Heritage, Economic & Regeneration Trust.
Reviewed By rickw73 - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
Where to begin?! I am a cathedral lover but had forgotten how special Norwich is. Boasting the largest cathedral close in England, the essentially Norman building is topped by a later, but most elegant spire. Strolling around the exterior gave glorious views across fields. I walked in at 7.30am to find the building deserted but bathed in wonderful summer sunshine. I watched peregrine falcons soar from the spire over the nave, I gawped at the 1380 dated reredos with its detailed painting and interesting political, as well as religious, story, and I gazed at the delightful and humorous roof bosses high over head -and the hidden misericords under choir stall seats. The cathedral also has some very good wall paintings which are well preserved (relatively) and worth taking time to see. Look out especially (in the south part of the nave) for the painting of the Bishop receiving money from King Rufus to buy his job! Stay as long as you can. And say a prayer there too! Did I mention the excellent small gift shop and the superb new refectory serving great food at reasonable prices? Wow! What a special place!
4. Castle Acre Priory
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 408 reviews
Reviewed By coupleofwalkers
Brought to life by the audio guide. It is well worth reading the information boards at the start and going carefully round with the guide. Visit the castle, too for a fuller picture of life in the past.
5. 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
6. Basilica of Our Lady of Walsingham
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11 reviews
7. Oxburgh Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,146 reviews
Reviewed By Tanyahst - Portsmouth, United Kingdom
We loved it here! A really interesting house & gardens with some lovely short woodlands walk. The cafe was also good - We had a really nice baked potato & later had a coffee & cake. We also spent some time just sitting in the deckchairs provided to just enjoy the view of the fabulous house. This is definitely one of my fave NT properties & highly recommend a visit.
8. All Saints Church
9. Town Hall and Trinity Guildhall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 15 reviews
Reviewed By philipcK736NH
Arranged through the Tourist Information Centre, Ivor gave us the most interesting and helpful tour that took over 2hrs. Highlights included how the town had changed over the centuries and what a significant part it had played in the development of England throughout the ages. We were gripped all the way through. Highly recommended.
10. Town Hall King's Lynn
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
