Top Things to do in Norfolk
Things to do in Norfolk, England: The Best Historic Sites
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. Hardley Windmill
2. Blickling Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,637 reviews
You'll never forget your first sight of Blickling. Sitting in a magnificent garden and park is a breath-taking mansion, flanked by ancient yew hedges. Past owners have used the estate as a refuge while performing on the world's political stage. Philip Kerr, the last private owner, helped shaped the National Trust's history, using his influence to find a way of saving great country houses for future generations to enjoy. Until his death in 1940 he used the house for entertaining his prominent guests; and photographs, sounds and objects help to tell his story. Outside, the formal garden is the result of three centuries of inspired planting, and the gently undulating historic parkland is great for exploring.
Reviewed By larke
Blickling estate Norfolk has a most beautiful library 18th century bequeathed in 1740 when Sir John Hobart 1 st earl of Buckinghamshire owned the estate, THE HOUSE WAS BUILT IN 1666 Jacobean hall, wonderful below kitchens and history also to be explored, was Anne Boleyn born here ? The parkland extends to 4,600 acres to explore multi trail on foot or bike hire.the gardens cover 55 acres three centuries of landscaping beautiful orangery and various temples to explore well worth a full days visit
3. Hickling Broad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
This small lake is said to be haunted by a young soldier during the Napoleonic War, who crossed it to meet his beloved, but met his icy death in its bone-chilling waters instead.
Reviewed By biburybill - Bilsborrow, United Kingdom
Visited on a lovely sunny day ,so relaxing to sit by the broad .Nice tea room nearby ,and toilets near by .
4. St Olave's Priory
5. Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
The Museum is currently closed and we hope to reopen our doors as soon as it is safe to do so. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Reviewed By DramaQueen55 - Woking, United Kingdom
This museum contains a wealth of interesting exhibits and offers an insight into the history of the city, the industries that people worked in, and the lives that they led. The lady on the reception desk gave us a detailed and helpful explanation of the layout of the museum, the artefacts on display had clear and concise descriptions, and the interactive elements worked well. Definitely worth a visit.
6. Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
If you have never visited the Cathedral of St John the Baptist – now’s the time! The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is the second largest Catholic Cathedral in the UK. After nearly a century as the parish church of the Catholic community in Norwich it became the mother church of the new diocese of East Anglia in 1976. Now a Grade 1 listed building, its external grandeur and magnificent interior, especially the fine stonework and beautiful stained glass, make it well worth a visit for those interested in religious, spiritual or architectural history. You can even take tours up the tower, and see the wonderful views of Norwich and beyond. Since the opening of the Narthex in May 2010, the Cathedral also has an education gallery, a shop, a refectory and a community garden. Not only is the Cathedral an inspiring setting, but it is also a wonderful place to relax. Open seven days a week – 7.30am – 7.30pm. Entrance is FREE. Part of Norwich 12 - an initiative of Norwich Heritage, Economic & Regeneration Trust.
Reviewed By Henryka
A short walk out of the town centre but worth the visit. A good introduction to the Catholic faith in the entrance lobby. The Cathedral itself is in excellent condition and hard to believe it's only 100 years old. Built in the traditional Gothic style.
7. Felbrigg Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,448 reviews
Reviewed By 827JohnC - Wisbech, United Kingdom
In Cromer last Sunday with my wife, who was there to play bowls, which I declined to spectate (Watching grass grow without the excitement of watching paint dry!) Just nipped down the road to Felbrigg Hall, ample car parking, very near to reception and close to the hall. Good welcome from reception team, and excellent directions, not really time to visit the estate, so straight to the Hall, and a warm welcome from the volunteers on duty. Pleasant amble with the usual high standard of information available from the Room Stewards, a fascinating house, well worth a visit. A few days ago a winger left derogatory feed back because he objected to the fee structure, well he is of course welcome to his opinion, but really..... Adult Membership of the National Trust is £6 a month, for that you get free unlimited access to all the NT properties, that my friend is a BARGAIN!
8. 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.
9. 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!
10. St Peter Mancroft
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Located in the market place in the heart of the medieval city of Norwich, St Peter Mancroft is the largest of the city's 31 surviving medieval parish churches and one of the finest perpendicular parish churches in Norfolk. It is known for its medieval stained glass, its collection of medieval and renaissance treasures and its importance as a pioneering tower in the uniquely English art of change-ringing on church bells.
Reviewed By Jobber900 - Norwich, United Kingdom
While visiting places in the centre of Norwich this church is a must see. The stained glass widows are spectacular.
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