Top Things to do in Norfolk
Top 10 Free Things to do 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. The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By benjaminmoye - Norwich, United Kingdom
A fascinating museum run by knowledgeable volunteers who are passionate about the site's history and have countless experiences to share. The site truly is a hidden gem and worth making a visit to see, the museum is free to enter with a cafe and can be supported by donations.
2. Horsey Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,029 reviews
Reviewed By MisterBee123 - Chippenham, United Kingdom
We were advised to go to Horsey Gap to see the seals. So we did. We dined from the burger van in the car park (very good) then went to see the seals. There were a lot of seals and a lot of people watching them! It was great to see them in their natural habitat and seemingly not too bothered by their audience!
3. Shabbytatt
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Shabbytatt is a small Antique & collectables shop, comprising of large room with an additional room stocking a large variety of army suplus as well as a dedicated record shop, stocking both LPs singles and CDs Within the shop we have a wide range of cabinets stocked from dealers of all kinds. As well as small selection of vintage furniture and up-cycled shabby chic furniture. We stock a wide range of ceramic : Lorna Bailey,Clarice Cliff, Moorcroft, Belleek,Sylvac,Wade, Doulton, Large selection of quality antique Silver collectables Chester, Asprey & a large selection of vintage jewellery , George Jensen, Pandora, Leastien etc Militaria : decommissioned guns, medals, badges. Also vintage lamps, Tiffany, converted oil lamps and original oil lamps. All of this amazing stock and more can be found here.
Reviewed By PBW24 - Ely, United Kingdom
VISIT THE VERY BEST !! ..........YOU WON'T NEED TO GO ANYWHERE ELSE .......................Shabby Tatt has always been a great place to visit and imerse yourself in all manner of Antiques, Retro and Militaria fare ..........we've seen the business grow and expand over the years, and with very good reason ........its been done with a creative flair and passion, giving the customer what they want, at fair and respectful prices. The new and expanded shop (next door the the old shop) is really excellant .......well laid out, clean and tidy, with professionally presented good quality product .......and none of that old rubbish (that is just one just step away from the local dump) found in so-called Retro shops elsewhere. This shop and business continues to showcase the owners passion for what they so successessfully do so well.
4. Norfolk Coast Path
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 51 reviews
The Norfolk Coast Path runs for 42 miles from Hunstanton to Cromer, with the majority of this walking trail running through the dramatic landscape of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The most westerly point of the Norfolk Coast Path is the seaside town of Hunstanton. It then passes through areas rich in wildlife - first the salt marshes near Brancaster, then Holkham National Nature Reserve with its extensive sandy beaches and pine woodland underlining the vast open sky. Look out for massive flocks of geese in the winter, coming in to safely spend the night here. After Wells-next-the-Sea the Norfolk Coast Path skirts along the edge of salt marshes, with views of Blakeney Point, famous for its grey and common seals. Cley-next-the-Sea marks the start of the section that follows an extensive shingle beach and wildlife-rich freshwater marshes. The route continues along the shingle beach almost as far as Sheringham, where it follows the top of the sandy cliffs, heading inland and meandering through the wooded hills between Sheringham and Cromer. This trail combines with the Peddars Way (which it joins at Holme-next-the-Sea) to form the Peddars Way & Norfolk Coast Path National Trail, one of 15 National Trails in England and Wales.
Reviewed By wendyanddavid536 - Solihull, United Kingdom
We walked a short stretch of the Norfolk Coast Path between Morston and Wells-next-the -sea, on a gloriously sunny late September afternoon, through the salt marshes, enjoying the plants, birdlife and sea. A great tonic in these lockdown times.
5. Eaton Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By FBList
This park is a wonderful place with a vast amount of activities from crazy golf (bring own club), to model boat water, train line, basketball court, athletics track. Kids will be occupied and intrigued, couples can take a stroll and enjoy the view of the different sports occurring. Will definitely be back very soon.
6. 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.
7. 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!
8. Riverside Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 586 reviews
Reviewed By Dencroft - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Sunny September Sunday leisurely stroll along the river wensum in Norwich. We were staying at the Maids Head hotel and wanted to walk down to Carrow road football ground. We started our walk (pub crawl) at the ribs of beef pub walking past St James mill, Cow Tower, Pulls Ferry with our next stop at the Red Lion pub which is right on the river. Carry on down the river to The Compleat Angler pub and cross over the bridge so you are opposite the train station, lovely walk past the riverside entertainment centre, plenty of places to eat and drink here and on the opposite side of the bank is beautiful old mill looking buildings it’s very interesting. Eventually to come across Carrow Road football ground the home of Norwich City. We turned around at this point and on the way back up the riverside we visited the beautiful pub called The Adam and Eve and the Wig and Pen before turning off the riverbank at Wensum Street. Walk is leisurely 6.5km and took us around 4 hours, so a really good walk (as long as the weather is kind to you) Totally recommend if you are staying in Norwich.
9. Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 633 reviews
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is an inspirational public art museum where you can see outstanding art for free. The Centre, which opened in 1978 to house the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, is a world-class building designed by Norman Foster, at the University of East Anglia, Norwich.
Reviewed By 36daveb36
In the depths of the campus of the University of East Anglia, there is a very stylish building which combines university art library, with a gallery of modern art, ceramics and sculpture and the biggest cabinet of curiosities you could find. The collection of ethnic artefacts is amazing, and the antiquity of some of them is stunning.
10. Holkham National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 541 reviews
Windswept tidelines, a maze of creeks and saltings, miles of dunes and sandspits, shady pinewoods, green pastures and grazing marshes, the mix of habitats and the blend of wildlife confirm Holkham National Nature Reserve as a unique place.
Reviewed By rachelcV9704LD - Cambridge, United Kingdom
What a superb nature reserve! Beautiful landscape of pine forest and endless beaches. In 2 hours I saw a huge flock of wigeon as well as teal, Brent geese and lapwings in the fields either side of the car park, & goldcrest, long tailed tits & red kite and kestrel hunting in the pines. Make sure you plan for at least half a day to enjoy this picturesque and extensive reserve.
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