Norfolk Attractions

Norfolk offers visitors a range of local attractions in the region offering visitors a choice of interesting and charming places to discover. The county includes a choice of attractions including museums, galleries, historic buildings, theatre, concerts and events. Norfolk’s location in the East of England means the scenic English countryside and the great outdoors are all within reach located close by to the city of Norwich and local towns and villages in Norfolk.

We have outlined a number of interesting attractions and places to visit for visitors to the Norfolk region, these include:

The RSPB runs a bird reserve at Strumpshaw close to Norwich, Strumpshaw Fen is a great place to fully explore the great diversity of habitats and wildlife. Visitors can walk around the reedbeds and woodlands and see the enchanting marsh harriers, kingfishers, and if you are lucky see the elusive Chinese water deer. You will find many buffer-flies and dragonflies in spring and the summer.

St. Benet's Abbey is located on a sand and gravel island and is surrounded by grazing marshes alongside the River Bure. Back in the Middle Ages it was approached by land along a causeway from the North West and by river along the Bure. A visit to the abbey will show visitors a sense of the isolation of the abbey and the area; it is possible the area was an actual island in the past.

Bickling Hall is a Jacobean house surrounded by a dry moat, a remnant of an earlier Tudor house. Inside the house there is a long gallery containing many rare books. The parkland gardens are a delight with the garden at its best in the spring with the bluebells. The garden has been well cared for over time and its present status is a testament to this care. The house has passed through a few owners, including the Boleyn family; this grand house makes for an interesting visit.

Sandringham is located in Norfolk and is the country retreat of the Queen. Sandringham has served as the private home to generations of royalty. The imposing house is set in 60-acre gardens which have been described as among the finest of the royal gardens.

There is a museum of Royal vehicles and mementoes, the principal ground floor apartments with collections of porcelain, jade and family portraits among others, these are open to the public from Easter to October. The Visitor Centre contains a gift shop offering a wide range of gifts and local foods, whilst the Plant Centre has produce from the Sandringham greenhouses. Those wanting a bite to eat can try the restaurant that serves both hot and cold food. Private and corporate dinners and special occasions can be arranged with the restaurant.

Norwich Cathedral is a well known landmark in the city; it has great history and presence and adds to the historic nature of the city. There are some interesting features of the cathedral the preservation of the original floor plan created by Bishop Herbert de Losinga. Some of the oldest stained glass in Norwich Cathedral, dating from the 14th and 15th centuries, can be seen in the ambulatory. The impressive nature of the building is perhaps testament that the building was built to both educate and impress. There is decoration that dates back to the 12th century; all the more remarkable given 1272, the majority of the cathedral was damaged by fire and subsequent repairs entailed redecoration.

Arts fans may wish to visit the Norwich Arts Centre located in St. Benedict's Street, Norwich. The centre offers a full programme of music, theatre, dance, comedy, exhibitions and more. Live music varies from classical to blues to rock and contemporary. There are a range of exhibitions and visitors can see works from the areas newest, brightest and up and coming artists. For arts fans looking to help up and coming artists and be entertained at the same time, this is worth considering.

The Time & Tide Museum is located in the seaside town of Great Yarmouth. The museum tells visitors the history of Great Yarmouth and its herring industry, the museum includes a number of temporary and touring exhibitions exploring the varied history of the town, the Great Yarmouth Maritime Collections offer an insight into a range of maritime areas including fishing, shipbuilding, life saving and the merchant trade. Visitors can see a collection of fine marine art, ship models, maritime trade tools, navigational equipment and photos and information on the maritime history of the area.

The Bure Valley Steam Railway offers visitors a fascinating trip back to the golden age of rail travel. The miniature railway runs from Aylesham to Wroxham known as the capital of the Norfolk Broads and includes stops at the villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall. The journey is an 18 mile round trip that takes visitors through the scenic Bure valley stopping at small country villages giving visitors an opportunity to see some delightful countryside and sit back and relax taking in the scenic environment. Visitors can enjoy food and drinks at the café in Aylesham.

Banham Zoo is located 20 miles from Norwich, offering an interesting and educational day out for the whole family to enjoy. The zoo hosts a number of events through the year and include daily animal talks where visitors can learn more about the residents of the zoo, there is also the impressive birds of prey display to see. The zoo is home to a large number of animals from around the world, birds include eagles, falcons, emus and owls, cats include tigers, leopards and cheetahs, primates include monkeys and lemurs and reptiles includes snakes and dragons. The zoo is involved in a number of conservation projects in the wild to help improve the future of many endangered species.

It is recommended that prior to visiting Norfolk; visitors do their research and ensure any sights and attractions they plan on visiting are actually open on the days you intend on coming. The transport is also worth checking as maintenance and engineering works can mean a restricted service on public transport and the road network.

Norfolk and the East of England region are sometimes missed by visitors touring the UK, which is a shame given the region sometimes referred to as England’s quiet region has plenty to offer visitors. Norfolk has long been a favoured destination for boating enthusiasts with the Norfolk Broads, the laid back atmosphere, scenic environment and lack of crowds offers an interesting alternative to other regions of the UK making the region well worth a visit.

The region has its own distinctive charm and character and the lack of large cities and more relaxing pace of life ensures the region is a great place to relax and get away from it all, enjoying the best of the great outdoors combining the attractions of Norwich and the charm of the villages and towns in the region. There are a choice of historic attractions including windmills, museums and galleries. The attractions in Norfolk and the Broads ensure visitors can enjoy a short break, weekend away or a longer stay here.




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