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The Norfolk Travel Guide explores further the county of Norfolk, located in East Anglia in the East of England. It may come as a surprise to know the region is thought to be less populated currently than it was during the middle ages. Whilst this is certainly unusually it also marks out the region as one with much appeal for those wanting to visit a place that is not too crowded, busy and overly commercialised.



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Norfolk Guide

Overview and Attractions
Norfolk Hotels
Norfolk Map
Norfolk Weather
Cheap Plane Tickets



Overview and Attractions

Norfolk does have a nice mix of the sought after peaceful English countryside and coast with its fair share of attractions too. Rather like neighbouring Suffolk, some visitors tend to overlook the East of England region, this is unfortunate and represents a missed opportunity at seeing this unspoilt attractive region of the UK.

Perhaps the most famous of Norfolk’s tourist areas is the Norfolk Broads
with its inland waterways, it is an area favoured by boating enthusiasts from around the UK. The area has wildlife reserves among these is unusual floating conservation centre at Ranworth. The Norfolk Coast Path provides walkers with some wonderful walking opportunities, the path runs through the Broads and follows the coast north to Hunstanton, where it joins the historic Peddar’s Way. Walkers can enjoy the lovely unspoilt coastline and take in the both the scenery and the history of the coastal region. For more information please see:

Norfolk Coast Path

Cley Marshes close to Cromer is among the most highly regarded bird-watching sites in the UK, boasting over 300 species. The North Norfolk Coast has been recognized as a Heritage Coast and an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, aptly showing the natural beauty and environmental and ecological importance of the area. For more information please see:

Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

Norfolk is of course not entirely peace and quiet, with the lively Great Yarmouth it has among the most popular seaside resorts in England. It has some 15 miles of sandy beaches and is a favoured destination for families looking for seaside fun. Here you will find mix of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian waterside properties.

The most well known centre in Norfolk is the town of Norwich, it was once one of the wealthiest and largest in England, with the town benefiting from the wool trade. This legacy means there are some of the finest medieval town houses in England here. Labelled a town that is enjoying a boom, Norwich is a compact size to explore for visitors. The city can see seen by foot and the main landmarks include seeing the Clock Tower, the 300 plus foot spire on the Norwich Cathedral and Norwich Castle. History is well preserved here and ancient buildings and streets are on the whole still in good condition and makes for a fascinating experience for visitors.

The historic city does have its fair share of contemporary buildings such as The Forum and the cool Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, located in the University of East Anglia. Norwich does have a growing reputation for flourishing in the arts and culture and the international talent it can attract. The town is also a student town and this has helped contribute to the town having a vibrant nightlife. For more information please see:

Visit Norwich

Lowestoft is famous as Britain’s most easterly town, it is also the southern gateway to the Norfolk Broads. Its location meant it was damaged in world war two but there are still some parts of the old town intact. The town boasts plenty of cobbled lanes to walk around, this is popular among visitors as they wonder around the town. King’s Lynn is an ancient port, it flourished as a medieval trading centre and evidence of this includes the medieval merchants’ houses that surround the South Quay area. There is also the oldest guildhall in the UK, St. George’s Hall. Famous buildings include Trinity Guildhall and the Town Hall.

The Norfolk Broads is famed for the wonderful scenery on show to visitors, there are several wildlife reserves, including a floating conservation Centre at Ranworth. With a nature trail running from the centre, walkers can explore the local fen vegetation and birdlife. The RSPB runs a bird reserve at Strumpshaw close to near 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 bufferflies and dragonflies in spring and the summer. For further information please see:

Strumpshaw Fen

The Norfolk Broads have National Park status, the aim is to preserve and enhance the area’s natural beauty. Potter Heigham is infamous due to its bridge, which is the most difficult to navigate in the whole of the Broads. For this reason Bridge pilots are posted there and people in hired boats are required to use their assistance to pass under this tricky bridge. Both Wroxham and Potter Heigham can claim to be the Capital of the Broads. With the maze of cycle tracks and footpaths, walking and cycling to explore the area further is popular among visitors.

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 isolation of the abbey and the area, it is possible the area was an actual island in the past. For further information please see:

Norwich Archaeological Trust

Blickling 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. For more information please see:

Bickling Hall

Sandringham is located in Norfolk and is the country retreat of the Queen. It 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 also 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. For more information please see:

Sandringham

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, most of Norwich Cathedral was damaged by fire and subsequent repairs entailed redecoration. For more information please see:

Norwich Cathedral

For arts fans wanting something a bit different Mooncalf Curios, an ongoing Norwich based arts project is worth a look. They provide a place for un-established creative talents in and around the Norfolk area to showcase their talents by staging multi-format events including readings of poetry and prose, exhibitions of visual art, screenings of film and animation and performances of music. There are some exciting and enjoyable performances to enjoy here, with Norfolk’s 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. For more information:

Mooncalf Curios Arts

Bedfords Bar & Restaurant located in Norwich is a place where visitors can go to enjoy a relaxed bar atmosphere and enjoy some nice food. The main bar is located away from the busy city centre hustle and bustle and makes for a refreshing change. The interior décor and tranquil lighting offers the chance to relax in a nice atmosphere. For more information please see:

Bedfords Bar & Restaurant

Chicago Rock Cafe is a theme restaurant and bar that combines drinking, dining and dancing. This is convenient as all the entertainment is in one venue. The cafes are located around the UK and one s in Norwich, with entertainment well catered for. Diners can choose from various items on the menu, relax with a drink and then to the party on the dance floor. The DJs play a wide variety of music including sing-along tracks to get you in the party mood. So if you wanted a place to eat, have a drink, chill out and then a dance then this could be the place for you. For more information please see:

Chicago Rock Cafe Norwich

Accommodation in Norfolk is available to suit all budgets from budget hotels to more luxurious hotels. It is worth doing your research and ensuring your hotel is actually located at a convenient location for your needs and that the hotel offers the facilities you require to avoid disappointment. There are a good range of hotels available in Norfolk, for further information please see:

Selection of Norfolk Hotels

For a full list of Norfolk Hotels please see:

Norfolk Hotels


Exploring Norfolk further with the Norfolk Travel Guide has shown Norfolk to be a relatively unspoilt region away from the crowds, boasting some wonderful countryside and plenty of peace and quiet to those seeking it. Visiting thriving Norwich and experiencing its nightlife would liven up a visit for those wanting a bit more hustle and bustle. Norfolk has long been a favourite for boating enthusiasts and with the Norfolk Broads it is easy to see try. For visitors not wanting to follow the crowds and go off the beaten tract, Norfolk is an attractive proposition.

Norfolk Travel Guide

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Norfolk Map
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Norfolk Weather




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