12 Best Things to Do in Norfolk
Escape Norwich on a Road Trip to Norfolk
Norfolk in East Anglia is famously known for its manmade broads, but you’ll also find various cultural experiences such as birdwatching, picturesque towns, and miles of unspoilt beaches. A road trip in the UK county is well-suited for those who want a relaxing time away from bustling cities and modern architecture.
Whether you’re looking to explore royal holiday homes or go on a seal spotting adventure, you’ll be able to find them all in our top picks of things to do in Norfolk.
What are the best things to do in Norfolk?
1. Sandringham Estate
Visit the royal family’s country retreat since 1862
Ideal para: História, Foto
The Sandringham Estate in Norfolk comprises multiple attractions including a 600-acre Country Park and the Sandringham Gardens. The most popular establishment of the estate is the Sandringham House, a privately-owned country retreat belonging to Queen Elizabeth II.
Built in 1892, the Sandringham House is where the royal family spends Christmases even to this day. You’re welcome to explore the home, formal gardens, and the museum between March to October. Outside the Sandringham House grounds, locals often have picnics in Country Park on sunny days. Various holiday cottages are also available for rent if you’re looking to add a touch of royalty to your visit.
Localização: Sandringham PE35 6EN, UK
Telefone: +44 (0)1485 545400
Sandringham Estate
2. Norfolk Coast Path
Take a walk down the stunning North Norfolk coast
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico, Aventura
The Norfolk Coast Path is an 83-mile-long walking trail running from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. Opened in 1986, this route offers picturesque views of the North Norfolk Coast and brings you across small towns and villages such as Salthouse and Weybourne. Along the way, be sure to get your picture taken by the multi-coloured huts that line the beachfront of Wells-next-Sea or keep your eyes peeled for the North Norfolk Railway steam train that passes by.
The Norfolk Coast Path is also a great spot for birdwatching especially between September and October and if you’re lucky, you’ll be able to connect with friendly locals who share your love for birds.
Localização: Hunstanton PE36 6LQ, UK
Norfolk Coast Path
3. Hunstanton
Norfolk’s seaside town with gorgeous beaches
Ideal para: Famílias, Foto, Aventura
Hunstanton is a small seaside town on the east of Norfolk that’s best known for its west-facing beaches. Here, you’ll find family-friendly activities such as the Sea Life Sanctuary aquarium and a vintage funfair called Rainbow Park.
For adrenaline seekers, Hunstanton’s beaches are ideal for water activities like kitesurfing and paddleboarding – the surroundings of the sea are relatively flat with unobstructed waters. This is coupled with a cross-short condition of south-west winds, making it suitable even for beginners looking to enjoy surfing out in the sea.
Hunstanton
4. Cromer Pier
Catch the sunset and go crabbing like the locals do
Ideal para: Casais, Famílias, Foto, Vida noturna
Well-known as a traditional seaside pier, the Cromer Pier stretches out 131 metres over the North Sea. It’s just 40 minutes north of Norwich and you’ll often see locals and children crabbing by the pier. It’s also a popular spot for sunset watching, ideal especially for couples looking to say, “I do”.
Come nightfall, you can catch live shows such as comedic stand-ups and musical cabarets at the Cromer Pier & Pavilion Theatre that’s located at the end of the pier. This 510-seater establishment is known as the world’s only “end-of-the-pier” theatre.
Localização: Promenade, Cromer NR27 9HE, UK
Cromer Pier
5. Blakeney Point
Get up close to wild common and grey seals
Ideal para: Foto, Aventura
Blakeney Point of North Norfolk is where thousands of wild common and grey seals call home, making it a popular seal-spotting location. You’ll be able to spot these colonies year-round. The best months to visit Blakeney Point is between June to August if you’re looking to see common seal pups, while baby grey seals often appear between November and January.
As Blakeney Point is not reachable on foot, visitors usually approach the independent ferries that leave Morston Quay for the spit of land every day. We also recommend packing a light jacket in case of chilly weather, shoes with grips for slippery conditions, and binoculars to better spot these wild seal colonies.
Localização: Blakeney, Holt NR25 7BE, UK
Telefone: +44 (0)1263 740241
Blakeney Point
6. Norfolk Lavender Fields
A blooming attraction for lavender lovers
Ideal para: Foto, Econômico
The Norfolk Lavender Fields is just 5 minutes away from the town of Hunstanton. It was set up in 1932, with its lavender farm measuring approximately 100 acres wide. It also houses a variety of establishments including a lavender oil distillery, a tea lounge, and an animal garden.
If you’re looking to bring home a gift for your friends and family, be sure to pop into the onsite gift shop. The Norfolk Lavender Fields welcomes tourists all year round. Even so, visit in summer when the lavenders are in full bloom for an unforgettable experience.
Localização: Norfolk Lavender, Caley Mill, Lynn Rd, Heacham PE31 7JE, UK
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)1485 570384
Norfolk Lavender Fields
7. North Norfolk Railway
Enjoy the picturesque countryside of North Norfolk
Ideal para: Famílias, História, Foto
The North Norfolk Railway is also known as the Poppy Line, ferrying passengers between the Sheringham Station and Holt Station. Offering beautiful views of the Norfolk countryside, a ride on the train takes 20 minutes each way and if you’re visiting between April and November, you may even get the opportunity to hop on an old steam train dating back to 1957.
Tickets are available for sale on-site, though we recommend booking in advance as the trains have limited seats. The North Norfolk Railway also hosts various events across the year, including Santa Specials and their Murder Mystery themed dinners.
Localização: North Norfolk Railway PLC, Station Approach, Sheringham Station, Sheringham NR26 8RA, UK
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 4 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)1263 820800
North Norfolk Railway
8. The Broads National Park
Explore Norfolk’s biggest man-made broad
Ideal para: Aventura
The Broads National Park is a Norfolk attraction set by the most popular manmade broads of Norwich. Located just 30 minutes out of the city centre, it features multiple outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking. Most visitors find it best to explore the broads by boating through its 125 miles of lock-free waterways.
You might be able to spot rare wildlife species such as the swallowtail butterfly and the Norfolk hawker dragonfly. The Broads National Park is also where you’ll find nature lovers spending their weekends with their families. Accommodation options are also available in the park itself, and if you’re lucky, you may spot an otter or 2 passing your way.
Localização: Thorpe Rd, Norwich NR1 1RY, UK
Abre: 24/7
Telefone: +44 (0)1603 610734
The Broads National Park
9. BeWILDerwood Norfolk
An adventurous outdoor park for hours of family fun
Ideal para: Famílias, Aventura, Grupos
BeWILDerwood Norfolk is an outdoor adventure park located in the town of Horning. Covering over 18 acres of space, this adventure park allows visitors of all ages to run and explore through its various attractions including treehouse climbs, ziplines, swampy boat rides, and crafty sessions. Its all-inclusive ticket allows for a full day of family fun, with free entrances for children below 92 cm and discounted tickets for seniors above 65 years.
Refuelling is easy as there are 3 different food stops inside BeWILDerwood Norfolk or, if you’d prefer, the park welcomes home-packed meals with open spaces for outdoor picnics.
Localização: Horning Rd, Hoveton, Norwich NR12 8JW, UK
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 5.30 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)1692 633033
BeWILDerwood Norfolk
10. Norwich Cathedral
Join a free guided tour of the Romanesque church
Ideal para: História, Foto, Econômico
Norwich Cathedral dates back to 1096, though it was only consecrated in 1287. The pale-limestone structure is one of the Norwich 12 heritage sites and the most complete Norman cathedral in England.
Enter this Romanesque masterpiece to see lofty monastic cloisters, over 1,000 carvings, and a vaulted ceiling. The cathedral close, which you can enter through 2 gateways, is England’s largest. Norwich Cathedral often hosts events and exhibitions, free guided tours, and evensong performances. There’s also a café serving light lunch, cakes and coffee.
Localização: 65 The Close, Norwich NR1 4DH, UK
Abre: Monday–Friday from 10 am to 4 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 3 pm, Sunday from 1 pm to 3 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)1603 218300
Norwich Cathedral
11. Merrivale Model Village
Feel larger than life at this miniature model village
Ideal para: Famílias
Merrivale Model Village is a miniature attraction located in east Norfolk suitable even for families with little children. Housing various landmarks such as the award-winning Merrivale Garden and Majestic Theatre, you can interact with the models through a push of a button.
For locomotive enthusiasts, Merrivale Model Village boasts the famous Merrivale Garden Railway, which stretches approximately 350 metres across its gardens. Before you leave for the day, don’t forget to also have a go at Crazy Golf, a 9-hole miniature golf game section at no extra costs.
Localização: Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth NR30 3JG, UK
Abre: Daily from 10 am to 5 pm
Telefone: +44 (0)1493 842097
Merrivale Model Village
12. Norwich Market
The largest permanent open-air market in England
Ideal para: Compras, Alimentação, Econômico
Norwich Market is the largest permanent open-air market in England. Located on the pedestrianised Gentleman’s Walk in central Norwich, it has been around since Norman times. There are over 200 stalls that retain a traditional vibe despite regular refurbishments over the years.
You can wander through row upon row of specialist stalls selling everything from antiques to flowers. You can also snack on local delicacies from its many pop-up food trucks. Norwich Market is a good place to buy ingredients for a picnic, thanks to local vendors offering fresh bread, homemade chutneys, local cheeses, and cured meats.
Localização: 1 Market Pl, Norwich NR2 1ND, UK
Abre: Monday–Saturday from 8 am to 5 pm (closed on Sundays)
Telefone: +44 (0)1603 213537
Norwich Market
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