As a rural county, Norfolk has many things to offer in terms of outdoor activities. From the historical sites in the city of Norwich to the beautiful rivers and waterways of The Norfolk Broads, it is an ideal place for those seeking both picturesque countryside views and city culture. As well as this, North Norfolk boasts a fantastic coastline for those wishing to experience a classic British seaside break.
Norfolk is a county situated in the East of England and is a popular tourist destination whether you're looking for a weekend away in one of our holiday homes, or a more extended family holiday in our unique Norfolk cottages. Read more
A two bedroom holiday cottage in the centre of Mundesley village is an ideal location to base yourself for a holiday on the North Norfolk coast. Luxury linens, Simba mattresses, Nespresso coffee machine... even Wi-Fi and a printer if work can't be totally left behind. Just a few minutes walk to the shops, park, beach and pub. Small dogs welcome so no one need stay at home.
A comfortable riverside holiday home with the bonus of mooring in the bustling village of Wroxham in the Norfolk Broads. Well located close to pubs, restaurants and shops on a small estate, Wherry Cottage is an ideal self-catering base for exploring the beautiful waterways.
This delightful waterside cottage sits an enviable position in the Peninsula Marina on the banks of the River Bure in the popular village of Wroxham, the 'capital of the Norfolk Broads'. Within walking distance of the village's many amenities and an ideal self-catering base for exploring the areas many attractions and magical waterways.
Teddy's Retreat is just the perfect dog-friendly holiday cottage. Pretty as a picture, this two bedroom cosy cottage sleeps 4 guests and warmly welcomes up to 5 dogs. With a sunny garden, games barn in the converted dairy, Sky Sports/WiFi and an open fire, it has everything you could wish for in a holiday cottage. Surrounded by glorious North Norfolk countryside there are lovely walks from the front door (including around Sheringham Park which is 5-minutes walk) and has the beaches just two miles away. A true gem of a dog-friendly retreat!
The Kiln is a comfy welcoming retreat providing stylish self-catering enhanced by original features, ideally placed on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders. An excellent base for exploring the many attractions of both counties including the city of Norwich.
Golden Cross is a stylish and comfortable holiday home on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders, ideally placed in the picturesque Waveney Valley providing an ideal self-catering base from which to explore the many attractions of these two beautiful counties including the heritage coastline, historic market towns and Broadland villages.
A holiday on the Norfolk coast has a timeless appeal. With space for four guests (plus an additional two for occasional use), The Felbrigg is the perfect holiday home for couples or families who want to be close to beaches like Cromer but who want to retreat to a home-away-from-home where they can enjoy peace and privacy at the end of a fun day. The barn conversion is part of Jonas Farm Barns and benefits from the shared heated indoor swimming pool and children's play area. It is a mile from the train station at Roughton, and 2 miles from Cromer's fantastic Grade II listed pier, Blue Flag beach and superb restaurants and pubs. As well as being convenient for beaches like Cromer, Sheringham and all of the North Norfolk coast, The Felbrigg is only a short drive from the heart of the Norfolk Broads National Park and just half an hour from Norwich. Staying in this beautiful barn conversion means you can spend a day on the beach, another bird watching or on forest adventures and another enjoying the city of Norwich. Great reviews from our guests - Don't miss out!
Perfect for couples looking for a weekend away or a longer holiday exploring East Anglia, this romantic Four Star Gold holiday home sleeps two guests and sits in the village of Flixton on the Suffolk/Norfolk borders. There is a village pub a short walk away as well as the popular Aviation Museum. St Peter's Brewery is also within walking distance and the lovely beaches and nature reserves of the Suffolk coastline are within easy reach by car. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
The Old Coach House has wide appeal, offering couples single level dog-friendly self-catering. Sitting on the Norfolk/Suffolk border in the village of Flixton (with village pub and Aviation Museum within strolling distance), this welcoming cottage for two provides the perfect base for exploring the many attractions of both Suffolk and Norfolk including the coast, nature reserves, Norwich and the nearby Norfolk Broads. Short breaks and longer holidays available all year round. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
A delightful Four Star Gold holiday retreat sleeping two on the Suffolk/Norfolk borders in the village of Flixton with a village pub and the Aviation Museum a short stroll away. St Peter's Brewery is also within walking distance and Suffolk's coast is a short car ride away with beaches for lazy days and some of the country's top nature reserves. Short breaks offered all year round - an excellent choice for couples who enjoy walking, cycling, bird watching, exploring and relaxing. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Providing single storey self-catering, Sam's Stable offers Four Star Gold self-catering for couples and is conveniently located on the Suffolk/Norfolk border in the village of Flixton. There is a village pub and the Aviation Museum within easy strolling distance as well as St Peter's Brewery (a little further but still within walking distance for those who intend on sampling a pint or two of Suffolk's finest!). All the right ingredients for a relaxing break and within easy reach of the coast for days at the beach or visiting the nature reserves. Norwich city centre is also within easy reach. Short breaks available all year round (two night minimum). Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Orchard View is a single-storey holiday cottage offering 4-Star Gold accommodation for couples with well-behaved dogs welcome. It's in the grounds of The Old Rectory in Flixton, two miles from Bungay and within easy reach of the Norfolk Broads, beaches like Southwold and Lowestoft, and the medieval city of Norwich. It's a wonderful location for walking, cycling, fishing, and boating, starting with the picturesque seven-acre grounds with gentle views of fields and countryside. Bookings are available all year round, with short breaks possible depending on availability.
Orchid Lodge is steps from the River Bure with fantastic views of the marina. The self-catering holiday cottage in Horning is ideal for couples and families who want to experience the best of the Broads, including from the water. There is loads of scope for walks and bike rides beside the river and through beautiful countryside and boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The waterfront Ferry Inn pub is within a short walk, as are shops, cafes and other amenities. Despite its conveniently central location, guests will enjoy the peace and tranquillity that can only come from being beside the water.
A detached holiday cottage in Wroxham in the very heart of the Norfolk Broads in an enviable position on the river - an excellent holiday destination for those with a passion for sailing, kayaking, fishing, walking, bird watching or simply relaxing by the river!
A self-catering holiday in North Norfolk is something everyone deserves at least once, especially if you're staying somewhere as lovely as Wisteria. The holiday cottage sleeps four people in two ensuite bedrooms in the rural village of Briningham, close to Holt and beautiful beaches. You're ideally based to enjoy everything from coastal walks to seal-spotting boat tours and a wander around Norwich's narrow medieval lanes. Stately homes, RSPB and nature reserves, family-friendly attractions, country parks, specialist museums, and farmers' markets are just a few of many things to add to your itinerary. Holiday bookings are available all year round.
The Pig House is a beautifully converted country holiday home in North Norfolk, a few miles from Holt and 10-15 minutes from spectacular beaches. It's enormous, sleeping eight people in four ensuite bedrooms, with two folding beds to increase accommodation to 10. There is also a large enclosed courtyard garden with a barbecue area and outdoor hot tub and a cinema room with surround sound. You're close to fantastic attractions like beWILDerwood, Blakeney Point, Cromer Pier and Museum, Norwich, Pensthorpe Nature Reserve, and Sandringham, with lots to keep everyone happy in all seasons. The Pig House is the perfect location for all generations to come together or for friends reuniting or celebrating special occasions.
Relax in the beautiful surroundings of the countryside, just a few miles from the coast. Cow Parsley Cottage is perfect for couples who want to enjoy the best sights of North Norfolk, including places like Wells-Next-the-Sea and Holt. The traditional cottage is in the peaceful village of Kettlestone, close to Fakenham and a short drive from the beach. There are miles of nearby footpaths and bicycle routes to enjoy, as well as National Trust properties, country parks and coastal walks. Historic Norwich is within easy reach so you can mix country, beach and city all in one incredible holiday.
Beautifully presented, this stylish barn conversion provides a high standard of self-catering accommodation for up to ten guests and sits in a rural position, conveniently placed within easy reach of the Norfolk coastline and Broadland villages. An abundance of attractions for a fun-filled holiday and a super retreat for friends, families and celebratory breaks.
Sleeps 8 - A delightful cottage in the heart of the quaint riverside village of Horning, known as the Jewel of The Broads. Perfect base to explore the village and surrounding Broads. Deceivingly spacious inside with a great family feel.
The Whim is a wonderful seafront holiday home on the Norfolk Coast. Sleeping 14 people in seven bedrooms, it suits extended families who want to stay close to the beach but not at one of the louder, more touristy spots like Cromer. The house enjoys incredible views, a big enclosed garden with a deck, and lots of space for everyone. You can walk to the Blue Flag beach, shops and pub in around ten minutes, or stay at the house and use the indoor swimming pool and sauna. The self-catering facilities are excellent.
Popular towns in and around The Norfolk Broads:
AlbyBactonBrancasterBrancaster StaitheBungayClippesbyCromerEast RustonFakenhamHappisburghHeachamHoltHorningHunstantonKing's LynnKings LynnLoddonMundesleyNorwichRockland St MaryRollesbySheringhamStalhamThetfordThorpe MarketUptonWells-next-the-SeaWinterton-on-SeaWroxhamSome local suggestions:
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Norfolk is the perfect choice for those craving culture and heritage, nature, adventure, wildlife and the tranquillity of water, whether by the sea or on the river. With its fantastic architecture, picturesque countryside and some of the country's finest beaches, Norfolk is a county that has something for everyone.
One of the most popular places to stay in Norfolk for culture is Norwich, where the ancient city offers plenty of history, great pubs and multiple shopping places. In addition, Norwich is one of the UK’s best-preserved mediaeval cities, so it’s a great place for those seeking history.
Cromer is an excellent option for holidays in Norfolk with the whole family. The seaside resort offers great beaches and many visitor attractions, providing you with lots to do with the kids.
There are also several excellent restaurants, shops and boutiques in Cromer, perfect for those who want to spend the day wandering through the town.
For those visiting Norfolk with their four-legged friends, Hunstanton is the place to be for its great unrestricted beach. The elegant seaside town provides views over The Wash and has an array of seaside activities like crazy golf, pleasure gardens, and an extensive sandy stretch.
Before booking your holiday cottage in Norfolk, you can find all the information you need for your trip.
Check out our complete guide to Eastern England & East Anglia for more tips.
The spring in Norfolk is lovely as the landscape bursts into life with lots of flora and fauna, lambs are springing through the countryside, and bluebells litter the woodlands. Spring is a great time to visit for those seeking days walking along the coast or following other trails through the county as the weather is mild and comfortable, with average temperatures of around 17°C.
Summer is a great month to relax on the many beaches in Norfolk as the temperature averages around 21°C, usually accompanied by bright blue skies and lovely sunshine. The pleasant temperatures also provide an excellent climate for those who aim to wander through the cobbled streets of Norfolk’s towns and villages.
Winter is also a good time for Norfolk holidays. Compared to many other counties in the UK, Norfolk isn’t as cold, although the weather still drops drastically from the warm summer temperatures to around 8°C from December to February.
With the beautiful countryside such a prominent attraction in Norfolk, there are numerous outdoor pursuits to enjoy both inland and on the water. The extensive waterways of the Broads are ideal places for nature lovers, with rivers branching out in every direction, providing a haven for sailors, canoeists, wildlife enthusiasts and those who simply like to relax by the water.
For those seeking the sea, head towards the Norfolk coast, which offers an impressive ninety miles of coastline so there are plenty of opportunities for great days out by the sea. Great Yarmouth and Cromer should top your list for traditional seaside fun, as well as Holkham and Wells beaches, which allow quiet spots for a picnic.
Norfolk also offers relaxing outdoor activities. A trip on heritage railway lines provides an effortless way of seeing the countryside. Fishing and bird watching are popular in many nature reserves, such as Cley Marshes.
If you happen to only be visiting Norfolk for the weekend, there is still plenty to do! Check out our Norfolk holiday guide to help you in the right direction.
When travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance from there to Norfolk holiday cottages on the border, so you know what to expect when visiting by car.
London: 106 miles
Birmingham: 148 miles
Glasgow: 359 miles
Liverpool: 243 miles
Bristol: 228 miles
Manchester: 176 miles
Leeds: 156 miles
Edinburgh: 358 miles
Newcastle: 239 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to Norfolk; with its excellent public transport, you can journey by train or coach from many major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip and alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
The City of Norwich is the ideal stop for art and culture. Famous for its festivals, the themes range from art and film to food and drink.
Norwich Cathedral is also awe-inspiring. If you prefer to venture through the city streets, The Lanes are part of the historic quarter of Norwich. With cobbled streets and Georgian architecture, The Lanes offer a plethora of independent shops and boutiques.
Thinking about architecture in Norfolk would not be complete without the castles and stately homes of the countryside. Holkham Hall, with its nature reserve, is a beautiful site close to the Norfolk coastline. In addition, the royal Sandringham Estate is situated in Norfolk, with its museum exhibition of gifts to the Queen a 'must-see' on any visitor's itinerary.
Norfolk has seven distinct areas, all of which make great holiday destinations. Therefore the choice primarily comes down to what you want to do whilst visiting.
Great Yarmouth is perfect for those seeking a traditional holiday by the sea in a coastal cottage; its family-friendly amusements and entertainment help keep the whole clan happy. There is so much to do in Great Yarmouth, a holiday here will be jam-packed with fun at the Pleasure Beach to uncover history at the Tide & Time Museum.
Broads National Park is an excellent place for those seeking a tranquil trip to Norfolk. The 125 miles of lock-free waterways provide great excursions atop the water, whilst the quaint villages are perfect for strolling along the cobbled streets.
Sheringham is home to colourful beach huts and a heritage line along the steam railway. For those who enjoy a trip to the theatre, a range of watersports and significant annual events like the Viking Festival, Sheringham is a fantastic option.
There are many more towns and villages in Norfolk that all have exceptional scenery and activities to make for a great holiday, it is difficult to narrow it down to just one, but whatever your holiday itinerary, Norfolk won’t disappoint.
Norfolk is famous for its spectacular coastline, miles of sandy beaches, quaint seaside towns and rolling countryside. Perhaps the most famous feature of the county is the Norfolk Broads; one of the largest series of waterways routes in the UK.
There are so many outdoor activities in Norfolk, such as relaxing on the beach, walking the coastline, wildlife spotting, and wandering through the many towns and villages; these activities are free of charge. Your trip to Norfolk can be as expensive or as budget-friendly as you choose, with frequenting restaurants and bars raising the price of your holiday overall. We also have Norfolk cottages to suit every budget, so make sure to use the filter to find your perfect one.
Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the prettiest places to visit in Norfolk. Salt marshes cover the harbour and the town displays a large Georgian Square, making it a beautiful spot.
There are many other pretty towns to visit in Norfolk, with places like Wroxham sitting on the bank of the River Bure and Horning with its waterside location or even Cley, which presents visitors with its charming 18th-century windmill. Whatever town you choose to visit, you will be taken aback by the beauty throughout the county.
