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
Teddy’s Retreat is a dog-friendly, two-bedroom (4 person) rural cottage in West Beckham, North Norfolk, offering a peaceful base close to the region’s renowned coastline. The property combines rustic charm—such as wooden floors and an open fire—with modern comfort and thoughtful accommodation for guests with dogs. Located within walking distance of a village pub and Sheringham Park, the cottage provides convenient access to key attractions including some of Norfolk’s best beaches, Nature Reserves and quirky towns of Holt, Blakeney and Wells-next-the-Sea. Guests can relax indoors with Sky TV, WiFi, and a cosy fire, or enjoy the mature, enclosed south-facing garden with dining areas and a BBQ. Additional amenities include front and rear seating spaces and an on-site games room. Overall, Teddy’s Retreat offers a tranquil, well-equipped setting for exploring both the countryside and coastline of North Norfolk.
Pinewood forests, sailing boats, and fish and chips on the quay - grab your bucket and spade for a dose of beachside nostalgia at ARC Wells-next-the-Sea.
Bring together family and friends at Scotgate Cottage, a lovely restored former 1950’s cottage in the heart of Norfolk countryside. You’ll be drawn to the games room, indoor swimming pool, vast acreages and hot tub, the crackling logs in the living room and the beauty of the Norfolk countryside. The cottage is set in over five acres of parkland and idyllic gardens, which include classic borders, colourful roses and orchards of fruit trees. This charming cottage can sleep up to 23, with rooms in Scotgate Cottage and Scotgate Barn. With three reception areas and an additional games room, there is plenty of space to keep everyone entertained. There is a pretty courtyard area where you can sit back and relax in the glorious sunshine. Expect to find a heated indoor swimming pool, hot tub and large sauna room. This cottage is home to an immaculate multi-sports court, perfect for staying active during your break. There is a summer house nearby to the well-stocked fishing lake with a pontoon. The village of Hockham is just down the road with its pub, along with Thetford Forest
Apple Tree Cottage is nestled in the heart of West Norfolk. Set back from the road, the cottage is peaceful and private. It's perfect for couples or families and do bring the dog! There is a footpath in either direction from the door and you can walk miles without crossing a road. A short drive will take you to a number of beaches, shops, pubs, restaurants, stately homes (Sandringham and Houghton are both just 10 minutes drive) Brancaster beach is also 10 minutes drive, Hunstanton just 15 minutes away with boat trips, beach, fish and chip shops, arcades and more. In the other direction there are quaint villages and towns such as Burnham Market and Holt with boutique shops, tearooms and pubs. Norfolk really does have something for everyone and Apple Tree Cottage provides the perfect base to come home to each night and watch the sunset from the hot tub. We can't wait to welcome you.
Bel Ami is a spacious lodge overlooking in Pentney Lakes, West Norfolk. With 4 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms and an open-plan living area, the lodge comfortably sleeps 8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings. Less than a mile from the popular wedding venue of Pentney Abbey, and close to the Sandringham Estate and the historic market towns of Kings Lynn and Swaffham, the location is perfect for exploring the unspoilt Norfolk countryside. The beautiful sandy beaches of the North Norfolk coast are a short drive away.
Chestnut Barn welcomes big families and groups of friends for relaxing self-catering holidays in Norfolk all year round. The spacious holiday home sleeps ten people in four bedrooms, potentially accommodating two more guests in folding beds and two infants in cots. Beautifully furnished interiors and landscaped gardens with games, table tennis, sandpit, bike storage, and a hot tub are perfect for your family holiday, hen-do, or catching up with friends over a long weekend. You're within a few miles of Cromer and other beaches and within walking distance of the village shop, green, and pub in Aldborough.
You won't have to settle for anything less than luxury when you stay at The Old Chequers. This former village pub in South Creake has been welcoming guests for centuries and is now a fantastic holiday home sleeping up to 14 people for a self-catering holiday in North Norfolk. Six ensuite bedrooms, an extremely well-equipped kitchen for self-catering, and a garden with a stream and a hot tub make it a favourite for guests of all ages. We've recently renovated and added a brand new games room with a pool table, flat-screen TVs and arcade games. The location is also ideal, close to Burnham, Fakenham, Holkham, and Wells-next-the-Sea.
Tucked away in a quiet spot in the heart of Holt with pretty courtyard garden, off-road parking and lovely piano, this characterful romantic holiday cottage provides the perfect base for a relaxing holiday and exploring Norfolk's many attractions. With cafes, pubs, independent shops and a train station within strolling distance, you don't need to have a car to enjoy a holiday in 8 Carpenters Cottage. However, if you do, the coast, country houses and Norfolk countryside peppered with pretty villages and towns are just waiting to be discovered.
Cromer Flint Cottage is a traditional Norfolk flint holiday cottage located in the popular seaside town of Cromer. Sleeping four guests in two bedrooms, and with the beach just a short walk away, it is perfect for families, friends and couples looking for a self-catering holiday by the sea. It’s just a three-minute walk to the town centre and with fantastic walking trails, National Trust properties and gorgeous gardens just a short drive away, you couldn’t be in a better place to explore the beautiful county of Norfolk.
The North Norfolk Coast has something for everyone in every season including beautiful beaches, nature reserves, stately homes and gardens, pretty villages, and charming market towns. This cottage is in a quiet residential area 10 minutes from the beaches at Heacham and within easy reach of Hunstanton and Kings Lynn. Local attractions include Norfolk Lavender and the royal estate of Sandringham. There is good access to footpaths and cycling routes, including the Norfolk Coast Path. Gidley Retreat sleeps six people in three bedrooms and has a flexible layout that suits families and friends.
Abbey Farm is a beautiful countryside farmhouse set in the heart of rural Suffolk, close to the Norfolk border and within easy reach of the coast. Surrounded by peaceful countryside, it offers the perfect setting to slow down, reconnect and spend quality time together. The house sleeps up to 10 guests across five comfortable bedrooms, making it ideal for large families, groups of friends, or multi-generational gatherings. With generous living spaces and a flexible layout, Abbey Farm works wonderfully for family holidays, special celebrations, relaxing retreats, workshops, and wellness or fitness breaks. Situated between the charming market towns of Eye and Diss, the farmhouse is perfectly placed for exploring both Suffolk and Norfolk. Step outside and you’ll find beautiful countryside walks right on the doorstep, meaning you can enjoy the surroundings without even needing to get in the car. Whether you’re planning a weekend celebration, a peaceful rural escape, or a longer countryside break, Abbey Farm offers a warm welcome and a memorable stay in every season.
With a social open-plan living area adorned with beams and eco friendly principles (including an electric car charging point), The Old Piggery provides an excellent self-catering base for exploring both the Norfolk countryside and coast. Beautifully presented in a country chic style, this welcoming holiday home sits on the outskirts of East Ruston village with fabulous walks straight from the front door.
Spacious, dog-friendly self-catering holiday properties in North Norfolk are not always easy to find, which is why Running Hare Barn is such a treat. This beautifully renovated barn sleeps up to ten people in five bedrooms and has stunning views and a wealth of character. Not only does the barn go out of its way to welcome dogs at no extra cost, but the owners provide all the things they need to feel settled including throws, towels and dog bowls, whilst maintaining a high standard of accommodation for human guests too! The location on the outskirts of East Ruston is peacefully rural yet close to dog-friendly beaches and livestock-free footpaths. It can be booked together with the neighbouring property to sleep up to 16 people.
If you are searching for somewhere special for a romantic holiday in the countryside, then look no further than Partridge. This charming self-catering barn conversion offers guests 5-Star (Gold) accommodation in the heart of the Waveney Valley, with facilities including a games barn, gym and an outdoor hot tub. Wheatacre Hall Barns are close to Beccles, The Broads and beaches like Great Yarmouth, Southwold and Lowestoft making them a perfect choice for a holiday. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
This romantic barn conversion is perfect for couples, providing a 5-Star Gold standard of luxury in a fantastic location on a working dairy and arable farm in the Waveney Valley. Pheasant is one of a collection of eight luxury Norfolk holiday cottages at Wheatacre Hall Barns, giving guests access to a wide variety of amenities that include a games barn, Fitness Barn outdoor hot tub. Beccles is a few miles away while Norfolk, The Broads and Great Yarmouth are all within half an hour's drive. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
Sleeping up to six guests, Snipe affords fantastic amenities for your holiday that include a games barn, outdoor hot tub and a gym. Unsurprisingly, it is no wonder couples, families and friends all love this luxury self-catering cottage at Wheatacre Hall Barns. The location in the Waveney Valley is close to Beccles and the Norfolk Broads National Park and within easy reach of Norwich, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Southwold. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
There is space for everyone including the dog at Wheatacre Hall Barns. This collection of eight luxurious Norfolk cottages is on a family-run arable and dairy farm where guests can explore the farm and even watch the cows being milked in the parlour. Facilities include a games room and soft play area, lots of space to play outdoors and a sheltered outdoor hot tub, all in an idyllically rural location close to Beccles and The Broads, and just half an hour from Norwich and the coast at Great Yarmouth and Southwold. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
Wheatacre Hall Barns have everything you need for an amazing family holiday. The eight luxurious barn conversions are on a family-run dairy and arable farm in the Waveney Valley, a games barn and soft play room, gym and outdoor hot tub as well as lots of space to roam and play freely. The holiday cottages sleep between two and seven people and are within walking distance of the Wheatacre White Lion pub. Beccles is just a few miles away, with Norwich, The Broads and the coast a relaxed half an hour's drive. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Pack up the family and make your way to luxurious Wheatacre Hall Barns close to Beccles in the beautiful Waveney Valley. There are eight 5-Star holiday cottages on the 1,100-acre working farm, with guest amenities that include a games barn, gym, and an outdoor hot tub. Whether you are a couple escaping to the country for a quiet weekend with the dog, or you are searching for the perfect location for your annual self-catering holiday with your extended family and friends, you will love having so much space to spread out and have fun. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
This luxurious barn conversion is on a 1,100-acre farm in the beautiful Waveney Valley, close to Beccles and The Broads and less than half an hour from the coast. Coot has space for up to six people to sleep in three bedrooms, with the option of booking one or more of the other 5-Star Gold standard holiday cottages to accommodate groups of extended family and friends. The onsite facilities are superb and include a games room, exercise barn and an outdoor hot tub. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
Popular towns in and around Norfolk:
AlbyAttleboroughAylshamBactonBanhamBergh AptonBlakeneyBrancasterBrancaster StaitheBrundallBungayBurgh St PeterBurnham MarketClippesbyCorpustyCromerDerehamDissDownham MarketEast RustonFakenhamGreat SnoringGreat YarmouthHappisburghHeachamHicklingHigh KellingHoltHorningHunstantonKing's LynnKings LynnLitchamLoddonLowestoftMundesleyNectonNorfolk BroadsNorfolk/Suffolk BordersNorth WalshamNorwichRockland St MaryRollesbyRushallSalhouseScratbySea PallingSheringhamSnettishamStalhamStokesbySutton StaitheThetfordThorpe MarketTibenhamUptonWells Next The SeaWells-next-the-SeaWinterton-on-SeaWisbechWroxhamWymondhamSome 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.
