A peaceful rural retreat with tranquil views, no near neighbours (other than grazing sheep) and three beautifully presented ensuite bedrooms make Bayses Barn popular with families and friends for a self-catering holiday in North Norfolk. The former lambing barn is on the edge of Briningham village, a few miles from Holt and a short drive from beautiful beaches. It has been beautifully renovated with the help of an architect to make the most of its outlook over the valley. Country and coastal walks, stately homes, nature reserves, and family-friendly attractions are all within easy reach, as are local farmers' markets, excellent food shops, pubs and cafes.
Myrtle’s Barn, named after the owner’s grandmother, is in rural Norfolk a few miles from Holt and within easy reach of Wells, Cromer and Holkham beaches. The barn, once used as a potato store on the owner’s farm has been recently converted. It is now a self-catering holiday home furnished to a very high level. It is well suited to families and friends, sleeping six people in three ensuite bedrooms with a private garden. Harold’s barn is adjacent to Myrtle’s Barn and they can be booked together for extended families or holidays with friends.
Violet Cottage is a seductive beauty in a quiet village location close to the Norfolk Heritage Coast. It's perfect for couples and families with older children, as it sleeps four people in two bedrooms but, because it has two bathrooms, it also works well for friends. The cottage is in Kelling, three miles from Holt and within easy reach of Weybourne and Salthouse. There is plenty to do whether you want to explore the coastline, cycle through the countryside, shop in pretty market towns, enjoy local attractions, or tour stately homes. The cottage is available for bookings all year round. Children age 7+.
Enjoying a riverside position in the popular Broadland village of Wroxham, Blackfriars provides comfy accommodation for up to four guests and is perfect for families wanting to explore the magical waterways of the Norfolk Broads, along with the Norfolk countryside, coastline and Norwich city. Fabulous sandy beaches within a short car ride away as well as an abundance of attractions including BeWilderwood, Great Yarmouth, Cromer and the Horsey seals. Alternatively, just park the car and enjoy everything on offer on the doorstep including fishing, boat hire, riverside walks, pubs and shops.
You won't want to go home after holidaying in this gorgeous waterfront property in the delightful village of Horning. With a private hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and a large garden that leads down to the river, Whispering Reeds Cottage is the perfect retreat for couples and families looking to explore the Norfolk Broads. Whether you are looking for a new adventure each day, or you simply want to relax in beautiful surroundings, the Norfolk Broads is a fantastic location for a holiday at any time of the year. This impressive self-catering holiday home sleeps six guests in three bedrooms and two well behaved dogs are welcome too.
In an enviable position, this self-catering holiday apartment is located in the beautiful Broadland village of Horning, on the Norfolk Broads. Tracara apartment has breathtaking views and is just a stones throw from the river's edge. An ideal base for exploring the many attractions and magical waterways that this area is famed for.
In an enviable position, this large waterside holiday retreat is located in the beautiful Broadland village of Horning on the Norfolk Broads and is just a stones throw from the river's edge. Tracara affords lovely views over the river and is an ideal place for getting friends and family together for a relaxing break, celebratory weekend or just to use as a base for exploring the areas many attractions.
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.
The Norfolk coastline is stunning, with golden sandy beaches that stretch for miles in both directions. Brancaster is a fantastic example that you can easily enjoy when you stay at Crosswaye. The comfortable bungalow has recently been updated to provide a high standard of self-catering accommodation for up to four people. It is very popular with couples, families and friends who like that it is in a quiet location yet close to places like Wells-next-the-Sea, Holkham, Holme, Hunstanton, the Titchwell RSPB Reserve and The Wash Nature Reserve. It is a five-minute walk to The Ship Inn village pub, and a mile to Brancaster beach and dunes (twenty minutes or less on foot or bike).
Abbey Farm is a beautiful farmhouse in the Suffolk countryside, close to the Norfolk border and within easy reach of the coast. The owners of Abbey Farm have created a fantastic holiday retreat that is ideal for large or extended families and groups of friends to stay. The five lovely bedrooms can sleep up to 10 people, and the layout is ideal not only for family holidays but also for special celebrations, relaxing retreats, workshops and boot camps. The beautiful location between Eye and Diss, together with the high standard of accommodation makes the house an ideal year-round destination.
A delightful detached dog-friendly cottage perfect for couples, friends and families, providing a taste of country life. Just four miles from the glorious beaches of the Norfolk coast and within easy reach of the Norfolk Broads, Porters Cottage puts you close to all of Norfolk's best bits to get the most out of your holiday. Tourist board rating: 4 Star Gold
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.
Welcome to The Halt, Holiday Cottage, Sheringham. We offer 4 bedroom (max 8 persons) self catering holiday let accommodation which is both family friendly and dog friendly. We provide 2 off street parking spaces for two full sized cars. The Halt is walking distance from the Sheringham beach, Sheringham High St and the Heritage Steam Railway (North Norfolk Poppy Line) and close to the many activities surrounding.
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.
Kingfisher Lure is a riverside holiday cottage in the very heart of the Norfolk Broads in the popular village of Wroxham - an excellent location for fishing, sailing, bird watching and exploring both the magical waterways and areas many attractions.
Stylish and modern throughout, this beautifully presented detached waterside retreat is perfectly placed in the heart of Wroxham, one of the Norfolk Broad's most popular villages. Brightside is a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts, fishermen, walkers and those who enjoy being on or beside the water.
Popular towns in and around Norfolk:
AlbyAttleboroughAylshamBactonBanhamBergh AptonBlakeneyBrancasterBrancaster StaitheBrundallBungayBurgh St PeterBurnham MarketClippesbyCorpustyCromerDerehamDissDownham MarketEast RustonFakenhamGreat SnoringGreat YarmouthHappisburghHeachamHicklingHigh KellingHoltHorningHunstantonKing's LynnKings LynnLitchamLoddonMundesleyNectonNorfolk BroadsNorfolk/Suffolk BordersNorth WalshamNorwichRockland St MaryRollesbyRushallSalhouseScratbySea PallingSheringhamStalhamStokesbySutton StaitheThetfordThorpe MarketUptonWells-next-the-SeaWinterton-on-SeaWisbechWroxhamWymondhamSome local suggestions:
Luxury Norfolk holiday cottagesNorfolk cottages with a hot tubOr search further afield:
Search within Eastern England and East Anglia
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.