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
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, 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.
Don't wait to plan your self-catering escape to North Norfolk. Half Moon House is a lovely brick and flint holiday home in Great Walsingham, sleeping eight people in four bedrooms, two with ensuite bathrooms. It's child-friendly, dog-friendly, and a leisurely pretty 15-minute walk from a village shop and two pubs. There is even a great cafe literally over the road, which is serves breakfast from 8am! Beautiful dog friendly beaches are only a short drive away, and you're close to Wells-next-the-Sea, Holkham, Holt, Burnham Market and Fakenham. Beach excursions, coastal walks, boat trips, steam trains, lazy bike rides through the countryside, historic houses, family-friendly attractions and excellent restaurants can all be on your itinerary when you stay at Half Moon House.
The Barn - 2 bedroom self-catering cottage with the option of an added annexe (The Churnery B&B Room). Dog friendly, open plan living space, 1 Master, 1 Twin room, bathroom with bath and shared outside seating area The Dairy - 3 bedroom self-catering cottage with private garden. Open plan living, 1 master, 1 triple and 1 single bedroom. Dog-friendly with outside seating and B&B.
Cosy in the winter months and sunny and bright in the summer through the fully glazed French doors into the garden, this lovely garden holiday cottage is in the charming village of Upton in the beautiful Norfolk Broads. The one-bedroom cottage is perfect for couples and individuals who want to explore the Broads and the Norfolk coast and countryside. There is a friendly, community-owned pub and a village shop within walking distance with more amenities, including regular buses and trains to Norwich, a few miles away in Acle. Great Yarmouth, Gorleston-on-Sea, Cromer and Holt are all within easy reach, with a great choice of attractions and amenities.
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.
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 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 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.
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 riverfront fishing from the surrounding farmland, 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, riverfront fishing and an 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 riverfront fishing from the surrounding farmland, 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 riverfront fishing from the farmland, 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, with riverfront access for fishing from the farmland, 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, an outdoor hot tub and river frontage for fishing. 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
You and your family can stay in complete comfort at Mallard Barn. This fantastic cottage is on a 1,100-acre farm in the heart of the Waveney Valley, close to the Norfolk Broads National Park and within easy reach of Norwich and the coast. There is space for seven people to sleep in three bedrooms, with an open-plan living area that has been designed and furnished with socialising in mind. Tourist board rating: 5 Star Gold
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!
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.
