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
Dukes Apartment 6 is a spacious three-bedroom holiday apartment in Great Yarmouth, sleeping six guests in a prime seafront position on Marine Parade. This self-catering accommodation occupies part of a carefully restored Victorian listed building, with panoramic sea views across the Golden Mile. The apartment includes two bathrooms, a large kitchen-diner, a separate lounge and a private terrace overlooking the beach. Located just steps from the sand, this holiday rental in Great Yarmouth sits within easy walking distance of Britannia Pier, the Sea Life Centre and the Marina Centre, with parking provided for two vehicles. Please note Dukes 6 is the same building as Dukes 12 with some of the rooms closed off.
Dukes Apartment 12 is a magnificent five-bedroom holiday rental in Great Yarmouth sleeping 10-12 guests, with panoramic sea views across the Golden Mile seafront. This self-catering accommodation for families, extended families, and friends, occupies a beautifully restored listed building on Marine Parade, featuring luxurious interiors, three bathrooms, a spacious kitchen-diner, a separate lounge, and an outside terrace overlooking the beach. The apartment sits steps from the sandy beach, Britannia Pier, and Arc Cinema. This group holiday home in Great Yarmouth provides an excellent base for families and friends, with free parking for two vehicles, Sea Life Centre, Pleasure Beach, and the Marina Centre all within walking distance.
A private waterside holiday home on a small complex, ideally positioned in the heart of Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads directly alongside the River Bure. Magical waterways to explore and just 10 miles from Norfolk coastline and the City of Norwich. Excellent amenities within walking distance from Willow Reach Cottage.
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.
Our calendar is now open for 2026 reservations. – we'd be happy to try and accommodate your needs. Bay Tree Cottage is nestled in the welcoming village of East Runton, within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). This charming stone and flint cottage offers a true home-away-from-home experience, perfect for couples and families. With spacious indoor and outdoor areas, it features three cozy bedrooms, comfortably sleeping up to five guests. Located on a quiet residential street, the cottage is just a short walk from the beach, village shop, café, and two traditional pubs. It’s also conveniently close to popular attractions like Cromer Pier, Felbrigg Hall, BeWILDerwood, Amazona Zoo, and the North Norfolk Steam Railway.
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.
Imagine being able to swim in privacy no matter what the weather. Lavender Lodge is a beautifully furnished holiday home with a heated indoor swimming pool and an outdoor hot tub. It sleeps six people in three ensuite bedrooms, one of which has a wheelchair accessible wetroom and a super-kingsized bed. Decorated in December for Christmas breaks.
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.
Enjoy a relaxing holiday in this lovely barn conversion, which is on a private estate with direct access to the beautiful River Waveney. The pretty market town of Bungay is about a mile away, while the Queen's Head pub in Earsham is even closer. There are footpaths and bike rides from the door, and the cottage is within easy reach of the Norfolk coast, Norwich and attractions like the Flint Vineyard and the Norfolk and Suffolk Railway. Dragonfly Cottage has a spacious bedroom for couples.
Splashpoint is a period seaside holiday cottage in Sheringham. A mere 20 yards from the sea with no passing traffic to disturb the gentle noise of the waves, it's perfect in all seasons for couples and families, including those with dogs. There is space for four people to sleep in two bedrooms, the self-catering facilities are excellent, and there are lots of little touches that make it feel relaxed and welcoming. Guests rave about the location and the views. It's easy to explore the North Norfolk coast from here, but equally possible to stay within walking distance and still have a fantastic time.
Lovely south facing, groundfloor cottage in the small village of Wiveton. Sleeps four in two bedrooms. Ideal for two guests wanting that extra bit of space or for a family of four during the holidays. Spacious kitchen/dining with an Aga (winter months only). Lovely sitting room which opens out through French doors to the sunny terrace area. Open fire - wood provided. Huge master bedroom with super king size bed and fitted cupboards. Twin bedroom. Bathroom and separate shower room.
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+.
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.
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.
You'll understand why so many people love holidaying at Canfers Barn as soon as you arrive. The former stable and cart shed is now a beautiful single-storey holiday cottage sleeping two people in one bedroom with a dog also welcome. It's on a quiet family-run farm with five other properties, a few miles from Holt and Blakeney and within easy reach of Sheringham, Cromer and Norwich. This area blends the best of Norfolk's countryside and coast, putting you close to stately homes, nature reserves, National Trust properties and other fantastic attractions.
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.
