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
This elegant period farmhouse is perfectly located for guests to enjoy the best sights and attractions of North Norfolk. It is only 7 miles from Cromer and 8 miles from the Broads, with beautiful walks and cycling routes from the door thanks to Norfolk's excellent Quiet Lanes network. Norwich is also within easy reach for a day of shopping and sightseeing, proving that this quiet county is one of the most diverse and beautiful places for a self-catering holiday. Home Farm House sleeps up to 10 people in five bedrooms, so is ideal for big families and friends. It comes with two acres of grounds that include a courtyard, stream and pond.
Perfectly situated in the popular village of Wroxham in the very heart of Norfolk Broads, this welcoming waterside retreat boasts views over the water. An ideal self-catering retreat from which to explore the magical waterways, enjoy riverside walks, explore Norwich and the coast or simply relax in the riverside setting.
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.
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!
Sunset Haven is a comfortable holiday cottage in the lively village of Hoveton in the Norfolk Broads. Sitting in an enviable position in a quiet backwater on the river, with its own private mooring, this is an excellent location for relaxing, enjoying a spot of fishing, bird watching, canoeing and sailing.
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.
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.
With a secluded beach on the doorstep, this delightful holiday home provides a peaceful retreat for a relaxing holiday on the Norfolk Coast and an ideal base for exploring the areas many attractions. Dog-friendly and with access out onto miles of coastal walks and a glorious sandy beach for lazy days, enjoy a relaxing break by the sea at any time of the year.
Centrally positioned in the heart of charming Cley Next the Sea, Rosalind Cottage offers a cosy bolthole within the desirable Golden Triangle on the North Norfolk coast. Oozing character, the property has been tastefully refurbished by its current owners, to provide visitors with a relaxing and memorable guest experience. Fully flexible booking (two nights minimum) throughout the year.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Harold's Barn is a gorgeous holiday barn close to the North Norfolk Coast. It's beautifully furnished to sleep six people in three ensuite bedrooms and suits couples, families or friends. The holiday home is a few miles from Holt, close to Cromer, Blakeney Point and Holkham, and under an hour's drive from Norwich. There is loads to do, especially if you enjoy walking or cycling through spectacular scenery rich with flora and fauna.
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.
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+.
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.
The ground floor annex was built in 1991 and blends beautifully with the main building. Finished to a very high standard, double glazed and effective heating make early or late holidays comfortably warm. The small back garden is totally enclosed by an ornamental wrought iron fence. Garden furniture and a BBQ are supplied in Summer, the aspect is Southern. Parking for one car in the drive Entry is into a brick built conservatory with a tiled floor, double glazing, dining chairs, plus two upholstered wicker easy chairs. An ideal place for a lazy breakfast (or even better, try the beach café in Summer and relax). Airy open plan lounge with a storage heater. Comfortably furnished with a colour Freeview TV, Video and DVD player in the lounge area and a small fully equipped kitchenette.
Set in nearly two acres of private gardens, Brickley Rise is a beautifully restored 1745 Laundry Cottage that blends character with modern comfort. Just three miles from Sandringham Estate and a short drive to North Norfolk’s stunning beaches, it’s perfect for families, friends, or longer countryside stays. Spacious living areas with a cozy wood-burning effect stove, a fully equipped kitchen, and four comfortable bedrooms, including two with ensuites. Family-Friendly Touches, we provide everything to make family stays easy – cots, highchairs, bed guards, toys, books, games, and more. Good to Know: 3 miles from Sandringham Estate15 minutes to the North Norfolk coast Wi-Fi & parking included. Sorry, no pets
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:
Dog friendly Norfolk cottagesLuxury Norfolk holiday cottagesNorfolk cottages with a hot tubNorfolk cottages by the seaOr search further afield:
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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.
