Family holidays in Norfolk give memories that last a lifetime. The owners of Whistle Stop Cottage understand this, which is why they have put so much effort into ensuring their holiday home is wonderfully welcoming and comfortable in all seasons. The three-bedroom property sleeps six people with three reception rooms and an enclosed dog-friendly garden with a summer house, all just across the village green from the pub if you want a night off from self-catering. Two dogs are welcome free of charge. There are scenic walks and bike rides from the door, with beaches at Cromer, Wells, and Sheringham within a few miles.
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. Orchid Lodge has a 21ft mooring right next to the house, perfect if you want to hire a boat for a couple of days. 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.
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.
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.
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.
Beautifully presented, this stylish barn conversion provides a high standard of self-catering accommodation for up to ten guests and sits in a rural position, conveniently placed within easy reach of the Norfolk coastline and Broadland villages. An abundance of attractions for a fun-filled holiday and a super retreat for friends, families and celebratory breaks.
We’ve installed a secure pay as you go EV Charger for those bringing their plug in Hybrids or fully electric cars. There are numerous local charging stations nearby, but not with the convenience of being able to charge your car just like ‘at home’. For only cottage guests, we’ve installed the charger next to the front door of the cottage on the large gravel driveway and our introductory rate is only 30p per KWH. It’s really simple to use and only takes a couple of minutes to set up, how good is that ! With summer now here, now is a great time for booking autumn holidays. When it comes to securing your dream cottage getaway, the ‘holiday season’ really starts now! Don’t forget, Stable Cottage has those extra facilities such as a Champagne welcome pack, private hot tub, pet friendly and free*, new eco log burner (free logs), new EV charger plus Sky TV with Netflix & free WiFi all included and therefore the dates are going quickly, so take a look, check your planner and book early to make this year’s holiday is the best ever! Book one of the last remaining summer or autumn dates for a handy discount: Perfect for indulging yourself in luxurious surroundings with facilities such as private hot tub, beach, restaurants and glorious coastal walks accessible within a five minute walk. A great choice for those who like to surround themselves with luxury and sea air. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
The Coach House embodies the quintessential Norfolk holiday home of which you've always dreamed. Constructed from local red brick, this beautifully refurbished cottage offers a genuine retreat for families and friends. With three stylish bedrooms accommodating up to six guests, it boasts classic features like a log burner, oak beams, and charming pitched ceilings. Child and pet-friendly, it's conveniently located just a short walk from the Crown Inn in Banningham. Norfolk's countryside is a haven for relaxation and bonding, offering scenic walks and local watering holes. Spectacular coastlines and beautiful beaches like Holt and Cromer are only 20 minutes away and perfect for day trips and lazy afternoons. Nearby attractions include Cromer Pier, Blickling Estate, and Norwich's historic buildings, ensuring a delightful stay in Norfolk's idyllic setting.
Sleeps 8 - A delightful cottage in the heart of the quaint riverside village of Horning, known as the Jewel of The Broads. Perfect base to explore the village and surrounding Broads. Deceivingly spacious inside with a great family feel.
With a lovely secluded sandy beach on the doorstep, this dog-friendly coastal retreat offers a peaceful bolt-hole for a relaxing seaside holiday on the Norfolk Coast - an ideal self-catering base for exploring Norfolk's many attractions including miles of coastal walks.
The Whim is a wonderful seafront holiday home on the Norfolk Coast. Sleeping 14 people in seven bedrooms, it suits extended families who want to stay close to the beach but not at one of the louder, more touristy spots like Cromer. The house enjoys incredible views, a big enclosed garden with a deck, and lots of space for everyone. You can walk to the Blue Flag beach, shops and pub in around ten minutes, or stay at the house and use the indoor swimming pool and sauna. The self-catering facilities are excellent.
Impress your guests with a stay at Hackford Hall. Dating from the 17th Century, this Georgian gem sleeps 28 people in 13 bedrooms and features an indoor swimming pool, gym, games room, and 32 acres of grounds, including a tennis court. It's ideal for your self-catering holiday with friends, family reunion, celebration, or retreat, with lots of space and a flexible layout that suits different activities. The big holiday home is in Norfolk, at the end of a private driveway on the edge of Reepham, with beautiful views and easy access to the countryside.
With its gracious proportions, lovely furnishings and features that include an acre of walled gardens, an indoor pool and a tennis court, it's no wonder that Edgar Farmhouse is a favourite for family reunions and holidays with friends. Whether you're a group of hens celebrating before a wedding or hosting your family for Christmas, this holiday home is ideal for a self-catering break. The farmhouse is in Walsingham, 14 miles from Norwich, within easy reach of the North Norfolk coast and popular attractions like Sandringham and beWILDerwood.
Families, extended families and friends are all welcome at Houghton Farmhouse. The period holiday home is in a lovely location on the edge of Walsingham and within easy reach of the coast. The acre-sized grounds include a heated swimming pool and a games room, while the main house accommodates up to 18 people in 7 bedrooms and has excellent self-catering facilities. You can happily spend all your time at home or explore the coast and attractions like the royal Sandringham estate and beWILDerwood.
Saltkettle is a big self-catering holiday cottage in North Norfolk. The five-bedroom detached house has a flexible layout to accommodate two to 12 people comfortably. It is in the lovely Norfolk village of Blakeney, a short walk from the quay, two pubs and the village shop. It's part of an AONB and on the edge of a river and a nature reserve home to the biggest grey seal colony in England and thousands of migrating birds. You'll feel wonderfully welcome when you stay here, whether you're escaping for a couple's getaway, meeting friends for a holiday filled with excellent walks and bike rides, or treating the kids to bucket-and-spade fun.
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.
It would be hard to find a better located self-catering cottage in Norfolk than this fantastic property. Sleeping ten people in five bedrooms, it is just a few miles from the Norfolk Broads National Park, the Norfolk Coast and the historical city of Norwich. The accommodation is all on one level with guests having access to shared gardens and the private use of a heated swimming pool (May to Sept), as well as a private garden and patio with a seven-person hot tub. Country walks, sailing and fishing, leisurely cycles, days at the seaside, shopping, theatres and excellent food make this perfect for families and friends.
With a games room, large living room and three generously sized bedrooms, Seaford Holiday Cottage is ideal for families who like to spread out. There is room for six people to sleep in comfort, and the cottage has a 5-Star Gold rating from Visit England thanks to the high standard of accommodation. Weybourne beach and the Ship Inn pub are both within walking distance, and with attractions including Holkham Hall and Cley Marshes, as well as Sheringham and Cromer all within easy reach, why wouldn't you want to stay here? Tourist board rating: 5 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
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
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.