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
Cleat Cottage is in the quiet hamlet of Cockthorpe with sea views in a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty a few miles from Wells-next-the-Sea and the beautiful beaches of the North Norfolk Coast. It is ideal for couples or families as it sleeps four/five people in two bedrooms and is dog friendly, with a garden and off-street parking. There are lovely walks from the village, including routes to Stiffkey, Morston, and Blakeney. Cromer, Sheringham and Holkham are all within easy reach, as are favourite attractions like Sandringham, Norfolk Lavender, and SEA LIFE Hunstanton.
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).
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.
This spacious detached cottage is within walking distance of the beach, village shop and a popular pub in the friendly village of Weybourne on the North Norfolk Heritage Coast. There is a lot to see and do, including walking along the coast to Sheringham, cycling through the countryside to Holt, windsurfing, golf and beach fishing. Local attractions include the North Norfolk Railway Line, Muckleburgh Collection, and Cromer Pier. Shrimp Cottage is a welcoming self-catering holiday home sleeping five people in three bedrooms. Its space and layout suits families and friends, with children and dogs welcome.
A stylish riverside holiday cottage in an enviable position in the very heart of the Norfolk Broads sitting within a private garden right on the bank of the River Bure in Wroxham. With miles of magical waterways to explore and being just ten miles from the Norfolk coastline and the City of Norwich, Sandringham Cottage is the perfect self-catering base for up to four guests from which to explore Norfolk. The mooring and private garden area make this the perfect location for those wishing to enjoy all that the Norfolk Broads has to offer from boating, kayaking, fishing in season to bird watching and photography or just relaxing and watching the world go by.
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.
Fishing on-site, an excellent pub half a mile away, and the spectacular North Norfolk coastline within easy reach make Wensum View Cottage a favourite all year round. It's in the village of Great Ryburgh near Fakenham, conveniently located for popular attractions like Roarr!, Sandringham, and Pensthorpe. The former stable block is now a spacious holiday cottage sleeping eight people in four bedrooms with two bathrooms and a well-equipped kitchen for self-catering. It's an ideal property for big families, extended families and friends who want to fish, walk, cycle and play golf.
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.
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.
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.
Tractor Cottage a dog friendly property located near to our our main site and just a few minutes stroll from the beach at Weybourne. also close to the excellent village pub and shop/cafe. This family friendly holiday home is popular with those looking to explore the glorious countryside and coast of Norfolk with superb on-site facilities including an indoor pool, play areas indoors and out and even a beauty room to book some holiday pampering. Lovely walks, a stunning coastline and plenty of attractions for day trips out. Great choice for families and couples. Tractor Cottage has a vaulted upstairs lounge, and ground floor bedrroms, king and twein (with en suite w/c), shower room and kitchen/diner. Outside seating and off road parking for two cars.
Home Farm is only a ten-minute walk from Weybourne Beach and offers a variety of beautiful self-catering holiday cottages to accommodate between two and seven guests, all of whom enjoy access to a heated indoor swimming pool, games room and beauty salon. Situated in the North Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and close to attractions like Cromer, Titchwell, the Muckleburgh Military Museum, Holkham Hall and the royal Sandringham Estate, Home Farm is ideal for everyone from couples to families and groups of friends who yearn for somewhere they can relax and enjoy spending time together. Narroogal is a large detached house with three bedrooms. On the ground floor is the king, lounge/diner, kitchen and utility. the utility has a walk in shower with pull down stool. W/c. Upstairs is the main bathrooms, triple and double bedroom. Outisde is an enclose patio with seating and BBQ.
With excellent on-site facilities that include an indoor pool, beauty room and play areas, plus a beach and very good pub within walking distance, Home Farm offers self-catering accommodation which is just perfect for a seaside holiday. Whether you are a family, group of friends or a couple, the welcome is warm in this beautiful part of Norfolk with lovely walks and cycle rides from the front door and an abundance of attractions for day trips out. Fleet Cottage is all ground floor ideal for anyone with walking difficulties and young children. Fleet has two bedrooms, a large king with single bed, and a twin room. Large bathroom with bath and separate shower, kitchen, and lounge/diner. Enclosed patio area with seating and brick BBQ. Fleet is on our main site.
Peterstone Lodge overlooks the Holkham Estate, only 2 minutes walk into the park and close to the award-winning Holkham Beach. Midway between Burnham Market and Wells-Next-The-Sea. Peterstone Lodge is a “dog friendly” chic, North Norfolk coastal retreat.
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.
