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
You won't want to go home after holidaying in this gorgeous waterfront property in the delightful village of Horning. With a private hot tub, outdoor kitchen, and a large garden that leads down to the river, Whispering Reeds Cottage is the perfect retreat for couples and families looking to explore the Norfolk Broads. Whether you are looking for a new adventure each day, or you simply want to relax in beautiful surroundings, the Norfolk Broads is a fantastic location for a holiday at any time of the year. This impressive self-catering holiday home sleeps six guests in three bedrooms and two well behaved dogs are welcome too.
BimbleBox Barn oozes style and traditional charm and is the perfect choice for families and friends looking to explore Norfolk and its many attractions. Sleeping up to 10 guests in comfort and style, this fabulous barn conversion has a 6 seater hot tub, two log burners, an incredibly social kitchen/diner and a good range of modern conveniences to ensure guest comfort at any time of the year. A mile from the market town of Reepham, there is a pub within walking distance and the Broads and Coast within easy reach by car. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
East View is a comfortable cottage in the peaceful Norfolk countryside. Located in the quiet village of Shouldham near Kings Lynn in the Nar Valley, it is on a quiet road opposite a field, and an easy walk from the pretty village green and the award-winning Kings Arms pub and cafe. The area is ideal for leisurely country walks, cycling and horseriding. Half an hour away, the sandy beaches of the Norfolk Coast beckon, while the historic cities of Norwich and Cambridge, and attractions such as Sandringham House and Gardens are within easy reach for a day of shopping and sightseeing.
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!
Whether you want to simply relax by the river or get out and about exploring the magical waterways and Norfolk's many attractions, this comfortable holiday home is a perfect choice. Enjoy a waterside position in the popular Broadland village of Wroxham with pubs, restaurants and shops a short stroll away.
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.
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).
The Kiln is a comfy welcoming retreat providing stylish self-catering enhanced by original features, ideally placed on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders. An excellent base for exploring the many attractions of both counties including the city of Norwich.
Golden Cross is a stylish and comfortable holiday home on the Norfolk/Suffolk borders, ideally placed in the picturesque Waveney Valley providing an ideal self-catering base from which to explore the many attractions of these two beautiful counties including the heritage coastline, historic market towns and Broadland villages.
IT’S NOT TOO LATE LAST WEEK IN MAY WITH A HANDY DISCOUNT OF UP TO £250.00* (MAY 17th) With spring now here, now is a great time for booking summer 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 spring dates for a handy discount: I’ve been getting the garden ready with the last few bits of pruning and preparing the famous hydrangeas for the long season ahead. We have replaced the BBQ and the hot tub has had a makeover too. The huge patio is having its annual scrub in preparation for the season and the outdoor patio furniture will be waiting for you to enjoy some complimentary champagne. (see the new website for full details) Wonderful five star (Gold awarded) holiday cottage near Cromer on the North Norfolk Coast. 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
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.
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.
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.
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 beautiful barn conversion oozing character and charm in the heart of North Norfolk and within easy reach of the coast, Norwich and the areas many attractions - Ideal for friends or family who want to spend time together or celebrate a milestone event.
Bay Tree Cottage is in the friendly village of East Runton in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The traditional stone and flint cottage is a proper home-away-from-home for couples and families, with lots of space indoors and outside, including three bedrooms that can sleep up to five people. It's on a quiet residential street within walking distance of the beach, village shop, cafe and two pubs, and close to favourite attractions such as Cromer Pier, Felbrigg Hall, BeWILDerwood, Amazona Zoo and the North Norfolk Steam Railway.
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
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
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.
