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
It doesn't get more waterfront than this lovely holiday home beside the River Bure in Horning, right in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. It has a private mooring and guests can fish from the waterfront deck. There are three bedrooms to sleep six people, with shops, cafes, pubs and other amenities all within walking distance. Wroxham is three miles away, Norwich is 12 miles, and you can reach the North Norfolk Coast and beaches like Cromer in around half an hour. It's a heavenly spot that's perfect for exploring the Broads on foot, by boat or by bicycle.
Chestnut Barn welcomes big families and groups of friends for relaxing self-catering holidays in Norfolk all year round. The spacious holiday home sleeps ten people in four bedrooms, potentially accommodating two more guests in folding beds and two infants in cots. Beautifully furnished interiors and landscaped gardens with games, bike storage, and a hot tub are perfect for your family holiday, hen-do, or catching up with friends over a long weekend. You're within a few miles of Cromer and other beaches and within walking distance of the village shop, green, and pub in Aldborough.
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!
A two bedroom holiday cottage in the centre of Mundesley village is an ideal location to base yourself for a holiday on the North Norfolk coast. Luxury linens, Simba mattresses, Nespresso coffee machine... even Wi-Fi and a printer if work can't be totally left behind. Just a few minutes walk to the shops, park, beach and pub. Small dogs welcome so no one need stay at home.
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.
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 are within walking distance from Riverside Reach, including cafes, restaurants, and the famous Roys of Wroxham department store. The one-bedroom cottage comfortably sleeps couples, and guests can rent mooring if they have a boat.
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.
The Old Stables is a great holiday cottage for families and extended families, as it sleeps five people in two bedrooms with a garden that backs straight onto the village common. It's in West Runton, across the road from the golf course, a short stroll from a pub, and a relaxed ten-minute walk to a busy village shop and the beach. Sheringham and Cromer are two and three miles respectively - you can take the train from West Runton if you don't want to drive. The cottage is child and dog friendly and available for holiday bookings all year round.
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.
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.
This delightful waterside cottage sits an enviable position in the Peninsula Marina on the banks of the River Bure in the popular village of Wroxham, the 'capital of the Norfolk Broads'. Within walking distance of the village's many amenities and an ideal self-catering base for exploring the areas many attractions and magical waterways.
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. 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.
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.
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
Popular towns in and around The Norfolk Broads:
AlbyBactonBrancasterBrancaster StaitheBungayClippesbyCromerEast RustonFakenhamHappisburghHeachamHoltHorningHunstantonKing's LynnKings LynnLoddonMundesleyNorwichRockland St MaryRollesbySheringhamStalhamThetfordThorpe MarketUptonWells-next-the-SeaWinterton-on-SeaWroxhamSome local suggestions:
Luxury Norfolk holiday cottagesNorfolk cottages with a hot tubOr 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.
