Summer in Norfolk presents a captivating blend of expansive sandy beaches, quaint resorts bursting with energy, an expanse of footpaths to explore, and the sight of seals sprawling lazily in the sunshine on headlands. Given the past year's confinement and the uncertainties surrounding overseas travel, it's no surprise that this coastal region is expected to welcome an influx of visitors.
But the true allure of Norfolk stretches way beyond its stunning coastline. Step slightly away from the beaches and you will bare witness to the back-country lanes snaking leisurely through ancient woods, wildflower-strewn meadows, and thriving farmlands. These trails often lead to quintessential Norfolk villages, showcasing charming flint and red-brick cottages, pubs boasting traditional pantiled roofs near tranquil duck ponds, and medieval churches. Norfolk's rural backdrop doesn't lack grandeur either, with imposing gatehouses marking the entrances to sprawling estates enclosed by walls, where 18th-century landscapes are dotted with centuries-old oak and chestnut trees offering shades to cattle, sheep, and deer.
For an exploration brimming with whimsical delight, leave the sat-nav behind and navigate through this labyrinth of lanes and by-roads on your own. Opting for a cycle or walk along the serene trails of the Wensum and Bure river valleys is another great adventure to undertake. Norfolk's inland charm also includes notable heritage steam trains, regal homes, creative theme parks, nature trails bustling with wildlife diversity, and Georgian towns teeming with unique boutiques, galleries, and traditional cafes occupying small alleyways and market squares.
The best part of embarking on an inland Norfolk tour is the surprisingly affordable accommodation costs, a nice contrast to the higher figure often charged in coastal regions. Even if a seaside visit is on your agenda, it would be wise to set up your base in the much more budget-friendly inland areas, a fact that becomes important to consider given this summer's high demand. Here's a glimpse into some of the region's top inland attractions to assist you in making a decision.
Discover Nature's Gift
Not just a seaside attraction, the verdant off-coast regions of Norfolk are a magnet for seasonal avian travellers at any time of the year. Set your sights west, towards Fakenham's vicinity, to explore the phenomenon that's pensthorpe.com. This expansive 700-acre haven, an exquisite mix of lakeside gardens, meadows, and forests, is a haven for bird watchers and nature lovers alike. The park boasts spacious shelters for bird spotting, where you could get lucky to catch a glimpse of rare bird species such as lapwings, blackcaps, chiffchaffs, and willow warblers. However, its charms don't stop with its aviary wonders. The park offers an interactive walking experience, extensive play zones for children, regularly scheduled activities, and a cosy on-site café, making it the quintessentially perfect escapade for family getaways. Nestled far from Cromer, the true beauty of Norfolk certainly resides in its lush inland expanses.
Embarking a Historic Journey
If you're a railway aficionado or just love an idyllic ride, then Norfolk's County landscapes will be your paradise. The pride of the county is the Bure Valley Railway, the longest narrow-gauge railway, meandering through nine serene miles of countryside from the bustling market towns of Aylsham to Wroxham. A relaxed 45-minute trip in one of the vintage steam locomotives provides stunning views of the Bure river, flanked with vibrant wildflower meadows, and scenic pastureland. An interesting historical fact is that some of the locomotives deployed here are more than a century old and they contribute to the authentic experience.
Another nostalgic adventure awaits at the recently reopened Mid-Norfolk Railway. Operating both steam and diesel services, this standard gauge railway stretches over an 11-mile route. Beginning your journey from Yaxham, you travel through the exquisite Kimberley Park, leading you to the charming market town of Wymondham. You'll be amazed by the splendour of Norfolk's inland beauty, which combines a mix of untamed wilderness and cultivated landscapes. A little-known fact is that several famous films and TV shows have used these railway routes for location shooting due to their picturesque aesthetic appeal.
Explore Prehistoric Attractions
If you're captivated by the enormous creatures that once roamed the Earth, the Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure Park in Lenwade (roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk) is for you. Offering a life-sized dinosaur trail where you can take a step back in time, high ropes for an adrenaline rush, a refreshing splash zone, and an indoor play area for all-day entertainment! The park goes beyond Dinosaurs, with fun-filled raptor go-kart races and a palaeontology camp that brings science to life. It doesn't stop there; there's also a delightful animal petting garden and a deer safari, rounding out a day filled with diverse experiences. For families with younger children, Gressenhall Museum of Norfolk Life, positioned near Dereham (museums.norfolk.gov.uk), is another gem. Boasting of a rich past as an erstwhile workhouse, the museum serves as a fascinating time capsule of local history. Apart from history, you can enjoy an adventure playground, witness rustic life in the working farm, and stroll through tranquil gardens.
Exploring Inland Trails
While Norfolk's scenic coastline draws in numerous enthusiasts, its labyrinth of long-haul footpaths traversing the inland territories serves as a quiet, car-free, picturesque option steeped in historical significance. The well-trodden Peddars Way, a footpath that's been around for centuries, begins its 46-mile journey in Suffolk and carves its path through the heart of Norfolk, taking in places such as Castle Acre before rendezvousing with the coastline at Holme-next-the-Sea. In addition, a fresh addition to Norfolk's walking scene is the 37-mile Walsingham Way, a pilgrim passage that connects Norwich with the iconic religious destination of Walsingham. For more details, check out britishpilgrimage.org. The Walsingham Way provides a beautiful mix of landscapes, from dense, immersive woodlands to wide open, idyllic countryside environments, providing a walk to remember for visitors and pilgrims alike.
Discovering Norfolk's Medieval Wonders
Experience a step back in time in Norfolk, a UK region that boasts a priceless collection of over 650 medieval churches. These historic gems, many of which are built with flint, grace the heart of almost every village in the county, imparting a unique charm. The church of St Peter and St Paul in Salle, close to Reepham, stands out due to its celebrated medieval stained glass and a pulpit from the 15th century. Equally intriguing is St Andrew’s, a church in Little Snoring, which captivates the imagination with its round-tower and a nave dating back to the 11th century. Overlooking the picturesque Wensum Valley, you'll find the well-positioned All Saints church at Swanton Morley, its high-set graveyard offering breathtaking views. Each one of these sites tells a fascinating story of Norfolk's rich cultural and architectural history.
Pedal Your Way
Biking enthusiasts and walking adventures will find the 26-mile stretch of Marriott's Way (marriottsway.info) to be an appealing journey. This trail repurposes the old railway lines that used to connect Norwich and Aylsham, forming a scenic route through Drayton, Lenwade, Cawston, and Reepham. An embrace of Norfolk’s varied terrains is exhibited in Headwater’s week-long self-guided cycling itinerary named “Contrasts of Norfolk Cycling” journey (starting from £1,219; headwater.com). Cycling enthusiasts can also consider options from Cycle Breaks (cyclebreaks.com) and UK Cycling Holidays (ukcyclingholidays.co.uk), both of which design inland-focused trips.
Unearthed Splendors of Norfolk
Throughout the sun-kissed summer months, a selection of secluded estates in Norfolk fling open their gates to allow the public a glimpse of their extraordinary private gardens. Discover the biodiverse haven that is Mannington Hall with its moat-enclosed manor house, scented garden and artistically arranged lake settings found at manningtongardens.co.uk. Journey through time in the Hoveton Hall's Victorian-era culinary garden and fully renovated glasshouse from the 19th century, as well as a woodland promenade and arboretum, all of them are available for visitors on hovetonhallestate.co.uk. Experience tranquil antiquity at Hindringham Hall with its ancient fishponds, thriving vegetable garden, peaceful aquatic garden, and quiet woodland dell accessible on hindringhamhall.org. Be sure to schedule your visit to coincide with their public open days and immerse yourself in the boundless natural splendor of Norfolk.
Explore Majestic Architecture
While the North coast's Holkham Hall is a testament to Norfolk's grandeur, exploring further into the region reveals a wealth of architectural treasures set within stunning landscapes. One such gem is the 18th-century Houghton Hall, situated near West Rudham. This summer, it becomes a canvas for renowned sculptor Tony Cragg, showcasing his creations throughout its expansive gardens, grounds and majestic state rooms. Learn more about it at houghtonhall.com. For fans of national heritage treasures, the National Trust has some intriguing offerings. Be sure to witness the timeless elegance of Blickling Hall near Aylsham, complete with a mesmerizing long gallery and beautifully manicured formal gardens. Additionally, Oxburgh Hall near Swaffham is a must-visit, spread over 200 acres of lush parkland. More information can be obtained from nationaltrust.org.uk. These hidden gems provide a sublime escape from the coastal crowd while immersing visitors in a rich history and cultural legacy.
Explore Hidden Norfolk: The Country's Charming Inns
While the seaside congregations may seem teeming, tranquility reigns at Norfolk's inland taverns. Tucked inland near Melton Constable lies a gem, The Hunworth Bell, affectionately termed the Hunny Bell by locals. Specializing in a local palate that includes specialty produce like Cromer Crabs and succulent Holkham beef, the pub gonore than just your typical country inn, offering a retreat for those looking for a serene place to unwind. Visit hunworthbell.co.uk to have a glance at what they offer.
The calming rhythm of River Bure's flowing waters provides a sublime setting to dine at The Walpole Arms in Itteringham. Their menu meets every gastronomic requirement, serving Morston mussels to marsh samphire, all complemented by the local favorite wherry ale. The grandeur doesn't stop at their food; the spacious dining area and large pastoral spaces attached like verdant perches make it an ideal site for a respite. Learn more at thewalpolearms.co.uk.
Indulge in the charm of local markets
In the heartlands of Norfolk, Aylsham and Reepham come to life, boasting market squares teeming with historic Georgian architecture. One can still see the remnants of the area's prosperous wool and textile era from the 18th century. Boutique stores, quaint cafes, traditional butchers, and greengrocers merge seamlessly, providing a unique blend of the traditional and modern. Swaffham hosts an outdoor market beloved by locals and guests alike, offering a variety of local goods, plants, and intriguing novelties every Saturday. Fakenham's town centre transforms into a bustling marketplace every Thursday. Dereham takes it a notch further, opening its market twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays.
Indulge in Exceptional Oven-Baked Delights
Whereas coastal Norfolk has its toast of the town in Pastonacre, a bakery established in Cley-next-the-Sea (pastonacre.com), the heartland harbours equally tantalizing treasure troves of craft bakeries. Take a gastronomic journey to Siding in Melton Constable, a unique bakery in a bygone railway station which masterfully concocts a delight for the taste buds through its riveting range of local flour and butter-made sourdough breads and pastries (sidingyard.co.uk). Alternatively, meander into the past at Husk, right in the historic blacksmith's forge in Heydon, where you can savour the rustic texture and flavour of wood-fired bread and pizza (huskwoodfiredbakery.wordpress.com). For more sumptuous bread options, Bread Source awaits fans of fine baking in Aylsham and Norwich (bread-source.co.uk).
If you're looking for a quintessential British country pub with rooms, The Red Lion Hotel on the-red-lion-hotel.in-norfolk.com is an excellent choice. This charming hotel offers a true taste of Norfolk, peppering its traditional amenities with a touch of contemporary elegance.
For a luxurious stay immersed in nature, consider Congham Hall, a 26-room exquisite hotel situated close to King’s Lynn. This hotel is nestled within a verdant 30-acre park and offers an intimate spa and an indoor swimming pool for your relaxation (rooms start at £159; you can check the details at conghamhallhotel.co.uk).
Alternatively, for a taste of the eccentric, The Dial House, located in the bustling market town of Reepham, is worth putting on your accommodation radar. This quaint Georgian establishment combines comfort with charm, doubling as both a restaurant and a boutique hotel (rooms start from £130; find out more at thedialhouse.org.uk).
For those who want to stay closer to the sea, hotels in Cromer at tophotels.com offers a range of options. This charming coastal town is perfect for those who like a quiet getaway with a breath of fresh sea air.
Lastly, for a home-away-from-home experience, consider the cosy Henrys On The Prom Bed & Breakfast. Located close to the promenade, this B&B offers lovely rooms, a hearty breakfast, and a warm welcome.
Look no further than the heart of Norfolk for the perfect hideaway retreat. With properties spread throughout the serene inland, top picks include Kett Country Cottages (kettcountrycottages.co.uk), Norfolk Country Cottages (norfolkcottages.co.uk), and Norfolk Hideaways (norfolkhideaways.co.uk), all boasting an impressive range of delightful accommodations.
One such gem nestled in the hart of Norfolk is the recently refurbished residential options at 18th-century Wolterton Park, situated north of Aylsham (woltertonpark.co.uk). Wolterton Park, with its history dating back to the 18th-century, offers an escape to the past with all the comforts of a present-day luxury accommodation.
To further explore the enchantments of Norfolk's sleeping arrangements, refer to our guide to hotels. A plethora of choices await for every discerning traveler seeking the charm and elegance characteristic of lodgings in Norfolk.
