Holiday Cottages in Norfolk

Things to Do in Norfolk

Norfolk is rich with opportunities for exploration, offering something beyond the typical seaside holiday experience. For those who appreciate history, a visit to Sandringham Estate is essential. More than just a royal residence, it’s a fascinating window into the lives of generations of monarchs, from Victoria to Elizabeth II. Allow at least half a day to explore the house, gardens, museum and grounds – you can easily spend longer if you're particularly interested in royal history or enjoy wandering through beautifully maintained landscapes. It’s suitable for all ages, although younger children might find some parts less engaging. The coastline is undoubtedly one of Norfolk’s biggest draws. Cromer Beach, with its famous pier and traditional seaside charm, consistently receives high ratings (4.6/5 from 8037 reviews) – it's a perfect spot for a classic family day out, building sandcastles or enjoying fish and chips on the promenade. Further along the coast, Sheringham Beach offers a more rugged experience, with dramatic cliffs and excellent walking opportunities (rated 4.5/5 by over 5000 people). Don't miss a chance to take a stroll along the sea front, perhaps stopping for an ice cream or browsing the local shops. For a unique perspective on Norfolk’s heritage, consider a ride on the North Norfolk Railway. This beautifully preserved steam railway runs from Sheringham to Holt, offering stunning views of the countryside and coastline (4.7/5 with over 5000 reviews). It's a particularly good option for families with younger children, who will be captivated by the sights and sounds of the steam trains. A return trip takes around two hours, but you can hop off at various stations to explore the charming villages along the route. Beyond the well-known attractions, Norfolk offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure. Holkham National Nature Reserve is a truly special place – its vast expanse of sand dunes and pine forests are home to a wide variety of wildlife, including rare birds and seals (rated 4.8/5 by nearly 4500 reviewers). It's an ideal spot for walking, cycling, or simply enjoying the peace and quiet of nature. The Norfolk Coast National Landscape encompasses a huge area of coastline and countryside, offering endless opportunities for exploration – from coastal walks to birdwatching to simply relaxing on the beach (4.7/5 with over 3600 reviews). For families seeking an engaging day out, Amazona Zoo is well worth a visit, home to a diverse collection of animals in a naturalistic setting (rated 4.3/5 by over 2300 visitors). It’s not the largest zoo, but it offers a more intimate experience than some of the larger attractions. In the evenings, catch a performance at the Pavilion Theatre in Cromer – it hosts a variety of shows throughout the year, from musicals to plays to comedy acts (4.5/5 from almost 10,000 reviews).

Where to Eat and Drink

Norfolk’s culinary scene is increasingly renowned for its fresh, local produce, particularly seafood. Cromer, as you might expect, is a hotspot for fish and chips, and No1 Cromer Downstairs Fish and Chips Restaurant consistently receives rave reviews (4.4/5 from over 6000 diners). Expect queues at peak times, but the quality of the food makes it well worth the wait. For a more traditional pub experience, Honeystone is an excellent choice – it's known for its cosy atmosphere, real ales, and hearty meals (rated 4.2/5 by over 4700 people). Further afield, The Globe Inn in Wells-next-the-Sea offers stunning views of the harbour and a menu focused on local seafood (4.4/5 from over 2400 reviews). It's a popular spot for both locals and tourists, so booking is recommended. If you’re looking for something a little more refined, The White Horse Brancaster Staithe is a gastropub with an excellent reputation – it offers creative dishes using locally sourced ingredients (4.5/5 from over 2300 reviews). Eric's Fish & Chips in Cromer is another popular option for classic seaside fare and consistently scores well with visitors (4.3/5 from over 2200 people). While the restaurant selection isn’t extensive, these establishments represent some of the best dining experiences Norfolk has to offer. The Ancient Mariner Inn offers a more relaxed pub atmosphere (rated 4.1/5 by over 1800 reviewers), perfect for a casual meal or drink after exploring the coast.

Towns and Villages to Explore

We currently have properties located in, and around, Cromer, Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea, each offering a distinct flavour of Norfolk life. Cromer is perhaps the most well-known of the three, famous for its pier, lifeboat station, and traditional seaside charm. It’s a bustling town with plenty of shops, restaurants, and pubs, making it an ideal base for exploring the north coast. The town centre has a market on Fridays, offering local produce and crafts. Its proximity to attractions like Sandringham Estate and Amazona Zoo makes it particularly well-suited for families. Sheringham offers a slightly more relaxed atmosphere than Cromer, with a working harbour and a beautiful beach. It’s known for its annual festival (the Sheringham Carnival) and the North Norfolk Railway, which departs from the town centre. The town has a good selection of independent shops and pubs, and is surrounded by stunning countryside, making it perfect for walkers and nature lovers. The pharmacy in Sheringham boasts an impressive 5/5 rating with one review, demonstrating the friendly local service available. Wells-next-the-Sea is a charming coastal town with a picturesque harbour and a beautiful beach backed by pine forests. It’s known for its narrow gauge railway that runs to Holkham Beach and its bustling Saturday market. The town has a good selection of shops selling local crafts and gifts, and is an excellent base for exploring the north Norfolk coast.

Getting Here and Getting Around