12 Best Things to Do in Norfolk

The Sandringham Estate in Norfolk comprises multiple attractions including a 600-acre Country Park and the Sandringham Gardens. The most popular establishment of the estate is the Sandringham House, a privately-owned country retreat belonging to Queen Elizabeth II.

Built in 1892, the Sandringham House is where the royal family spends Christmases even to this day. You’re welcome to explore the home, formal gardens, and the museum between March to October. Outside the Sandringham House grounds, locals often have picnics in Country Park on sunny days. Various vacation cottages are also available for rent if you’re looking to add a touch of royalty to your visit.

The Norfolk Coast Path is an 83-mile-long walking trail running from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea. Opened in 1986, this route offers picturesque views of the North Norfolk Coast and brings you across small towns and villages such as Salthouse and Weybourne. Along the way, be sure to get your picture taken by the multi-coloured huts that line the beachfront of Wells-next-Sea or keep your eyes peeled for the North Norfolk Railroad steam train that passes by.

The Norfolk Coast Path is also a great spot for birdwatching especially between September and October and if you're lucky, you'll be able to connect with friendly locals who share your love for birds.

Hunstanton is a small seaside town on the east of Norfolk that’s best known for its west-facing beaches. Here, you'll find family-friendly activities such as the Sea Life Sanctuary aquarium and a vintage funfair called Rainbow Park.

For adrenaline seekers, Hunstanton’s beaches are ideal for water activities like kitesurfing and paddleboarding – the surroundings of the sea are relatively flat with unobstructed waters. This is coupled with a cross-short condition of south-west winds, making it suitable even for beginners looking to enjoy surfing out in the sea.

Well-known as a traditional seaside pier, the Cromer Pier stretches out 131 meters over the North Sea. It’s just 40 minutes north of Norwich and you’ll often see locals and children crabbing by the pier. It’s also a popular spot for sunset watching, ideal especially for couples looking to say, “I do”.

Come nightfall, you can catch live shows such as comedic stand-ups and musical cabarets at the Cromer Pier & Pavilion Theater that’s located at the end of the pier. This 510-seater establishment is known as the world’s only “end-of-the-pier” theater.

Blakeney Point of North Norfolk is where thousands of wild common and gray seals call home, making it a popular seal-spotting location. You’ll be able to spot these colonies year-round. The best months to visit Blakeney Point is between June to August if you’re looking to see common seal pups, while baby gray seals often appear between November and January.

As Blakeney Point is not reachable on foot, visitors usually approach the independent ferries that leave Morston Quay for the spit of land every day. We also recommend packing a light jacket in case of chilly weather, shoes with grips for slippery conditions, and binoculars to better spot these wild seal colonies.

The Norfolk Lavender Fields is just 5 minutes away from the town of Hunstanton. It was set up in 1932, with its lavender farm measuring approximately 100 acres wide. It also houses a variety of establishments including a lavender oil distillery, a tea lounge, and an animal garden.

If you’re looking to bring home a gift for your friends and family, be sure to pop into the onsite gift shop. The Norfolk Lavender Fields welcomes tourists all year round. Even so, visit in summer when the lavenders are in full bloom for an unforgettable experience.

The North Norfolk Railroad is also known as the Poppy Line, ferrying passengers between the Sheringham Station and Holt Station. Offering beautiful views of the Norfolk countryside, a ride on the train takes 20 minutes each way and if you’re visiting between April and November, you may even get the opportunity to hop on an old steam train dating back to 1957.

Tickets are available for sale onsite, though we recommend booking in advance as the trains have limited seats. The North Norfolk Railroad also hosts various events across the year, including Santa Specials and their Murder Mystery themed dinners.

The Broads National Park is a Norfolk attraction set by the most popular manmade broads of Norwich.  Located just 30 minutes out of the city centre, it features multiple outdoor activities such as cycling and hiking. Most visitors find it best to explore the broads by boating through its 125 miles of lock-free waterways.

You might be able to spot rare wildlife species such as the swallowtail butterfly and the Norfolk hawker dragonfly. The Broads National Park is also where you’ll find nature lovers spending their weekends with their families. Accommodations options are also available in the park itself, and if you’re lucky, you may spot an otter or 2 passing your way.

BeWILDerwood Norfolk is an outdoor adventure park located in the town of Horning. Covering over 18 acres of space, this adventure park allows visitors of all ages to run and explore through its various attractions including treehouse climbs, ziplines, swampy boat rides, and crafty sessions. Its all inclusive ticket allows for a full day of family fun, with free entrances for children below 92 cm and discounted tickets for seniors above 65 years.

Refueling is easy as there are 3 different food stops inside BeWILDerwood Norfolk or, if you'd prefer, the park welcomes home-packed meals with open spaces for outdoor picnics.

Norwich Cathedral dates back to 1096, though it was only consecrated in 1287. The pale-limestone structure is one of the Norwich 12 heritage sites and the most complete Norman cathedral in England.

Enter this Romanesque masterpiece to see lofty monastic cloisters, over 1,000 carvings, and a vaulted ceiling. The cathedral close, which you can enter through 2 gateways, is England's largest. Norwich Cathedral often hosts events and exhibitions, free guided tours, and evensong performances. There’s also a café serving light lunch, cakes and coffee.

Merrivale Model Village is a miniature attraction located in east Norfolk suitable even for families with little children. Housing various landmarks such as the award-winning Merrivale Garden and Majestic Theater, you can interact with the models through a push of a button.

For locomotive enthusiasts, Merrivale Model Village boasts the famous Merrivale Garden Railroad, which stretches approximately 350 meters across its gardens. Before you leave for the day, don’t forget to also have a go at Crazy Golf, a 9-hole miniature golf game section at no extra costs.

Norwich Market is the largest permanent open-air market in England. Located on the pedestrianized Gentleman’s Walk in central Norwich, it has been around since Norman times. There are over 200 stalls that retain a traditional vibe despite regular refurbishments over the years.

You can wander through row upon row of specialist stalls selling everything from antiques to flowers. You can also snack on local delicacies from its many pop-up food trucks. Norwich Market is a good place to buy ingredients for a picnic, thanks to local vendors offering fresh bread, homemade chutneys, local cheeses, and cured meats.