EXPLORE THE AREA
NORTH NORFOLK
Ever since its heyday in Victorian times, North Norfolk has been one of the finest holiday destinations in Great Britain.
An area set apart in its location and character, North Norfolk is found at the farthest eastern reaches of England. A good road network connects it to Britain’s motorways, and there are rail and coach links from most parts of the country. Trains run on the Bittern Line from Norwich to Sheringham, passing through Wroxham, North Walsham and Cromer on the way. Norwich Airport is within easy reach.
North Norfolk stretches for 43 miles along the picturesque and ever-changing coast. Three quarters of this coastline are designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and many of those beaches have a history of winning awards for their cleanliness and facilities.
Its coastal towns have grown over the centuries from small, isolated fishing communities into bustling seaside resorts. But they have kept the character of communities working on the shore - the crab and fishing boats still putting out to sea, the lifeboats still proudly manned, and now the waters and nature reserves carefully maintained to preserve the area’s reputation as an unspoilt retreat.
The area also includes some of the famed Norfolk Broads, and the communities of Stalham and Hoveton are popular gateways to these tranquil waterways. From here you can hire craft for the day.
North Norfolk’s countryside, so fresh and green in spring, dotted with vibrant poppies in summer and the reds and browns of the trees in autumn, is ideal for cycling, walking, horse riding, bird watching or just relaxing. The country towns, with their attractive buildings, spectacular churches, specialist shops and weekly markets, offer their own kind of holiday or short break all year round.
The sunshine records for North Norfolk are amongst the best and it is truly a holiday destination for all seasons.
North Norfolk has something for everyone in all seasons. The coast and countryside offer areas of outstanding beauty and diversity; with hills and undulating fields, wooded valleys and forest areas, to the marshes and sandy beaches along the coast. North Norfolk is almost England in miniature.
Nature lovers and bird watchers have the reserves of Blakeney Point, Cley and Salthouse marshes, Holme dunes, Morston quay, Sheringham park, Thursford wood, Roman Camp at West Runton and the waterfowl park and reserve at Pensthorpe, plus acres of woodland, park land and gardens open to the public.
Sports enthusiasts can enjoy the excellent beach of East Runton for surfing, and Wells offers water skiing and wind surfing. The sandy beaches at Holme and Wells and from Sheringham to Cromer and beyond offer generally safe swimming. Tennis, sailing and riding are popular, with clubs and schools open to the visitor. There is also an outdoor activity centre at Sheringham. For the less energetic, there are indoor and outdoor bowling clubs.
Fishermen have an excellent coastline from Sheringham to Bacton, whilst inland there is a variety of river, lake and broad fishing, both coarse and fly.
Golfers have the choice of links at Sheringham, Cromer and Mundesley, and inland courses at Fakenham and West Runton.
Walking and cycling are very popular. Marriott's Way from Aylsham to Norwich, passing by Reepham is a peaceful and secluded walk along the old railway line. The Bittern Line between Sheringham and Norwich has sign-posted circular walks from ten of the stations on the route, each revealing a different aspect of the Norfolk countryside. The famous Peddars Way stretches along the coast from Cromer before turning inland at Hunstanton on route to Knettishall in Suffolk. In addition to many other trails posted by the County Council, there is even a church trail between Blakeney and Letheringsett through the beautiful Glaven Valley.
There are Halls and Gardens to visit at Blickling, Felbrigg, Mannington and Holkham; Museums and a number of Art Galleries featuring local Artists.
For the family, there is plenty of entertainment at
the resorts of Sheringham and Cromer, with pier shows, carnivals and
other live entertainment during the summer. Most of the villages also
have their own Gala Days. In the evening quite a few of the pubs provide
live entertainment.
Regular meetings at Fakenham provide the local punter with many a pleasant
day at the races.
There are numerous other attractions including craft centres, working farms with rare animal breeds, steam railways, military collections and even Wurlitzer shows.
North Norfolk truly an area of outstanding diversity.
LINKS TO SOME NORFOLK & SUFFOLK ATTRACTIONS
Featured Areas: Little Walsingham, Overstrand, Stiffkey, Wells-Next-the-Sea