Luxury Cottages in Norfolk

Discovering the beautiful coastline makes a great place to begin your Norfolk beachside holiday. Grab your walking shoes and take on the Norfolk Coastal Path, an 84-mile trail that takes ramblers through various cliffs, sandy beaches, and delightful seaside towns. Visiting the county on a hot, sunny day? Those same sandy beaches are ideal for a seaside family day out, and there’s even a chance to try your hand at some watersports too - Norfolk is a lesser-known surfing hotspot, particularly towards the north of the county. 

A simple drive around Norfolk will uncover many hidden gems too. The county is known for its quaint and quiet villages, home to classic country pubs and adorable tea rooms. Each showcase their version of the Norfolk heritage through unique museums and one-of-a-kind events: the Hunstanton Kite Festival, Sheringham’s Lobster Patties, and the World Pier Crabbing Championships in Cromer, to name a few! 

Liven up your visit with an adrenaline-filled activity - Norfolk isn’t as sleepy as it may first appear! At the Hilltop Outdoor Centre, visitors can try archery, air jumping, climbing, ziplining, and much more. Go on a discovery through the treetops at Holkham Ropes Course, or take to the skies in the Norfolk Gliding Club. Adventure awaits!

We could write for days and days about the beaches of Norfolk - there really are that many to choose from!

The North Norfolk coast is best known for unspoilt, sandy dunes, as well as being home to the Hunstanton seal colony. There are six blue-flag beaches in this area, meaning they are in the top tier of quality English beaches.

Head to Holkham for white sands and pinewoods, a beach that has been the setting of many blockbuster films. Just further along is Wells, regarded for its award-winning and dog-friendly coast. Hunstanton is one of the few beaches in Norfolk that faces west, so is generally said to be the sunniest resort in the county. Explore the rock pools and cliffs late into the summer's day. 

Picturesque Sheringham is a traditional beauty whose shingled shoreline is perfect for little ones to explore. Of course, we can’t forget Cromer - famed for crabbing, the pier, and the largest (and perhaps most extravagant) Christmas show in the country! You’ll definitely stop here at some point during your Norfolk cottage holiday.

Did you know that fish and chips was one of the only foods in the UK that wasn’t rationed? We clearly can’t get enough of the stuff, and luckily Norfolk is home to some of the best fish and chip shops in the country. 

Spending the day in Norwich? The award-winning Grosvenor Fish Bar is a must-do for lunch. Visit over the festive period and you may even be treated to their battered stuffing balls! Back on the coast, No1 Cromer is a hit for locals and tourists alike.

While you’re in Cromer, make sure to have a taste of the delicious Cromer crab too. The shellfish live in the reef off the coast of the town, giving them a distinctive taste. 

Cheese lovers must keep their eyes peeled for Mrs Temple's Cheeses. These locally produced cheese can be found throughout eateries and shops in the county, and make perfect presents - for others or yourself!

From busy seaside resorts to quiet coastal villages, the towns and villages across Norfolk are perfect for exploring during your holiday. 

Head to the city of Norwich for a day spent shopping and finding out more about the history of the county, home to a beautiful cathedral and adorable Norwich lanes. Cromer and its famous pier are another must-visit, especially if a traditional British seaside break is on your holiday bucket list.

See the seals at Blakeney, along the North Norfolk coast, while the market town of Holt is said to be one of the prettiest in the area, thanks to its abundance of Georgian buildings. ‘Sunny Hunny’, as the locals call Hunstanton, is one of the most popular beach towns in Norfolk, or head down to Great Yarmouth and take a spin on a boat in the Norfolk Broads.

Norfolk may be tucked away in the eastern corner of England, but it’s actually a lot easier to get to and around than you may initially think. The country roads and county trains and buses connect the delightful seaside towns and villages together, making for a carefree break.

By car

The main way to enter Norfolk is via the A10 or A11, especially if you’re travelling from London or the south. The main towns of Norfolk are well connected via road, and the small size of the county means everywhere is easily reachable for a day trip.

By train

The main train stations in Norfolk are Norwich and King’s Lynn; even if you’re travelling to some of the smaller towns and villages, you’re likely to pass through these places. Busier towns like Great Yarmouth and Cromer have regular trains to Norwich too.

By bus

There’s a good bus service throughout Norfolk that connects many of the towns and villages. It may not be the quickest or most frequent, but it’s certainly a cheap way to see the county and pass through some of the lesser visited areas of Norfolk.

By taxi

Taxis are available but can be expensive, especially in the smaller towns/villages and during the busier months. Always remember to book ahead, too.

By foot

The Norfolk Coastal Path is a big reason why tourists holiday in the county. You can take on as much or as little of the 84-mile route as you like. Elsewhere, Norfolk has an abundance of walking trails and treks. Discovering the county by foot is rewarding and relaxing.