Rich History to Stunning Coastlines: Why Norfolk Deserves a Spot on Your Travel Bucket List

By Fabulous • Guides

Let’s explore Norfolk! From cities, seaside towns to amazing beaches, Norfolk is a destination that deserves a top spot on your travel bucket list.

Norfolk is a peaceful place that’s rich in farmland, enchanting waterways, wide open spaces and expansive beaches, not forgetting our famous wide horizons and ‘big skies’.

Best Places to Visit & Explore in Fabulous Norfolk
Our team here at ‘Fabulous’ has put together a small selection of our Top places to stay & visit, this so you know exactly where to start so you can experience the very best of what we love about Norfolk.

Even though we now base ourselves in the historic city of Norwich, we have lived and experienced living on the North Norfolk coast for many years and know it very well. Whether you seek a mini adventure in the city, a ramble in the countryside or looking to get wide-eyed and coastal, we’ll guide you some of the way.

Of course we can’t feature everywhere so we’ll feature just some of our most popular searches taken from our Fabulous Norfolk website, just to get you started. If you need any further help, head over to our contact page and our friendly team will do all they can to help. So let’s get exploring….

Sunrise at Wells next the Sea beach fabulous Norfolk
// Sunrise at Wells next the Sea beach

Holiday cottages on the Norfolk coast

When you’re planning your trip, to Norfolk, one of the ways to truly experience the captivating essence of this county is by opting for a holiday cottage on the Norfolk coast. There’s a range of options catering to different preferences and budgets be it charming holiday cottages nestled in picturesque villages or luxurious, contemporary retreats by the seaside.

Just imagine waking up to the sound of seagulls and feeling the invigorating sea breeze on your face as you step outside your door! There are few better places in the UK to relax, unwind and enjoy the wide open spaces than North Norfolk. 

Whether you’re seeking spacious, family friendly holiday accommodation or a dog friendly holiday cottage in North Norfolk, we showcase an abundance of self catering holiday lets for you to consider. Many Norfolk coast holiday cottages are conveniently situated within walking distance from beaches granting you access to Norfolk’s stunning sandy shores. Spend your days sunbathing, building sandcastles or leisurely strolling along the shoreline. Sounds blissful to us!

For a stay on the North Norfolk coast consider popular areas such as Wells-next-the-Sea, Blakeney or how about Gem of the Norfolk coast, Cromer? Each place possesses a unique charm that will leave a lasting impression of your coastal cottage getaway and time well spent in fabulous Norfolk.

Discover the best beaches in Norfolk

It’s undeniable that most people visit Norfolk for its beaches and stunning coastline! It is well known that Norfolk is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in England, each with its own distinct character and charm. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly beach with facilities, a secluded cove to escape the crowds, or a dog-friendly stretch of sand where your furry friend can roam free, Norfolk has it all.

Having lived on the North Norfolk coast for some years now, most of team have their own favourite beach….here’s our top 5 favourite beaches in Norfolk, just to get you started, all taken from our Fabulous Norfolk – Best Beaches in Norfolk; Our Top 10 Revealed:

  • Holkham Beach: This is one of the most popular beaches in North Norfolk, and for good reason. There is nowhere better from which to experience the dramatic grandeur of Norfolk’s vast skies and seemingly infinite horizons.
  • Cromer Beach: Cromer is a traditional seaside resort, with a long history of attracting visitors. The beach here is made up of sand and shingle, and there are plenty of activities with a long promenade lined with beach huts, cafes and amusements.
  • Sheringham Beach: Sheringham is another popular seaside resort, with a long beach and a lively atmosphere. There are plenty of shops and restaurants in town, and the beach is a firm favourite with families.
  • Brancaster Beach: A quieter beach than some of the others in North Norfolk, but it’s no less beautiful. The sand is white and soft, and the water is clear and blue. There are also plenty of activities to keep you entertained, such as walking, birdwatching, and fishing.
  • Hunstanton Beach: Well known for its distinctive striped cliffs, which are made up of chalk and limestone. The beach here is made up of sand and shingle, and there are plenty of activities to keep you entertained with a fun fair, arcades, cafes and sandcastle building.

Here’s our newest Norfolk cottages for you to explore

If you’re looking for a relaxing and enjoyable holiday, a holiday cottage in Norfolk is the perfect choice. Here are a few of our newest places to stay in Norfolk, just to get you started:

  • Wells-next-the-Sea, North Norfolk • Bedrooms 8
    Chancery House

    Nestled down the quiet high street in the heart of Wells-next-the-Sea on the North Norfolk coast, this destination, luxury holiday home presents eight sumptuous bedrooms and seven bathrooms spread across this charming former Victorian shop and adjoining house.

  • Wolterton Hall, Norfolk Countryside • Bedrooms 1
    Treasury at Wolterton Hall

    Enjoy a romantic stay for two in this Grade II listed home, one of The Times’ top 50-rated holiday retreats, previously used as the accounts store, now converted into a ‘one of a kind’ luxury holiday accommodation.

  • Nr Burnham Market, Norfolk • Bedrooms 4
    Lavender Cottage

    This idyllic retreat is a world away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life yet located only couple of miles from of Burnham Market and the North Norfolk coast, a prime example of a fabulous restful, Norfolk holiday retreat.

  • Brancaster Staithe, North Norfolk • Bedrooms 1
    The Cabin

    Looking for a coastal retreat for one or two? Look no further than The Cabin, located just a few minutes’ walk from the heart of popular Brancaster Staithe.

  • Holkham, North Norfolk • Bedrooms 2
    Lapwing Cottage

    Part of the magnificent Holkham Estate this holiday home comes with an abundance of charm alongside luxurious and traditional interiors and just moments from the golden sands of Holkham Beach and the gates of Holkham Park.

  • Wells-next-the-Sea, North Norfolk • Bedrooms 2
    Clough Cottage

    Welcome to this luxurious, end-terrace cottage that invites space-seeking couples and small families for an indulgent break glorious Wells-next-the-Sea on the fabulous Norfolk coast.

Top UK holiday destination

Wells-next-the-Sea holiday cottages

If you’re searching for the starting point to discover the Norfolk coast look no further, than Wells-next-the-Sea. This popular seaside town boasts an wide collection of Norfolk holiday cottages in Wells-next-the-Sea that cater to every type of traveler. Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway with your loved one, an annual family vacation or you seek a dog friendly holiday cottage, there’s a holiday let to suit your needs.

We feature a fabulous range of Norfolk holiday cottages in the town that are well-equipped and offer a cozy, comfortable, and private space to relax and unwind.

Wells-next-the-Sea is a charming coastal town that effortlessly combines natural beauty with a vibrant seaside atmosphere. Popular all year round and a firm favourite for locals and visitors alike!

The star attraction here is undoubtedly the Wells-next-the-Sea beach, with its miles of golden sands framed by colourful beach huts and enchanting pine wood forest, perfect for sunbathing, picnicking and sandcastle building. Beyond the beach, you can explore the quaint harbour, meander along Staithe Street, and soak up the town’s maritime character.

Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Wells-next-the-Sea on the North Norfolk coast has it all, and our collection of Norfolk holiday cottages in the town provide the ideal base for your coastal escape.

Discover more in fabulous Norfolk

  • Head to Norwich: Norfolk’s largest city, it’s well worth visiting Norwich to get a sense of the area and learn about the history of the county and, of course to visit the famous Norwich cathedral. Built in the Norman style, it’s crafted from cream-coloured limestone which was brought all the way from Caen in northern France. Norwich – a fantastic, modern city sitting on a medieval footprint, with four theatres, numerous museums, 33 Medieval churches and a permanent daily market – this city will not disappoint, we promise!
  • Seaside fun at Great Yarmouth: If your ancestors lived in Britain, you can bet your hat that one of them came to Great Yarmouth for a seaside holiday at some point. It’s been welcoming holidaymakers since the 1760s, so rest assured, it knows how to entertain.
  • Visit Sandringham: Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of the British Royal Family and has been the private home to generations of British Monarchs since 1862. For a truly royal experience in Norfolk you simply can’t miss a visit to Sandringham. This majestic, country retreat is one of the most well-known historic houses in the county, making it a top pick of places to visit in Norfolk.
  • The Norfolk Broads: Referred to as the Venice of the East, the Norfolk Broads have more miles of waterway than either Venice or Amsterdam – and because it’s far less well known, you’ll probably have them mostly to yourself. A national park with more than 125 miles of navigable waterways to explore.
  • Visit Blakeney: The fabulous coastal village of Blakeney is one of the most popular on the North Norfolk Coast. Blakeney is complete with a fascinating landscape of marshes, sand hills and mud banks, with many creeks and channels twisting and turning their way through.
  • Discover Holkham Hall & Estate: Located in North Norfolk, is a magnificent estate that boasts a rich history, stunning architecture, and an abundance of wildlife. The Palladian Hall is a standout feature of the estate, while the parkland is home to a variety of deer. Visitors can also enjoy the beautiful beach and a family-friendly cafe.

Some of the best places to stay in Norfolk include Cromer, best for family days out. Blakeney is popular for wildlife and bird spotting and Wells next the Sea for its amazing beach and thriving town. Hunstanton is a firm family favourite, well known for its stunning sunsets striped cliffs.

Yes Norfolk is great for dogs, it’s no surprise that Norfolk is a popular destination for dog-friendly holidays. There are miles upon miles of waterside walkies to be found – whether beside the Broads or along the North Norfolk coast – as well as rolling countryside to roam under never-ending skies.

Yes Norfolk is a great destination for family holidays. With its beautiful beaches, many family friendly, charming towns and attractions, there is plenty to keep everyone entertained. Plus, there are many family-friendly accommodations available, from holiday parks to self-catering cottages.

Autumn is a great time to visit Norfolk as it avoids the peak summer tourist season, whilst still having milder temperatures and longer hours of daylight particularly at the start of September. Visitors can see some wonderful autumn colours.

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