Things To Do In Norfolk

The best things to do in Norfolk include all that the county has to offer. From its areas of natural beauty and rural countryside life to coastal villages and the bustling university city of Norwich.

If you’re considering an escape to this scenic East Anglian county, there are plenty of things to do and see to keep you busy, whether you are visiting for a short city break or a long, relaxing holiday.

Your Guide To Visiting Norfolk

Norfolk has nature reserves, national parks, marshlands, forests, and nearly 45 miles of coast. It is home to traditional market towns, stately homes, and wildlife, like the seals at Blakeney Point. No matter what time of the year you are visiting Norfolk, this East Anglian county has something for everyone.

Read our giude to the best places to visit in Norfolk for even more information.

10 Best Things To Do In Norfolk

1. Sandringham Estate

The famous royal residence, which sits in a 20,000-acre estate, is located in the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Beauty – so there’s plenty to admire both inside and outside the majestic country house’s walls, the grand interiors of which reopen to visitors in spring.

In the meantime, Sandringham lights up at night in the winter with a luminous trail through the Royal Parkland, a vintage fair and the chance to toast marshmallows over the fire pit. While, in the warmer months you can make the most of the cycling routes and children’s play area, as well as the on-site restaurant and shop.

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2. Norwich Castle

Making the trip into Norwich is one of the best things you can do while in Norfolk and chief among the city’s many attractions is its castle – a medieval royal fortification founded in 1825.

The distinctive box-shaped castle is currently undergoing a redevelopment and transformation project but there are also art and history galleries to visit within the site, where you can peruse treasures of archaeology, and fine and contemporary art.

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3. Holkham Hall

For a taste of village life, head to Holkham, which is home to the 18th century country house of the same name. The attraction makes the most of its setting near the coast, amid plenty of green, rolling parkland.

The stately home itself is a Palladian-style mansion and has many grand rooms to showcase to guests, including libraries, a marble hall, a servant’s hall and saloon. Outside, there are walled gardens and both walking and cycling trails to stretch your legs with, and even a ropes course.

A mile-long lake, which guests can take boats out on in the warmer months, is a unique way to enjoy the scenery and wildlife, and there’s also a nature reserve and beach.

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4. Norwich Cathedral

Back to Norwich, the city’s cathedral is also well worth a day trip. The Anglican structure is 900-years-old and has had a brush with fame after featuring in the Harry Potter films.

As well as enjoying its striking aesthetic, and status as the most complete Norman cathedral in Europe, you can step inside to attend a service, view the art in the gallery, or attend a range of exhibitions, seasonal carol services, and lunches.

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5. Blickling Estate

If you love your history, you’ll love the Blickling Estate and stately home – which is a National Trust property. Best known as the birthplace of Anne Boleyn and for being mentioned in the Domesday Book, this attraction offers everything you’d expect – a lake, 4,600 acres of woodland, parkland and farmland, as well as formal gardens and a beautiful Jacobean house.

Dogs are welcome for walks and there are also plenty of trails suitable for cyclists. And, if you time your trip right, while visiting the grand rooms and halls, you may encounter 1930s-style cooks serving up a treat.

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6. Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts can be found tucked away on the campus of the well-known and prestigious University of East Anglia (UAE) – with the 1970s building of architectural interest in its own right.

Home to an impressive collection of world art, the gallery and museum showcases numerous famous works and exhibitions, as well as a free-entry sculpture park across 350-acres of parkland.

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7. Hunstanton Beach

You would be amiss to visit Norfolk and fail to stroll along one of its fine, sandy beaches.

It’s hard to pick the best of the bunch as there are beaches to suit everyone – but Hunstanton beach faces west and attracts plenty of rays, as well as memorable sunsets.

The Victorian resort is somewhere you can sit back, admire the distinctively striped cliffs, dip your toes in the water and explore the rock pools.

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8. Pensthorpe Natural Park

For a true taste of Norfolk nature, enjoy a day out at this 700-acre nature reserve and woodland conservation park. Designed with visitors in mind, there are interactive trails and eco-friendly play areas galore, so that guests can enjoy the abundant greenery.

From bird hides to a wetland discovery area, a wildflower meadow, a host of gardens and expert talks, there are plenty of ways to engage with nature. And, of course, there’s also a courtyard and shop to unwind in.

9. Oxburgh Hall

Constructed during the Wars of the Roses, Oxburgh Hall is a unique country house to visit – thanks to its moat. Not only can you tour the house and learn about its history, you can wander the wider estate and its woodland, where you may even spot an otter by the river.

There are a number of formal gardens to visit, too, and another nice touch is the Potting Shed – a charming second-hand bookshop.

10. Holkham Beach

For a beach that offers more than just the chance to relax and admire the (admittedly spectacular) scenery, head back to Holkham for the local dunes. Here you’ll find soft white sands fit for strolling hand-in-hand but also a lagoon, pinewoods, and a large nature reserve. Bliss.