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30 things not to miss when visiting North Norfolk

Published date: July 2020

30 things not to miss when visiting North Norfolk

North Norfolk is a popular destination, for a day trip, weekend or longer holiday. There is so much to see and do in this part of the county, it makes sense to carry out a spot of research before you arrive, to ensure you fit in as many of the highlights as possible. North Norfolk has some breath-taking unspoilt beaches and stunning scenery, iconic buildings, beautiful walks and cycle routes, amazing wildlife and some great attractions the whole family will love. Here are some of North Norfolk’s highlights not to be missed.

  1. Take a surf lesson from Cromer beach and then warm up with a cup of fresh coffee and something tasty from the North Sea Coffee Co, close to the surf school on the promenade.
  2. Walk up to Cromer lighthouse and admire the coastal view before heading to Cromer’s iconic pier to enjoy some delicious fish and chips (from No 1 or Mary Janes).
  3. Book tickets for Cromer’s end-of-the-pier variety show – fun for all the family.
  4. Visit Cromer’s Henry Blogg Museum on the promenade, a free to enter museum that celebrates the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history. Then take a stroll to view the town’s lifeboat, at the end of Cromer Pier.
  5. Explore Cromer’s Amazona and find out about animals of South America at this fascinating zoo.
  6. Visit Felbrigg Hall, run by the National Trust and enjoy the house, gardens and wider grounds, including woods and lake.
  7. Dine at Rocky Bottoms restaurant on the Cromer Road and enjoy exquisite seafood and a stunning view of the coast.
  8. Take a stroll on West Runton beach, where the world’s largest mammoth skeleton was found. Bring a spade and see what you can unearth – maybe a mammoth’s tooth?
  9. Visit Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary in West Runton and meet some very happy animals who didn’t have the best start in life before ending up at the sanctuary.
  10. Discover the rock pools at West Runton beach, tide permitting. Search for crabs, starfish and other underwater life.
  11. Climb the tower in Sheringham Park and enjoy the spectacular view of rhododendrons and azaleas (May-June is their peak).
  12. Ride the North Norfolk Railway’s Poppy Line, from Sheringham to Holt, taking in the beautiful scenery.
  13. Climb up Beeston Bump in Sheringham and marvel at the spectacular coastal views before a game of pitch and putt at Beeston Hills Putting Green.
  14. Pay a visit to The Chocolate Box on Sheringham high street, for all your sweet treats and gifts to take home.
  15. Sample some real Norfolk ice-cream at Ellie’s Ice Cream on the high street in Sheringham. Find a huge variety of Ronaldo ice cream and sorbets, the only problem is deciding which flavour to have!
  16. Drive a tank at the Muckleburgh Military Collection in Weybourne and discover a vast array of military vehicles, artillery, uniforms and other military memorabilia.
  17. Discover the elegant Georgian market town of Holt, with its charming buildings, pretty courtyards, independent shops, art galleries and array of excellent eateries. Adorned with twinkling lights during the festive period, it’s a must visit destination, whatever the season.
  18. Enjoy birdwatching at one of the top reserves in the country – Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Cley Marshes in Cley-next-the-Sea.
  19. Visit Blakeney National Nature Reserve to see spectacular wildlife and uninterrupted views of beautiful unspoilt coastline and wide-open spaces. A must visit destination for walkers, birdwatchers, wildlife enthusiasts and photographers.
  20. See the seals!! Take an organised trip by boat from Morston to see the seals at Blakeney Point. Make sure you bring a camera as you will want to capture these adorable creatures in their natural environment.
  21. Count the iconic beach huts that stand pretty on the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea – a beautiful sight before paying a visit to Wells Crab House, for the freshest seafood.
  22. Go crabbing at the quay in Wells-next-the-Sea or off the pier in Cromer.
  23. Take a trip on the world’s longest 10 1/4" narrow gauge steam railway between Wells-next-the-Sea and Walsingham.
  24. Explore Holkham Hall and Estate and discover the elegant 18th century Palladian style house, walled gardens, park, rope course, play areas, shops, eateries, pub, nature reserve and more.
  25. Walk on the iconic beach in Holkham and retrace the footsteps of Gwyneth Paltrow in the blockbuster film, Shakespeare in Love.
  26. Discover the Norfolk Burnhams - beautiful adjacent villages that are best explored on foot. With many fine restaurants, trendy boutiques and luxury accommodation, these picturesque villages are clustered around the River Burn and are considered some of the most desirable places to live in Norfolk.
  27. Explore RSPB Titchwell Marsh and its diverse habitats that include reedbeds, saltmarsh and freshwater lagoons. Spot avocets, bearded tits and marsh harriers and enjoy the wide sandy beach and extensive views across The Wash.
  28. Book a table or a room at Titchwell Manor, a stunning boutique 26-bedroom country retreat offering excellent food and accommodation. The perfect place to stop and enjoy an overnight stay or food after a spot of birdwatching at Titchwell Marsh.
  29. Pay a visit to The White Horse in Brancaster for excellent locally sourced food and beautiful views of North Norfolk’s tidal salt marshes.
  30. Enjoy the sheer exhilaration of powering across the water from Brancaster Staithe to your fishing destination, aboard a well-equipped charter boat with Norfolk Fishing Trips and Charter.

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