West Norfolk
West Norfolk has a superb unspoilt coastline with pretty villages, all with their own individual charm. The medieval port of King's Lynn has some very interesting architecture. The town’s 17th century Custom House is now the local tourist information centre and is also home to a maritime display. It was initially built in 1683 as a merchant exchange, and had open ground floor arcades. King's Lynn was a noted harbour at the time of the Doomsday book, and was once considered to be England’s third port.
Five miles north-east of King's Lynn is Castle Rising, a Norman fortress built around 1140, covering an area of 12 acres. Parts of the great tower, gatehouse, fine Norman arches and vaulting still remain and a tour of the castle offers a fascinating insight into its history and its most famous occupant, Queen Isabella.
Sandringham, our Royal Family’s estate, is situated within West Norfolk. More information about this beautiful estate can be found within our Historic Houses section.
Northwards from Sandringham is a place called Heacham. A large seaside village, Heacham is the centre of Norfolk’s lavender growing industry. The scent of lavender fills the air during the summer months.
Further along the coast is Hunstanton, a Victorian town with long sandy beaches and cliffs some 60 feet high. At the top of these cliffs is where the ruins of the old St Edmunds Chapel remain. This chapel was said to commemorate the landing of the King of the East Angles in 850 AD.
Thursford is home to the Thursford Collection. Here you will find painstakingly restored steam engines, as well as nine mechanical organs, Carousel and Wurlitzer. During the summer season there are live musical shows and later in the year there is a Christmas extravaganza show.
A 12th century priory is set in the village of Castle Acre. Headsets available from the gift shop give its history as you stroll around the grounds.
The finest holiday cottages & self-catering accommodation in Norfolk.
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The Sidings
, Norfolk
This immaculate and stylish, semi-detached property is located only four miles from the beach at Brancaster in the tranquil village of Docking. With a relaxed, contemporary coastal feel and glimpses of the sea from the upstairs front window, The Sidings features a large, lawned south-facing garden to the rear.
The Gardens
, Norfolk
A gloriously elegant and beautifully furnished period property discreetly tucked away on the edge of North Norfolk's most popular and well-known village of Burnham Market. With four well proportioned receptions rooms, six bedrooms and four bathrooms as well as off private road parking for four cars and a mature, generous-sized enclosed walled garden, mean The Gardens has to be one of the most sought after properties in the North Norfolk.
The Long Cottage
, Norfolk
Formerly a stable block, The Long Cottage is a uniquely characterful Norfolk cottage located near to the Royal Sandringham Estate in Flitcham, and is an excellent option for those looking to get an authentic holiday experience. Made from local carrstone that is unique to this area, it combines the old world with the new, providing the comfort and facilities that will compliment any stay. Surrounded by a mixture of lawns with mature shrubs, and flowerbeds, there are private, intimate spaces to relax in that provide several suntraps throughout the day.
Pensthorpe Norfolk - Something for Everyone
Pensthorpe Natural Park is one of Norfolk’s finest attractions and is located 45 minutes from Norwich on the A1067 Fakenham to Norwich road. It is home to many species of mammals, birds, invertebrates and plants and its diverse range of habitats creates a stunning rich landscape which Pensthorpe Conservation Trust manages. With indoor and outdoor adventure play areas, educational facilities, talks and guided tours, bird hides, a café and gift shop, it’s a great place to visit, whatever your age.
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Visit Norfolk is the strategic voice of the county's visitor industry. This brand delivery vehicle, operated by Visit East Anglia, is responsible for promoting all that the county has to offer at local, regional and national levels.
An independent tourist guide for the county of Norfolk in England, that shows you what places actually look like.
www.norfolkandsuffolkattractions.co.uk
Norfolk + Suffolk Tourist Attractions is the trade association for tourist attractions in Norfolk and Suffolk.
