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.
Book with Norfolk Hideaways
Find & Book
The Owl House
Little Massingham, Norfolk
The Owl House is a beautiful brick and flint barn in the heart of rural paradise, surrounded by a herd of doe-eyed, hand-fed breeding deer. Step over the courtyard for a dip in the ten-metre indoor, temperature-controlled swimming pool with beautiful modular ceiling with fibre optic lights and a separate changing area, WC and shower. There is also the option of a sauna, a round of tennis on the tarmac court or a game of pétanque.
No. 33 Cottage 4
Thornham, Norfolk
A beautifully renovated cottage offering luxurious accommodation for six people. Features include a well-equipped kitchen with gas Aga, wonderful open-plan sitting room with wood burning stove, spacious dining area and three excellent double bedrooms – plus a garden with terrace and pergola.
Sea Wind
Brancaster, Norfolk
This delightful bungalow situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in the popular village of Brancaster offers light and contemporary accommodation with a fully enclosed garden. Ideal for one or two couples or a family looking to be close to the beach, the North Norfolk coastal path and Brancaster Staithe sailing harbour.
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.
Useful links
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.
