By Jess Shanahan
There are many reasons to visit Norfolk, but here are the top 10.
City of literature
The fine city of Norwich has been awarded the literary accolade because it has strong ties to authors such as William Taylor and Amelia Opie. It also offers a number of writing courses and workshops. If you want to discover Norwich’s literary side, visit The Book Hive on London Street.
The Broads
This man-made wonder is home to a whole host of wildlife as well as being a fantastic place to relax. Hire a boat and explore Norfolk’s waterways.
Norfolk Broads
Wildlife
Norfolk is home to marsh harriers, pretty little kingfishers, boxing brown hares, otters, and even the odd-looking Chinese water deer. You can see some of Norfolk’s diverse wildlife at places like Pensthorpe and Titchwell. If you’re interested in native animal life, take a look at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, which is dedicated to conserving the county’s animal and bird life.
Independent producers and shops
Wherever you go in the county, you’ll always be able to find an independent shop of some sort. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to jewellery, beauty products, food and drinks made by locals.
Beautiful architecture
Whether you enjoy pretty cottages nestled in rolling countryside or prefer to stand in the shadow of Norwich’s mighty castle, there’s some beautiful architecture, both new and old, to be seen in Norfolk. In Norwich, head to The Lanes for your fix of cobbled streets and wonky Tudor buildings.
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- Norwich Cathedral cloisters
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- Visit Coastal Stained Glass at Wroxham Barns
Big skies
The Norfolk landscape is defined by swathes of big blue skies. Sometimes you’ll see endless cornfields underneath, other times it’ll flow into the sea and quite often the gently rolling hills will reach up to meet it. Wherever in the county you are, the skies are sure to be amazing. If you get away from the city and big towns at night, there are some fantastic stargazing opportunities to be had, too.
Foodie culture
Norfolk is full of amazing food producers, from the Victorian-inspired Scrubby Oak Fine Foods through to the local pork delights of Bray’s Cottage Pork Pies. North Norfolk has its own restaurant week every autumn and there are regular street food trucks outside the Forum in Norwich.
The North Norfolk coast
The North Norfolk coast is a haven for walkers, bird watchers and photographers. The way the marshes and mudflats roll into the sea is something to behold and the changing landscape as the tide washes in and out just has to be experienced. There’s great surfing off the coast of Cromer and huge numbers of people visit every year for the big waves.
The seaside town of Cromer and its famous pier
Hidden gems
The village of Thompson lies within the sprawling Thetford Forest, itself part of the lesser known Norfolk Brecks. While the North Norfolk coast and the famous Norfolk Broads are the destinations of choice for most tourists to the East of England, the Brecks are one of the hidden gems that are not to be missed. Thompson Hall is an ideal place to stay and explore this area offering a picturesque, private and unique spot in the amazing Norfolk countryside. Brimming with a vibrant variety of flora and fauna, an unmapped woodland walk is the best way to soak up the atmosphere of this serene woodland and take some amazing pictures for your photo album to remember your time in Norfolk.
Samphire
Visit any fine restaurant in Norfolk during the summer and you’ll be treated to the salty goodness that is samphire. This coastal plant is also called sea asparagus and works perfectly with fish and other seafood. Keep an eye out for it between June and September on roadside stalls and on the menu of plenty of Norfolk’s eateries.
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