From its storied past to its bountiful larder and buzzing arts scene, here’s why the county should be the next stop on your holiday itinerary
Its fascinating history
Think of Norfolk’s history and Horatio Nelson likely leaps to mind. The naval commander was born in the village of Burnham Thorpe and was known to frequent the local pub. That said, the story of this county begins many millennia before, along a stretch known as the Deep History Coast. Here you’ll find Happisburgh, the oldest archaeological site in northern Europe, and West Runton, where the largest fossilised mammoth skeleton in the UK was unearthed. There is plenty of prehistory to discover too, including ‘Seahenge’, a Bronze Age timber circle on Holme beach, and Grime’s Graves near Thetford, Britain’s only Neolithic flint mine open to visitors.
Fast forward a few centuries and Norfolk’s past continues to intrigue. The county is home to many fine estates (all of which can be visited) from the Palladian splendour of Holkham and Houghton to the Jacobean Blickling Hall and the majesty of Sandringham – and not forgetting the Georgian park and garden designed by Humphry Repton at Sheringham. Norwich also makes for a good history lesson with its mediaeval castle and a cathedral that has been a sacred space for over 900 years; while King’s Lynn was one of England’s most important ports from as early as the 13th century.
Its natural wonders
When naturalist Sir David Attenborough says that he considers Norfolk’s Cley Marshes to be “one of the great places in Britain to see wildlife” you know it’s time to pack your binoculars. The county is teeming with flora and fauna, much of it designated as an Area of Outstanding Beauty. Walk the Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path or visit one of the beaches and nature reserves and you’ll spot many species of migrant and wading bird amongst the dunes, mud flats and salt marsh; and, at certain times of year, its skies fill with enormous skeins of geese. And do book a boat trip to see England’s largest grey seal colony at Blakeney Point.
Nature abounds inland too, not least in the Broads, 200 kilometres of navigable waterways that are renowned for their biodiversity. Whether you canoe or charter a larger vessel on the calm waters, you could catch a glimpse of teals, sedge warblers and bitterns, swallowtail butterflies and the rare Norfolk hawker dragonfly – if you’re lucky, you might even spy an otter. And that’s before we get to the plant life – the fens are home to over 250 different species, including the nationally protected fen orchid and the crested buckler fern.
Its edible delights
Norfolk’s culinary landscape is ever evolving thanks to its innovative restaurants and pubs, delis, farm shops and farmers’ markets, which offer the finest local, seasonal ingredients and products. Here you can sample Cromer crab, Brancaster mussels, Stiffkey cockles and oysters; straight-from-the-field asparagus; artisan cheese; rare breed pork; Norfolk black turkey; abundant game; and samphire, which grows along the coast in summer (and is best eaten with lashings of butter). Whether you’re into Michelin starred fine dining or fish and chips eaten on the harbour wall, you won’t go hungry in Norfolk.
Thirsty? Wineries, breweries and distilleries pepper the county. The region’s microclimate and soil are well-suited to winemaking, with more than a dozen vineyards producing excellent wines – Winbirri in Surlingham beat off 17,200 entries to win a coveted Decanter World Wine Award. Norfolk is equally famous for its beer. Renowned for producing high-quality English barley, it has more microbreweries than any other county in the UK; while the local distilleries are producing some superb artisan spirits. Cheers!
Its arts and culture scene
From 17th-century paintings to edgy street murals, opera to contemporary pop, traditional theatre to modern dance, the arts are flourishing in Norfolk. The stage is set in Norwich with six theatres in the city showcasing live music, comedy, plays, opera and dance all year round. There are plenty more productions to catch around the county but if you only do one thing, book the Cromer Show, the only ‘end of the pier’ show of its kind in the world. For further dazzle, the Thursford Christmas Spectacular is a whirl of non-stop entertainment, sequins and sparkle.
Norfolk does an excellent festival. From the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, which offers a packed programme of music, dance, theatre and visual arts, to the more niche, the likes of Sheringham Viking Festival, there is something for everyone. Carnival fever takes hold every summer, with colourful processions, parades and parties along the coast. And do visit a museum or two when you’re here, whether it’s learning about lifesaving legend Henry Blogg in Cromer or marvelling at the pretty displays of shells in Glandford. The Sainsbury Centre deserves a special mention, a genre-defying art museum with a world-class collection.
Its superb shopping
From its characterful boutiques and independent retailers to department stores and antiques emporiums, Norfolk is a shopper’s delight – you won’t leave without a souvenir or two. Whether you’re strolling the bustling streets of the city or browsing in the historic towns and picturesque villages, you’ll find big-name designer threads and pre-loved fashion; locally-made homewares and vintage treasures; beautiful botanicals and organic skincare; and every manner of knick-knack and keepsake.
If you love to collect art, you’re in the right place. Creatives abound in the county, with friendly galleries and studios showcasing the very best contemporary fine art, sculpture, photography, ceramics and glassware. With many of the works by local artists and inspired by the surrounding landscape, how better to remember your trip to Norfolk?
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