
Live in the big smoke and fancy breathing in some fresh Norfolk air? From charming village stays to seaside retreats, it couldn’t be easier to book weekend escapes from London, long or short breaks in one of our self-catering properties. Don’t want to drive? No problem. Much of the county is accessible by train and bus, meaning you can explore car-free and reduce your carbon footprint at the same time. All you need to do is buy yourself a coffee, sit back and enjoy the journey.
ESCAPE FOR THE WEEKEND TO… CROMER
Journey time from London: 2 hours 45 minutes by train
If you want to be beside the seaside, the jolly resort town of Cromer has something for everyone – from its stretch of sandy beach, traditional pier and promenade to the cobbled lanes lined with independent shops, cafes and restaurants.
Eat out
For a cosy, neighbourhood vibe, be sure to visit Fino on Garden Street where they offer a modern British/European menu and well-curated wine list. If a meal with a view is the order of the day, make your way to No1 Cromer on the seafront where you can feast on freshly landed fish and chips while enjoying vistas across the rolling North Sea.
Retail therapy
There are plenty of excuses to flex your bank card in Cromer. Fig & Olive is a deli and food shop in the centre of town where shelves groan with edible delights, from local cheeses to thoughtfully sourced jams and preserves. Plus, there’s a refill station for cupboard goods like pasta, nuts, pulses and cereals (@figandolivecromer). Constance & Thyme is a lovely spot for all things floral and plant-based (@constanceandthyme).
Cultural highlight
Cromer is home to the last surviving ‘end of the pier’ theatre, where the seasonal variety shows are a sequin- and feather-filled spectacle of singing, dancing, comedy and more. There’s also the RNLI Lifeboat Station, while the Henry Blogg Museum on the beach tells the courageous history of saving lives at sea. And don’t miss the chance to take a selfie next to the Banksy mural on the sea wall.
If you do one thing…
Brush away city cobwebs by hitting the waves. Surfing is popular in Cromer, with Glide Surf School on the East Promenade offering daily surf and SUP lessons, as well as an extensive range of equipment to hire. If you want to explore the North Norfolk coast further, the trusty Coasthopper runs between Cromer and Wells-next-the-Sea, stopping off at many of the pretty coastal villages along the way.
Getting there from London
Hop on the train from London Liverpool Street to Norwich, before switching to the Bittern Line which will whizz you to Cromer in under an hour.
ESCAPE FOR THE WEEKEND TO… NORWICH
Journey time from London: 1 hour 45 minutes by train
Norwich is known as the City of Stories, not just because of its literary connections – of which there are many. It has a richly layered history, too, dating as far back as the Iron Age. Indeed, it’s the most complete medieval city in England, home to a castle and cathedral.
Eat out
You won’t go hungry in Norwich, whether perusing the menu of New York-inspired sandwiches at The Bodega in the historic marketplace (@bodega175_norwich) or feasting at food hall Yalm in the Royal Arcade. Plus, of course, there’s Benedicts, Richard Bainbridge’s buzzy restaurant on St Benedicts Street, which celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2025.
Retail therapy
Shop fashion and food to books and beauty at Jarrolds, a department store which has been welcoming customers since 1823 (). Another heritage don’t-miss is Bowhill & Elliott on London Street, who’ve been making and purveying fine footwear for 150 years. And the museum shop at The South Asia Collection, housed in a Grade II-listed Victorian roller-skating rink, is a treasure trove.
Cultural highlight
No minibreak would be complete without a visit to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts at the UEA. The museum houses the extraordinary collection of Sir Robert and Lady Lisa Sainsbury, spanning from prehistory to the present day, and puts on a series of fascinating exhibitions. The outdoor sculpture park is dotted with works by Henry Moore and Antony Gormley to Elisabeth Frink.
If you do one thing…
Swing by the city’s soaring Victorian Gothic Revival cathedral. Climb the 230 steps to the top of the tower for a 360-degree view of the city, while on warmer days the shady garden is a secret oasis with heritage fruit trees, roses bushes, paved walkways and cafe. And pop Spring 2025 in your diary, when the castle will welcome visitors once again following an extensive restoration.
Getting there from London
Easy peasy – a train from London Liverpool Street will take you directly to Norwich.
ESCAPE FOR THE WEEKEND TO… BURNHAM MARKET
Journey time from London: 1 hour 45 minutes by train + 1 hour 30 minutes by bus
The characterful village of Burnham Market has long charmed visitors, with its pretty green surrounded by multi-hued cottages, independent boutiques and galleries, and innovative restaurants – plus, it’s only three miles inland from the sea.
Eat out
Foodies will love Burnham Market. Socius is an award-winning restaurant, serving a British spin on tapas. At No.Twenty9, the chefs cook over an open grill, bringing a little theatricality to the proceedings. If you want to be in the heart of the culinary action, book the chef’s bench for a front row seat – or the chef’s table, where you can have the ‘Rum Flight’ exclusively chosen from a menu of over 100 rums.
Retail therapy
Burnham Market has long prided itself on its indie shops and boutiques – you won’t leave without a bag heaving with goodies. Browse Barefoot Living, just off the village green, which is filled with an ever-changing cornucopia of home and lifestyle wares. For fashion, shop the latest womenswear at Anna and every type of headwear at Pentney House – The Hat Shop. Foodies will want to linger a while in Humble Pie deli (@humblepiedeli) and the Instagrammable fish shop Gurneys downstairs.
Cultural highlight
If you like galleries, you’ll love Burnham Market. Fairfax Gallery was opened in 2001 by James and Lucy Basset, specialising in figurative and abstract work from established and emerging artists. Pocock’s The Artmonger is also delightful, a gallery specialising in supporting individual makers where you could equally find a piece of handcrafted jewellery as you could a 19th-century watercolour (@pocockstheartmonger).
If you do one thing…
For a first-class stay, book into the Railway Hotel. The luxury room-only hotel was originally the Old Station Master’s House and has eight bedrooms with contemporary-cosy interiors, sleek ensuites and private terraces with hot tubs. In addition, expect boutique hotel touches such as fluffy robes, Nespresso machines and there’s even an honesty bar and snack station. For added wow factor, stay in The Carriage, a lovingly restored railway carriage sleeping two – it’s dog friendly, so you can bring your pooch along for the ride.
Getting there from London
Jump on the train from Kings Cross to King’s Lynn; then take the Coastliner 36 bus to Burnham Market.
ESCAPE FOR THE WEEKEND TO… HOVETON & WROXHAM
Journey time from London: 2 hours 30 minutes by train
Hoveton & Wroxham, two small villages on either side of the River Bure, are many things to many people: they’re the gateway to the Norfolk Broads; they’re the home of Roys (more of which later); and they’re packed full of family fun things to do.
Eat out
Everyone will love Wroxham Barns. Billing itself as the ultimate out-of-town shopping experience, you’ll find products made by local artisans and craftspeople. Not to mention the junior farm and fun park, where kids can meet friendly animals and play on go-karts, a pirate ship and more… When you’ve worked up an appetite, the Courtyard Café is warm and welcoming, offering breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and everything in between.
Retail therapy
Roys – that’s all you need to know. There’s Roys of Wroxham Department Store; Roys Food Hall; Roys Toys; Roys Garden Centre; Roys DIY Centre and a little down the road, Roys Petrol Station. But who or what is Roy, you may well ask. It all began in 1895 when two brothers Arnold and Alfred Roy started selling fruit to holidaymakers from a stall. The family-run company, passed down through generations, has since grown into the sprawling retail empire it is today.
If you do one thing
Pack your binoculars! The Broads National Park, with its navigable waterways, fenlands and woodlands, is renowned for its biodiversity (visitthebroads.co.uk). Set off on a river tour or hire a boat to create memories out on the water – if you’re feeling energetic you could even explore by canoe, kayak or paddleboard. Whatever your mode of transport, keep eyes peeled for bitterns and swallowtail butterflies, sedge warblers and the rare Norfolk hawker dragonfly – you might even spy an otter.
Getting there from London
Take the train from London Liverpool Street to Norwich; at the city, swap platforms and take the Bittern Line to Hoveton & Wroxham.