Norfolk is home to the UK’s largest natural landmark, the Norfolk Broads, and offers a selection of other natural beauties to explore on a summer weekend away.
The Norfolk Broads is the main attraction that draws thousands of tourists in to the county each year, and boating the broads is an idyllic way to escape from it all in the countryside and admire natural English beauty at your own pace.
If your ideal break is finding a quieter corner of the world, then the Norfolk Coast is the perfect destination. Explore the peaceful coastline at your leisure, with highlights including the huge expanse of unspoiled golden sand at Holkham or head to the dunes in Brancaster where there is a chance to go down to the quay and sail to the offshore island of Scolt Head.
For a different coastal experience, with all the rides and attractions of a traditional seaside resort, head to Great Yarmouth. There are vast expanses of sandy shores along this part of the coast with lots of scenic towns and coastal landscapes, attracting birders and hikers, campers and beach lovers all year round.
Away from the beach, Holkham Hall is surrounded by acres of majestic parkland, rich in wildlife. For those who wish to discover more about the heritage and farming practices of the area, this fine piece of architecture has an amazing museum assorted with astounding exhibits. Another popular activity on the northern coast is to go seal spotting by catching a ferry to Blakeney Point from Morston Quay.
For the best of the west, try travelling to the market town of King’s Lynn, where the town’s heritage is reflected in its amazing array of historic architecture. Or drive half an hour south east to visit the Norman castle ruins in the village of Castle Acre, and have lunch in the quaint English tearooms or the traditional village pubs.
If you are looking for an East Anglian city break, take a weekend break in Norwich for its shopping, market and attractions including the Norman-built castle that was constructed more than 900 years ago, and the spectacular Norwich Cathedral.
Getting back to nature, head south west to the county’s Suffolk border and discover Thetford Forest. As the largest pine forest in the UK, it is the ideal place for those that love to enjoy the simplicities of the outdoors and discover miles of untouched forest and wildlife by bike or on foot.
Norfolk has so much to offer, from phenomenal countryside scenery and gorgeous coastlines to captivating towns and cities with unique history and architecture. Also boasting the driest and warmest county climate in Great Britain, Norfolk is an ideal location for a summer break in the UK.
