The ceremonial county of Norfolk in England’s east is known for its waterways, picture-perfect countryside, and beautiful sandy beaches and coastline. With these natural attractions, many people visit this part of the country on holiday, but it’s also a wonderful place to live.
Notable former residents include the famous naval commander Horatio Nelson, actor and comedian Stephen Fry, and the former British Prime Minister Sir John Major.
Agriculture has long been an important trade for the region. While other parts of the country changed during the Industrial Revolution and beyond, Norfolk stayed mostly rural. Despite this, its urban centres have much to offer. The largest, Norwich, is known as ‘The Fine City’, and is a UNESCO City of Literature.
This historic city dates back to Roman times and today offers a perfect blend of old and new. Take a stroll here and you will see stunning mediaeval architecture, a vibrant cultural scene, great shops, and cafes and restaurants. It also has good transport connections.
The region boasts historic market towns, like the historic port of King’s Lynn, located on the River Ouse. The town has a rich history, with a range of impressive buildings, attractions, and museums as part of its buzzing centre.
Norfolk also has a huge number of lovely smaller towns and villages. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at five of the very best.
Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells-next-the-Sea, on the picturesque North Norfolk coast, was traditionally an important trade seaport. Today, it is better known as a thriving seaside town with a gorgeous beach. Its colourful beach huts are widely photographed, and its long sandy beach is bordered by a pine forest. This makes it a stunning place to spend time and a superb location to spot local wildlife, including birds and seals.
Fishing has long been important to the local community, and the harbour is a great location for crabbing, fishing, sailing, and waterskiing. The RNLI station in the village is also an important community location and showcases a range of historic lifeboats.
Visitors and locals alike will find a good mix of shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants around Staithe Street and the Buttlands – a leafy square lined with lime trees and overlooked by Georgian houses.
Wroxham
Wroxham and the adjoining Hoveton are often called the ‘Capital of the Broads’ and many people come here for boating holidays on the famous Norfolk Broads. Its scenic waterways are rightly a major attraction, and visitors can explore them on guided tours or by hiring a boat from Herbert Woods boatyard. In the warmer months, the calm waters are also worth enjoying by paddleboard, canoe, or kayak. A popular location to paddle to is Hickling Broad, which is one of the largest of the Broads and home to an incredible variety of some of the UK’s rarest plants and animals.
There is plenty to enjoy on dry land too, from the family-friendly Wroxham Barns with its farm park, mini-golf course, and shops, to Roys of Wroxham – known as the “world’s largest village store”. Wroxham is just a 10-minute drive from Norwich and around half an hour to the beach, offering those who live here the best of both worlds.
Holt
The Georgian town of Holt is a charming place to visit or call home. Its galleries, independent shops, eateries, local markets, and history, offer a great package to visitors and those considering moving to this part of England.
The town’s 18th-century Georgian buildings were mostly constructed following the Great Fire of 1708. These and the town’s Victorian alleyways – home to a range of independent stores, cafes, and galleries – lend the place a timeless quality.
Nature lovers will feel right at home wandering the woodland trails of Holt Country Park. This 100-acre site is teeming with wildlife, including many varieties of butterflies, and is open throughout the year. There’s something for everyone at the park, with a visitor centre, events, a renowned tearoom, and plenty of spots to enjoy a picnic.
Burnham Market
Burnham Market is the largest of a collection of Burnham villages, including Burnham Overy and Burnham Thorpe, located around the River Burn in North Norfolk.
Horatio Nelson, best known for his victory at the Battle of Trafalgar, was born here in September 1758. His father was rector of the local church, which remains in the village, and the historic oak-beamed Lord Nelson pub that takes his name is also worth a visit.
The area is considered a great place to live, with its proximity to the stunning coastline and countryside proving a major draw for many looking to escape the city and enjoy a relaxed lifestyle. But, with a selection of boutiques and eateries to choose from around the village green, there’s enough sophistication to keep those accustomed to more urban settings entertained too. Such is its upmarket vibe and popularity with celebrities, Burnham Market is sometimes referred to as ‘Chelsea on Sea’.
Cley-next-the-Sea
The small, picturesque village of Cley-next-the-Sea is easily identifiable by its 18th-century windmill. It’s hard to believe now, but in the Middle Ages, this was a busy port trading grains, malt, coal, cloth, cereals, and fish. Today, Cley’s natural charms make it famous. The village is part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is next to Cley Marshes Nature Reserve. Birdwatchers come from around the world to see waders, wildfowl, and rare birds. Cley is also on the Norfolk Coast Path, making it an ideal spot to pull on your walking boots and enjoy a hike. There is even a shingle beach, which is good for fishing.
Those who love the coast and wildlife will love it here, but with some unique shops, a pub, a deli, and tea shops, the village also has a character that will make you want to stick around longer.
These are just some of the towns and villages that make Norfolk an attractive place to visit and live. It has a lifestyle all of its own, that is just waiting to be experienced, enjoyed, and explored and you can see it all for yourself using these starting points as your guide.
