12 Things You Need to Experience in England's North Norfolk Coast Towns
Updated: Oct 6, 2023
After a few days in London, visitors to England may want to explore further into the countryside to relax. Norfolk, only a couple of hours by train from London, offers some of the most charming coastline, quaint pubs and eateries, and history brimming out the ears. Discover abbeys, beach towns, inns, waterside dining and more with this comprehensive guide of things to do in North Norfolk, England.
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Stroll Seaside Sheringham in North Norfolk, England
Coastal Sheringham is a lovely place to stay in North Norfolk. With the beach, timbered buildings, and charming boutiques, it is easy to spend an afternoon wandering the town.
Take in a Show at the Historic Cromer Pier in North Norfolk, England
The Cromer Pier's annual Christmas show is the talk of the villages across Norfolk. A quirky affair, the show is host to stand up comedy acts, children's choir groups and plenty of slapstick laughs for the holiday season.
When the holidays are over, their event list is teaming with concerts, tribute band rock shows and comedy nights.
The Cromer Pier, in one form or another, has been around since 1391 and has trans-morphed into a beloved home to the community for over a century at its pavilion and theater.
Take a Seal Trip in Blakeney
For a great day out on the water, take a seal watching trip in Blakeney. The ride may be a bit chilly and wet, but worth it to see the seals enjoying themselves in the wild.
Some tour operators to check out include:
After your boat trip take a quick peek at the Blakeney Guildhall in town before heading to The Wiveton Bell for an elegant meal including large copas of gin and tonics and wonderful mussels.
Tour a Bomber or a Nimrod at the Norwich Aviation Museum
This museum not only has an entertaining array of artifacts indoors, but it is also host to dozens of big aircraft in their outside lawn.
Pay a little extra to schedule a personal tour of one of their big aircrafts including the Vulcan bomber and Nimrod.
Museum and admission information can be found here: https://www.cnam.org.uk/
Tour the Blickling Estate in North Norfolk, England
Tour a Jacobean mansion and gardens at Blickling Hall in Aylsham. While there, take in the scenery or enjoy biking, fishing, walking trails and cafes.
Pub Hop By Boat Along The Broads
The Broads is a National Park and wetland in Norfolk, chock full of narrow waterways and fairy tale homes.
Rent a small Broads boat (or a big one, if you fancy) and enjoy a day muddling down the river past thatched roofed homes and picturesque pubs.
Not keen on a renting a boat? Have lunch at the Hotel Wroxham (or for about $80 stay the night) and watch others crash into the marina for a pint. It's quite common to see these rental boats full of families looking for a nice ride out, or for the party crowd looking to make a pub crawl of their day on the water.
While dining at Hotel Wroxham, call ahead for the best outside seating and enjoy their beautifully crafted dishes. Near the edge of property feed the birds at Granary Dyke or after lunch stroll through the adorable village shops.
Creake Abbey Ruins and Market in North Norfolk, England
At Fakenham, the Creake Abbey ruins are an enjoyable site paired along with a visit to their farmer's market. Their courtyard market offers everything from vintage clothes and antiques to jewelry, soap and even local Archangel gin. Try the rhubarb flavor, it doesn't disappoint!
Try to make it in for their annual Christmas Fayre or check their website for what's on.
Try Vending Machine Dairy at the Binham Priory
Heaven is real, and it is located at the Binham Priory in Norfolk, England. The primary draw of this place is actually to see the impressive abbey ruins, but if you are a cheesemonger like myself, it's easy to get more excited about their farm fresh dairy on offer.
From Abbey Farm Dairy and The Little Dairy Shop, both on premises, you can get some of the freshest milk and cheese - from a vending machine. !!!
Raw Milk Vending Machine
I've never heard of milk from a vending machine, but this was super fancy. They even have instructions on their website on how to use it! For only one British Pound per liter of milk, it's a steal.
Gourmet Cheese Vending Machine
Dreams do come true. Cheese packaged on property, sourced on property, and sold from a gorgeous vending machine on property...seriously it doesn't get better for cheese lovers. Amazing.
Get Fish and Chips at the Norwich Market
Steps from the Norwich Castle and The Royal Arcade's spectacular turn of the century art nouveau architecture and shops, the Norwich Market boasts dozens of stalls selling local products and produce. There browsers can find fresh local cheeses like the Binham blue you may find at the Binham Priory, or even a handbag or belt from a local vendor.
With many options to entertain shoppers, the market also has many food options including a fish and chip stall called "Lucy's Fish and Chips". Award-winning, don't forget to ask for a side of curry sauce for dipping. Delicious.
Dine at a Deer Park Lodge in Norfolk
In Norfolk, The Gunton Arms is an upscale restaurant and lodge situated in a historic park for deer hunting.
Dine in the ornate elk's room for special occasion meals and enjoy massive cuts of meat over an open flame.
Pop Into Some Burnham Market Shops
The 17th century village of Burnham Market is worth some of your time if not for shopping, then for a light lunch or a pint of ale.
Ride a Horse at Holkham Beach in North Norfolk, England
Ride a horse on the beach at Holkham, or park at the car park to walk on the beach path. Follow up your beach visit with a historic meal at the Victoria Inn at Holkam Hall.
Whatever your fancy, the breathtaking sea views and stellar historical estates in North Norfolk offer a welcome respite from the mayhem of London. Enjoy a few days exploring the countryside, dining on upscale meals and touring The Broads.
Need more ideas for things to do in Norfolk, England? Check out day trips to Southwold or hop on the train back to London.
