As a rural county, Norfolk has many things to offer in terms of outdoor activities. From the historical sites in the city of Norwich to the beautiful rivers and waterways of The Norfolk Broads, it is an ideal place for those seeking both picturesque countryside views and city culture. As well as this, North Norfolk boasts a fantastic coastline for those wishing to experience a classic British seaside break.
Norfolk is a county situated in the East of England and is a popular tourist destination whether you're looking for a weekend away in one of our holiday homes, or a more extended family holiday in our unique Norfolk cottages. Read more
BimbleBox Barn oozes style and traditional charm and is the perfect choice for families and friends looking to explore Norfolk and its many attractions. Sleeping up to 10 guests in comfort and style, this fabulous barn conversion has a 6 seater hot tub, two log burners, an incredibly social kitchen/diner and a good range of modern conveniences to ensure guest comfort at any time of the year. A mile from the market town of Reepham, there is a pub within walking distance and the Broads and Coast within easy reach by car. Tourist board rating: 4 Star
Perfectly situated in the popular village of Wroxham in the very heart of Norfolk Broads, this welcoming waterside retreat boasts views over the water. An ideal self-catering retreat from which to explore the magical waterways, enjoy riverside walks, explore Norwich and the coast or simply relax in the riverside setting.
Stylish and modern throughout, this beautifully presented detached waterside retreat is perfectly placed in the heart of Wroxham, one of the Norfolk Broad's most popular villages. Brightside is a great choice for wildlife enthusiasts, fishermen, walkers and those who enjoy being on or beside the water.
A detached holiday cottage in Wroxham in the very heart of the Norfolk Broads in an enviable position on the river - an excellent holiday destination for those with a passion for sailing, kayaking, fishing, walking, bird watching or simply relaxing by the river!
Sunset Haven is a comfortable holiday cottage in the lively village of Hoveton in the Norfolk Broads. Sitting in an enviable position in a quiet backwater on the river, with its own private mooring, this is an excellent location for relaxing, enjoying a spot of fishing, bird watching, canoeing and sailing.
Kingfisher Lure is a riverside holiday cottage in the very heart of the Norfolk Broads in the popular village of Wroxham - an excellent location for fishing, sailing, bird watching and exploring both the magical waterways and areas many attractions.
Whether you want to simply relax by the river or get out and about exploring the magical waterways and Norfolk's many attractions, this comfortable holiday home is a perfect choice. Enjoy a waterside position in the popular Broadland village of Wroxham with pubs, restaurants and shops a short stroll away.
Orchid Lodge is steps from the River Bure with fantastic views of the marina. The self-catering holiday cottage in Horning is ideal for couples and families who want to experience the best of the Broads, including from the water. There is loads of scope for walks and bike rides beside the river and through beautiful countryside and boating, sailing, canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The waterfront Ferry Inn pub is within a short walk, as are shops, cafes and other amenities. Despite its conveniently central location, guests will enjoy the peace and tranquillity that can only come from being beside the water.
A self-catering holiday in North Norfolk is something everyone deserves at least once, especially if you're staying somewhere as lovely as Wisteria. The holiday cottage sleeps four people in two ensuite bedrooms in the rural village of Briningham, close to Holt and beautiful beaches. You're ideally based to enjoy everything from coastal walks to seal-spotting boat tours and a wander around Norwich's narrow medieval lanes. Stately homes, RSPB and nature reserves, family-friendly attractions, country parks, specialist museums, and farmers' markets are just a few of many things to add to your itinerary. Holiday bookings are available all year round.
Hollyhock is a spacious cottage in a beautiful location on the edge of Southrepps village, within walking distance of the Vernon Arms pub. The owners have transformed this countryside cottage into a chic but relaxed space where couples can unwind and enjoy spending time together, exploring the surrounding countryside and the stunning North Norfolk coast. Cromer and Sheringham are a short drive from the cottage, while Norwich and the Norfolk Broads are also within easy reach, and there are lovely walks and cycle routes that pass nearby. Short breaks, full weeks or longer, we can usually accommodate specific holiday dates.
Relax in the beautiful surroundings of the countryside, just a few miles from the coast. Cow Parsley Cottage is perfect for couples who want to enjoy the best sights of North Norfolk, including places like Wells-Next-the-Sea and Holt. The traditional cottage is in the peaceful village of Kettlestone, close to Fakenham and a short drive from the beach. There are miles of nearby footpaths and bicycle routes to enjoy, as well as National Trust properties, country parks and coastal walks. Historic Norwich is within easy reach so you can mix country, beach and city all in one incredible holiday. Short breaks, full weeks or longer, we can usually accommodate specific holiday dates.
We’ve installed a secure pay as you go EV Charger for those bringing their plug in Hybrids or fully electric cars. There are numerous local charging stations nearby, but not with the convenience of being able to charge your car just like ‘at home’. For only cottage guests, we’ve installed the charger next to the front door of the cottage on the large gravel driveway and our introductory rate is only 30p per KWH. It’s really simple to use and only takes a couple of minutes to set up, how good is that ! With summer now here, now is a great time for booking autumn holidays. When it comes to securing your dream cottage getaway, the ‘holiday season’ really starts now! Don’t forget, Stable Cottage has those extra facilities such as a Champagne welcome pack, private hot tub, pet friendly and free*, new eco log burner (free logs), new EV charger plus Sky TV with Netflix & free WiFi all included and therefore the dates are going quickly, so take a look, check your planner and book early to make this year’s holiday is the best ever! Book one of the last remaining summer or autumn dates for a handy discount: Perfect for indulging yourself in luxurious surroundings with facilities such as private hot tub, beach, restaurants and glorious coastal walks accessible within a five minute walk. A great choice for those who like to surround themselves with luxury and sea air. Tourist board rating: 5 Star
With excellent on-site facilities that include an indoor pool, beauty room and play areas, plus a beach and very good pub within walking distance, Home Farm offers self-catering accommodation which is just perfect for a seaside holiday. Whether you are a family, group of friends or a couple, the welcome is warm in this beautiful part of Norfolk with lovely walks and cycle rides from the front door and an abundance of attractions for day trips out. Fleet Cottage is all ground floor ideal for anyone with walking difficulties and young children. Fleet has two bedrooms, a large king with single bed, and a twin room. Large bathroom with bath and separate shower, kitchen, and lounge/diner. Enclosed patio area with seating and brick BBQ. Fleet is on our main site.
Sleeps 8 - A delightful cottage in the heart of the quaint riverside village of Horning, known as the Jewel of The Broads. Perfect base to explore the village and surrounding Broads. Deceivingly spacious inside with a great family feel.
The Whim is a wonderful seafront holiday home on the Norfolk Coast. Sleeping 14 people in seven bedrooms, it suits extended families who want to stay close to the beach but not at one of the louder, more touristy spots like Cromer. The house enjoys incredible views, a big enclosed garden with a deck, and lots of space for everyone. You can walk to the Blue Flag beach, shops and pub in around ten minutes, or stay at the house and use the indoor swimming pool and sauna. The self-catering facilities are excellent.
Impress your guests with a stay at Hackford Hall. Dating from the 17th Century, this Georgian gem sleeps 28 people in 13 bedrooms and features an indoor swimming pool, gym, games room, and 32 acres of grounds, including a tennis court. It's ideal for your self-catering holiday with friends, family reunion, celebration, or retreat, with lots of space and a flexible layout that suits different activities. The big holiday home is in Norfolk, at the end of a private driveway on the edge of Reepham, with beautiful views and easy access to the countryside.
With its gracious proportions, lovely furnishings and features that include an acre of walled gardens, an indoor pool and a tennis court, it's no wonder that Edgar Farmhouse is a favourite for family reunions and holidays with friends. Whether you're a group of hens celebrating before a wedding or hosting your family for Christmas, this holiday home is ideal for a self-catering break. The farmhouse is in Walsingham, 14 miles from Norwich, within easy reach of the North Norfolk coast and popular attractions like Sandringham and beWILDerwood.
Families, extended families and friends are all welcome at Houghton Farmhouse. The period holiday home is in a lovely location on the edge of Walsingham and within easy reach of the coast. The acre-sized grounds include a heated swimming pool and a games room, while the main house accommodates up to 18 people in 7 bedrooms and has excellent self-catering facilities. You can happily spend all your time at home or explore the coast and attractions like the royal Sandringham estate and beWILDerwood.
The Coach House embodies the quintessential Norfolk holiday home of which you've always dreamed. Constructed from local red brick, this beautifully refurbished cottage offers a genuine retreat for families and friends. With three stylish bedrooms accommodating up to six guests, it boasts classic features like a log burner, oak beams, and charming pitched ceilings. Child and pet-friendly, it's conveniently located just a short walk from the Crown Inn in Banningham. Norfolk's countryside is a haven for relaxation and bonding, offering scenic walks and local watering holes. Spectacular coastlines and beautiful beaches like Holt and Cromer are only 20 minutes away and perfect for day trips and lazy afternoons. Nearby attractions include Cromer Pier, Blickling Estate, and Norwich's historic buildings, ensuring a delightful stay in Norfolk's idyllic setting.
This spacious Georgian holiday rental is in the lovely village of Winterton-on-Sea, one of North Norfolk's hidden gems, only a few miles from Yarmouth and about half an hour from Norwich. Church House sleeps 16 people in seven bedrooms and is only a moment's walk from the beach, pub, and village shop. Two of the rooms are perfect for families, and there is a games room and an outdoor hot tub to keep everyone happy in all weathers. It's an excellent place to host a self-catering holiday with friends and multi-generational families.
Popular towns in and around Norfolk:
AlbyAttleboroughAylshamBactonBanhamBergh AptonBlakeneyBrancasterBrancaster StaitheBrundallBungayBurgh St PeterBurnham MarketClippesbyCorpustyCromerDerehamDissDownham MarketEast RustonFakenhamGreat SnoringGreat YarmouthHappisburghHeachamHicklingHigh KellingHoltHorningHunstantonKing's LynnKings LynnLitchamLoddonMundesleyNectonNorfolk BroadsNorfolk/Suffolk BordersNorth WalshamNorwichRockland St MaryRollesbyRushallSalhouseScratbySea PallingSheringhamStalhamStokesbySutton StaitheThetfordThorpe MarketUptonWells-next-the-SeaWinterton-on-SeaWisbechWroxhamWymondhamSome local suggestions:
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Norfolk is the perfect choice for those craving culture and heritage, nature, adventure, wildlife and the tranquillity of water, whether by the sea or on the river. With its fantastic architecture, picturesque countryside and some of the country's finest beaches, Norfolk is a county that has something for everyone.
One of the most popular places to stay in Norfolk for culture is Norwich, where the ancient city offers plenty of history, great pubs and multiple shopping places. In addition, Norwich is one of the UK’s best-preserved mediaeval cities, so it’s a great place for those seeking history.
Cromer is an excellent option for holidays in Norfolk with the whole family. The seaside resort offers great beaches and many visitor attractions, providing you with lots to do with the kids.
There are also several excellent restaurants, shops and boutiques in Cromer, perfect for those who want to spend the day wandering through the town.
For those visiting Norfolk with their four-legged friends, Hunstanton is the place to be for its great unrestricted beach. The elegant seaside town provides views over The Wash and has an array of seaside activities like crazy golf, pleasure gardens, and an extensive sandy stretch.
Before booking your holiday cottage in Norfolk, you can find all the information you need for your trip.
Check out our complete guide to Eastern England & East Anglia for more tips.
The spring in Norfolk is lovely as the landscape bursts into life with lots of flora and fauna, lambs are springing through the countryside, and bluebells litter the woodlands. Spring is a great time to visit for those seeking days walking along the coast or following other trails through the county as the weather is mild and comfortable, with average temperatures of around 17°C.
Summer is a great month to relax on the many beaches in Norfolk as the temperature averages around 21°C, usually accompanied by bright blue skies and lovely sunshine. The pleasant temperatures also provide an excellent climate for those who aim to wander through the cobbled streets of Norfolk’s towns and villages.
Winter is also a good time for Norfolk holidays. Compared to many other counties in the UK, Norfolk isn’t as cold, although the weather still drops drastically from the warm summer temperatures to around 8°C from December to February.
With the beautiful countryside such a prominent attraction in Norfolk, there are numerous outdoor pursuits to enjoy both inland and on the water. The extensive waterways of the Broads are ideal places for nature lovers, with rivers branching out in every direction, providing a haven for sailors, canoeists, wildlife enthusiasts and those who simply like to relax by the water.
For those seeking the sea, head towards the Norfolk coast, which offers an impressive ninety miles of coastline so there are plenty of opportunities for great days out by the sea. Great Yarmouth and Cromer should top your list for traditional seaside fun, as well as Holkham and Wells beaches, which allow quiet spots for a picnic.
Norfolk also offers relaxing outdoor activities. A trip on heritage railway lines provides an effortless way of seeing the countryside. Fishing and bird watching are popular in many nature reserves, such as Cley Marshes.
If you happen to only be visiting Norfolk for the weekend, there is still plenty to do! Check out our Norfolk holiday guide to help you in the right direction.
When travelling from one of the major cities in the UK, below shows an average distance from there to Norfolk holiday cottages on the border, so you know what to expect when visiting by car.
London: 106 miles
Birmingham: 148 miles
Glasgow: 359 miles
Liverpool: 243 miles
Bristol: 228 miles
Manchester: 176 miles
Leeds: 156 miles
Edinburgh: 358 miles
Newcastle: 239 miles
There are multiple ways to travel to Norfolk; with its excellent public transport, you can journey by train or coach from many major UK cities. If you travel by car, there are some great service stations to stop off and rest up whilst on your trip and alternative routes depending on what roads you prefer to drive on.
The City of Norwich is the ideal stop for art and culture. Famous for its festivals, the themes range from art and film to food and drink.
Norwich Cathedral is also awe-inspiring. If you prefer to venture through the city streets, The Lanes are part of the historic quarter of Norwich. With cobbled streets and Georgian architecture, The Lanes offer a plethora of independent shops and boutiques.
Thinking about architecture in Norfolk would not be complete without the castles and stately homes of the countryside. Holkham Hall, with its nature reserve, is a beautiful site close to the Norfolk coastline. In addition, the royal Sandringham Estate is situated in Norfolk, with its museum exhibition of gifts to the Queen a 'must-see' on any visitor's itinerary.
Norfolk has seven distinct areas, all of which make great holiday destinations. Therefore the choice primarily comes down to what you want to do whilst visiting.
Great Yarmouth is perfect for those seeking a traditional holiday by the sea in a coastal cottage; its family-friendly amusements and entertainment help keep the whole clan happy. There is so much to do in Great Yarmouth, a holiday here will be jam-packed with fun at the Pleasure Beach to uncover history at the Tide & Time Museum.
Broads National Park is an excellent place for those seeking a tranquil trip to Norfolk. The 125 miles of lock-free waterways provide great excursions atop the water, whilst the quaint villages are perfect for strolling along the cobbled streets.
Sheringham is home to colourful beach huts and a heritage line along the steam railway. For those who enjoy a trip to the theatre, a range of watersports and significant annual events like the Viking Festival, Sheringham is a fantastic option.
There are many more towns and villages in Norfolk that all have exceptional scenery and activities to make for a great holiday, it is difficult to narrow it down to just one, but whatever your holiday itinerary, Norfolk won’t disappoint.
Norfolk is famous for its spectacular coastline, miles of sandy beaches, quaint seaside towns and rolling countryside. Perhaps the most famous feature of the county is the Norfolk Broads; one of the largest series of waterways routes in the UK.
There are so many outdoor activities in Norfolk, such as relaxing on the beach, walking the coastline, wildlife spotting, and wandering through the many towns and villages; these activities are free of charge. Your trip to Norfolk can be as expensive or as budget-friendly as you choose, with frequenting restaurants and bars raising the price of your holiday overall. We also have Norfolk cottages to suit every budget, so make sure to use the filter to find your perfect one.
Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the prettiest places to visit in Norfolk. Salt marshes cover the harbour and the town displays a large Georgian Square, making it a beautiful spot.
There are many other pretty towns to visit in Norfolk, with places like Wroxham sitting on the bank of the River Bure and Horning with its waterside location or even Cley, which presents visitors with its charming 18th-century windmill. Whatever town you choose to visit, you will be taken aback by the beauty throughout the county.
