Ok… hands up, we’re a little biased when it comes to Norfolk. But boy are you in for a treat, if you choose a Norfolk holiday for your next adventure!

Norfolk is a really diverse county. Along its dramatic coastline are marshlands and sandy beaches which are all varied and picturesque. Head inland and you can find miles of quiet country roads, pretty woodlands and plenty of beauty spots to discover and roam.

Whether you are after a short break, a dog-friendly summer holiday, or a cottage by the sea, then Norfolk is a great destination! Perfect for independent shopping, making family memories, adventures in the great outdoors and plenty of fine dining and fresh, local produce – Norfolk really has it all.

Experience seaside towns and villages, tidal marshes teeming with wildlife, wide sandy beaches, pine woodlands and huge skies. Take in sunsets over the beach in Hunstanton, cycle through royal woodlands, bask under the big blue skies at Holkham, enjoy fish and chips in Cromer, bird watch in Cley, venture back to yesteryear at the 40s weekend in Sheringham, hop onto the steam train at Holt, paddle through the magical waterways of The Norfolk Broads and treat yourself to some retail therapy in Norwich. Norfolk really is the perfect destination for anyone seeking a slower pace of life and good, wholesome exploring!

To help you choose where to settle whilst exploring all that Norfolk has to offer, here are some of our favourite areas and more details to help you pick out where’s best for you.

Brancaster

What are the ingredients of a classic Norfolk holiday by the sea? How about a wide stretch of sandy beach, waterways perfect for dipping in and paddle boarding along, shipwrecks and abandoned boats to explore, pubs galore and seafood a plenty. In Brancaster, you can find some wonderful Norfolk holiday homes, just a short walking distance to the marshes, sand, pubs and nearby villages.

Cromer

A great, traditional seaside destination perfect for little ones armed with buckets and spades.

Cromer may be famous for its freshly caught crabs but there’s much more this coastal town has to offer. Make sure you check out the Victorian pier, browse the independent shops and cafes, go wild at the ice cream parlours, stop off at the local cinema and head along the cliff tops for breezy walks. The town also boasts crazy golf, a great zoo and a super summer carnival.

If you’re looking for a Norfolk coastal holiday then Cromer will tick all the boxes, especially if traditional Norfolk seaside cottages are your thing!

Heacham

Whilst Heacham is located just down the road from Hunstanton, it couldn’t be any more different. There are 2 beaches at Heacham; the North Beach boasts quintessential beach huts, ice cream and a promenade making it the perfect place for an evening stroll. The South beach is more rugged and wonderful for quiet dog walks, or sitting amongst the sand dunes away from the crowds. Heacham is also famous for being at the heart of Norfolk’s lavender growing industry and in the summer, the landscape and air is filled with the colour and aroma of lavender. It’s a great place to return to a holiday cottage after a long day of exploring.

Holt

Holt is one of Norfolk’s most popular Georgian towns due to its amazing range of independent shops, arts and antiques, cafes and pubs. It has access to a steam railway which heads to Sheringham and the 100-acre Holt Country Park which is frequented by locals and tourists alike. There are often Sunday maker’s markets, events and exciting new businesses regularly popping up.

Holt is only a short drive away from Norfolk’s famous coastline where you can enjoy bird watching, golfing, a variety of water sports such as paddle boarding, nature reserves, seal watching and wide sandy beaches.

It’s home to many holiday homes and luxury rentals! A great town for a short break or long retreat!

Hunstanton

A Victorian seaside town full of charm and character! From buzzing family activities such as crazy golf, pitch-and-putt, and the Oasis Leisure Centre to the tranquil Esplanade Gardens, there is something for everyone.

If you’re looking for a Norfolk cottage near the sea, a traditional seaside holiday home, then Hunstanton is a great option – especially if you love a sunset!

Kelling Heath

Kelling Heath is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty, just a 4-minute drive from the beach and around 10 minutes to local towns Sheringham and Holt.

It is a 5* woodland and heath park in which you can relax and enjoy activities together with children, family and friends. With miles of woodland and heathland trails for walking and cycling. A great destination if you’re looking for luxury lodges in Norfolk.

Mid Norfolk and the Brecks

Mid Norfolk and The Brecks is a landscape of tranquil forest, open heathland and agricultural land that is home to many unique or distinctive birds, plants and animals.

Here you can enjoy the most peaceful parts of the county, ideal for relaxing and switching off from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It may not be a Norfolk coastal holiday, but Mid Norfolk and The Brecks sure has its own charm and character and we love it.

Mundesley

The perfect Victorian coastal village where families can enjoy a traditional seaside holiday and couples can unwind away from the crowds.

Mundesley is a picturesque village located South East of Cromer, equipped with a range of local independent shops, crazy golf and a 9-hole golf course, tennis courts and play areas.

If you’re hunting for a Norfolk coastal holiday then Mundesley would be an ideal option. Beach houses on the Norfolk coast have hugely grown in popularity and the area of Mundesley is a wonderful setting to enjoy.

Sandringham

Home to the Queen’s country retreat is Sandringham and its nearby towns and villages.

This area is the epitome of countryside living (even if you may bump into one of the members of the Royal Family). Countryside pubs and shops, rolling hills perfect for bike rides, picturesque villages and plenty of wildlife!

If you’re looking for somewhere a little quieter than the hustle and bustle of Norfolk’s coastal towns, then Sandringham is ideal!

Sheringham

Booking a holiday in the coastal town of Sheringham means not only do you get to enjoy all that a seaside holiday has to offer, but you are also within easy access via train and bus to many other Norfolk attractions and events.

Sheringham is a buzzing town with a great programme of events throughout the year! Not only is there an award-winning, Blue Flag beach and top links golf course, but there is a brand new leisure centre, a great steam railway which runs to Holt and back and a plethora of independent cafes, restaurants, fish and chip shops and ice cream parlours.

Sheringham is home to some of our large Norfolk holiday homes, so if you’re looking for a retreat for the whole family (whilst also being dog-friendly), then browse through our Sheringham cottages.

The Norfolk Broads

If floating along calm, magical waterways is your thing, then having a base around the Norfolk Broads is a must!

Paddleboard, sail or hire a boat for the day from various points around The Norfolk Broads such as Wroxham, Coltishall and Horning, and enjoy the peaceful and tranquil environment. If you’re looking to unwind then it doesn’t get much better than this.

Wells-next-the-sea

A coastal town with quirky independent shopping, a vibrant quayside perfect for crabbing and one of the best sandy beaches Norfolk has to offer.

Wells is a great family-friendly location along the North Norfolk coast, but it’s also an ideal base for other nearby tourist hubs such as Holkham and The Burnhams. If you’re looking for a fun-filled destination then you can’t go wrong here!

There are plenty of self-catering holiday accommodations around Wells, with many being dog and family-friendly.

Burnham Market

Burnham Market is a well-loved north Norfolk village located just 2 miles inland of the wide, sandy beach of Brancaster and just 6 miles drive to Wells-Next-The-Sea. It is surrounded by rural countryside and nature reserves, but it is well-linked to nearby coastal towns.

The Georgian village of Burnham Market is a great Norfolk holiday destination, boasting a plethora of independent shops, cafes, restaurants and pubs around the village green. It’s a village which is home to many holiday homes and caters for holidaymakers very well!

We hope this blog has given you a better insight into the areas of North Norfolk you may like to stay in or visit.

Hugs,

The Norfolk Cottage Agency team

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