Our favourite Norfolk towns

Keen to explore Norfolk and looking for some inspiration on where to go? We’ve lined up a selection of our favourite Norfolk towns that showcase the diverse attractions that the county has to offer.

Norwich

Norwich certainly doesn’t lack when it comes to things to see and do. The gorgeous medieval Norwich Cathedral boasts more than 900 years of history behind it, while the Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is home to an impressive array of objects spanning the areas of archaeology, natural history and fine art. Strangers’ Hall is one of the oldest buildings in Norwich and dates from 1320, while visitors who are eager to pick up a souvenir of their visit should definitely stop by Norwich Market which is the biggest open-air market in the country and offers everything from flowers and food to clothes and jewellery.

Holt

Holt is a picturesque Georgian town located in a beautiful rural setting. The town has a wide array of shops and a great selection of places to enjoy a bite to eat after strolling around and viewing the number of attractive Georgian buildings on offer. There are also intriguing art galleries and visitors who are keen for a ride on a steam train can do so via the North Norfolk Railway, of which Holt is the last stop in a 10.5-mile round trip. Anyone who loves the outdoors should definitely visit the stunning Holt Country Park nearby. The Green Flag award-winning park is home to a range of wildlife including deer, butterflies, woodpeckers and dragonflies to name a few and offers a very pleasant environment for leisurely walks.

Diss

The pretty market town of Diss is situated around a lake known as Diss Mere which is home to a range of birds and fish. The park next to Diss Mere is a great spot to enjoy a picnic or to stroll around. The town features a blend of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian architecture and hosts a weekly Friday market offering a range of items from food to clothing and household items. Diss Museum is a small but informative museum that provides insight into the history of the town. Just outside of Diss visitors can spend a fun day at Bressingham Steam & Gardens which offers exciting steam train rides and stunning gardens to explore. The town is also a good choice for walkers who are keen to do the Boudicca Way as it is the starting/ending point depending on which way you travel.

Fakenham

The historic market town of Fakenham stays true to its roots with a bustling weekly flea market, regular auctions, a Thursday market as well as a monthly farmers’ market. Visitors interested in history should make their way to the Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History which is the sole surviving town gasworks in England and Wales. A mile outside of Fakenham is the gorgeous Pensthorpe Natural Park which features a collection of beautiful gardens and a variety of wildlife. The Thursford Collection is also located just outside of Fakenham and boasts the biggest collection of steam engines and organs in the world, as well as fairground carousels and other enticing attractions.

Wells next the Sea

Wells next the Sea is a bustling seaside resort and fishing port that has plenty to recommend itself to visitors. Enjoy this striking Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as you wander along the beautiful beach. For sightseeing with a difference take a trip on the Wells Harbour Railway which is a fun way to get to the beach and the adjacent pretty pinewoods. Alternatively opt for a lengthier journey on the world’s longest 10.25-inch narrow gauge steam railway courtesy of the Wells to Walsingham Light Railway. A visit to the quay is also a great way to spend a few hours, with fresh seafood on offer, an amusement arcade and the opportunity to fish for crabs. Two miles west of the town is the splendid stately home of Holkham Hall which is also well worth visiting.

King’s Lynn

King’s Lynn  boasts a number of impressive historical buildings such as the Town Hall which is also known as the Trinity Guildhall  and dates from 1421, as well as the beautiful King's Lynn Minster which dates from 1101. Located just outside of King’s Lynn is Castle Rising Castle, a 12th century castle that offers enticing explorations. Sightseers interested in art should stop by the King’s Lynn Arts Centre and the Lynn Museum provides an extensive collection of objects to engross visitors of all ages.

Cromer

Cromer is a popular coastal town that offers miles of sandy beaches and an entertaining amusement pier . There are art galleries to explore and Cromer Museum provides an abundance of sights to intrigue both children and adults. The Church of St Peter and St Paul has beautiful stained glass windows and visitors should also sample the renowned Cromer Crab which is available in many dining establishments throughout the town.

Something terrific for all tastes

Thanks to the variety of attractions within these great Norfolk towns, visitors are sure to find plenty to appeal during their explorations as they discover the wealth of historical, natural and modern delights that Norfolk has to offer.