Things to do in Norfolk....

April 9, 2008 8:49 AM

Suggestions for places to stay or visit on a weekend visit to North Norfolk (UK)?

Norfolk isn't a part of England that I've visited before; any advice on activities/places that my partner and I (and our 20-month-old) might enjoy would be most appreciated.

posted by le morte de bea arthur to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

The RSPB reserve at Titchwell is excellent (if you like that kind of thing). Keep on walking and you get to the most magnificent beach. Walsingham is a fascinating village. You can go on a boat to see seals from Blakeney Point. I really like Norfolk.
posted by Huw at 10:11 AM on April 9, 2008

Seconding Titchwell. There's also a lot of narrow-gauge olde-timey steam railways to go to around there. Taking a leisurely trip on one can be a neat ride for a young child.
posted by stelas at 12:29 PM on April 9, 2008

You on't specify how soon you're going, but there's a number of good beaches in that part of the country; or there were. I can't vouchsafe them right now. Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth are the more child-friendly ones, but further north there's a bunch more secluded, less showy beaches.

And there's the broads, should you be into that sort of thing. Its kind of a spartan part of the country, all told.

(Depending on your overall itinerary, Norwich is probably the best place to stay if you're going around various places. If you're set on being further north, Cromer or somewhere might be more appropriate)
posted by Smoosh Faced Lion at 2:04 PM on April 9, 2008

(looking at stelas' link, the website appears to have a keen handle on a shedload of things you might want to take in.)
posted by Smoosh Faced Lion at 2:06 PM on April 9, 2008

I grew up in Norwich, it truly is "A Fine City". Hence the city motto, I guess.

Norwich Must Do's: visit the Castle, do the river walk through the cathedral grounds to take in Pull's Ferry, Cow Tower and the Adam and Eve (oldest pub in Norwich, or Norfolk, or the universe. I forget...).
Visit Elm Hill (quirky old shops, they filmed parts of Neil Gaiman's Stardust there) and Tombland has great restaurants.
The markets were great but I think they've been remodelled extensively recently. There's a brand spanking new shopping centre which is apparently pretty flash, just past the markets in Norwich city centre. The library is well worth a visit too, and Chapelfield Gardens are nice for a wander.

The Broads are great, but depends on when you go. Don't go out on the water before May, otherwise you will freeze. You can hire boats and houseboats from the city, but you'd be better off going to Brundall (ten minutes on the train, or fifteen minutes drive) and hiring one there. Once you're on the water, there are some great sights and you can stop for lunch at a bunch of cute little pubs which cater to the sailing crowd. The houseboats are generally well set up, clean and comfortable.

Wymondham Abbey is worth a visit, and seconding Cromer as a quaint little seaside town. Sheringham and Mundesley are nice too.

It'll definitely be a relaxing holiday... the pace in Norfolk is certainly more of a stroll than a canter, but I reckon you'll find something you like. Have fun!
posted by indienial at 7:01 PM on April 9, 2008

Holt is an attractive market town. Walsingham is wierd, in the nicest possible way. Loads of excellent beaches and the Norfolk Coastal Path. You may be timing it right for the bluebells in Foxley Wood. If you are driving avoid the main roads between point A and point B. Take the byroads instead and stop off at any church you see. Morston Hall is good eating but I doubt they would appreciate the young 'un. Bring wind/waterproofs.
posted by Dr.Pill at 2:51 PM on April 10, 2008