A Stroll Through Norfolk

Norfolk is a county that packs into it all that is British, with a diverse mix of heritage, history, culture and outdoor activities the county boasts a wealth of locations ideal for relaxing retreats and inspiring weekend breaks and escapes.

Quaint thatched cottages, country lanes trimmed with fruit laden hedgerows, charming inland waterways and nature reserves bursting with life make Norfolk unique. Renowned for its historic stately homes offering insight into Victorian Britain, thriving seaside communities showcasing the best of our British summer, and picturesque market towns jam-packed with handmade crafts and local fare Norfolk is ideal for romantic escapes and family fun.

At the heart of the county is the city of Norwich. In May 2012 Norwich was designated as England's first UNESCO City of Literature. Period architectural gems, an iconic Norman cathedral and a magnificent medieval castle dominate the city skyline, and blend magnificently with the modern contemporary buildings such as the Forum.

One of the great heritage cities of Europe it has played host to a wealth of pioneers and prominent figures throughout history. The perfect retail retreat after a few days in the country, the city’s cobbled streets are lined with an assortment of market stalls, boutiques and galleries filled with everything from modern fashions to enchanting antiquities.

Most noted for the Norfolk Broads, a man-made system of over 125 miles of inland navigable waterways, no Norfolk escape is complete without a leisurely cruise alongside these reed lined riverbanks which are home to a wealth of native birds and marine life.

The windswept shores of the county’s coasts are a delight for the senses. To the North, a green rolling landscape swathed in fresh water marshes, wide open plains and a dynamic expanse of sand dunes bordered by fragrant Christmas pines, North Norfolk will steal your heart and satisfy your desire for rural escape with the charming country town of Holt there to indulge the shoppers amongst us.

To the east is the fun filled coastal town of Great Yarmouth. Offering visitors pristine sands and the chance to brave the temperate British water and take a paddle, it is also home to the Golden Mile which borders the seafront. A cheerful stretch of arcades, rides and traditional seaside fare, Great Yarmouth offers everything required for the perfect family day out.

West Norfolk and The Fens are home to a rather special country residence. The country residence of the Coke Family for over four generations, the Holkham Estate is open to the public year round. Showcasing the opulence of the Palladian interiors, the grandeur of landscaped gardens and the remote beauty and sweeping sands of the dunes and beach provide the perfect day out come rain or shine to those who visit Norfolk’s grand houses.

Norfolk has some magnificent walking and cycle routes throughout but in particular South Norfolk’s cycling routes which wend their way through the Waveney Valley’s gentle rolling countryside, are littered with the opportunity for adventure. Spend a day exploring the ruins of Langley Abbey or take some time out to discover the Wherryman’s Way, a 35km trail which weaves its way through Britain’s largest protected wetland.

Of course, not every visitor wants the active life, so Norfolk is blessed with the most amazing restaurants, cafes and pubs serving a vast range of cuisines all with one thing in common, locally sourced produce, from great beef, venison and lamb from the Estates to samphire and mussels from the marshes and all in between – a foodies paradise! Drinkers amongst us can also enjoy the variety of beverages to quaff. From Champagne to Elderflower Presse, Cider to Micro beers, all produced in Norfolk….Bliss!

Whether soaking in the culture of Norfolk’s historic cities or angling, bird watching, sailing and hiking in the emerald surrounds of the countryside, there’s never a dull moment when you’re exploring the county christened as ‘God’s Own’.