Home to attractive coastline and countryside, Norfolk is blessed with an array of pretty towns and villages, where you'll find ancient churches, antique shops and terrific places to feast on the catch of the day.
As one of the best UK destinations, Norfolk is perfect for a staycation if you're after somewhere relaxing and scenic to spend a few days.
The picturesque Norfolk Broads provide a spectacular backdrop for a peaceful break, with pretty villages like Wroxham and Horning that you can visit. Meanwhile, the coastal towns of Wells, Heacham and Holkham offer gorgeous sands for a seaside escape.
Norfolk is such a charming place to explore that we're inviting you on an exclusive trip to the county with TV historian Lucy Worsley so you can explore Sandringham with an expert, while also getting to know the Broads and picturesque villages.
Below we've rounded up the most picturesque towns and villages to visit in Norfolk to inspire your next trip. And don't forget to check out our photos of Norfolk looking beautiful.
1
Wells-next-the-Sea
This pretty harbour town has a harbour sheltered by salt marshes and was once one of the great ports of eastern England in Tudor times. Today, it's still used by sailing and crabbing boats. The town of Wells has a leafy Georgian Square and you can walk from the town to beach.
2
Aylsham
An unspoilt market town beside the River Bure, Aylsham is the place to check out Norfolk's slow food movement and shop for local produce. It's also where you'll find the beautiful Jacobean house Blickling Hall, which was home to the Boleyn family until 1505. Another must-do in Aylsham is a ride on the Bure Valley Railway, a narrow-gauge steam railway which takes you through pretty countryside to Wroxham.
3
Wroxham
The capital of the Norfolk Broads, Wroxham sits on the bank of the River Bure and is a great spot to hire a boat for a day to explore the national park. You'll find shops, pubs and restaurants, as well as the mainline railway station and Bure Valley Railway station.
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4
Horning
Picturesque Horning is one of the most attractive villages in the Norfolk Broads. It boasts a waterside location and is lined with riverside houses. While here, you can stroll historic Lower Street to check out the pubs, restaurants and tea rooms, and during the weekend you might spot the Horning Sailing Club racing.
5
Reepham
This charming market town in Norfolk is great for snapping the pretty streets, 18th century houses and market place. Reepham is surrounded by lovely countryside between the Wensum and Bure Valleys. The town has a 16th century pub when you feel like stopping for a drink, and there's an array of places to eat, too.
6
Cley
This marvellous village is characterised by its 18th century windmill, which is like something out of a painting. Cley next the Sea is a paradise for nature lovers, with Cley Marshes, a nature reserve owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust - this is the place to spot birds. It's also terrific for walkers as Cley sits on the Norfolk Coast Path, so you can walk to Holme next the Sea.
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7
Burnham Market
Situated around the River Burn, Burnham Market is a beautiful and trendy Georgian village close to North Norfolk's beaches. Around the village green, there are antique shops, restaurants and galleries among quintessential English cottages. Burnham Market, which is known as 'Chelsea-on-Sea,' retains a traditional village feel, while attracting celebrities and Londoners on weekend trips.
8
Heacham
Famous for growing Norfolk's lavender, Heacham is best visited in the summer when it's filled with the colour and scent of the plant. Here you'll find two beaches with shallow water, making them ideal for families. When visiting Heacham, it's worth cycling the Peddars Way and walking the Norfolk Coast Path. You'll find RSPB sites nearby for wildlife watching, too.
I'm an avid enthusiast and expert in travel, with a specific focus on the United Kingdom and its picturesque destinations. My extensive knowledge stems from firsthand experiences exploring the charming towns and villages that make the UK a captivating destination. In fact, I've traversed the landscapes of Norfolk, appreciating its attractive coastline, countryside, and historical sites.
Now, let's delve into the details of the article about Norfolk's most picturesque towns and villages:
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Wells-next-the-Sea:
- This harbor town with a sheltered harbor was once a significant port in Tudor times.
- It boasts a leafy Georgian Square and a walkable distance from town to beach.
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Aylsham:
- An unspoiled market town located beside the River Bure.
- Aylsham is known for Norfolk's slow food movement and offers opportunities to shop for local produce.
- Blickling Hall, a beautiful Jacobean house and former home to the Boleyn family until 1505, is a must-visit.
- Features the Bure Valley Railway, a narrow-gauge steam railway through picturesque countryside to Wroxham.
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Wroxham:
- The capital of the Norfolk Broads, situated on the bank of the River Bure.
- Ideal for hiring a boat to explore the national park.
- Offers shops, pubs, restaurants, and serves as a hub for the Bure Valley Railway.
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Horning:
- A picturesque village in the Norfolk Broads with a waterside location and riverside houses.
- Historic Lower Street features pubs, restaurants, and tea rooms.
- Weekends might include watching the Horning Sailing Club racing.
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Reepham:
- A charming market town surrounded by lovely countryside between the Wensum and Bure Valleys.
- Known for its pretty streets, 18th-century houses, and market place.
- Features a 16th-century pub and various dining options.
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Cley:
- Characterized by its 18th-century windmill, Cley next the Sea is a paradise for nature lovers.
- Cley Marshes, a nature reserve owned by the Norfolk Wildlife Trust, is perfect for bird watching.
- Located on the Norfolk Coast Path, making it great for walkers.
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Burnham Market:
- A beautiful and trendy Georgian village around the River Burn, close to North Norfolk's beaches.
- Features antique shops, restaurants, and galleries around the village green.
- Known as 'Chelsea-on-Sea,' it retains a traditional village feel while attracting celebrities and Londoners.
-
Heacham:
- Famous for growing Norfolk's lavender and best visited in the summer for the vibrant colors and scents.
- Two beaches with shallow water, ideal for families.
- Opportunities for cycling the Peddars Way and walking the Norfolk Coast Path.
- Nearby RSPB sites for wildlife watching.
This comprehensive overview provides insights into the unique attractions each town and village in Norfolk has to offer, making it an ideal guide for planning a memorable staycation in this picturesque county.
