Bank Holiday breaks in Norfolk's cottages & lodges

Published July 24, 2022 by Carsten

Escape to Norfolk for a relaxing Bank Holiday getaway

Towns and villages, coast and sea, heathland and forests... You already know that Norfolk is a beautiful place, right? There's no doubt that a Bank Holiday break in Norfolk is the perfect way to enjoy all that this lovely county has to offer. See what all the fuss is about!

Norfolk is England's easternmost county. This is of course a rather random fact and means nothing for the time being. Unless you put everything into geographical and historical context.

For more than 90 miles (ca 145km), The North Sea and The Wash nibble away at Norfolk's stretches of coastline.

The North sea in itself has never formed an impenetrable barrier for trade and commerce, but rather enabled it. With easy access to waterways, Norfolk developed strong ties (wool and leather trade, wheat export) with the continent during the Middle Ages, particularly with cloth-producing economic centres on the North Sea borders of the Holy Roman Empire.

Very productive agriculture thanks to fertile grounds and systematic draining fostered relative wealth among the mostly rural population. Peat excavation and subsequent flooding created a whole network of rivers, lakes and canals, now known as the Norfolk Broads.

Seen through the eyes of an 18th-century historian, the Middle Ages are the Dark Ages of general decline, economically and intellectually.

But if you look at medieval remnants today, there is lots of evidence of considerable prosperity (and piety) still to be seen: Some 600 medieval churches have survived in Norfolk. And by 1349, there is evidence of at least 121 weekly markets in Norfolk.¹ Plus: No other county in England has so many round church towers.²

There's a saying that Norwich has a church for every Sunday of the year (and a corresponding number of pubs, too).

But let's stop counting stones, and dive right into the beautiful details.

Where to go, what to do in Norfolk

Escape the every day and start exploring

With such a rich history, heritage and lovely countryside, Norfolk is the home of some of the best Bank Holiday break destinations in the country.

Broad rivers and big skies...

The choice is difficult when you have to choose between the Norfolk coast and the lush and glistening Norfolk Broads. If you prefer to explore nature at its finest, then there's no better place than Thetford Forest (the largest manmade woodland in Europe).

There's so much more to discover!

In case you're a history geek, a visit to one of the many castles or museums is a must.

If you prefer a day out on the water, rent a boat and go on a relaxing boat ride around some of the stunning rivers or lakes.

Whatever your interests may be, there's something for everyone when it comes to Bank Holiday breaks in Norfolk!

Norfolk Coast

Take it Slow on the Norfolk Coast Path

Fancy a short break with lots to do, but don't want to travel too far?

If you're looking for a relaxed, restful and quintessentially English Bank Holiday Break in Norfolk, then the Norfolk coast is the place for you. The coastline from Hunstanton in west Norfolk, overlooking The Wash, to the south-east to Hopton-on-Sea can be explored on foot or by bike along the Norfolk Coast Path.

There are 83 miles (133 km) of mostly flat and gently rolling terrain, with plenty of opportunities for walking and cycling. The paths run all along the coast and offer many additional circulars, short or long routes that include picturesque small villages, interesting landmarks, dramatic cliffs and family-friendly beaches.

Set against a backdrop of fertile farmland, the coastline offers natural beauty in abundance.

The Norfolk Coast Path meanders along, and the paths lead to many dramatic and beautiful places: From the striped cliffs of Hunstanton, the dunes and marshes at Thornham, Brancaster and Burnham Overy Staithe, the stately mansion of Holkham Hall, the peaceful harbour town of Wells-next-the-Sea with wide sandy beaches that stretch for miles at low tide, and many pretty coastal villages such as Blakeney and Weybourne with dramatic cliffs and quiet shingle beaches.

Other coastal highlights include the seafront at Sheringham and Cromer Pier, a 151m long structure with the last surviving "End of Pier" theatre in the world.

East of Cromer, the chalk cliff disappears from the cliffs. Still, there is the beautiful Overstrand Beach, the red and white striped lighthouse of Happisburgh and Sea Palling Beach.

Seal watching is possible all along the coast, with some of the better-known places such as Blakeney and Horsey Gap offering seal trips by boat.

Discover many more useful facts about the Norfolk Coast Path.

The Broads

Water, water everywhere

The Broads is a National Park east of Norwich, and a unique man-made landscape with rich and varied wildlife and 125 miles (78 km) of navigable waterways — a paradise for walkers, cyclists and boaters.

Sparkling rivers and shining lakes invite exploration, and the best way to get around is by hiring a boat. For shorter trips on the water, you can hire a day boat, which is a very relaxing way to get around.

A good starting point is Wroxham, then pass through Horning, a picturesque village along the waterways with cafés where you can moor your boat and get out for a coffee. Plan at least a day for your boating holiday and mooring experience in The Broads to enjoy the peaceful scenery and nature to the full.

For those who want to discover what The Broads have to offer on dry land, there are numerous scenic hiking and cycling trails to choose from. The flat terrain and quiet country lanes are perfect for a day out by foot or bike.

That's a nice way to explore the historic market towns that dot the region. North and south of Great Yarmouth, quaint little villages await you with thatched cottages, castle ruins, pubs and broad beaches.

In this area of Norfolk, you can find some of the finest stretches of landscape Norfolk has to offer: Happisburgh, Oulton Broad, the Victorian mansion of Somerleyton Hall, idyllic Bungay and Bigod Castle. Many, many more are mentioned here: Broadland & the Broads.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Gardens: A truly beautiful hidden gem that invites you to take a gentle stroll in the woods, followed by a delicious cake or ice cream in the tea room! If you're heading east on the A47 from Norwich to Great Yarmouth, take a slight diversion north and consider a stop in this peaceful and tranquil corner of Norfolk. There are wonderful boat trips and many other water activities on offer here ("Katakanu" tours, SUP, canoe walks etc.).

Great Yarmouth: Another splendid and traditional British seaside resort in Norfolk — one of the " Bucket and Spade plus Amusement Park" types. If you want the thrill of a wooden rollercoaster or the excitement of a merry-go-round right by the sea, head for the well-maintained Golden Mile arcades. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of the amusement park, make your way to the beautiful, huge, sandy and quieter "Great Yarmouth Beach North" north of Britannia Pier.

Merrivell Model Village: Another attraction for children (and adults too) in Great Yarmouth. This model village has numerous miniature landscapes and village scenes, model railways and railway stations. Feed the fish or play miniature golf, push a button or two to see (and hear) the scenes come to life. Plan 1-2 hours and refresh yourself in the beautiful tea room.

Holkham Hall

Explore the grounds and beaches

Holkham Hall is a famous country house and a beautiful place with rich wildlife, history and cultural heritage. The grounds of Holkham Hall are huge and include a national nature reserve, a stunning beach, walled gardens and many acres of parkland.

So bring some time and your picnic. Let the kids run around the adventure playground while you enjoy the atmosphere and watch a deer herd roaming the grounds.

Thetford Forest

An Escape from the Ordinary World

If you're looking for an escape from the hustle and bustle of life, Thetford Forest is the place to go. Discover what makes this area so special on a walk or cycle ride through Thetford Forest.

Thetford Forest is located in a region straddling the north of Suffolk and the south of Norfolk in England. It covers more than 47.000 acres (19.000 ha) and was created after the First World War to provide a strategic reserve of timber. The beautiful mix of open vistas and fragrant forests is perfect for a walk, a hike or a quiet day with a picnic in between.

Norwich

Laid back and beautiful

Despite being the largest city in East Anglia, travellers, as well as locals, feel that Norwich is a charming, calm and welcoming place.

It's a city that's rich in culture and history — a great place to spend a city break with friends or family or alone.

Norwich has many reminders of its importance during the Middle Ages: the 11th-century Norwich Cathedral, a 12th-century royal castle which is now a museum, cobbled streets and buildings from the Tudor period, and the impressive number of 31 churches within the city walls. Some churches are still used for worship today, but many disused churches are now managed and preserved by the Norwich Historic Churches Trust and used as venues for the arts, antiques or creative industries.

To find out more about the city's sacred architecture, delve into the detailed website about Norwich churches

Elm Hill

The city's cobbled streets are famous and one of its most remarkable features — it's like stepping back in time!

A weekend trip to Norwich would certainly be incomplete without a visit to Elm Hill. It is a medieval street that was rebuilt in the Tudor style after a series of devastating fires destroyed half of Norwich's houses in 1507.³

Fires were not uncommon in the Middle Ages, as houses were fuelled by open peat and people used highly flammable materials such as wooden beams and thatched roofs for buildings

As destructive as a fire can be, the aftermath often led to amazing rebuilding efforts. After the fire, Elm Street houses were rebuilt with slate roofs or pantiled roofs. Thatched roofs were banned to prevent another disaster.

Typical of Tudor architecture of this period is the overhanging upper storeys casting shadows on the cobbled street below, the dark brown wooden beams infilled with bright red brick. This area is so charming and beautiful that you want to take a walk here!

Flint buildings

If you follow Elm Hill in a westerly direction, the road leads you directly to The Halls, a former 14th-century Blackfriars building that has been used for civic occasions since 1544. Like so many medieval buildings in Norwich, the Hall has an external surface of flint, giving it a rather distinctive and unusual dark grey appearance, sometimes contrasted with white limestone in spotted or diamond shapes.⁴ Apart from flint and chalk, the geology of Norfolk offers builders very little good building material, so they used knapped or unknapped flint as their stone of choice.

Here is a small list of buildings with the characteristic flint flushwork:

• The Guildhall (1404)
• St Andrews church (rebuilt in the 16th century)
• Bridewell Museum (ca 1370)
• Thorpe Chapel at St Michael Coslany
• St Gregory (14th century)

Norwich Cathedrals

Yes, Norwich has 2 cathedrals!

The Anglican cathedral is really old and dates back to the 11th century, while the Roman Catholic cathedral just looks old because it was built in the late 19th century and mimics the Old English architectural style.

There is much to admire in the Anglican cathedral, which is dedicated to the Holy and Undivided Trinity. The cathedral is only a few minutes walk from the city centre, but has no direct parking facilities.

Norwich cathedral offers Romanesque architecture at its best.

The 96-metre-high tower dominates the city skyline, and the light sand-coloured stones, specially brought from Caen, make the cathedral shine in the sunlight. Inside the cathedral, you will find stained glass windows, intricate carvings, tombstones, more than 1000 roof bosses and the largest cloister in England.

The Roman Catholic cathedral is located about half a mile (1 km) west of Norwich Castle. It is the lesser-known cathedral in Norwich, but still a gem that offers a peaceful and quiet atmosphere to the not-so-numerous visitors.

Plus, entry to both churches is free! You can, of course, leave a donation to help maintain these gems!

The two Norwich Cathedrals should be on your list of things to see in Norwich.

Norwich Castle: It's a square, Squire

When you visit Norwich Castle during your Bank Holiday breaks in Norfolk, don't miss these 5 things:

The Keep: It is the most visible and dominant feature of the castle complex and was built in the Norman style from stones specially brought from Caen. The earliest records date from 1075 and a castle is mentioned in the Domesday Book (1086). In 1094, work began on replacing the wooden castle with a stone structure. The castle was completed in 1121. Its shape is an almost perfect square.

The Great Hall: This hall was once the official dining hall for the nobility and the (huge) centrepiece of the castle, probably built in the 15th century with later alterations and improvements.

The Prison Wing: After Norwich Castle lost its status as a royal residence, it was used as a prison from the mid-14th century and remained so until 1887 when it was converted into offices and storage for the museum collection.

The Chapel: This chapel was built in the 13th century and extensively remodelled in the 15th century. The windows were replaced with vertical Gothic elements, the walls were repainted, and the interior was fitted with wooden panelling.

The Museum: The castle museum is a mixture of an art gallery, a natural history museum and a history museum. It houses fossils from around the world, stuffed animals, paintings and other various artefacts related (or not related) to the history of the castle.

Travel to Norfolk

If you are planning a trip to Norfolk, you should know how to get there

Here are some tips for getting to Norfolk and travelling in the area:

Airports

Norwich International Airport (NWI) offers direct flights to several regional UK airports (Aberdeen, Exeter, Guernsey, Jersey).

For visitors from the continent, the best option is to fly with KLM from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport. If you fly into Amsterdam from Norwich International Airport, you can easily connect to other European capitals.

From Norwich, as from most regional airports in the UK, you can take your regular summer charter flight to Turkey, Spain and the Balearic Islands, Italy and the Greek Islands.

The airport is only 6.4 km from Norwich city centre, so you can reach it by car or bus within 10-15 minutes.

Rail

If you're looking for train links to Norfolk, there are many options available by Greater Anglia and East Midland Railways.

From Norwich Railway Station, there are frequent services (principal routes) running into London Liverpool Street Station via Ipswich, taking just under 2 hours.

There are also local trains running into Norwich from Peterborough and Cambridge.

Other Norfolk destinations like King's Lynn, Cromer and Great Yarmouth and The Broads (via Beccles station) are connected by Greater Anglia rails.

Road

Getting to Norwich by car is easy. The dual carriageway A11 is the perfect route for you to take into Norwich city centre. It leads from London towards Cambridge and then eastwards via Thetford Forest Park to Norwich.

Another option is the A12 from London northwards to Colchester and Ipswich. There, it splits into the A140.

The route from the north is the A47. The route from the Midlands is the A14 and from North London the M11 and A14 and then the A11 to Norwich.

The M 11 links the London area and The A11 goes right through Norfolk on its way north towards Ipswich, while the A47 takes you south towards Peterborough. The A11 links up with these two highways as well, so whichever direction you'd like to go — you'll be able to get there easily!

Ferry

There is a ferry port in Harwich. Up to 14 weekly ferry connections are available (day ferry and overnight) to Hook of Holland (duration: ca. 7 hours). The ferry is operated by Stena Line.

Useful links

Norwich International Airport (NWI) Train connections via Greater Anglia East Midlands Railway Stena Line Ferry from Harwich to Hook of Holland

Norfolk: Weather and climate

Norfolk's climate is mild, and the region is recognized for its pleasant summers. Summer temperatures in Norfolk are pretty similar to London, which is the warmest part of the UK. The hottest months of the year are July and August. December is the month with the least sunshine, and July is the sunniest.

The closer you get to the coast, the more likely it is that you will have high amounts of sunshine; this is because when a sea is cooler than land, there are fewer clouds over the sea. Coastal areas then tend to have high amounts of sunshine but inland areas can sometimes have low amounts of sunshine due to convective clouds forming inland and blocking sunlight.

More great UK Bank Holiday breaks

Explore more of Norfolk