by Gary / 2 comments - Orginally published:23rd August 2017
A bijou Norfolk road trip to say the least
I feel a little bit of a fraud calling this a road trip. In my mind, a road trip is something of epic proportions, but then I suppose that would be an ‘Epic Road Trip’.
This Norfolk road trip was four nights, so not too grand, but it did have some epic moments.
So from our home in the southeast of the UK, we joined the dreaded London orbital, the M25 and headed north, starting with the pinch-point of the Dartford Crossing.
All of this is very familiar territory for me. Experience determined a delayed start, avoid the rush hour (s). Our first overnight stop was to be Norwich.
But we had plans before that.
Why not Pin it for later?
The beach at Great Yarmouth
Our Norfolk road trip inspiration was clear
The Landscape - the 'Broads', the beaches and coastline to name but a few.
History & Culture - What did Norfolk have to offer?
The architecture - The Cathedral, the castle & the Royal Arcade.
& Food & Drink - Cromer Crab, Fish 'n' Chips and a drop or two of the local brews.
So after crossing the M25 we opted to take the slightly slower, but less motorway intensive route of the A12 to Lowestoft before crossing over to the county of Norfolk at Great Yarmouth
The Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth
Our Route
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From the Norfolk coast to the City of Norwich
Leaving Great Yarmouth heading inlandOne of the many things the county of Norfolk is known for is the Broads. For those that don’t know the Broads National park, it’s an area of mainly historical human-made waterways, created by flooding peat workings. Today it is an area of outstanding national beauty. It’s best explored by boat, on foot or by bike.
So that’s a whole new adventure, and when planning this one, we knew we had to leave out. We could not do it justice.
The Maids Head Hotel
So, the road trip route from Great Yarmouth to Norwich touched on the Broads as we travelled along the A47, before arriving at Norfolk's county town. The distance is only 22miles/35 km, so takes no time at all before we arrive at the Maids Head Hotel.
With the car parked up, we set out to explore the Heart of Norfolk.
The Adam & Eve Pub, Norwich
We also took the time to discover the Norwich 12 and fell in love with the city. One thing you notice is they like a church!
St. Peter Hungate, Norwich
Those two days & nights in Norwich flew by.
Escape for a few days
Are you searching for a tranquil hideaway to unwind in, while you explore the picturesque Norfolk landscape?
After a day visiting the golden beaches or touring the charming, quaint villages return to one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
On to the Gem of the Norfolk coast
Off to Cromer via the BroadsWe left Norwich with heavy hearts, we could have spent more time there, but we had roads to travel and the incredible Norfolk coast to discover.
Wroxham on the Norfolk Broads
So, with our Norfolk route planned, we set off from Norwich in the direction of Wroxham, on the edge of the Broads before heading into Horning. This is beautiful countryside, but the sea was calling, so we headed up towards Mundesley.
Mundesley Beach, North Norfolk Coastline
It's then a short hop along the Norfolk coast to Cromer.
Cromer Pier, Norfolk
Including our detours, we had covered 37 miles/60kms before we arrived at our second destination on the north Norfolk coast, the self-proclaimed 'Gem of the Norfolk Coast'.
Tourist Info
If you're tempted by the beautiful English county of Norfolk and its incredible far reaching coastline take a look at the 'Visit Norfolk' official website.
Where we stayed
For our time in Norwich, we stayed at the Maids Head Hotel which offered, comfortable rooms, fine dining, a quiet bar and ample off-street parking. We'd recommend it.
We then headed onto Cromer and stayed at the Cliftonville Hotel, A charming hotel, with the feel of a bygone era, friendly staff and excellent access to Cromer.
Fish 'n' Chips at No1 Cromer
We loved Cromer; it was from here we followed the North Norfolk Coast route, and the final nights fish 'n' chips at No1 Cromer.
We have a new little book on our shelves that we delve into when we're heading to the coast.
Packed full of historical facts, and broken down into the different counties of England. It tells tales of the history of the shoreline that surrounds our country.
Available in Kindle & Hardback editions, it's an excellent addition to anyone's collection who loves the English seaside.
But that was not all for the Norfolk road trip itinerary
Kings Lynn, Sandringham & homeNo, we still had the day to return home, and from Norfolk's North West town of King's Lynn, it's only just over 120miles/200km.
Purfleet Quay and the Customs House, King's Lynn
So why not head to The Market Town of Kings Lynn? And on the way back pop into the Royal Retreat of Sandringham House? It should only be 2-2.5 hours home from there.
The view of Sandringham house from the grounds
Well, it would be if it wasn't a Friday before a Holiday weekend, and we weren't tackling the M25 & the Dartford Crossing…
If you're intrigued by Norfolk, a UK county with an interesting past, then why not check out "The Little Book of Norfolk". Full of facts and obscure information. It's a fun read on the region.
You can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old hardcover. (Depending on region)
Our Norfolk road trip itinerary
Day 1 to Norwich via Great Yarmouth
Day 2 Exploring Norwich
Day 3 to Cromer, touching the 'Broads'
Day 4 The North Norfolk Road Trip
Day 5 King's Lynn, The Sandringham Estate & Home
A little more of Norfolk
Our few days in Norfolk gave us some wonderful memories, Why not check out our posts on the places we visited with tips & inspiration to get the most out of your visit?
Have You?
Visited Norfolk, tried the North Norfolk Coastal Route? Or are you from Norfolk? It's a great county, isn't it?
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Love the scale in that beach photo with the mural
Thanks Kyle,Glad you liked it. The aim was to capture the ‘Golden Mile’ at Great Yarmouth, along with the popular nature of the resort. It is a great place to visit on a sunny day.Thanks again,Gary