by Janis / 2 comments - Orginally published:4th October 2017

From sticks of rock to a regal splendour!

Gary and I had wanted to visit the county Norfolk for a few years now and more often than not we jump in the car and head across to mainland Europe. However, on this occasion, we decided ‘no’, let’s dig deeper into our own lovely country.

Norfolk is situated on the east coast of England and shares its shoreline with the North Sea. For me whenever I hear the North Sea mentioned, it conjures up harsh conditions in my mind, so it was a welcoming site to see the waters on calmer days.

The Pin image for our post - 'Norfolk, we have such fond memories.'
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Our Memories

These consist of Our Highlights, Our Pleasures, Our Treasures, Things we would do differently, Our Disappointments, Our Funny Moments & and other Points of Note. You can click on a title to jump to that section and then click on that headline to return here

The map and route

The open roads await, pop in your location details, then Rental Cars will search well-known car hire brands and discover the deals that suit you the best.

Norwich City

We found Norwich to be a lovely city to discover, so much history in one place. The 900-year-old Norman Cathedral and its surrounding Close were certainly a highlight.

Find out more from our posts The Heart of Norfolk & The Norwich 12.

The view from Erpingham Gate to the Cathedral under stormy skies
Through Erpingham Gate to the Cathedral, Norwich

Sandringham Estate

I’m really pleased we visited Sandringham Estate, I personally thought it was worth the extra cost to tour the lower floors of the house. But equally the gardens are incredible, and the Royal car museum is certainly unusual, I never knew the Royal Family owned a black cab.
The rear of Sandringham House across the well-manicured lawns, under blue skies, on a beautiful day in Norfolk.
Sandringham House
Why not read our post - ‘Royal Retreat’, Sandringham Estate

North Norfolk coastal road trip

This became a road trip within a road trip, we followed the coastal route from Cromer to Hunstanton, touring through the little towns and villages along the way. The route can be found on the Visit Norfolk website.
The shoreline at Hunstanton under a deep blue sky with lush green vegetation in the foreground
The shoreline at Hunstanton
We've our own post on this mini road trip - The North Norfolk road trip

Great Yarmouth

Although this was our first visit to Great Yarmouth it brought back so many childhood memories of spending days by the seaside with my family. A true bucket & spade destination, and even has the nostalgic end of pier entertainment.
The Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth, with the golden sands in the foreground.
The Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth
This tale was featured on Lonely Planet's Pathfinders series - Sandcastles & Slapstick, Great Yarmouth, England


Harbour towns

During our coastal tour we visited Wells-Next-the-Sea, a busy little fishing town. Great for seafood and you may even catch a glimpse of people crabbing, or buy your own line and bait and give it a go yourselves.
Small boats on the sand at Wells-next-the-Sea at low-tide under a beautiful blue sky in Norfolk
Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk

Cromer

While Yarmouth brought back childhood memories Cromer ‘Gem of the Norfolk Coast’, has the traditional old-school feel of promenading along the seafront.
Looking down on the entrance to the illuminated Cromer Pier.
All quiet on the Cromer pier

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Fish & chips by the seaside

You’ll have to go a long way to beat this foodie experience. Does it get any better than sitting overlooking the sea, sun shining, seagulls circling overhead while eating fish & chips with lashings of salt & vinegar?
A plate of Fish 'n' Chips at No1, Cromer, with a generous portion of battered cod atop golden chips, garnished with a lemon and a sprig of parsley
Fish 'n' Chips at No1 Cromer

Lanes in Norwich

Strolling through the historical cobbled lanes of Norwich was like stepping back in time, fantastic little buildings and quirky boutiques.

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A view of Elm Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, England

Architecture

The mixture of buildings & design throughout Norfolk is amazing, from the half-timbered homes & flint houses to the incredible Art Nouveau arcade in Norwich.
Inside the Art Deco Royal Arcade in Norwich, with its pretty mosaic tiled floor and lanterns suspended from an iron and glass vaulted ceiling.
Inside the Royal Arcade, Norwich

History

Norfolk certainly has its fair share of history and a couple of its notable sons and daughters is the Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson. And the WWI heroine, Edith Cavell who sheltered allied forces and helped over 200 people escape.
A stone pillar, topped with a bust of Edith Cavell, stands as a memorial to her bravery, in front of the walls of Norwich Cathedral in Norfolk
The memorial to Edith Cavell, Norwich
A stone statue of Lord Horatio Nelson in the grounds of Norwich Cathedral
A statue of Nelson, Norwich

The Poppy Line

Even if trains aren’t your thing, it is still a lovely sight, seeing a steam train passing through the countryside. The Sheringham to Holt Heritage railway is run by a very enthusiastic group of volunteers.
A blue steam locomotive, number 564, pulling into Holt station on the North Norfolk Railway line.
Coming into Holt Station

Tourist Information

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.

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)

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.

Stay longer

I know it’s a cliché but we were only in Norfolk for four nights, and there was certainly more to be discovered.

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?

He wanted to do it, honestly

Make sure you get your photo taken at one of the traditional ‘head-in-the-hole’ boards, along the boardwalk of the pier. Loving the quiff….
Gary posing through a strongman cutout on the Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth
How strong is Gary, Great Yarmouth

The Goats

Yes goats, I certainly didn’t expect to see these little fellas, munching their way through the clifftop vegetation in Cromer. Apparently, they are Bagot goats!!!!
Long-horned goats grazing on the grassy of the west cliff in Cromer
Do I see goats, Cromer

Boat Trip on the Broads

The disappointment was we didn’t get a chance to cruise the infamous Broads. I think we’ll save this pleasure and hire a boat for a few days another time.

Sandringham Estate

Is only open from around mid-April to mid-October, remember this regal retreat is still used by the Royal Family today. If you see our Queen at Christmas on TV, she'll be at Sandringham.

Have You?

Visited Norfolk?  Do our memories strike a chord with you?  What's your favourite spot in this great county?

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  1. Great notes from a corner of England that I didn’t know about before!

    1. Thanks Kyle, Norfolk is a lovely part of the UK, we were only there a few days, but it has a little something for everyone, it can be like stepping back in time in places.Happy Travels Janis & Gary

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