Norwich & Norfolk Guidebook
Sightseeing
Famous for the Christmas Spectacular, which is the largest Christmas show in the world, Thursford houses a fantastic collection of steam-powered delights, from engines to carousels! Set in beautiful grounds, with a cafe and shops, there is far more to Thursford than simply Christmas!
20 locals recommend
Thursford
The StreetFamous for the Christmas Spectacular, which is the largest Christmas show in the world, Thursford houses a fantastic collection of steam-powered delights, from engines to carousels! Set in beautiful grounds, with a cafe and shops, there is far more to Thursford than simply Christmas!
Simply stunning, with the third-tallest spire in the country. Rest a while on the bench by the Edith Cavell memorial, or see if you can spot the damage caused by Cromwell's men in the mid-1500's.
217 locals recommend
Norwich Cathedral
65 The CloseSimply stunning, with the third-tallest spire in the country. Rest a while on the bench by the Edith Cavell memorial, or see if you can spot the damage caused by Cromwell's men in the mid-1500's.
A ride on the Great Yarmouth 1932 wooden rollercoaster (one of only 2 remaining operational wooden coasters in the country) is a must!
76 locals recommend
Pleasure Beach
South Beach ParadeA ride on the Great Yarmouth 1932 wooden rollercoaster (one of only 2 remaining operational wooden coasters in the country) is a must!
Visit the largest colony of grey seals in the country, accessible by boat from Morston Quay.
65 locals recommend
Blakeney Point
Visit the largest colony of grey seals in the country, accessible by boat from Morston Quay.
A beautiful haven within walking distance of Jill's Place, this secret garden is in the shadow of St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cathedral. Access is from Earlham Road and there is a small charge with an honesty box for off-season visits.
31 locals recommend
The Plantation Garden
4 Earlham RdA beautiful haven within walking distance of Jill's Place, this secret garden is in the shadow of St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cathedral. Access is from Earlham Road and there is a small charge with an honesty box for off-season visits.
Banham Zoo
Kenninghall RoadLovely little zoo, along with its' coastal sister Africa Alive.
The sister to Banham Zoo, this fab little zoo is near the coast at Kessingland.
92 locals recommend
Africa Alive!
Whites LaneThe sister to Banham Zoo, this fab little zoo is near the coast at Kessingland.
Peaceful park on the edge of the city centre, with a cafe and giant chess pieces to hire and play on the patio.
24 locals recommend
Chapelfield Gardens
Peaceful park on the edge of the city centre, with a cafe and giant chess pieces to hire and play on the patio.
Simply stunning! You may even be lucky enough to see the horses of the Household Cavalry on their summer holidays here! Regularly voted amongst the best beaches in the UK and, indeed, the world!
153 locals recommend
Holkham beach
Simply stunning! You may even be lucky enough to see the horses of the Household Cavalry on their summer holidays here! Regularly voted amongst the best beaches in the UK and, indeed, the world!
One of many National Trust properties in the region, you can visit the house (the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, whose headless ghost is said to walk the halls) , or simply enjoy a walk around the lake or a picnic in the large grounds. the bluebells are absolutely beautiful when in season!
239 locals recommend
Blickling Estate
One of many National Trust properties in the region, you can visit the house (the birthplace of Anne Boleyn, whose headless ghost is said to walk the halls) , or simply enjoy a walk around the lake or a picnic in the large grounds. the bluebells are absolutely beautiful when in season!
The famous Royal Estate - visit at Christmas and you may see senior Royals attending church.
209 locals recommend
Sandringham Estate
The famous Royal Estate - visit at Christmas and you may see senior Royals attending church.
Steam trains and engines, beautiful gardens, shopping, cafe - Bressingham Steam has something for everyone. Kids of all ages love to ride on the Bressingham Gallopers - a fully-restored piece of fairground history!
48 locals recommend
Bressingham Steam & Gardens
Low RoadSteam trains and engines, beautiful gardens, shopping, cafe - Bressingham Steam has something for everyone. Kids of all ages love to ride on the Bressingham Gallopers - a fully-restored piece of fairground history!
All along the North Norfolk coast you will see thousands of migratory and indigenous wildfowl. A good place to start is Welney!
18 locals recommend
Welney wet center
All along the North Norfolk coast you will see thousands of migratory and indigenous wildfowl. A good place to start is Welney!
Large National Trust park with a gift shop and cafe. Stunning views over the cliffs out to sea and a truly beautiful rhododendron walk are just a couple of reasons to visit Sheringham Park.
104 locals recommend
Sheringham Park
Large National Trust park with a gift shop and cafe. Stunning views over the cliffs out to sea and a truly beautiful rhododendron walk are just a couple of reasons to visit Sheringham Park.
Travel between Sheringham and Holt on a steam train! Stop a while at either end to visit the independent shops and cafes in both towns.
69 locals recommend
North Norfolk Railway PLC (Sheringham)
Station ApproachTravel between Sheringham and Holt on a steam train! Stop a while at either end to visit the independent shops and cafes in both towns.
Another steam railway, this time running inland between Dereham and Wymondham. Why not visit Wymondham Abbey by train?
11 locals recommend
Dereham station
Station RoadAnother steam railway, this time running inland between Dereham and Wymondham. Why not visit Wymondham Abbey by train?
Our third steam railway, this time on a narrow gauge track. The Bure Railway runs between Aylsham and Wroxham - it's possible to park at either end, walk approx 9 miles along the side of the track to the other station and get the train back to your car.
24 locals recommend
Bure Valley Railway
Norwich RoadOur third steam railway, this time on a narrow gauge track. The Bure Railway runs between Aylsham and Wroxham - it's possible to park at either end, walk approx 9 miles along the side of the track to the other station and get the train back to your car.
Wroxham and Hoveton are the gateways to the famous Norfolk Broads. Wroxham and Hoveton are touristy towns with plenty to see, so, eat and drink. For quieter days, try Hickling or Ranworth broads. Hire a boat to while away a pleasant day at the slow pace of the waterways.
41 locals recommend
Norfolk Broads Boat Hire
Riverside RoadWroxham and Hoveton are the gateways to the famous Norfolk Broads. Wroxham and Hoveton are touristy towns with plenty to see, so, eat and drink. For quieter days, try Hickling or Ranworth broads. Hire a boat to while away a pleasant day at the slow pace of the waterways.
The Norfolk Coast Path is a stunning long-distance trail that showcases the golden beaches, pretty villages and glorious wildlife of the East Anglian coast. The entire route stretches for 84 miles from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea, through a landscape taking in everything from busy seaside towns and tidal marshes to sweeping sand dunes and huge skies that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.
11 locals recommend
Coast Path
Norfolk Coast PathThe Norfolk Coast Path is a stunning long-distance trail that showcases the golden beaches, pretty villages and glorious wildlife of the East Anglian coast. The entire route stretches for 84 miles from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea, through a landscape taking in everything from busy seaside towns and tidal marshes to sweeping sand dunes and huge skies that seem to stretch beyond the horizon.
Famous cobbled street lined with Tudor buildings and containing independent shops and cafes, Elm Hill is recognisable from countless films and TV shows. The latest big production to be filmed here was Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. this Netflix film stars Forest Whittaker and Ricky Martin - see how many other Norwich and Norfolk locations you can spot!
32 locals recommend
Elm Hill
15 Waggon and Horses LnFamous cobbled street lined with Tudor buildings and containing independent shops and cafes, Elm Hill is recognisable from countless films and TV shows. The latest big production to be filmed here was Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. this Netflix film stars Forest Whittaker and Ricky Martin - see how many other Norwich and Norfolk locations you can spot!
Food scene
A Norwich institution, enjoy fantastic savoury and sweet waffles in a lovely, informal setting.
9 locals recommend
The Waffle House
39 St Giles StA Norwich institution, enjoy fantastic savoury and sweet waffles in a lovely, informal setting.
Another Norwich institution, this independent American burger bar has all kinds of memorabilia to admire whilst tucking into a GIANT burger! Go hungry..!
Captain America's Hamburger Heaven
4 Exchange StAnother Norwich institution, this independent American burger bar has all kinds of memorabilia to admire whilst tucking into a GIANT burger! Go hungry..!
The largest permanent, covered market in the country was first established in the 11th century and offers street food by the bucketload - choose from bacon rolls to asian cuisine, with everything in between! Plenty of other stalls to shop from - look for the great pet and flower stalls at the front, to the right.
114 locals recommend
Norwich Market
1 Market PlThe largest permanent, covered market in the country was first established in the 11th century and offers street food by the bucketload - choose from bacon rolls to asian cuisine, with everything in between! Plenty of other stalls to shop from - look for the great pet and flower stalls at the front, to the right.
City/town information
Famous for it's fantastic fresh crab, Cromer is a lovely little seaside town, with pubs, shops restaurants and miles of golden sand.
144 locals recommend
Cromer Beach
Famous for it's fantastic fresh crab, Cromer is a lovely little seaside town, with pubs, shops restaurants and miles of golden sand.
Great Yarmouth is a traditional English seaside resort, with amusements, the Britannia Pier, the Model Village, the Pleasure Beach, lots of shops and restaurants and miles of golden sands!
74 locals recommend
Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth is a traditional English seaside resort, with amusements, the Britannia Pier, the Model Village, the Pleasure Beach, lots of shops and restaurants and miles of golden sands!
Picturesque medieval village, a famous pilgrimage centre since 1061 - when the Lady of the Manor had a vision of the Virgin Mary. The subsequent shrine became one of the most important in Europe (the present one built in 1931), meaning it can get busy in this little rural spot! There are also the ruins of the 12th century Walsingham Priory to visit.
31 locals recommend
Little Walsingham
Picturesque medieval village, a famous pilgrimage centre since 1061 - when the Lady of the Manor had a vision of the Virgin Mary. The subsequent shrine became one of the most important in Europe (the present one built in 1931), meaning it can get busy in this little rural spot! There are also the ruins of the 12th century Walsingham Priory to visit.
Take a trip across the border into Suffolk and visit Britain's best-preserved medieval village. Lavenham will be recognised by Harry Potter fans as Godric's Hollow - home of Harry's parents!
122 locals recommend
Lavenham
Take a trip across the border into Suffolk and visit Britain's best-preserved medieval village. Lavenham will be recognised by Harry Potter fans as Godric's Hollow - home of Harry's parents!
Shopping
intu Chapelfield
40-46 St Stephens StA modern shopping centre with many chain stores and eateries.
The Norwich Lanes, found to the side of the historic Guildhall, are ancient cobbled streets brimming with independent shops of all kinds. A shoppers paradise!
114 locals recommend
Norwich Market
1 Market PlThe Norwich Lanes, found to the side of the historic Guildhall, are ancient cobbled streets brimming with independent shops of all kinds. A shoppers paradise!
A modern shopping centre with plenty of big-name shops and eateries of all kinds. Castle Quarter is situated in the shadow of the impressive Norman Keep of Norwich Castle (now a museum).
32 locals recommend
Castle Quarter
100 Castle MdwA modern shopping centre with plenty of big-name shops and eateries of all kinds. Castle Quarter is situated in the shadow of the impressive Norman Keep of Norwich Castle (now a museum).
A retail park alongside Carrow Road stadium, there are plenty of big-name shops, restaurants such as TGI Fridays and Las Igunanas, pubs such as the Queen of Iceni and an Odeon IMAX cinema.
10 locals recommend
Riverside Retail Park
Koblenz AvenueA retail park alongside Carrow Road stadium, there are plenty of big-name shops, restaurants such as TGI Fridays and Las Igunanas, pubs such as the Queen of Iceni and an Odeon IMAX cinema.
This is the most beautiful little farm and gift shop, set in pretty grounds and selling ethical, local foods and gifts. Well worth a visit!
The Little White Lamb Co. LTD
This is the most beautiful little farm and gift shop, set in pretty grounds and selling ethical, local foods and gifts. Well worth a visit!
Sports
Watch Norwich City Football Club live at Carrow Road, or have a meal at Delia Smith's restaurant. The hot dog stand on the street outside the turnstiles is a local legend!
8 locals recommend
Carrow Road Stadium
Carrow RoadWatch Norwich City Football Club live at Carrow Road, or have a meal at Delia Smith's restaurant. The hot dog stand on the street outside the turnstiles is a local legend!
If horse racing is your thing, we have three racecourses in the area - Fakenham has flat and National Hunt racing.
23 locals recommend
Fakenham Racecourse
RacecourseIf horse racing is your thing, we have three racecourses in the area - Fakenham has flat and National Hunt racing.
If horse racing is your thing, we have three racecourses in the area - Great Yarmouth is the place to have a flutter on the flats!
15 locals recommend
Great Yarmouth Horse Racecourse
Jellicoe RoadIf horse racing is your thing, we have three racecourses in the area - Great Yarmouth is the place to have a flutter on the flats!
Famous Newmarket is widely regarded as the home of Flat racing due to the town's rich history in the sport. Horseracing at Newmarket racecourse dates back to the early 16th century and the reigns of James I and Charles II, who was known to attend races on the Heath.
Newmarket Nights bring big-name acts such as Bryan Ferry and Tom Jones to the course for evenings of fantastic live music.
32 locals recommend
Newmarket Rowley Mile Course
Cambridge RoadFamous Newmarket is widely regarded as the home of Flat racing due to the town's rich history in the sport. Horseracing at Newmarket racecourse dates back to the early 16th century and the reigns of James I and Charles II, who was known to attend races on the Heath.
Newmarket Nights bring big-name acts such as Bryan Ferry and Tom Jones to the course for evenings of fantastic live music.
From bikes to trucks to cars, track days and racing calendar events, Snetterton is the place for the petrolheads amongst you!
31 locals recommend
Snetterton Circuit
From bikes to trucks to cars, track days and racing calendar events, Snetterton is the place for the petrolheads amongst you!
Museums
The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell - a fascinating insight into the rich and long history of Norwich, which was once the largest city in the country.
23 locals recommend
Bridewell Museum
5 Bridewell AlleyThe Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell - a fascinating insight into the rich and long history of Norwich, which was once the largest city in the country.
Strangers' Hall is a museum of domestic history located in a Grade I listed building. The oldest parts of the building date back to the fourteenth century, although many additions have been made to the structure over its hundreds of years of use. It is reputed to be a hive of paranormal activity after dark!
19 locals recommend
Strangers' Hall Museum
4 Charing CrossStrangers' Hall is a museum of domestic history located in a Grade I listed building. The oldest parts of the building date back to the fourteenth century, although many additions have been made to the structure over its hundreds of years of use. It is reputed to be a hive of paranormal activity after dark!
A hugely impressive Norman keep now houses a large museum and art collection.
204 locals recommend
Norwich Castle
24 Castle MdwA hugely impressive Norman keep now houses a large museum and art collection.
A taste of life in times gone by - watch traditional craftsmen at work and participate in all kinds of activities in this wonderful, living museum!
33 locals recommend
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse
Beetley MeadowsA taste of life in times gone by - watch traditional craftsmen at work and participate in all kinds of activities in this wonderful, living museum!