Holidays in North Norfolk

Our North Norfolk Coast holiday homes are located along this beautiful coastline and in some iconic towns. Steeped in history and home to one of the most beautiful Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty in the country, the North Norfolk Coast offers a compelling choice of locations and activities which together create the perfect holiday at home.

Beneath the county's iconic big skies you'll find our North Norfolk cottages near vast beaches, pretty villages, traditional towns and tidal creeks, with a range of activities offering plenty of opportunities for fresh air and entertainment. Ornithologists are spoilt for choice here with a range of coastal locations for bird sightings, while wildlife-watchers can get up close and personal to the colony of seals that live and breed just a short boat ride away.

In fine weather a trip to the seaside here means some good old-fashioned bucket and spade style fun – bring a picnic plus loose change for an ice-cream and you’re guaranteed a great day out with nothing more required… how’s that for affordable? Or at less clement times check the tide tables then wrap up warm and step out for a bracing stroll along the sand or shingle – you’re never too far from a friendly pub or coffee shop when you want a rest and a warm-up.

To the west, much-photographed Blakeney and Weybourne are remote and tranquil; perfect for wandering at leisure and with no need for any particular place to go. Head further east along the coast though and the neighbouring resort towns of Sheringham and Cromer are full of fun and purpose. The emphasis here is on providing everything you need for the perfect seaside holiday – sand, sea, shops and a few very low-key amusement arcades mark these out as safe and family-friendly locations.

Away from the coastline, you can enjoy North Norfolk's rich agricultural heritage. The rolling landscape dispels all myths of this being a flat county and is dotted with massive country houses and magnificent churches which pay testament to the wealth and generosity of past generations. Today the area's legion of food and drink producers share the fruits of their labours at bustling farmers' markets and family-run stores, while ever-popular inns take pride in offering locally-sourced fare alongside a warm welcome for all.

Rural charm and a sense of timelessness are found in abundance in this part of the county. Steam trains still link the thriving towns of Holt and Sheringham, Walsingham’s Anglian and Catholic shrines are a year-round place of pilgrimage, and Cley – its skyline dominated by an 18th century windmill – is a souvenir shopper’s favourite. The architecture here is an interesting mix of Georgian and Flemish, the latter a reminder of this once-important port’s strong trading links with Dutch weavers.

Some say it's the slightly 'remote' nature of this part of the county that makes it great for self-catering cottage escapes...you don't pass through to get anywhere else, you decide to come here. But that doesn't mean this is a place stuck in time - North Norfolk is home to many contemporary gourmet, music and arts venues and hosts seasonal festivals that rival some of UK's best-known events.

During your stay...

The pretty seaside resort of Cromer has a traditional seafront promenade and Blue Flag beach. Stay in one of our Cromer cottages and you will experience colourful small streets crammed with shops, pubs and cafes. The Victorian Pier is home to a popular theatre and working lifeboat station – and its edges are often lined with families fishing for the famous Cromer crabs.

Just along the coast is the 19th century Sheringham Park, renowned for its vast canopies of rhododendrons and azaleas. Follow scenic paths through fabulous mature woodlands and climb the specially-positioned viewing towers for some fantastic coastal views.

The Norfolk Coast Path runs for 45 miles from the sandy cliffs of Sheringham, through Cley-next-the-Sea’s extensive shingle beach and the salt marshes of Blakeney, then on via the Holkham National Nature Reserve all the way to West Norfolk. But you don’t have to undertake the entire route in one go – the Coasthopper bus service from Cromer to King’s Lynn makes it easy to walk parts of the way and then catch a ride back to your starting point.

Holkham Hall is a leading example of the region’s architectural magnificence and the 18th century house is surrounded by an impressive deer park. Close by is Holkham beach – a lovely walk through dunes and pine woods leads to stunning sands. And just around the coast is Wells, another vast beach complete with colourful beach huts and shallow waters – a siren warns of the changing tide so listen out if you don’t want to get cut off!

One of the most atmospheric examples of a North Norfolk village is Blakeney, beautiful at every time of the year. Lunch at a local pub, browse in the shops and galleries and then take a boat to Blakeney Point to see the grey seals.

Another popular activity, especially in recent years is to go to a festival, whether it be music, food, art or even a crab and lobster festival there will be something to suit all tastes. If you are planning to stay in a North Norfolk holiday home then have a look on the North Norfolk Festivals website and discover some really great days out!