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There is something for everyone in the county of
Norfolk; it has an almost universal appeal for all ages and all tastes
at all times of the year. Sound too good to be true? Read on:-
Situated on the east coast of England and known as the bulging rump,
Norfolk enjoys a pleasant climate all year round, with a below average
rainfall for the UK, no honest!
Norfolk got its name from 'The Angles' who in the 5th century came and
settled in what we now know as East Anglia. They found a sweeping
coastline backed by marshland, constantly washed by the sea. Later they
divided themselves into the North Folk and the South Folk, hence the
names Norfolk and Suffolk.
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Location Info...
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 Travelling
around Norfolk you will find variety both in scenery and atmosphere.
There is wooded breckland, undulating countryside, and traditional
seaside holiday resorts with wide
sandy beaches and of course the popular Norfolk Broads. Norfolk
offers a wide spectrum of recreational
pursuits; sailing, fishing, bird
watching, horse riding, golf
and wildlife interests are all
catered for.
Discover quiet villages,
historic market towns all located in gentle rolling countryside
with a network of footpaths and lanes just waiting to be explored.
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Norfolk stretches for over forty-three miles along a picturesque and an
ever-changing coastline, most of which has been designated as an Area of
Outstanding Natural Beauty. The coastal road links a chain of
traditional Norfolk villages, some still with their own harbours.
A lovely Norfolk tradition is that many towns and villages have their
own village signs with scenes that depict
the local communities history.
On foot, or in the car you will be greeted with views of windmills,
traditional flint cottages and Norfolk
churches in all shapes, sizes and ages. Norfolk is justly famous for
its church angels, carved in oak that soar high up in magnificent hammer
beam roofs.
I am sure it will come as no surprise when I tell you that Norfolk is
very popular with both artists and photographers.
 Our
ancient cathedral city of Norwich
dates back to Saxon times. Its twisted medieval streets and historic
buildings blend happily with a large up to-date shopping center.
The city also boasts three
theatres, excellent sports facilities, and museums including the famous castle
museum, as well as lots of cafes, bars, restaurants and an ancient
outdoor market.
Meandering tranquil rivers and dykes form an extensive area of leisure
waterways known as the Norfolk Broads.
Here you can either rent a boat
for an hour, a day or for an entire holiday. The area is also ideal for
nature lovers with miles and miles of rambling trails. |
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 In
Norfolk there are events throughout the
year with festivals, craft fairs, flower shows, organised walks,
heritage days and open garden days. Summer brings the carnivals,
regattas, outdoors theatre productions, traditional seaside shows, brass
bands in the parks, family pursuits and firework displays.
Norfolk has an inordinate number of lanes and byroads
for the stroller, horse rider or cyclist. For the more serious hiker
there are several long distance routes such as the Peddar's
Way and the Norfolk Coastal Path. |
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Norfolk's choice of accommodation
is vast; you can choose from a country retreat in one of our picture
postcard villages, a boat on the broads, a traditional Norfolk cottage,
a luxury hotel, a seaside guesthouse, a Norfolk inn or a camping and
caravan park. There are also lots of places to eat.
We have divided the Norfolk area into three regions West,
East and Middle
so that we can conveniently group items together.
We have historical
houses and estates - Blickling, Felbrigg, Royal Sandringham, Oxburgh
and Holkham, to name but a few. Castles, museums visitor centres all
waiting to be enjoyed. We even have our own smoke belching steam
trains. |
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 Steeped
in antiquity and rich in historical
and literary association Norfolk can boast an impressive roll call of
famous sons and daughters.
Robert Walpole England's first prime minister, Edith Cavell the second
world war heroine, Elizabeth Fry - Quaker and prison reformer, Anna
Gurney - scholar and philanthropist, Anne Boleyn, Marjorie Kemp - mystic
of Kings Lynn, Bishop Bonner - Mary Tudor's burner of heretics, Anna
Sewell - author of Black Beauty.
Sea faring men like Horatio Nelson, Admiral Cloudsley
Shovell, Captain Vancouver discoverer of the northwest coast of America,
men who forged their mark on the Cutty Sark and the Bounty.
We have the witches of Kings
Lynn, the Indian Princess - Pocahontas
with her connections to Heacham and not forgetting our earlier heritage
with Boudicca (Boadicea), Sea
Henge and the West Runton Wolley
Mammoth.
All of whom are honoured in our museums, towns
and villages. |
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Norfolk also has its darker side with its ghost's myths
and legends like Black Shuck
the 'Hell Hound' of Norfolk.
Strange curiosities
like the Blickling pyramid and the Norfolk Giant. |
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I am sure you will agree Norfolk makes an ideal
holiday destination. Nikki - The
Norfolkcoast and countryside Webmaster. |
