Norfolk is a county with a calm pace, flat land and not much rain (though it sits on the coldest sea in the world!) The coast runs for over 90 miles, with sandy beaches, salt marshes, and villages. Cromer draws families with its Victorian pier.
Always follow the Countryside Code, to keep all creatures safe.
Read our post on keeping dogs safe by the seaside. Lifeboat crew ask for people to keep dogs away from cliffs (they often have to rescue pooches).
Many beaches are not dog-friendly year-round so check (some disappear at high tide).
Norwich: A City of Charm & Cobbled Streets
Norwich mixes cobbled streets, grand architecture, and local character. Norwich Cathedral has watched over the city for more than 900 years. Its soaring spire is the second tallest in England, and the cloisters are some of the largest in the country.
Elm Hill is Norwich’s most picturesque street, lined with timber-framed houses and cobbles. Many of these lovely buildings date to the Tudor era. There’s a string of galleries, craft shops, and unique tea rooms.
Wells-next-the-Sea: North Norfolk Seaside Charm
Wells-next-the-Sea sits on the North Norfolk coast and is a top spot for coastal breaks in England. It’s famous for its big sandy beaches, colourful beach huts, fresh seafood and friendly community.
The town suffered many casualties in the great 1953 flood (which killed many people on the East Coast), police officers Charles Lewis and Leonard Deptford received George medals for heroic rescues, including of a bedridden elderly couple, and a local dog.
The pinewoods behind the beach add shelter and are great for shaded strolls. The tidal creek means the view changes with the day and the time of year.
The Wells & Walsingham Light Railway is the world’s smallest public railway and links Wells with the village of Walsingham. It’s a 4-mile journey through pretty countryside and is a hit with families and railway fans.
Walsingham, Norfolk (religious history and mystery)
A a few miles away from Wells is the inland village of Walsingham (4 miles from Wells-next-the-Sea) is a popular pilgrimage for religious retreats. Read Paul Kingsnorth’s lovely piece on visiting England’s Nazareth.
Norfolk also boasts more churches than anywhere on earth, so you won’t have to look for to spot a medieval church or spire, even if some of lay abandoned. This is due to the strong history of the Catholic faith before Henry VIII came to power.
The Peaceful Norfolk Broads (wildlife & windmills)
The Norfolk Broads (manmade wetland waterways) are home to 25% of England’s birds and native wildlife (including rare Swallowtail butterflies). There are seven rivers and over 60 broads (bodies of water).
The Norfolk Broads span over 120 miles of navigable rivers and lakes, created from flooded medieval peat diggings. These waterways connect small villages, market towns, and wild nature reserves.
Windmills shape the landscape and history of the Broads. Many have been restored, including Horsey Windpump and Thurne Mill, and some are open to the public. Traditional Norfolk wherries – old sailing boats used for trading – can still be seen, with some offering trips.
Sand Dunes, Seals and Natterjack Toads
Norfolk beaches are known for their sand dunes (home to rare natterjack toads and provide nesting for birds).
Keep to official paths to avoid harm to all species.
Norfolk is one of the best places in England to view wild seals (from afar). Between late October and February, grey seals come ashore to give birth to their pups
Never disturb these beautiful creatures, you could spook pups into the sea, before they can swim).
