Holiday rentals in North Norfolk District

North Norfolk is 370 square miles of wilderness, long sandy beaches, and big skies, complete with rich history, thriving wildlife, and plenty of adventure. The region’s pretty villages and ancient market towns are hemmed in by 45 miles of stunning coastline with award-winning Blue Flag beaches. The Norfolk coast is home to seal colonies and wild birds, as well as surfers and kite-boarders. You can go fossil-hunting along the beaches, where archaeologists have found the biggest mammoth skeleton in the UK, as well as the earliest evidence of humans in Britain. Keen birders can expect to see Arctic terns, oystercatchers, and pink-footed geese.

The nearby Norfolk Broads, a network of 127 miles of navigable, lock-free waterways, meander through enchanting marshland dotted with historic windmills. You can explore the many walking trails which have inspired writers and artists for centuries or hire a boat to explore from the water. As one of the few places in the UK you can see the Northern Lights, North Norfolk has been awarded Dark Sky Discovery Status, making for ideal stargazing conditions.

The small local towns are home to independent shops and farmers’ markets, art galleries, and cosy pubs. Locally caught crab and lobster are highlights of any North Norfolk menu, as well as classic fish and chips.

Norfolk is the driest county in the UK, making it a great spot to visit all year round. If you’re visiting in February, you can join in with the Sheringham Viking Festival, which celebrates the area’s history with reenactments, parades, and entertainment for all ages. Climbing temperatures and sea breezes make coastal walks a popular spring activity, and Blakeney Point is where you’ll spot new seal pups. In May, Wells-next-the-Sea hosts the Sea Fever literary festival, a weekend when speakers and poets descend on the town. The warm, clear days of summer bring people out onto the beaches for kite-flying, swimming, and crabbing. For your best chance of seeing the Aurora Borealis, visit North Norfolk in September, when the skies are particularly clear. As days start to chill, pub firesides fill up, and you’ll need an extra layer or two for a seafront wander.

Blickling Estate

A former Tudor queen — one of England’s most famous royal spouses — was born at this magnificent estate in the early 16th century. Subsequent residents have included lords, earls, and marquesses, each of whom has left their mark on the impressive property. You can explore the extensive grounds, wander around the lake, and explore the luxurious rooms before stopping off at an on-site cafe for a slice of homemade cake.

Blakeney National Nature Reserve

Protecting the largest seal colony in England for more than a century, Blakeney Point is accessed from the nearby towns of Blakeney and Morston. More than 3,000 seal pups are born here each year, with common seals born between June and August and grey seal pups appearing between November and January. Boat trips are available to get a little closer to the local residents.

North Norfolk Railway

For a unique, leisurely way to soak up the countryside and coastline, hop aboard the North Norfolk Railway. Throughout the summer months, heritage steam trains run between the Victorian stations at Sheringham, Weybourne, and Holt. Visit the railway museum when you disembark at Holt Station and enjoy a traditional pub lunch before your return journey. You may even get to look at the engine carriage.