Norfolk

Norfolk stretches from the busy county city of Norwich, with its shops, cathedral and lively markets, out to a coastline and countryside that move at a gentler pace. Coastal towns and villages dominate the north: Cromer and Sheringham offer traditional seaside charm with piers, crab fishing and clifftop walks, while Hunstanton looks west across the Wash. Wells-next-the-Sea and Blakeney are quieter, with harbours, salt marshes and boat trips to see seals, and Bacton offers a more low-key stretch of coast.

Inland, Holt and Aylsham are handsome market towns good for browsing independent shops and pausing for tea, while Swaffham and Attleborough suit those wanting a slower, everyday feel away from the crowds. Wroxham, gateway to the Norfolk Broads, is ideal for boating holidays and riverside pubs. Together these places suit both lively short breaks and quiet countryside escapes.

Norfolk offers plenty of choice, from city-centre hotels in Norwich to small B&Bs along the coast. Norwich has the widest spread, taking in everything from budget options such as Premier Inn Norwich City Centre to boutique addresses like 38 St Giles, useful for exploring the cathedral quarter and Lanes without needing a car.

On the coast, Cromer, Sheringham and Wells-next-the-Sea are geared towards seaside breaks, with guesthouses and B&Bs such as Little Regent Hall, Ogilvy House and Harbour View Cottage often within walking distance of the beach and town centre. Inland towns like Attleborough tend to suit those breaking a journey or visiting the surrounding countryside.

For something more country-house in feel, places such as Caistor Hall Hotel or Dairy Cottage Luxury B&B make a good base for touring the Broads or the coastline at a slower pace. Deciding where to stay largely comes down to whether you want Norwich on your doorstep or the sea.

Norfolk's flat, open landscape and long coastline shape a wide spread of days out, from seal-spotting boat trips at Blakeney to woodland archery near Holt. The coast towns handle most of the wildlife and water-based outings, with operators like Curlew Coastal Charters and Bishops Boats running trips out to the sandbanks and marshes around Blakeney and Wells-next-the-Sea, while Hunstanton adds a more traditional seaside dimension.

Inland, Norwich carries the bulk of the county's indoor and family-friendly options, including guided tours such as the City Sightseeing hop on hop off bus, treasure trails and craft cafes like Doodle Pots. Little Walsingham's pilgrimage heritage gives it a different, quieter character, and Dereham sits well for those wanting a base between the coast and the countryside. Farms, studios and activity centres fill out the rest, so it is worth deciding whether you want coast, city or country before picking a cluster.

Norfolk's dining scene runs from Norwich's tightly packed lanes, where cafés, curry houses and independent kitchens sit close together, out to market towns and coastal villages with their own pubs and chip shops. Norwich carries the greatest concentration and variety, useful for an evening when you want options within walking distance, while smaller places like Sutton tend to offer a single reliable pub or café at the heart of the community.

Choosing where to eat often comes down to what kind of day you're having: a proper sit-down meal, a quick bite by the sea, or something to grab between stops. Fish and chips remain a strong feature near the coast, while inland towns lean more towards pub dining and casual cafés. Given the sheer number of listings across the county, it helps to think first about area and mood rather than trying to compare everything at once.

Norfolk's flat, uncrowded landscape and long coastline make it one of the easiest counties to camp or glamp in, with sites scattered from the Broads around Norwich out to the coast near Sandringham. Farm diversification has brought a huge variety of options, from simple grazing meadows to shepherd's huts and safari tents dressed up for a comfortable few nights under canvas.

Sites like Pensthorpe Summer Camping and Glamping sit close to nature reserves and birdlife, while the Sandringham Estate Experience Freedom Glamping trades on royal parkland and open skies. Elsewhere, small family-run pitches such as Archer's Field, Henri's Paddock and Meadows Edge offer quieter, low-key stays away from the main tourist routes.

Choosing often comes down to what sort of Norfolk you want: coastal sites suit those chasing beaches and seal trips, while inland options around Acorn Meadow or Friends Farm Shepherds Huts put you closer to market towns, cycling routes and the Broads waterways.