Reasons Why Norfolk is England’s Most Picturesque County

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Renowned for its mesmerising coastline, serene waterways, and vibrant crimson poppy fields, Norfolk stands as one of the most beautiful locales to visit in the UK.

Embarking on a Norfolk vacation allows you to immerse in stunning rural vistas of tranquil waterways edged with reeds and dotted with windmills, expansive sandy beaches caressed by the North Sea waves, and rugged cliffs towering above the waters. Life ambles at a gentler pace here, particularly in the county's myriad of quaint villages, where thatched-roofed cottages and tea rooms constructed with distinctive Norfolk flint abound.

Even the Royal Family retreats here to unwind, escaping to the vast Sandringham Estate, a royal country hideaway since the mid-19th century.

Combine all this with the nostalgic allure of heritage railways crisscrossing the county, and Norfolk truly comprises all the elements for an unforgettable getaway.


The Enchanting Norfolk Broads

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Perhaps the most iconic of Norfolk's numerous attractions, the Broads are a series of waterways extending more miles than the canals of Venice. The Norfolk Broads constitute a national park and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, encompassing 125 miles of lock-free waterways bordered by thatched cottages, windmills, and Norfolk reed beds. The optimal way to explore is, of course, by boat. Several companies offer cruises along the Broads with expert local guides who point out historic buildings and other landmarks along their banks.

This is your chance to spot some of the magnificent local wildlife. A diverse array of birds can be seen along the Broads, and these banks are home to the UK's largest butterfly, the vibrant swallowtail.

A recommended Norfolk tour is to board the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat for a cruise on the Broads with a local guide.

The Delightfully Picturesque Villages

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Scattered along the Norfolk Broads and throughout the county are idyllic villages where you'll feel a world away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Take Horning, an attractive village perched on the Broads' banks. With its thatched cottages and flint walls, Horning epitomises a traditional Norfolk village, with a matching relaxed pace of life. Wroxham, another of Norfolk's prettiest villages, nestled on the River Bure's banks, is known as the capital of the Norfolk Broads and is ideal for hiring a boat and exploring the national park. The town offers various shops, pubs, and restaurants, along with a mainline railway station and the Bure Valley Railway station.

The Historic Railways

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One of the finest ways to witness Norfolk's heavenly rural landscapes and postcard-perfect villages is by rail. The county boasts several heritage railway lines, where charming steam trains run along scenic routes. Boarding one of these traditional trains will transport you back in time. One such historic line is the North Norfolk Railway, also known as the Poppy Line. This railway has been ferrying passengers since 1844, running from the quaint Victorian seaside resort of Sheringham to the Georgian town of Holt through some of Norfolk's most splendid countryside. You can even enjoy lunch or dinner on board, with fish and chip suppers and other traditional fare served in a dining carriage.

The Beautiful Sandy Beaches

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Norfolk's 90 glorious miles of coastline offer everything from family-friendly seaside resorts to towering, rugged cliffs and vast tidal salt marshes.

Among the top spots for a classic seaside holiday is the beautiful Cromer, with its iconic Victorian pier and long stretches of golden sand. There's plenty to do in Cromer alongside the classic beach activities of rock pooling and building sandcastles. The pier is home to the Pavillion Theatre, which hosts traditional variety acts throughout the summer. Another of Norfolk's gorgeous beach towns is Mundesley. Smaller and quieter than Cromer, this village still exudes that classic Victorian seaside town charm, offering long stretches of sandy beaches with safe swimming and a backdrop of brightly coloured beach huts.

Both Cromer and Mundesley lie within the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, a protected stretch of coastline where you can enjoy long, leisurely walks with unforgettable views over the North Sea.

The Wonderful Wildlife

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Norfolk is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, home to some of England's best birdwatching spots, including the Snettisham RSPB reserve. Here you can gaze across the vast and dramatic Wash, the largest natural bay in England, where tens of thousands of birds take to the air, soaring above the mudflats. You can spot flocks of knots, dunlins, and oystercatchers along with waders and pink-footed geese. Visit Snettisham at dusk or dawn, and you might even glimpse a barn owl hunting over the salt marsh.

No wildlife enthusiast visiting Norfolk will want to miss the seals. The colonies of common and grey seals in Norfolk are one of the county's great attractions. You can see these charming mammals year-round in Norfolk, which boasts the largest colonies in England. The best places to spot seals in winter are at Blakeney Point and Horsey Gap, where grey seals hang out with their adorable pups. In the summer, head to Blakeney Point and the sandbanks off Hunstanton to spot the slightly smaller common seals with their babies.

The Fascinating Royal History

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Norfolk has long been a favoured rural escape of the Royal Family. In fact, the royal history of Norfolk stretches back over 1,000 years, with William I establishing Norwich Castle as a royal palace shortly after the Norman Conquest.

The most famous royal retreat in Norfolk is the expansive Sandringham Estate, purchased by Queen Victoria in 1862 for the future King Edward VII. The 20,000-acre estate remains an important site for the modern Royals, who have traditionally spent Christmas here, strolling to the local church on Christmas Day and greeting crowds of well-wishers. It’s also where Queen Elizabeth II delivered her first televised Christmas message in 1957, from the Long Library at Sandringham House. Since the Silver Jubilee in 1977, parts of the estate, as well as the house and museum, have been open to the public, allowing you to delve into Norfolk's royal connections.