Six reasons why Norfolk is England’s prettiest county
Famous for its breathtaking coastline, tranquil waterways and vibrant crimson poppy fields, Norfolk is one of the most beautiful places to visit in the UK.
On a Norfolk holiday you can soak in gorgeous rural views of peaceful waterways framed by reeds and dotted with windmills, vast sandy beaches lapped by the waves of the North Sea, and rugged cliffs towering over water.
Life seems to move at a more leisurely pace here, especially in the county's many chocolate-box villages, with thatched-roofed cottages and tea rooms built with distinctive Norfolk flint.
Even the Royal Family come here to relax, escaping to the sprawling Sandringham Estate, a royal country bolthole since the mid-19th Century.
Combine all of this with the nostalgic charm of the heritage railways which traverse the county, Norfolk really does have all the components for an unforgettable break.
But don't just take our word for it. You can see the highlights of the county for yourself on a wonderful five-day tour with royal historian Lucy Worsley. You'll explore the county by train on three historic railways and on a paddle boat cruise along the Norfolk Broads.
The real highlight of the trip is a visit to Sandringham with Lucy, who will give a fascinating talk on the modern monarchy.
Or, if you're looking for a shorter trip where you can explore at your own pace, check in to one of our favourite Norfolk hotels. From cosy rooms above pubs like The Hoste Arms to grand country manors like The Norfolk Meade, there's a great selection of places to stay.
If you still need convincing, here are the top reasons why we think Norfolk is England's prettiest county.
The beautiful Norfolk Broads
Perhaps the most iconic of Norfolk's many attractions, the Broads are a series of waterways that cover more miles than the canals of Venice. The Norfolk Broads form a national park and a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, where 125 miles of lock-free waterways are framed by thatched cottages, windmills and Norfolk reed beds.
The best way to explore is, of course, by boat. There are several companies offering cruises along the Broads with expert local guides who'll point out historic buildings and other landmarks along their banks.
This is your opportunity to spot some of the fabulous local wildlife. A huge variety of birds can be spotted along the Broads and these banks are home to the UK's largest butterfly, the colourful swallowtail.
As part of Country Living's five-day tour of Norfolk, you'll hop on board the Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat for a cruise on the Broads with a local guide.
The delightfully picturesque villages
Dotted along the Norfolk Broads and throughout the county are some idyllic villages where you'll feel a million miles from the stresses of city life. Take Horning, an attractive village perched on the banks of the Broads. With its thatched cottage and flint walls, Horning is the very essence of a traditional Norfolk village, with the relaxed pace of life to match.
Wroxham is another of Norfolk's prettiest villages. Nestled on the banks of the River Bure, it's known as the capital of the Norfolk Broads and is an ideal location for hiring a boat and exploring the national park. The town offers a variety of shops, pubs and restaurants, along with a mainline railway station and the Bure Valley Railway station.
You'll visit both Wroxham and Horning on Country Living's Norfolk holiday, or you can check into a hotel like XX and spend time exploring the XX
The historic railways
One of the best ways to see Norfolk's heavenly rural landscapes and postcard-perfect villages is by rail. The county is blessed with several heritage railway lines, where pretty steam trains run along scenic routes. Stepping on board one of these traditional trains will have you feeling like you've stepped back in time.
One of these historic lines is the North Norfolk Railway, otherwise known as the Poppy Line. The railway has been carrying passengers since 1844 and runs 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 food served in a dining carriage.
On Country Living's five-day Norfolk holiday with Lucy Worsley you'll ride on the Poppy Line, the Bure Valley Railway —which crosses 17 bridges on its way to Wroxham, known as the 'capital of the Norfolk Broads' — and the Bittern Line, which has connected Norwich with the seaside towns of Cromer and Sheringham for over 100 years.
The beautiful sandy beaches
There are 90 glorious miles of coastline to explore in Norfolk, with 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 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. This village is smaller and quieter than Cromer, but still has that classic Victorian seaside town feel. It offers 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
Norfolk is one of the best places in England for wildlife-lovers. It's home to some of the best birdwatching spots in the country, 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. If you visit Snettisham at dusk or dawn, you might even catch a glimpse of a barn owl hunting over the saltmarsh.
No wildlife enthusiast visiting Norfolk will want to miss the seals. The colonies of common and grey seals in Norfolk that can be seen on the beaches along Norfolk's coast are one of the county's great attractions.
You can see these cute mammals all 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
Norfolk has been one of the favourite rural escapes of the Royal Family for centuries. 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 stomping ground in Norfolk is the sprawling Sandringham Estate, which was bought by Queen Victoria in 1862 for the future King Edward VII.
The 20,000-acre estate is still an important place 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 gave 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, so you can learn more about Norfolk's royal connections.
What better way to learn about the county's royal history than on Country Living's trip with historian Lucy Worsley? Lucy will join you at your hotel to give a talk about Sandringham and the modern monarchy before you set off to explore the beautiful grounds and the house with expert guides.
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