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North Norfolk is steeped in history and heritage. With a past of prosperous landowners and rich proceeds from trade with the continent in goods like wool, many fine buildings, stately homes and churches were built in this era, and can still be explored today. With its 45 miles of coastline, north Norfolk has a rich maritime heritage which can be seen in the towns and museums. There's fascinating heritage to discover in north Norfolk.
North Norfolk's history is unique and intriguing. The wealth of landowners has left a legacy of stately homes and halls. Holkham Hall is one of the finest Palladian houses along with Houghton Hall & Gardens, the home of Britain’s first Prime Minister. The National Trust’s Blickling Hall, Anne Boleyn's birthplace and Felbrigg Hall are fascinating to explore and of course there's the Royal family's Sandringham, the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen and the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862.
Visit the many historical buildings and places of interest dating back to the 11th century including the ruins of a medieval priory in Walsingham, which was a place of pilgrimage, destroyed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. Also interesting to visit is Binham Priory, a 900 year old parish church the most complete and impressive Benedictine monastic ruins in Norfolk. This priory was founded in 1091 by Peter des Valoines, a nephew of William the Conqueror.
Explore more about north Norfolk's martime heritage in the many museums and monuments and walk in the footsteps of Britain's most famous naval commander, Horatio Nelson, born in Burnham Thorpe. Norfolk is also unique in that it has the largest concentration of medieval churches and 11th century round tower flint churches in the world. As trade developed and industry flourished, so came the railways. North Norfolk has a rich heritage in this form of transport, these days mainly for visitors with its steam and light railways.
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North Norfolk is also home to the unique Deep History Coast where earliest evidence of humans in Britain was discovered with footsteps left by the UK's first tourists nearly a million years ago. The UK’s biggest mammoth skeleton remains were found at West Runton and a 500,000 year old flint handaxe was discovered in Happisburgh. Discover more about this fascinating coastline steeped in millions of years worth of history. Follow the Discovery Trail and take a trip to the North Norfolk Visitor Centre to find out more.
Discover Historic North Norfolk
Number of results: 66
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Walsingham
The Shrine is an Anglican place of pilgrimage rebuilt in the 1930's following destruction during the Reformation. Within Church is the Holy House, a model of Mary's home in Nazareth.
Sandringham is the much-loved Country Retreat of Her Majesty The Queen, and has been the private home to four generations of British monarchs since 1862.
King's Lynn
Palladian Mansion built for Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Award-winning 5-acre walled garden, Deer Park, Model Soldier Museum, Contemporary sculptures, Café & Gift Shop.
Wells-next- the-Sea
Explore acres of parkland with a stunning stately home, tranquil Walled Garden and fascinating Holkham Stories Experience. With cycle an boat hire, ropes course, delicious food and drink, tempting shopping and a multitude of amazing events.
Aylsham
Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge steam railway runs between the old market town of Aylsham and the bustling Broads town of Wroxham and is within easy reach of Norwich and the coast.
Norwich
Visit the oldest working light on the Norfolk Coast and the only independently operated lighthouse in the UK.
Norwich
Discover a complete Norfolk estate with something for everyone. With a breath-taking red brick mansion, magnificent gardens and historic parkland, one day is never enough.
Norwich
Felbrigg Hall is beautiful country home full of hidden delights. It has a fabulous Walled Gardens and endless acres of parkland to explore and enjoy.
Fakenham
Remains of an abbey church dating from 13th century, including presbytery and north transept with chapels.
Binham, Fakenham
A 900 year old parish church with Benedictine monastic ruins.
Interpretation panels and displays. Range of activities. Regular guided tours. Easy access. Toilet facilities. Car park. Open daily.
Walsingham
Ruined Augustinian Priory, place of medieval and modern pilgrimage. Gardens, woodland, snowdrop and river walks. Visit the Shirehall Museum and discover the story of Walsingham since 1061 and Walsingham Bridewell, a Georgian prison.
Sheringham
With three beautifully restored century-old stations, the Poppy Line from Sheringham to Holt is one of the UK's most scenic heritage railways.
Walsingham
National Shrine of Our Lady for Catholics in England. 14thC wayside chapel, also Chapel of Reconciliation, Bookshop and Tearoom.
Norfolk
The remains of a Norman manor house which became a castle with earthworks, set by the side of a village.
King's Lynn
The delightful village of Castle Acre boasts an extraordinary wealth of history.
Holt
The parish church is the town's oldest building, and stands within the town centre at the northwest corner of the Market Place.
Holt
Norfolk's only working water powered flour mill producing flour from locally grown grains. The mill is open all year, Mon to Sat. Working demonstrations take place Tue to Fri. The mill has a shop selling flour & other baking essentials.
Hindringham
Brewery crafting distinctive, high-quality beers.
Norfolk
Narrow Gauge Steam Railway, operating a timetable service between Wells and Walsingham.
Sheringham
8am Holy Communion; 10am Parish Communion & Junior Church; 6.30pm Evensong. See noticeboard or magazine in the church for further details.
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