- Stay
- See & Do
- Explore
- Eat
- Beaches
- Deep History Coast
- Attractions
- What's On
- Inspire
- Visitor Info
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.
.jpg)
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
Horatio Nelson was born in north Norfolk and there are many places you can visit to find out more about the country's greatest naval hero.
Number of results: 67
, currently showing 1 to 20.
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.
Fakenham
Remains of an abbey church dating from 13th century, including presbytery and north transept with chapels.
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.
Norwich
Visit the oldest working light on the Norfolk Coast and the only independently operated lighthouse in the UK.
Aylsham
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.
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.
King's Lynn
Palladian Mansion built for Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Hosting a major exhibition by Sean Scully, Award-winning 5-acre walled garden, Deer Park, Model Soldier Museum, Contemporary Sculpture Park, Café & Gift Shop.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nr Great Yarmouth
Fully restored and once again standing proud over the Broadland landscape, Horsey Windpump is complete with new cap and turning patent sails. Explore this historic mill and discover it’s fascinating story.
Hickling
Nature reserve beside the largest area of open water in the Broads. Dykes, marshes, fens and woodland, with a visitors centre and water trail. Wintering and resident birds.
Fakenham
A magnificent 14th century church postitioned next to Fakenham Market Place.
Brisley
Medieval church between Lynn and Norwich.
Holt
The parish church is the town's oldest building, and stands within the town centre at the northwest corner of the Market Place.
Cromer
Round towered church - rebuilt from the ruins of the old church before it tumbled over the eroding cliff in the 19th C. Jacobean panelling, pulpit and screen.
North Creake
St Mary’s, is a 13th century church in the parish of North Creake.
Great Ryburgh
St. Andrew’s stands at the entrance to the Norfolk village of Great Ryburgh, close to the bridge over the River Wensum.
© Visit North Norfolk 2023. All Rights Reserved
