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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 and the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862.
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Holkham Hall
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.
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Walsingham Abbey
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.
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Salthouse.
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. The trips offer a real journey back in time, taking in the magnificent coastal and countryside views along the way. Stop off at the picturesque stations and explore the surrounding area.
Bure Valley Railway.
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.
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Discover more about this fascinating coastline steeped in millions of years worth of history. Follow the Discovery Trail and take a trip to Cromer Museum and The Sheringham Museum to find out more.
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Discover Historic North Norfolk
Horatio Nelson was born in Burnham Thorpe, north Norfolk and there are many places you can visit to find out more about the country's greatest naval hero.
Number of results: 48
, currently showing 21 to 40.
Norwich
In the heart of North Norfolk stands an exquisite Palladian masterpiece, a home woven deeply into Britain’s history. Welcome to Wolterton.
King's Lynn
Castle Rising Castle is a fine example of a Norman castle. The rectangular keep, one of the largest, was built around 1140 by William D'Albini.
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.
Wells-Next-the-Sea
The Heritage Centre showcases the influence of the Methodist Church on East Anglia.
Norwich
Mannington Estate is one of Norfolk’s hidden gems, surrounded by ancient woodlands which, together with its lakes and rivers, provides varied habitats for wildlife in a charming setting.
Ludham
St Benet's Abbey lies deep in the Broads National Park, close to the meeting place of the rivers Bure and Ant.
Wells-Next-the-Sea
Arts, heritage and community at the heart of Wells-Next-The-Sea
Blakeney
A 15th century Guildhall thought to have been a merchant's house made of flint and stone construction, with an impressive undercroft structure.
Baconsthorpe
Visit the extensive ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle, a moated and fortified 15th century manor house, that are a testament to the rise and fall of a prominent Norfolk family, the Heydons.
Hindolveston
An award-winning distillery creating locally produced Gins, Rums, Vodkas, Liqueurs and Schnapps. You can also book a behind the scenes tour.
The Esplanade
Cromer Lifeboat Station is open to visitors most days and from the public gallery you can see the all-weather lifeboat. Discover history and visit the souvenir shop. The station has a remarkable history of war time rescues with 139 taking place…
Sheringham
Heritage Centre demonstrating the history of the lifeboats provided by the Upcher family of Sheringham Hall for the use of the fishermen.
Brancaster Staithe
Brancaster Brewery is a 5 barrel brewery producing small batches of high quality real ale using top quality local ingredients. You can buy a pint of our ale at The Jolly Sailors or take a box of bottles home with you.
King's Lynn
The delightful village of Castle Acre boasts an extraordinary wealth of history.
Burnham Thorpe
Step back in time on a guided walking tour of Burnham Thorpe, the birthplace of Admiral Lord Nelson. Explore the village that shaped a naval hero. The tour begins at All Saints’ Church and visits the Nelson Memorial Hall as well as the site of…
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.
King's Lynn
One of the largest and best preserved monastic sites in England dating back to 1090. Explore the priors lodgings, ruins of the priory and cloister.
Hindringham
Four acres of garden surrounding the Tudor Hall and three acres of medieval fishponds to walk around. Plant sales and delightful coffee shop.
Hindringham
Brewery crafting distinctive, high-quality beers.
Stiffkey
In the Maritime Heritage Centre we tell the story of Dunkirk veteran local lifeboat, Lucy Lavers. We have displays of our fishing and wooden boat building heritage, including crab fishing, whelk fishing, and fishing life and communities.
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