North Norfolk Area Guide

With its 45 miles of incredible coastline, starting at Snettisham and stretching all the way round to Sea Palling, the North Norfolk coast is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The stretch between Weybourne and Cart Gap is known as the Deep History Coast, including West Runton, where the UK’s biggest mammoth skeleton was found. Fishing communities still thrive on the Norfolk coast and, depending on where you are, you can still buy fresh off the boat. North Norfolk has rich agricultural roots and many coastal and market towns, famous for their produce, artisan wares and local brews. There is a long history here of ancient settlements and towns growing up around their medieval churches.

The Norfolk Broads National Park features more than 125 miles of waterways, protected wetland and salt marshes. The Broads were created when peat was dug from the ground during the 14th century. The Broads are open to boats for day trips or for weekly excursions – stop en route at rural and coastal towns and villages – each offering walks, pubs and nature areas.

Visits to Holt, Wells-next-the-Sea, Sheringham and Cromer along the coast and King’s Lynn, Swaffham, Dereham and Fakenham further inland are a must if you’re looking for high street and independent shopping and food. Wells-next-the-Sea especially has a long history of trade and was one of the major ports during Tudor times, trading with the Netherlands. The 17th century village of Burnham Market, known by some locals as “Chelsea on Sea” is a must-visit if you’re into boutique shopping and destination restaurants.

Don’t miss out on trips to Hunstanton or Great Yarmouth for family-friendly fun. The coastal towns boast everything from fish and chips and sticks of rock to mini golf and fairgrounds. Cycling and walking routes abound too in North Norfolk, with the famous Norfolk Coastal Path open all year – stop by Blakeney Point for England’s largest colony of seals (seals are to be found along the coast, notably also in a special conservation area at Horsey Gap).

The Poppy Line – also known as the North Norfolk Railway – runs heritage locomotives from Sheringham to Holt and is packed with beautiful scenery to enjoy. Along the route, steam engines and diesels stop at three preserved Victorian platforms, and Holt station houses the railway museum.

The average price for properties in North Norfolk is around £350,000*, owing to the much-sought-after coastal areas. The average rent is around £990 per month*.

*November 2021 information