South Norfolk Area Guide
South Norfolk boasts some of the most charming and quiet countryside in East Anglia. Not only will you find gently rolling hills and the gentle scenery of the Waveney Valley, it’s also home to the southern Norfolk Broads, where you can hire a boat for the day or week to travel to the area’s many pubs, picnic spots and country walks. For a longer adventure, the River Yare flows all the way to Norwich. And if a boat is your idea of the best way to travel, the River Waveney meanders through the Waveney Valley and the many villages and towns to Diss and beyond.
If the mixture of historic buildings and old markets are your passion, then South Norfolk has plenty to whet your appetite. Diss, Harleston, Wymondham, Hingham and Loddon are all within easy reach and host weekly markets. You’ll be left breathless at the variety of homemade produce, everyday items and food stalls available – and each market claims the best goodies in the area!
Places to visit for all the family include Raveningham Estate and Gardens, Somerleyton Hall and Gardens, and the ever-popular Banham Zoo. If you love a museum, there are plenty to choose from: Harleston Museum, Diss Museum and Bressingham Steam Museum are all open during the summer and for special events the rest of the year.
Further south-west is Thetford, a thriving town packed with history and independent businesses. Of course, the area is also home to Thetford Forest, where you’ll find bike trails, walks, children’s play areas and high-profile events. Nearby Brandon Country Park offers similar scenery and many unspoilt walks.
And of course, further north-west is the city of Norwich itself – a must for shoppers and visitors alike. Norwich has a permanent market in its centre, as well as streets of well-known and independent stores. It’s home to Carrow Road, Norwich City Football Club’s ground; a strong arts and culture scene; delightful walks along the River Wensum, plus Norwich Castle with its Norman keep, museum exhibitions and art gallery.
If you like to explore a place by car, don’t forget to drive through Old Buckenham, which boasts the largest village green in the country, and Caistor St Edmund, the “town of the Iceni”, Boudicca's tribe.
The average property price in Norfolk is around £290,000*, having increased by 13% over 2020-2021, with prices in South Norfolk ranging from £145,000 to £675,000*.
*November 2021 information