Norfolk is a county steeped in history and heritage. Us East Anglians are proud of our unique and varied heritage, revealed in our wide range of historical sites. From captivating castles and amazing abbeys to splendid stately homes and gorgeous gardens, there’s always something to discover here in east Norfolk.
Calling all history buffs! We have collated a list of the best things to see in Norfolk, including local castles, abbeys, and stately homes – so you can spend less time researching and more time exploring…
Captivating Castles
Become King or Queen of the castle for the day here in Norfolk. Our impressive portfolio of historical buildings features castles, abbeys and priories of all shapes and sizes; from complete buildings to fascinating ancient ruins…

Norwich Castle is well worth a visit if you’re planning on seeing the ‘city of stories’. Built as a royal palace over 900 years ago by the order of William the Conqueror, the castle positively dominates the city’s skyline. It is now home to a fantastic museum and amazing art collection, as well as some scary dungeons and battle re-enactments. A must see!
Medieval Norwich was the largest and wealthiest provincial city in England, outside of London and in the summer of 1549 Norwich was the centre of the Kett’s rebellion. Paul Dickinson offers fascinating walking tours around Norwich including a 2-hour guided walking tour celebrating CJ Sansom’s best-selling novel Tombland, featuring Tudor lawyer Matthew Shardlake’s visit to Norwich at the time of Kett’s Rebellion. If you haven’t read the book it doens’t matter, the tour focuses on the history, taking in the best medieval architecture in Norwich and ends in a climb up to Kett’s Heights with its fabulous view across the city.
Paul offers over 20 walks in and around Norwich on subjects such as a Norwich: A Black History or Norwich on the Dark Side which looks at crime, punishment, filth, and misery!


Burgh Castle dates all the way back to the 3rd Century, built as part of the Roman collection of coastal defences. Three of its imposing stone walls are still intact, with one falling mercy to the marshy Breydon waters some time ago. The surrounding area is a wildlife haven, offering panoramic views over Breydon Water. We highly recommend completing the Burgh Castle circular walk during your visit.
Caister Castle was one of the earliest important buildings in England to be built by brick, beginning its journey way back in 1146. This moated castle features a dramatic 100-foot tower that is open to visitors, offering panoramic views of the amazing castle ruins and surrounding area.

Amazing Abbeys & Priories
St Benet’s Abbey is situated on the north bank of the meandering River Bure in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. As the only abbey in Britain not to be taken over by Henry VIII, the ruins of the abbey’s fascinating gatehouse stand tall beside a stunning 18th Century windmill. An annual service takes place in the ruins of the church by the Bishop of Norwich. You can also walk here from my favourite place in east Norfolk, How Hill.
Discover the remains of a 13th Century priory at St Olave’s, nestled beside the meandering River Waveney. Established by Augustinian friars in 1216, the striking brick-vaulted refectory was briefly a cottage before falling into disuse once again. We highly recommend taking a stroll around the lovely village of St Olave’s during your visit to the priory.
Bromholm Priory is one of Norfolk’s hidden gems. Established in 1113 by Cluniac Monks, the priory quickly became one of England’s most sacred places – it was rumoured to house a piece of the Holy Cross, which attracted pilgrims from near and afar. Perched upon private farmland, the remains of the gatehouse and the priory are a sight to behold.


Splendid Stately Homes
If you delve into Norfolk’s past, you will discover a whole host of rich landowners and stately homes; many of which were built following England’s successful wool trade with the rest of Europe. Explore our wonderful county and discover our very own Downton Abbeys…
National Trust property Felbrigg Hall covers a whopping 1,760 acres, featuring a gorgeous country house, walled garden, and extensive parkland boasting acres of woods and walking trails. Step inside the elegant 17th Century manor house and discover numerous delights; from the great hall’s stunning stained-glass windows, to the mandarin statues in the Chinese bedroom.
Hoveton Hall is perched upon the edge of the Norfolk Broads, with 620 acres of parkland, gardens, woodland, and grazing land to explore. Built in the early 1800s, the estate has been owned by the Buxton family since 1946. If you visit between April and September, you can discover a fantastic array of flora and fauna in the hall’s stunning gardens.
Wolverton Hall is one of the four grand ‘power houses’ in Norfolk, dating back to the 18th Century. The house was built by Horatio, the brother of Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, and has a fascinating history. Admire fascinating collections and artefacts in the house, before heading out and enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Somerleyton Hall is one of the finest Victorian stately homes in the UK, set in the heart of the Broads National Park. Experience history, romance and sophistication in this well-preserved stately home and walled garden. The garden features a wonderful array of ornate peach cages and greenhouses, as well as one of the best yew hedge mazes in England.
East Ruston Old Vicarage is a spectacular 32-acre modern garden, transformed from unremarkable farmland into one of Norfolk’s best kept secrets. Enter another world as you wander around the many themed “garden rooms”, including the herbaceous borders, sunken rose garden, large woodland garden, Mediterranean garden, and the Arizonian-inspired Desert Wash area. It has a great tearoom too!

