Have you been to visit Norfolk yet?! Norfolk is a great year-round holiday destination, perfect for a short weekend break or an extended family holiday. Situated on the East coast of England, Norfolk boasts over 90 miles of unspoilt coastline, the renowned Broads National Park, fascinating nature reserves, idyllic market towns, stunning seaside resorts and amazing opportunities for wildlife watching.
As the sunniest and driest county in the country, Norfolk makes for the most delightful UK holiday destination. Positively oozing natural charm and authenticity, there is loads to see and do during a Norfolk staycation. And what’s more, travel times are under 3 hours from London – making it the ideal escape from busy London life.
There are loads of reasons to visit Norfolk and escape from London life – here are our top 5:
1) Blissful Beaches
The county is home to 93 miles of natural coastline (when the tide is out), with traditional seaside resorts, jagged cliffs, sandy dunes, and salt marshes. Norfolk’s golden stretches of sand are ideal for swimming and outdoor games, making for a fun-filled family staycation destination.
On the East Norfolk coast, you will find Gorleston, Great Yarmouth, Winterton-on-Sea, Sea Palling and Horsey, amongst others. Or venture to the North coast and enjoy the beaches at Cromer, Brancaster, and Holkham/Wells. Whatever your preference, we guarantee you will be spoilt for choice! Of course, we must give a special mention to Winterton-on-Sea, our lovely sandy local beach – it’s just 10 minutes walk from our barns and is surrounded by the wonderful Winterton Dunes nature reserve.
2) Beautiful Broads
Norfolk is arguably most famous for its manmade Broads: the UK’s largest wetland area. The Broads feature over 125 miles of lock-free waterways, best enjoyed by boat. The Broads actually have more miles of waterways than Venice and have been aptly nicknamed “the Venice of the West”!
The Broads’ shallow lakes and rivers are ideal for boating, kayaking, walking, cycling, and fishing. There are numerous picturesque towns and villages dotted along the Broads, including Reedham, Aylsham, Acle, Heydon, Coltishall, Wroxham and more. We highly recommend hiring an electric boat from the Martham Ferry Boat Yard and exploring the Broads for a day – we guarantee you won’t regret it!
3) Notorious Norwich
Norwich is well worth a visit during your stay in Norfolk. Norwich is the most well-preserved medieval city in the whole of the UK, blending an eclectic mix of contemporary and historical features.
Many arts, music, and cultural events are regularly held in the city, as well as a fantastic selection of lively restaurants, bars, and nightlife. If you’re a keen shopper, there are lots of independent and high street shopping opportunities; or, if you prefer an educational day out, there is a Norman castle and cathedral to enjoy. There’s something for everyone in the wonderful city of Norwich!
4) Wonderful Wildlife
Norfolk is the true birdwatcher’s paradise, boasting some of the best birdwatching opportunities in the UK. Whatever time of year, there are an amazing array of birds to discover; listen to the dawn chorus in the springtime, watch peregrines nesting in the summer, observe the raptors coming to roost or follow the winter migrants settling on the coast.
There is also a spectacular seal colony on the nearby Horsey beach. With over 1500 seal pups per year, the colony is constantly expanding towards Winterton-on-Sea. Winter is the best time to visit the colony, with the gorgeous grey seals giving birth in the colder months. Pupping season is one of the highlights of Norfolk’s seasonal wildlife calendar, and Horsey beach is certainly well worth a visit.
Seal photos credited to Sean Weekley.
5) Excellent Eateries
The amazing ever-changing landscape in Norfolk gives the county the most fantastic range of local food and drink. From the rich, organic quality of the soil comes tasty meat and vibrant fruit and vegetables, with the coastline providing delicious lobsters, crab, mackerel, oysters, mussels, cockles and more.
There are many award-winning restaurants and pubs to enjoy in the county. Some of our favourites include The Gunton Arms and Ingham Swan for fine dining, The Fisherman’s Return, The Boat House and The Nelson Head for laid-back pub grub, The Norfolk Mead Hotel for afternoon tea, and Planet Spice for authentic Indian cuisine.

Mill Farm Eco Barn: Your Home from Home on the East Norfolk Coast
Situated in the picturesque village of Winterton-on-Sea, Mill Farm Eco Barn provides the perfect setting for a fun family staycation. We are just 10 minute’s walk from Winterton’s sandy beach and pub and only 4 minute’s drive from the spectacular Horsey Seal Colony. Perched on the edge of the brilliant Broads National Park, we are within easy reach of excellent restaurants, National Trust properties and other amazing local attractions.
If you’re seeking an adventurous holiday with your family in Norfolk, look no further than Mill Farm Eco Barn. We are fully booked up for the summer season but have lots of availability for this autumn and winter – Book your stay today!