Guide to Historic and Heritage Sites in Norfolk

Norfolk boasts a long, varied and often intriguing heritage it is full of historic market towns, medieval ports, manor houses and magnificent churches. The landscape of Norfolk is dotted with all types of mills that are unique to Norfolk the corn mills, water mills and drainage windpumps are part of Norfolk's heritage.

Norfolk is a maritime county and Nelson who was born at Burnham Thorpe, educated in Norwich and North Walsham often visited his family in Norfolk after battle and the county is justly proud of its naval son. Norwich is one of the best preserved medieval cities in the UK with a Norman Castle, 30 medieval churches, museums and the 900 year old cathedral its jewel in the crown.

Castle Rising Castle

One of the largest and best preserved keeps in England surrounded by 20 acres of earthworks. Audio tours available. English Heritage

Grimes Graves

This large Neolithic flint mine complex is the only one open to the public in England and you are able to descend a 9 metre ladder and explore the shaft below. Small Exhibition area. English Heritage.

Oxburgh Hall in Oxborough

Magnificent and mysterious 15th century moated Tudor Manor House home to the Bedingfield family since 1482. Woodland Trails. National Trust.

Horsey Windpump in Horsey

A fully restored historic drainage windpump on an internationally important wildlife site in the Broads National Park. National Trust.

Elizabethan House Museum in Great Yarmouth

A living history museum where you can see what it was like to live from Tudor to Victorian times with hands on activities. National Trust.

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse museum

A unique 50 acre living history site set in beautiful grounds with a museum dedicated to reliving the life inside a workhouse from the people who lived and worked in them and a farm run as a traditional 1920s farm with rare breeds animals and working horses.

Bircham Windmill

Originally built in 1846 and now a fully restored working windmill open to the public with tearooms, bakery and grounds.

Norwich Cathedral

The octagonal spire of Norwich Cathedral is quite a landmark in Norwich rising to 315 feet the second tallest in England. It was began by the Normans in 1096 the nave's fan vaulting, precise carving adorned by several hundred roof bosses recounting the story of the Old and New Testament from the Creation to the Last Judgement. Another remarkable set of sculptured bosses are found in the Cathedrals Cloisters built around the 14th century where the dominant theme is the Apocalypse but also some pagan fertility symbols are present.

Norwich Castle

Norwich Castle lies in the center of the town on a grassy mound and is a reminder of Norman power. Refurbished in extravagant style and is now home to the Castle Museum and Art Gallery. Guided tour of the battlements and dungeons.

Sandringham House

Built in 1870 on land bought by Queen Victoria for her son Edward VII Sandringham House is the private country home of The Queen. The magnificent house and beautiful gardens are open to the public and a museum housed in the old coach and stable block contain an exhibition of royal memorabilia from dolls to cars.

Back to Norfolk Travel Guide Home Page