Introduction: Your Perfect Norfolk Weekend Awaits
Planning a weekend in Norfolk? You've come to the right place! Norfolk is one of England's most beautiful counties, offering stunning coastlines, historic market towns, and the unique Norfolk Broads. Whether you're looking for family-friendly activities in Norfolk or a peaceful escape, this 48-hour Norfolk itinerary will help you experience the very best of what this incredible region has to offer.
This guide is perfect for families and visitors from the East of England seeking things to do in Norfolk for a weekend. Let's explore how to make every moment count during your Norfolk adventure!
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Day 1: Discovering Norfolk's Natural Beauty and Historic Charm
Morning: Norfolk Broads Boat Tour (9:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Start your Norfolk weekend break with a magical Norfolk Broads boat tour. The Norfolk Broads National Park is one of Britain's most treasured landscapes, featuring over 125 miles of navigable waterways.
Best Norfolk Broads tours for families:
Book an early morning departure to enjoy peaceful waters
Choose operators offering wildlife spotting opportunities
Look for tours departing from Wroxham, known as the "Capital of the Broads"
After your boat tour, stop at a waterside café in Norfolk for brunch. Try local favourites like Norfolk sausages or freshly baked scones with Norfolk lavender jam.
Afternoon: National Trust Properties Norfolk (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Norfolk boasts some of England's finest National Trust sites. For your afternoon, visit Blickling Estate, one of the most spectacular Jacobean mansions in the country.
What to see at Blickling Estate:
The stunning Jacobean architecture and Long Gallery
55 acres of gardens, parkland, and woodland walks
The Secret Garden, perfect for children to explore
Seasonal displays and family-friendly trails
Alternative National Trust sites in Norfolk:
Felbrigg Hall
Oxburgh Hall
Horsey Windpump
Don't forget to check for special events and exhibitions before your visit to enhance your Norfolk day out.
Evening: Dining in Norwich (6:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
End your first day in Norwich, Norfolk's vibrant cathedral city. Norwich offers some of the best restaurants in Norfolk, featuring fresh local produce and seafood.
Top Norwich dining experiences:
Sample fresh Cromer crab at a seafood restaurant
Explore the historic Norwich Lanes for independent eateries
Try traditional Norfolk dumplings or samphire
Visit a gastropub serving locally sourced ingredients
After dinner, take an evening stroll to see Norwich Cathedral illuminated at night. The medieval streets and historic architecture make Norwich one of the best places to visit in Norfolk.
Day 2: Beaches, Towns, and Norfolk's Coastal Beauty
Morning: Beach Yoga and Coastal Walk (8:00 AM - 12:00 PM)
Begin day two with beachside yoga in Norfolk. Several instructors offer morning sessions on Norfolk's stunning beaches, combining wellness with breathtaking coastal views.
Best Norfolk beaches for morning activities:
Holkham Beach - vast golden sands backed by pine forests
Wells-next-the-Sea - charming beach huts and harbor views
Brancaster Beach - perfect for peaceful walks
After yoga, enjoy a Norfolk beach walk. Holkham Beach stretches for miles and is consistently rated among the best beaches in England. The walk through the pine-scented woodland to reach the beach is an experience in itself.
Family tip: Norfolk beaches are perfect for children, offering rock pooling, sandcastle building, and wildlife spotting opportunities.
Afternoon: Exploring Norfolk Market Towns (1:00 PM - 5:00 PM)
Norfolk's historic market towns are full of character and charm. Spend your afternoon exploring one of these gems:
Recommended Norfolk towns to visit:
Holt - Known for independent shops, galleries, and Gresham's School
Burnham Market - Called "Chelsea-on-Sea" for its upscale boutiques
Things to do in Norfolk market towns:
Browse independent shops and local craft stores
Visit traditional Norfolk markets (check market days)
Enjoy lunch at a Norfolk coffee shop or tearoom
Explore historic churches and architecture
Sample local Norfolk produce and artisan goods
Evening: Glamping and Stargazing in Norfolk (6:00 PM onwards)
Complete your Norfolk weekend getaway with an unforgettable camping or glamping experience. Norfolk's dark skies make it one of the best stargazing locations in England.
Top Norfolk camping and glamping sites:
Choose from bell tents, shepherd's huts, or traditional camping
Look for sites near the coast or in the Norfolk countryside
Many sites offer campfire facilities (check in advance)
Family-friendly sites often include play areas and activities
Gather around the campfire, reflect on your Norfolk adventures, and enjoy the tranquillity of the countryside under a blanket of stars.
Essential Tips for Your Norfolk Weekend Break
Planning Your Norfolk Itinerary
Best time to visit Norfolk:
Spring (April-May): Bluebells and mild weather
Summer (June-August): Beach weather and festivals
Autumn (September-October): Harvest season and beautiful colours
Winter: Peaceful beaches and cozy pub lunches
Getting Around Norfolk
By car: Most convenient for exploring multiple locations
Public transport: Good bus and train connections between major towns
Cycling: Norfolk is flat, making it perfect for cycling holidays
Boat hire: Explore the Broads at your own pace
What to Pack for a Norfolk Weekend
Comfortable walking shoes for beach and countryside walks
Layers for changeable Norfolk weather
A camera for capturing stunning landscapes
Binoculars for wildlife watching
Swimwear (even for beach walks!)
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Norfolk Food and Drink to Try
Cromer crab - sweet and delicious local delicacy
Norfolk lavender products and treats
Local cheeses from Norfolk dairies
Samphire - the "asparagus of the sea"
Norfolk ales from local breweries
Fresh seafood from coastal towns
Where to Stay in Norfolk for a Weekend
Accommodation options for every budget:
Luxury: Country house hotels and boutique B&Bs Mid-range: Coastal cottages and family-friendly hotels Budget: Camping, glamping, and hostels
Best areas to base yourself:
Norwich - Central location, great for exploring
North Norfolk coast - Beach access and coastal villages
Norfolk Broads - Waterside accommodation and boat access
Market towns - Authentic Norfolk experience
Extending Your Norfolk Adventure
If you have more than 48 hours, consider adding:
Sandringham Estate - The Royal Family's Norfolk residence
Seal watching trips at Blakeney Point
RSPB nature reserves for birdwatching
Great Yarmouth for traditional seaside fun
Norfolk Coast Path walking sections
Castle Acre Priory for history enthusiasts
Conclusion: Make the Most of Your Norfolk Weekend
Your 48 hours in Norfolk will be packed with unforgettable experiences, from tranquil boat rides on the Broads to stunning coastal walks, historic estates, and charming market towns. Norfolk offers the perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality.
This Norfolk weekend itinerary is just the beginning. Each visit reveals new treasures, hidden beaches, and local favourites. Whether you're seeking family activities in Norfolk, romantic getaways, or solo adventures, this beautiful county delivers.
Ready to plan your Norfolk weekend? Start booking your accommodation and activities today. Don't forget to share your Norfolk adventures on Instagram and tag us @NorfolkDays - we'd love to see your journey through our beautiful county!
What's your favourite Norfolk experience? Share in the comments below!
Frequently Asked Questions About Visiting Norfolk
How do I get to Norfolk for a weekend? Norfolk is easily accessible by car (2 hours from London), train (direct services to Norwich), or via Norwich International Airport.
Is Norfolk good for a weekend break? Absolutely! Norfolk offers diverse attractions perfect for short breaks, from beaches to historic sites and the unique Norfolk Broads.
What is Norfolk famous for? Norfolk is famous for the Norfolk Broads, stunning coastline, Cromer crab, historic market towns, and being one of England's most beautiful rural counties.
Can you visit Norfolk without a car? Yes! Norwich has good public transport connections, and many coastal towns are accessible by bus and train, though a car offers more flexibility.
K Elizabeth xoxox
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