Norfolk is often named as one of the best places to visit in the UK, and that makes it one of the best places to have a holiday, or a UK holiday home.
There’s something truly special about a holiday in Norfolk. Whether it’s your first visit or your tenth, the mix of natural beauty, charming towns, and peaceful landscapes always offers something new to discover — and plenty of space to make lasting family memories.
It’s no surprise so many trusted voices have highlighted Norfolk as a must-visit destination:
🛶 The Times named the Norfolk Broads one of the best things to do in the UK
🌿 Condé Nast Traveller described the Broads as “enigmatic and magnetic”
🌊 Time Out featured Blakeney Point as one of the best things to do in the UK
🏡 Sykes Holiday Cottages listed Norfolk among the top UK staycation destinations
🏖️ Country Living Magazine named Norfolk as one of the best UK holiday destinations
👨👩👧👦 Mumsnet included Norfolk in their top 10 UK family holidays
🌍 Earth’s Magical Places called Norfolk a holiday destination you simply need to visit
So who’s saying Norfolk is worth exploring? Just about everyone.
From serene waterways to sweeping coastlines and tranquil countryside, this corner of East Anglia is filled with places that bring people together.
Whether you're paddling through the magical Norfolk Broads, beachcombing along the unspoilt coast, or cycling the quiet lanes of the Waveney Valley, every moment here feels like a breath of fresh air.
In this blog, we’ll take you through three of Norfolk’s most memorable highlights — the iconic Norfolk Broads, the stunning Norfolk coast, and the peaceful Waveney Valley — and show you why they’re perfect for your next getaway.
Image by Visit the Broads
The Norfolk Broads
The Norfolk Broads, or the Broads National Park (as it has been known since 2017), has to be a good place to start.
Let’s start with some facts. And the first big fact is - The Broads are man-made. Did you know that? What are, strictly speaking, The Norfolk and Suffolk Broads are the result of ancient peat diggings becoming flooded.
The Broads is the UK’s largest protected wetland - and the third largest inland navigation area in the country, including 120 miles of navigable waterways. That’s 63 Broads and 7 rivers sweeping through Norfolk and Suffolk.
Here’s another fact - a quarter of the UK’s rarest species live within the Broads National Park. You’ll be amazed at just how special this magical waterland really is.
Download the Visit the Broads app
Explore the Broads on foot
The Broads is a magical place for wandering and walking.
Ask a Norfolk or Suffolk holiday home owner about the joys of the area and, boating aside, you’ll always find they say walking. The Broads are a hugely desirable area for a UK holiday because simply walking around is a great way to enjoy and savour this stunning scenery in all its autumn splendour.
Check out Visit The Broads for ideas on some of the best walks in the area.
Wherryman’s Way
Named after the legendary Broads boats there’s Wherryman’s Way, a long-distance footpath from Norwich to the coast of Great Yarmouth that runs through the heart of the BroadsWeaver’s Way
Or there’s Weavers’ Way, following the old trackbed of the Aylsham to Great Yarmouth railway line. This 61-mile long footpath links North Norfolk’s Cromer coast to the East Norfolk coast via villages and landscapes amongst the Broads.Angles Way
There’s also Angles Way, the Broads to Brecks path, which starts on the Broads of Great Yarmouth and weaves through Oulton Broad (home to Broadlands Park & Marina), the Waveney Valley (home to Waveney River Centre) and then on all the way out to Thetford and Breckland.
Image by Visit the Broads
Norfolk Broads Wildlife
The Broads National Park is a magical place for watching the wildlife.
For dedicated Twitchers and casual observers alike, the Broads National Park takes some beating for birdwatching. The species are fabulous, but the facilities are great too.
There is great birdwatching to be had all over the Broads National Park. Norfolk has actually been called the UK’s capital of birdwatching and there are species to see all year round. Marsh Harriers, Bitterns, Stone Curlews are here. So too are Kingfishers, and Geese. Look seawards to see flocks of birds migrate, or enjoy spotting the birds who nest in The Broads. Head to places like Pensthorpe, Strumpshaw Fen, Titchwell Marsh and for some amazing bird sightings.
One of the great joys of holiday home ownership is being able to immerse yourselves in the culture, geography and wildlife of the area around it. Somehow there’s always more time to explore around your home when it’s your home from home. It’s why people enjoy activities like birdwatching in and around their Norfolk holiday homes. They enjoy lots of other things too; cycling, fishing, and sporting activities like golf.
Three best places to birdwatch on the Broads
Barton Broad
Barton Broad is the Broad on which Lord Nelson learned to sail.
You can see coots, grebe, swans and geese there nowadays. There’s a boardwalk and viewing point to help you make the most of it.
Hickling Broad
At Hickling Broad Nature Reserve the viewing is spectacular. Booming bitterns and bearded tits can be spotted in the reed beds at Hickling. Crested grebes have been seen. As have marsh harriers. Avocet, osprey and spoonbill have been spotted at Hickling too.
Carlton Marshes
Suffolk Wildlife Trust Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve is a hive of activity for all kinds of nature spotting. There’s a range of hides to sit in and walking trails to explore. You can also check out the modern Carlton Marshes Visitor Centre with a cafe, shop, and play area for the kids.
Did you know you can walk to Waveney River Centre from Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve and get on the foot ferry to enjoy the fantastic facilities on offer, including The Waveney Inn and a lovely indoor swimming pool?
Cromer Pier by Charlie Jones
The Norfolk Coast
The Norfolk Coast has to be seen to be believed.
Big beaches and big skies are the benchmarks of this glorious coastline. Norfolk has almost 90 miles of beaches and they offer a variety that takes in sequestered calm, golden sands, saltmarshes and serious holiday fun.
Head to Visit Norfolk and marvel at all that it offers; from North Norfolk delights such as Wells-next-the-Sea and Sheringham,
Award-winning Gorleston beach, historic Caister beach, fun-filled Hemsby beach and stunning Sea Palling are among some of the beaches you can’t miss in South Norfolk. And don’t miss a trip to Horsey, with the spectacle of seals nursing their pups. Then head up into North Norfolk where you can enjoy classic seaside fun in Cromer, see the sunset to the West in Hunstanton, and where Holkham beach sets a whole other standard - the beaches in this easterly county are truly superb.
For full on fun, it has to be that legendary seaside resort of Great Yarmouth. A beautiful beach stretching between two legendary piers. The iconic Pleasure Beach with its rides (and screams) and the whole of Marine Parade and the streets around it; it’s what defines seaside resorts. Families have loved Great Yarmouth for decades (just ask locally about The Snails) - it’s easy to see why.
Don’t miss out on the Norfolk Coast Path
Over eighty miles, stretching from Hunstanton to Hopton-on-Sea, the Norfolk Coast Path is a lovely way to get up close to the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. (And you don’t have to walk it all in one go!).
There’s lots of good old fashioned seasoned fun to be had in Norfolk because Norfolk has some of the best beaches - anywhere.
Looking out to the horizon from a Norfolk beach, you’ll understand where that ‘big skies’ aspect of the county comes from. These are more than views - they’re panoramas.
You’ll find dog friendly beaches in Norfolk, which makes these sandy strolls real favourites with holiday home owners. And, as quiet and remote as some of these big beautiful beaches are, you’re never too far from great places to eat and drink, for which Norfolk is becoming really rather well known.
The Waveney Valley & the River Waveney
Welcome to the wonderful Waveney Valley.
It’s one of those rare places, one of those places that, when you discover it, you find yourself asking ‘why did I not know this was here?’ Blending the best of both Norfolk and Suffolk, The Waveney Valley has managed to achieve that magical mix of being both sought after and unspoiled.
The River Waveney creates the boundary between Norfolk and Suffolk, and stretches from Breydon Water in Great Yarmouth to Redgrave in Suffolk.
The River Waveney is home to one exceptional location that perfectly captures the spirit of this extraordinary region; Tingdene Waveney River Centre. A tranqil holiday park and marina that offers plenty to do on-site, but a great location to explore all the Waveney Valley, South Norfolk and Suffolk have to offer.
Wind your way to Wheatacre
Not far from Beccles you’ll find Wheatacre Hall Barns. This place is packed with food, drink, cafes and shops. There’s ice cream, cheeses and wine. It’s at the fabulous end of the Farm Shop spectrum.
While you’re there, take a trip to the Wheatacre White Lion, a beautifully rural pub offering delectable dishes and a stunning outdoor area to enjoy the sunshine.
Head to Haddiscoe
Nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes, Haddiscoe is a quintessential piece of East Anglia waiting to be explored.
If you’ve not heard of Haddiscoe you’ve almost certainly not heard of the Haddiscoe Cut, a canal with a fascinating history. Conceived in the 1830s as a means of linking Norwich and Lowestoft, the Cut failed as a business venture. After various changes of ownership it faced closure in the 1950’s but the local population resisted, and the Environment Agency now manages it.
See St Olaves
A real Norfolk village, right on the Waveney, St Olaves is somewhere you need to visit. It’s a riverside place and ideal for hiring a boat.
St Olaves has a lovely 16th century inn - The Bell Inn - and a wonderful Priory, complete with a 14th century undercroft. Did you know the same proprietors of the Bell Inn & The Priory also run The Waveney Inn at Waveney River Centre?
The river bridge at St Olaves is the first bridging point on the Waveney above Great Yarmouth. It’s a small village but there’s lots to see and do there.
Beat a path to Beccles
Rather charmingly, Beccle means ‘meadow by the stream’; always been closely associated with the river. Known to have been a port in Saxon times, Beccles is still a busy boating centre. But if you’re just sauntering and exploring, check out The Wine Vaults, which is typical of the friendly and high quality food and drink offering in the town. The cafes at Urban Jungle are worth a visit too, as is the place itself.
Carry on to Carlton
At the very southernmost point of the Norfolk Broads, and actually part of the Suffolk Broads, Carlton Marshes are often called the ‘southern gateway to the Broads National Park’.
This stunning nature reserve is managed by The Suffolk Wildlife Trust, and can actually be accessed from Waveney River Centre on the foot ferry.
You’ll find all-weather trails, a playscape area for children, fabulous views and fantastic wildlife. The walks are are truly wonderful. One footpath will lead you to Broadlands Park - another brilliant Tingdene location close to the Waveney Valley area.
Why Norfolk is the perfect place to explore, stay, and make memories
So, is Norfolk a good place for a holiday? The answer is a resounding yes.
With its breathtaking coastline, peaceful countryside, and one-of-a-kind waterways, Norfolk isn’t just a nice place to visit — it’s one of the best bases to explore the UK. From the unforgettable Norfolk Broads to the golden beaches of Holkham and the charming market towns dotted throughout the Waveney Valley, every part of this region offers something new to love.
Whether you're planning a one-off getaway or looking for the perfect spot for a UK holiday home, Norfolk delivers — with natural beauty, family-friendly fun, and a slower pace of life that makes relaxing second nature.
Ready to discover what makes Norfolk one of the nicest places for a holiday in the UK? From the Broads to the beaches, from walking trails to wildlife adventures — Norfolk is waiting.
What is the best base to explore Norfolk?
The Norfolk Broads is a magical place for a UK holiday home
There’s little wonder that Norfolk — and in particular, the enchanting Norfolk Broads — is seen as one of the most desirable locations in the UK for owning a holiday home.
With its unique blend of serene waterways, unspoilt landscapes, and easy access to both coast and countryside, the Broads offer the perfect escape from the everyday. Imagine having your own retreat in this peaceful corner of East Anglia, where big skies, birdsong, and boat rides are all part of daily life.
Top destinations for holiday home ownership in Norfolk include:
Caldecott Hall Country Park
Set in 400 acres of picturesque parkland near Fritton, Caldecott Hall Country Park is a peaceful haven that feels worlds away from the bustle of daily life — yet it's just a short drive from the vibrant seaside fun of Great Yarmouth and the natural beauty of the Norfolk Broads.
Caldecott is more than just a beautiful place to stay — it’s a lifestyle destination. The park is home to a range of caravans and holiday homes, surrounded by nature, wildlife, and open skies. It’s the perfect spot to unwind, whether you’re spending lazy mornings on the veranda, enjoying lunch in Barn 1 bar & Restaurant or heading out for a round of golf on the Caldecott Hall Golf Club 18-hole course.
Tingdene Waveney River Centre
Nestled in the heart of the Broads National Park, this award-winning park offers stunning holiday lodges for both short stays and ownership. As a holiday homeowner here, you’ll enjoy exclusive access to The Waveney Inn bar and restaurant, a fabulous indoor swimming pool, a shop, boat moorings, and even a foot ferry to the neighbouring nature reserves at Carlton Marshes. It’s a peaceful, private place where nature and comfort go hand in hand.
Owning a holiday home in the Norfolk Broads means more than just having a second home — it’s about building a lifestyle. Whether you're birdwatching at dawn, enjoying a riverside meal, or simply unwinding on your deck with views of the water, life here moves at a more relaxing, rewarding pace.
Broadlands Park & Marina
Tucked away in the idyllic surroundings of Oulton Broad, Broadlands Park & Marina is one of East Anglia’s most sought-after destinations for holiday home ownership — and with good reason.
This well-established park offers a unique combination of waterside charm, wonderful facilities, and a warm, village-style atmosphere. Wake up to views over the water, enjoy a morning stroll around the marina, hop aboard a boat and explore the magical Southern Broads, and enjoy an evening of food, drink & entertainment at Moss & Co Broadlands - all right from your doorstep.
So, if you're dreaming of a UK holiday home that gives you nature, freedom, and first-class facilities all year round, these incredible holiday parks on and around the Broads National Park are the perfect place to start.