Top 22 Historical Things To Do In Norfolk in 2023

Norfolk is famed for its beaches, nature reserves, and of course, the Norfolk Broads. However, history lovers visiting Norfolk can be confident they will not be disappointed by the abundance of historic sites and museums. A variety of interesting things to do in Norfolk can be enjoyed by the whole family that spans a wide spectrum of history, from the Romans and Vikings to the Victorian era and the Tudors.

You can even step inside the private home of the Queen of England! Norfolk’s popular cities and towns all provide a diverse choice of attractions, most of which are suitable for visitors in adverse weather.

Many of the major attractions have cafes, outdoor play spaces, and adventure playgrounds, which make them great for family outings and days out. Some establishments even provide afternoon tea.

It’s a good idea to check with the venue to see if a certain attraction is open, as some are only available at certain times of the year.

Sandringham Estate

The Queen’s famous home is located close to the town of King’s Lynn. It is her private home where she usually spends Christmas with her family. It was here the Queen’s father and grandfather died.

Visits inside the house are possible, but it is not open year-round, so you need to ensure the house is open before you visit Norfolk. Look out for the moving memorials to much-loved family pets as you walk to the house.

The house stands on 600 acres, and there are children’s playgrounds in the parkland. As you explore watch out for the range of wildlife that might put in an appearance. It is also possible to take afternoon tea on the estate.

Shardlarke Tour of Norwich

Paul Dickson runs this two-hour walking tour of Norwich celebrating CJ Sansom’s hugely popular series featuring Tudor lawyer Matthew Shardlake. The final book in the series, “Tombland” is set in the city and surrounding area as it deals with Kett’s Rebellion in 1549.

The tour starts and finishes at the Maids Head Hotel, winds through the cobbled streets, and includes a climb to Kett’s Heights.

Shardlarke-related tours are fast becoming some of the most popular things to do in Norfolk.

Cow Tower

Cow Tower in Norwich, Norfolk was built between 1398 and 1399 in response to the threat from France (and English rebels) It was built as an artillery block Tower by the River Wensum and was designed to help defend the city. It had a prominent role in Kett’s Rebellion.

Note: the interior of the Tower is not open

North Norfolk Railway

The ‘Poppy Line’ vintage steam train, which runs from Sheringham to Holt, is still a delightful way to explore the North Norfolk coast.

There are special events throughout the year, such as Santa Specials, and the North Norfolk railway trains run from April to October, taking around 20 minutes.

This attraction can be very popular around school holidays.

Blickling Hall

Part of the Blickling Estate, the Hall is now a Jacobean Mansion. However, its most famous association is with the Boleyn family. It is possible that Anne Boleyn was born here and it is almost certain that Mary Boleyn moved here after her affair with Henry VIII.

Don’t miss the remarkable Long Gallery which now acts as the library with over 10,000 books.
There is extensive parkland with dog-friendly walking trails as well as more formal gardens. In late autumn the trees are stunning.

Cromer Pier

Cromer Pier in West Norfolk might not be first on your list when considering historical sites. But there has been a pier at Cromer since 1391. The current version was originally opened to the public in 1902.

Ice cream at the end of the pier on a summer day with the children is almost compulsory.

Norwich Cathedral

Norwich used to be England’s second city and the Cathedral reflects that. Construction began shortly after the Norman Conquest in 1096. It has the second largest cloisters in England and the second highest spire. The bosses on the roof date back to medieval times. Children have great fun trying to spot the famous Green man and Fourth Horseman.

It is probably the best thing to do in Norwich on a rainy day. Entry is also free, which is a bonus.

Creake Abbey

Creake Abbey managed to escape the dissolution, but only because it already closed down. A fire devastated it in the 15th Century before the plague wiped out the remaining monks. The ruins now stand in the countryside close to Fakenham. Entry is free.

Holkham Hall

Holkham Hall close to Wells Next to The Sea is one of the most popular stately homes in North Norfolk as well as the 18th Century Country House the estate also boasts its own beaches. The walled garden should not be missed. There are also woodland walks and cycle trails, as well as the outplay area. You can even take boat rides. All of these ensure it is a great family day out.

The estate can become busy during school holidays.

Castle Rising

Castle Rising near King’s Lynn is a 12th-century castle. It is one of England’s largest and best-preserved keeps, situated atop 20 acres of earthworks. You may still climb up to see these defences by the stairs at the gatehouse. This is a must-do to appreciate the sheer scale of them.

Its most famous role was as the residence of the “she-wolf,” Queen Isabella, the widow of Edward II, where she was imprisoned by her son Edward III. You can see the ruins of her rooms, as well as the Great Hall and an early Norman chapel.

Houghton Hall

Houghton Hall, built in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole, is one of Norfolk’s premier stately homes. It is one of England’s finest Palladian buildings.

During the eighteenth century, Walpole acquired one of the most important collections of European art in the United Kingdom, and Houghton became a museum for the collection. You can also see the largest collection of toy soldiers in the world.

Felbrigg Hall

Felbrigg Hall near Norwich is a 17th-century mansion notable for its Jacobean construction and exquisite Georgian interior. The west garden is designed in the form of typical Victorian pleasure ground, with an 18th-century orangery in the centre.

Robert Ketton-Cremer left the home and gardens to the National Trust in 1969. The majority of the grounds are part of Felbrigg Woods, which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Castle Acre Priory

The Priory is close to the historic village of Castle Acre in North Norfolk. The ruins of the Norman castle can still be seen.

The priory itself is one of England’s largest and finest maintained monastic ruins, dating back to 1090. It was the residence of the first Cluniac order of monks to arrive in England, and the Cluniac love of decoration can be seen throughout the massive remains.

Don’t miss the stunning west end church gable, the prior’s dwelling, and the considerable remnants of several of the structures around the cloister. The herb garden, which has been rebuilt, produces plants that the monks would have utilised for medicinal, culinary, and ornamental purposes.

There is an interactive exhibition that is popular with children.

Thetford Priory

The Priory of Our Lady of Thetford, in West Norfolk, was one of medieval East Anglia’s greatest and most prominent monasteries. Founded in the early 12th century, it served as the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk’s burial ground for 400 years, benefiting from their powerful protection. Because of this, when Thetford submitted to Henry VIII’s commissioners in 1540, it was one of the last monasteries to close.

After visiting you should take a stroll in the huge Thetford forest.

This visit should be paired with Warren Lodge, both of which are English Heritage sites.

BressingHAM Steam & Gardens

More family fun awaits transport aficionados at Bressingham Steam & Gardens in South Norfolk, where you can ride a steam train on one of four railroads that snake through the gardens, as well as explore the steam engine workshops.

Adults will love the Dad’s Army collection, while children should not pass up the opportunity to ride on the steam-powered gallopers — the carousel dates back to the nineteenth century.

Norwich Castle

Following the Norman invasion of England, William the Conqueror ordered the construction of Norwich Castle. From 1220 through 1887, the castle served as a prison. The Norwich Museum was relocated to Norwich Castle in 1894. The museum and art gallery house noteworthy artifacts from the region, including works of art, archaeological discoveries, and specimens of natural history.

Our Lady of Walsingham

Walsingham was second only to Canterbury in the ranks of importance in English pilgrimage. Henry VIII and Catherine of Aragon are just two of the Kings and Queens that came here. After Henry VIII’s dissolution, the original shrine was destroyed.

Today there are both Church of England and Catholic shrines in the village.

Caister Roman Fort

Caister, close to Great Yarmouth on the east coast, contains the remains of a Roman fort. It was built around AD 200 for a Roman army and navy unit and inhabited until roughly 370-390 AD. This fort was possibly known as Gariannonum.

Berney Arms Windmill

Berney Arms Windmill is located along the River Yare. The windmill is situated in The Norfolk Broads close to Great Yarmouth. The mill has no road access but may be reached by boat, on foot, or from the Berney Arms railway station.

Deep History Coast Trail

You can’t go much further back in history than this. The Deep History Coast Trail follows the clifftops of the north Norfolk coast for 36 kilometres from Weybourne to Cart Gap. Learn about the terrain hundreds of thousands of years ago at eleven discovery locations along the journey.

You can walk it all or just a piece and learn about what the land was like thousands of years ago at eleven discovery points along the route. Each journey reveals something new about the history of north Norfolk.

Oxburgh Hall

Oxburgh Hall is a stunning moated property in West Norfolk. It was built during the wars of the roses. The priest hole is probably its most famous feature. The Catholic Bedingfelds built the hole, which was reached through a latrine, to conceal priests during the time of Elizabeth I. The Oxburgh Hangings, needlework hangings by Mary Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick, are also prominent in the hall. Mary Stuart worked on these while under the custody of the Earl of Shrewsbury, Bess’s husband.

Binham Priory

Binham Priory is one of Norfolk’s most intact and spectacular monastery remains. Peter des Valoines, a nephew of William the Conqueror, erected this Benedictine priory in 1091. Many of its priors were unscrupulous, and the priory’s history is riddled with controversy. It is a perfect example of one of the reasons Henry VIII dissolved the religious houses.

The nave of the priory church, with its magnificent 13th century west front and exquisite tiers of Norman arches, is now the parish church and has the old rood screen, which depicts medieval saints overpainted with Protestant writings. The massive ruins beyond emphasise the monastery’s previous extent.