Norfolk
Norwich is a mecca for the arts, with a whole procession of galleries
and exhibitions, festivals, theatres and a myriad of other live
entertainment venues
Streets Ahead
Old and new blend seamlessly in the
beautifully compact, medieval city of
Norwich - allowing you to wander happily from one
delight to another. Go to the heart of the city - where
the stunning glass and steel Forum overlooks the
medieval masterpiece of St. Peter Mancroft Church
and the gaily coloured canopies of the market. Eat in
the first floor restaurant and gasp at the spectacular
city skyline. Be inspired by the vast Norman keep of
Norwich Castle, now a fantastic museum and art
gallery, and the soaring spire of the magnificent
cathedral that rivals the best in Europe.
Wend your way through the maze of historic
streets - and find everything from local Colmans
mustard to edgy fashion accessories. Be tempted
by the aromatic smell of fresh coffee, and linger at a
pavement café within the Norwich Lanes before
hitting the host of big name stores at the
contemporary Chapelfield and Castle Mall shopping
centres. This is one of Britain's top shopping
destinations. Eating out you'll find every kind of food
from Japanese sushi to seafood or vegetarian - and
there's an absolute multitude of pubs and café bars too. Norwich is also a mecca
for the arts, with a whole procession of galleries and exhibitions, festivals, theatres
and myriad of other live entertainment venues.
Things to do in Summer
Norwich is gearing up for a vibrant summer of activity, with sights and sounds to
catch the eye and lift the spirits.
Be dazzled by over 50 life-sized baby elephant sculptures painted by local artists in
a colourful, free safari throughout the streets of Norwich. Go Elephants runs from
the 23 June to 31 August. See the art of Margaret Mellis in a career spanning
almost 80 years, from early works to fabulous driftwood constructions. 'A Life in
Colour' is at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (1 July to 31 August). Sit
back and smile as three desperate housewives meet the man of their dreams
in the red hot musical 'The Witches of Eastwick' at the Norwich Theatre
Royal (23 August to 6 September).
Norwich Station
Two trains per hour (one on Sundays) from London Liverpool Street (2 hours from
Monday to Saturday/2 hours, 40 minutes on Sundays).
Further Information: www.visitnorwich.co.uk
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A Land Apart
With over 40 miles of shoreline, endless sandy
beaches, pine woods and pretty fishing
villages - North Norfolk is one of the few wild and
beautiful places left in England. Blakeney is typical of
the sea-washed settlements strung out along the
coast, with its flint-faced cottages and marshes
teeming with wildlife. Take a boat from Morston Quay
to the vast nature reserve at Blakeney Point, or go on
foot from Cley-next-the-Sea - another of the country's
top bird-watching sites. Close by is the busy little
port of Wells-next-the-Sea.
Make time to sample fresh local produce at a friendly
inn, or browse the many specialist shops and
galleries in the area - then head east for a carefree
family day in Cromer, or a spot of sunbathing on the
sandy beaches of Mundesley and Sea Palling. Go by
train to North Walsham to reach the heart of the
North Norfolk countryside, with its narrow lanes, lofty
medieval churches and magnificent stately homes.
Alternatively disembark at Hoveton to hire a boat on
the amazing Norfolk Broads, a vast protected
wetland with 125 miles of navigable waterways.
Voucher Offers
Check out the special offers, including 2 for 1 vouchers at top North Norfolk
attractions: Broads Tours and Junior Farm at Wroxham Barns.
Cromer and Sheringham Stations
One train per hour (reduced service on Sundays) from London Liverpool Street (with
easy change at Norwich) (3 hours, 10 minutes).
Further Information: www.visitnorthnorfolk.com
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All Season Fun
Great Yarmouth is a mecca of family fun for all seasons - with its array of indoor
and outdoor attractions and a sparkling programme of year-round shows and
events. Clean, sandy beaches that go on for miles and a thrilling Pleasure Beach,
ensure the resort is magnet for families with young children.
Be dazzled by over 50 life-sized baby
elephant sculptures painted by local
artists in a colourful, free safari
throughout the streets of Norwich
All Season Fun (continued)
Youngsters are always hard-pressed to choose
between a stroll among starfish and stingray at the
Sealife Centre, and the amazing world of reptiles at
Amazonia See Great Yarmouth's fantastic maritime
heritage unfold at the Time and Tide Museum, and
the brilliant Nelson Museum celebrating local hero
Lord Nelson. Magnificent tall ships can be seen at
the Maritime Festival in September. At night, the
resort comes to life with its bars, restaurants and
casinos - the illuminations are magical.
Voucher Offers
Check out the special offers, including 2 for 1
vouchers at top Great Yarmouth attractions: Great
Yarmouth Row Houses.
Great Yarmouth Station
One train per hour from London Liverpool Street (with
easy change at Norwich) (2 hours, 40 minutes).
Further Information: www.great-yarmouth.co.uk
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Space to Roam
With its wild horizons, vast sandy beaches and world famous bird reserves, no
wonder much of West Norfolk is in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Take an
overnight stay or a short break - and build sandcastles with the children at the
classic Victorian seaside resort of Hunstanton - hop on a boat to see the seals, visit the enthralling Sea Life Sanctuary and explore the Norfolk Coast Path. Leave the car behind and return on the CoastHopper bus in time for a stroll on the beach.
You'll see magnificent sunsets, as this is the only west-facing resort in the East of
England. Laze in the dunes at Old Hunstanton with a good book the following day,
or snap flint-faced fishermen's cottages in the coastal villages of Brancaster and
Burnham Overy Staithe. Pack a picnic and binoculars to spot the rare marsh
harrier over the reedbeds at Titchwell Marsh, or avocets at Snettisham Round off a
perfect day with fresh local fare at a friendly pub.
Waterfront Magic
Stretched along the meandering River Great Ouse,
King's Lynn may seem a world away from London,
yet in less than two hours you can be strolling along
its historic waterfront admiring the splendid
architecture. Explore the handsome Custom House,
or take the awe-inspiring route between two
magnificent marketplaces to discover remarkable
merchants' houses and two fine medieval guildhalls.
St. George's is the largest surviving medieval
guildhall in England.
Tread the ancient streets and courtyards with a town
guide, and uncover Lynn's glorious heritage as one
of Europe's most prosperous ports. Enter the homes
of fisher folk, recreated at True's Yard Museum, see
the 4,000 year old Sea Henge on display at Lynn
Museum, or drop into the Town House Museum or
Tales of the Old Gaol House to find out about life in
the past. Make time to appreciate the wildlife of The
Wash at Green Quay, or marvel at the skills of the
glassmakers at Caithness Crystal Just to the
north - make time to visit the house and gardens
of Royal Sandringham, the Queen's Norfolk retreat.
Voucher Offers
Check out the special offers, including 2 for 1 vouchers at top West Norfolk
attractions: Castle Acre Priory.
Getting There
One coach per day from Victoria Coach Station, London.
Further Information: www.visitwestnorfolk.com
