F

rom Norwich, the most complete medieval city in Britain, to the many rivers gurgling with wildlife, a trip to Norfolk provides plenty of contrasts. The rich rolling countryside, miles of beaches, pretty villages and traditional market towns deliver the ideal means to slow down, look around and really enjoy the world.

History and Heritage
Who said history can’t be hands on? Exploring Norfolk’s rich history and heritage is all about getting personally involved in the region’s great stories from the past. Climb down into a Neolithic flint mine at Grimes Graves , wander amongst windmills and wartime control towers, or check out the loads of historic churches and museums.

Arts and Culture
Banish all thoughts Alan Partridge. Norfolk’s arts and culture scene is vibrant, with the Norfolk and Norwich Festival featuring world-class music and performing arts. Forget the Cannes Palme d’Or. This is the Norfolk Renaissance. Elsewhere, Norfolk’s scenery has also been the backdrop for some great TV shows and films, with such varied classics as Dad’s Army and Shakespeare in Love being filmed on location in the windswept county.

Must See Attractions
When no less an authority than the Queen chooses the Sandringham Estate for their Christmas retreat, you know you’ve got a pretty good seal of approval. The Norwich Cathedral , with its 1,200 carved stone roof bosses, is majestic and especially good for those strong of neck. Steeped in history, Holkham Hall has the perfect location, surrounded by acres of rolling parkland rich in wildlife and the nearby north Norfolk coast with its stunning beach. For fauna, visit the Cley Marshes of Titchwell , while for flora lovers the Priory Maze and Garden is the place to get lost in a fog of rare and exotic plants.

Food and Drink
With luscious land and overflowing oceans on standby, Norfolk is a fabulous destination for foodies. Blow your mind and tastebuds on Norwich’s famed mustard , or wash down a local turkey sandwich with homemade beer from the county’s many microbreweries. And a visit to the seaside town of Cromer is a must, with its fresh crabs famous as the best in the land.

Shopping
In a sea of conformity, Norfolk’s shops have managed to retain a strong identity. You can browse art galleries, designer boutiques, antique and curiosity shops, or talk to local craftsmen and artists in their own workshops. For all these in one, hit Burnham Market , Georgian Holt or Wroxham Barns .

Family Fun
Ever met a crocklebog? At the intriguing BeWILDerwood , you can. Great Yarmouth offers seaside fun, from gravity-defying rides to a fantastic indoor circus. And grown-ups will still get a kick out of various exotic animal collections, dinosaur displays and a boat trip around Blakeney Point for some seal watching. 

Sports
All the active food groups are represented, from the sedentary to the frankly terrifying. Amble on the ancient Peddars Way , from The Brecks to the coast. Or hire a mountain bike and hit the purpose built trails of Thetford Forest Park . For the aqua adventurer, there is sailing and surfing, while canoeing along the waterways of The Broads provides the thrills without the spills.

Key Events
Celebrate local produce at the Norfolk Food Festival, or set sail for the Great Yarmouth Maritime Festival , walking aboard traditional tall ships. And for the festive season, the Thursford Collection is famous for its Christmas Spectaculars.

Famous Locals
Queen of the Iceni tribe, the brave Boudicca led a famous uprising against the Romans in AD60. Or enjoy attempt to emulate Lord Nelson’s one-eyed view of the world by enjoying a pint or three in his former local.