Finding the best holiday cottages in Norfolk

There are two distinct sides to Norfolk. One shaped by the sea, with over 90 miles of amazing coastline to discover, and another where life is a lot more rustic. Think market towns and rolling fields; cottages with roaring open fires, walking distance from the nearest pub.

Whether your cottage holiday in Norfolk takes you to the coast or the country, what makes this county so special is the ability to enjoy both with ease.

If you’re eager to experience Norfolk’s famous seaside resorts, classic Great Yarmouth is always a good bet. Over the summer it can get a little busy, so consider staying in a cottage further inland for something a bit calmer. The same goes for the always popular Winterton-on-Sea and Cromer (the latter has some of the best crab in England): cheaper, quieter cottages can be found away from the town centres.

Further west, highlights include Hunstanton, Wells-next-the-Sea and the north Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Alternatively, if you’re after a holiday somewhere in the sticks, Norfolk’s quiet, sparsely populated interior is the place to escape.

There are also plenty of holiday cottages close to Norwich, which, of course, offers top shopping, top food and top cultural experiences. Think Wymondham, Morton on the Hill and Cawston.

North west of Norwich, there’s King’s Lynn near the River Great Ouse, while south west of the county Thetford beckons. Its lush forest is perfect for a day out. Elsewhere, you’ve got quaint market towns such as Aylsham, Fakenham and Swaffham, as well as villages like Castle Acre, Old Buckenham, Upwell and Outwell.