Norfolk is one of the jewels of the British landscape, with a breath-taking coastline, rich landscapes and stunning countryside all nestled within 2,000 square miles of mostly rural splendour. Whether you’re looking for somewhere to live, thinking of relocating for a job opportunity or you’re simply searching for that perfect holiday, Norfolk has something for everyone.
Here are a few of our favourite facts about Norfolk to whet your appetite for this gorgeous county.
1. It’s a Huge County
Norfolk might not be the largest county in England (that distinction belongs to North Yorkshire), but it’s the fifth largest covering 2,080 sq. miles. At the same time, though, it’s only the 25th most populated county with around 900,000 residents. So, that means there’s plenty of space to spread out – plus there’s plenty to see too.
2. Norfolk has Royal Connections
The Queen is a regular visitor to Norfolk as it’s the home of Sandringham, her country retreat. It’s been welcoming royalty since it was built in 1870 by the then Prince and Princess of Wales, and it’s where Queen Elizabeth II spends her Christmases. Best of all, it’s open to the public from April to October every year, allowing you to walk in the footsteps of royalty.
3. Mammoth Remains
Back in 1990, West Runton residents discovered a pelvic bone in the cliffs exposed after a December storm. It was confirmed to be a bone of a large mammoth and 85% of a mammoth skeleton was later recovered by excavators. It’s the most complete skeleton of its species to be unearthed and is estimated to have weighed around 10 tonnes. You’ll find bones on display at several museums across Norfolk – they’re too big and heavy to be on display in one place.
4. Peerless Entertainment
Cromer on the Norfolk coast is home to the last end-of-pier theatre offering a full summer season, just like piers used to do. While Cromer Pier has suffered its fair share of weather-related incidents (a rig crashed into it in 1993 and cut off the theatre from the pier), but it’s still active and a rite of passage for anyone looking for things to do in Norfolk.
5. A Broad Accident
One of our favourite facts about Norfolk is that one of the things the county is primarily known for was actually one huge manmade accident! For generations, it was believed that the Norfolk Broads were natural features of the county’s landscape until it was discovered in the 1960s that they were flooded medieval peat excavations. During the Middle Ages, peat was extracted from the landscape and when sea levels rose, that water then flooded the peatlands.
Today, the Norfolk Broads are a stunning component of the scenery, and they rank highly when you’re looking for things to do in Norfolk. For instance, taking a boat out through the rivers and lakes is worth your time, with artists of all shapes finding the environment inspiring.
6. Great Barrier Reef of Norfolk
Unbeknownst to many who visit the Norfolk coastline, there’s a chalk bed underneath the sea that’s just teeming with marine life and you’ll find creatures like squat lobsters, small-spotted catsharks and blue mussels. You’ll even find basking sharks popping by if the weather’s right. While this is a brilliant and unique environment for underwater creatures, you’ll likely only see it if you want to be a little adventurous and go scuba diving. If you’re looking for things to do in Norfolk that are a little out of the ordinary, though, this definitely fits the bill!
7. There’s a Seal Colony
Following on from the amazing life underwater, you might also be interested in England’s largest colony of Grey Seals found at Blakeney Point. Taking a boat trip out to see the seals is a rite of passage for many holidaymakers, and the seals seem to bask in the attention. If you fancy paying them a visit, there are various ferry companies operating out of Morston Quay that will help you get up close to the seals for some excellent memories.
8. Round Tower Churches are Big in Norfolk
One of those facts about Norfolk that passes many people by is that Norfolk has more than three times the number of round tower churches than any other county. These church towers are round (as you’d expect) but they’re comparatively rare in the UK, and so they’re brilliant to visit while you’re in the area and looking for something a little different. While there are 124 of these churches in Norfolk, the county with the second largest number is Suffolk where there are 38. If you’re a fan of architecture and you’re looking for inspiring things to do in Norfolk, don’t miss out on the round tower churches!
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