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North Norfolk is steeped in history and heritage. With a past of prosperous landowners and rich proceeds from trade with the continent in goods like wool, many fine buildings, stately homes and churches were built in this era, and can still be explored today. With its 45 miles of coastline, north Norfolk has a rich maritime heritage which can be seen in the towns and museums. There's fascinating heritage to discover in north Norfolk.
North Norfolk's history is unique and intriguing. The wealth of landowners has left a legacy of stately homes and halls. Holkham Hall is one of the finest Palladian houses along with Houghton Hall & Gardens, the home of Britain’s first Prime Minister. The National Trust’s Blickling Hall, Anne Boleyn's birthplace and Felbrigg Hall are fascinating to explore and of course there's the Royal family's Sandringham, the much-loved country retreat and the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862.
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Holkham Hall
Visit the many historical buildings and places of interest dating back to the 11th century including the ruins of a medieval priory in Walsingham, which was a place of pilgrimage, destroyed in the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1538. Also interesting to visit is Binham Priory, a 900 year old parish church the most complete and impressive Benedictine monastic ruins in Norfolk. This priory was founded in 1091 by Peter des Valoines, a nephew of William the Conqueror.
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Walsingham Abbey
Explore more about north Norfolk's martime heritage in the many museums and monuments and walk in the footsteps of Britain's most famous naval commander, Horatio Nelson, born in Burnham Thorpe. Norfolk is also unique in that it has the largest concentration of medieval churches and 11th century round tower flint churches in the world.
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Salthouse.
As trade developed and industry flourished, so came the railways. North Norfolk has a rich heritage in this form of transport, these days mainly for visitors with its steam and light railways. The trips offer a real journey back in time, taking in the magnificent coastal and countryside views along the way. Stop off at the picturesque stations and explore the surrounding area.
Bure Valley Railway.
North Norfolk is also home to the unique Deep History Coast where earliest evidence of humans in Britain was discovered with footsteps left by the UK's first tourists nearly a million years ago. The UK’s biggest mammoth skeleton remains were found at West Runton and a 500,000 year old flint handaxe was discovered in Happisburgh.
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Discover more about this fascinating coastline steeped in millions of years worth of history. Follow the Discovery Trail and take a trip to the North Norfolk Visitor Centre to find out more.
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Discover Historic North Norfolk
Horatio Nelson was born in north Norfolk and there are many places you can visit to find out more about the country's greatest naval hero.
Number of results: 41
, currently showing 1 to 20.
Norwich
Visit the oldest working light on the Norfolk Coast and the only independently operated lighthouse in the UK.
King's Lynn
Palladian Mansion built for Britain's first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. The estate hosts world-class contemporary art exhibitions and boasts an award-winning 5-acre Walled Garden, Deer Park, Model Soldier Museum, Sculpture Park, Café & Gift…
Walsingham
Ruined Augustinian Priory, place of medieval and modern pilgrimage. Gardens, woodland, snowdrop and river walks. Visit the Shirehall Museum and discover the story of Walsingham since 1061 and Walsingham Bridewell, a Georgian prison.
Wells-next- the-Sea
Explore acres of parkland with a stunning stately home, tranquil Walled Garden and fascinating Holkham Stories Experience. With cycle hire, ropes course, delicious food and drink, tempting shopping and a multitude of amazing events. Revel in the…
Walsingham
The Shrine is an Anglican place of pilgrimage rebuilt in the 1930's following destruction during the Reformation. Within Church is the Holy House, a model of Mary's home in Nazareth.
Aylsham
Discover a complete Norfolk estate with something for everyone. With a breath-taking red brick mansion, magnificent gardens and historic parkland, one day is never enough.
Norwich
Felbrigg Hall is beautiful country home full of hidden delights. It has a fabulous Walled Gardens and endless acres of parkland to explore and enjoy.
Binham, Fakenham
Binham Priory was founded in 1091 and was home to a Benedictine community of monks for over 400 years. The nave of the priory church, with its striking 13th-century west front, remains in use as the local parish church. Open daily.
Cromer
An iconic landmark on the North Norfolk coast. Home to the celebrated only full season end of pier show in the world and over fifty of the finest touring shows in the UK, Tides Restaurant, Pavilion Bar, Gift Shop and Box Office.
Fakenham
Remains of an abbey church dating from 13th century, including presbytery and north transept with chapels.
Fakenham
At Barsham Brewery we’ve been brewing craft beers and ales on our West Barsham Estate in North Norfolk since 2012.
Nr Great Yarmouth
Fully restored and once again standing proud over the Broadland landscape, Horsey Windpump is complete with new cap and turning patent sails. Explore this historic mill and discover it’s fascinating story.
Baconsthorpe
Visit the extensive ruins of Baconsthorpe Castle, a moated and fortified 15th century manor house, that are a testament to the rise and fall of a prominent Norfolk family, the Heydons.
Sheringham
Heritage Centre demonstrating the history of the lifeboats provided by the Upcher family of Sheringham Hall for the use of the fishermen.
King's Lynn
The remains of a Norman manor house which became a castle with earthworks, set by the side of a village.
Norwich
Come and explore - there is something for everyone to enjoy!
Ludham
St Benet's Abbey lies deep in the Broads National Park, close to the meeting place of the rivers Bure and Ant.
Holt
Norfolk's only working water powered flour mill producing flour from locally grown grains. The mill is open all year, Mon to Sat. Working demonstrations take place Tue to Fri. The mill has a shop selling flour & other baking essentials.
Blakeney
A 15th century Guildhall thought to have been a merchant's house made of flint and stone construction, with an impressive undercroft structure.
Brancaster Staithe
Brancaster Brewery is a 5 barrel brewery producing small batches of high quality real ale using top quality local ingredients. You can buy a pint of our ale at The Jolly Sailors or take a box of bottles home with you.
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