History & Heritage in North Norfolk

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.