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History and heritage
Norfolk’s history is written into its streets, skylines and landscapes, from medieval market towns and grand estates to coastal heritage and stories shaped by the sea. Explore castles, churches and old trading places, then zoom in on the details, from historic lanes to museums that bring local life into focus. There’s also powerful 20th-century history across the county, with sites and memorials that connect Norfolk to wider national and international stories. Whether you’re after a single landmark or a full day of exploring, Norfolk makes it easy to step into the past without feeling stuck there.
History + Heritage Stories & Inspiration
What are Norwich Cathedral's top sights
Posted: 13th Mar 2026
Built more than 900 years ago, Norwich Cathedral dominates the skyline and is one of the top… Built more than 900 years ago, Norwich Cathedral dominates the skyline and is one of the top…
What are Norwich Cathedral's top sights
Posted: 13th Mar 2026
Built more than 900 years ago, Norwich Cathedral dominates the skyline and is one of the top…
What are Norfolk's top historic houses
Posted: 12th Mar 2026
Norfolk’s history of wealthy landowners means a legacy of magnificent stately homes that are open…
Where to find Nelson in Norfolk
Posted: 12th Mar 2026
‘I am myself a Norfolk man and glory in being so,’ said Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson of his native…
Top History + Heritage Attractions
Thursford Collection
Thursford Collection is open during the summer as a working museum of mechanical organs, Wurlitzer… Thursford Collection is open during the summer as a working museum of mechanical organs,…
Thursford Collection
Thursford Collection is open during the summer as a working museum of mechanical organs, Wurlitzer…
The English Distillery
Visit the home of the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’. This independent, family-owned distillery… Visit the home of the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’. This independent, family-owned…
The English Distillery
Visit the home of the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’. This independent, family-owned distillery…
Houghton Hall, Walled Garden and Sculpture Park
Palladian Mansion built for Britain's First Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Palladian Mansion built for Britain's First Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.
Houghton Hall, Walled Garden and Sculpture Park
Palladian Mansion built for Britain's First Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.
Wells and Walsingham Light Railway
Narrow Gauge steam railway. Timetable service operates everyday between March and October. Narrow Gauge steam railway. Timetable service operates everyday between March and October.
Wells and Walsingham Light Railway
Narrow Gauge steam railway. Timetable service operates everyday between March and October.
Top History + Heritage Itineraries
Trending Items
Where to find Nelson in Norfolk
‘I am myself a Norfolk man and glory in being so,’ said Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson of his native… ‘I am myself a Norfolk man and glory in being so,’ said Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson of his…
Where to find Nelson in Norfolk
‘I am myself a Norfolk man and glory in being so,’ said Admiral Lord Horatio Nelson of his native…
Sea Marge Hotel
Perched on the cliff tops of the beautiful North Norfolk coast, you will find an elegant Edwardian… Perched on the cliff tops of the beautiful North Norfolk coast, you will find an elegant…
Sea Marge Hotel
Perched on the cliff tops of the beautiful North Norfolk coast, you will find an elegant Edwardian…
The Dales Country House Hotel
Probable late Victorian and built as local rectory, subsequently was commandeered as a military… Probable late Victorian and built as local rectory, subsequently was commandeered as a…
The Dales Country House Hotel
Probable late Victorian and built as local rectory, subsequently was commandeered as a military…
The Maids Head Hotel
The award winning Maids Head Hotel is known to be the oldest hotel in the UK, dating back over 800… The award winning Maids Head Hotel is known to be the oldest hotel in the UK, dating back over…
The Maids Head Hotel
The award winning Maids Head Hotel is known to be the oldest hotel in the UK, dating back over 800…
History + Heritage Events
Start Date
End Date
Can We Stop Killing Each Other?' exhibition series
Date: 20th Sept 2025 - 17th May 2026
History + Heritage Businesses
The English Distillery
Visit the home of the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’. This independent, family-owned distillery…
Wells and Walsingham Light Railway
Narrow Gauge steam railway. Timetable service operates everyday between March and October.
True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum (The North End Trust)
An independent social history Museum depicting the story of the North End fisherfolk.
Time and Tide Museum
A captivating journey through the rich maritime heritage of this vibrant coastal town.
Thursford Collection
Thursford Collection is open during the summer as a working museum of mechanical organs, Wurlitzer…
The Warehouse Antiques & Collectables
The largest selection of antiques and collectables in East Anglia with over 100 dealers and 90…
The Tolhouse Gaol
Discover the darker side of England’s history through crime and punishment.
NWT Hickling Broad and Marshes National Nature Reserve
The largest of the Norfolk Broads, NWT Hickling Broad is a year-round haven for many of the UK's…
Paul Dickson Tours
Paul Dickson Tours runs guided walking tours in Norwich, Cromer and the Broads National Park.
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