10 reasons to book an Autumn break in Norfolk

The unique landscapes of Norfolk, from the coast to the Brecks, provide the perfect environments for growing, rearing, producing and harvesting some of the best food and drink in the British Isles.

Why visit Norfolk in the Autumn? Take a look at some of the best activities to enjoy in Norfolk in Autumn…

The North Norfolk Food Festival

On the weekend of September 5-6 savour local flavours at this festival in the grand surroundings of Holkham Hall’s Walled Garden. As well as a showcase for artisan producers, the event includes a cookery theatre and stands selling everything from beer to bread and chocolate. Hire a bike to explore the Holkham Estate and don’t miss the opportunity to visit the beach, regularly voted one of the best in the country.

Where to stay: Stay in nearby Wells-next-the-Sea at The Globe or The Crown or check out Gabriel Cottage. There’s B&B and glamping at Whitehall Farm in Burnham Thorpe and in Burnham Market try The Hoste Arms or No.Twenty9.

Discover Norfolk’s Beer

Take a tour of Woodforde’s Brewery in the Broads National Park, learn about the brewing process from grain to glass and see first-hand how the superb range of beers are made, followed by a tasting experience of various beer styles.

Don’t miss out on a meal at the brewery tap next door, the picturesque, thatched Fur & Feather. If the weather’s nice, nab a table outside by the pond.

Where to stay: You’re in the Broads National Park, so how about a relaxing few days in a boat with Barnes Brinkcraft. Or enjoy Hall Farm Cottages, snuggled in quiet countryside with a range of holiday cottages.

Seafood and bird safari on the Norfolk coast

Enjoy a long weekend on the stunning coast of north-west Norfolk that takes in superb birdwatching as well as some of the finest shellfish and seafood in the British Isles on local pub and restaurant menus. It’s the unique mix of sandy beach and tidal estuaries and saltmarsh that make this area so special.

RSPB Titchwell has a guided safari on September 3, but don’t worry if you’re not around for that date, the birdwatching is superb year-round. Step out on the Norfolk Coast Path and you’ll get to explore the nooks and crannies.

On the coast road you’ll find lots of shacks and outlets selling shellfish and seafood.

Where to stay: Mussels and oysters are harvested from the estuaries here and you’ll find them and other seafood on the menus at The White Horse in Brancaster, overlooking the marshes, The Chequers at Thornham, Titchwell Manor and Briarfields.

Be a distiller for a day

Make your own gin with Gyre & Gimble in the lovely Victorian Arcade in historic Norwich. Hosted by a master distiller, you’ll be guided through choosing your own botanicals from a selection of thirty, learn to dilute your spirt and then finally distil and label your unique bottle.

Helpfully, Norwich is a perfect walking city – discover historic cobbled streets, Europe’s largest permanent covered market, riverside trails and the magnificent Norman cathedral and its precinct. Take lunch at community favourite Yalm.

Take a tour with Paul Dickson and don't miss Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral.

Where to stay: In the city centre, The Georgian Townhouse has a youthful vibe with huge garden, The Assembly House could easily feature in Bridgerton and The Maids Head is across the road from the cathedral.

Taste the World’s Best Whisky

Find out how the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky' is made at The English Distillery in the Brecks, an independent, family-owned distillery that is the oldest registered whisky distillery in England. Take a guided tour of the magnificent distilling floor and barrel warehouse and have a tasting.

Combine this with a walk on the unique Pingo Trail, visit Neolithic flint mines at Grimes Graves, discover wildlife in Thetford Forest or hit the heights at Go Ape.

Where to stay: Lovely places to stay in the Brecks countryside are College Farm, Briars Hut, Thorpe Forest Cabins, Guinness Arms and Elveden Inn.

Step back in time with steam

From September 18-20 the North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham and Holt host a 1940s weekend that includes authentic 1940s re-enactments and period displays, live music and dancing, classic car and military vehicle displays and special steam train rides. You’ll believe you’ve stepped back in time.

While you’re here, climb up Beeston Bump, take a walk on the Victorian pier at Cromer with the world’s last end-of-pier theatre and don’t miss the chance to taste the eponymous Cromer crab, so tasty because it feeds on the world’s longest chalk reef just offshore.

Where to stay: The Grove Hotel and Glamping, Cliftonville and Virginia Court in Cromer, The Two Lifeboats and The Dales Country Hotel in Sheringham, and The Links Hotel in Beeston.

Water Spookacular at the Gt Yarmouth Hippodrome

Plan a break by the traditional English seaside with all the retro fun of a 1903 wooden rollercoaster, rides and attractions, Kiss Me Quick hats and saucy postcards. Get a bag of fresh donuts and take a walk along the Golden Mile. The big event? Book tickets for the Halloween Spooktacular at The Hippodrome, the UK’s last complete circus building and one of only three in the world with a circus floor that sinks into a pool.

Where to stay: Go all in on the seaside resort vibe with a stay at Vauxhall Holiday Park or head for The Boathouse at Rollesby.

Get stuck in a rut at Holkham

From October 23 to November 1, Holkham Hall and Estate hosts its Deer and Wildlife Safari. It’s the most exciting time of the year to hop on a tractor-trailer to visit the park’s resident fallow deer herd and see the males rutting to see who’s the boss. Sit tight while the knowledgeable guides provide you with fascinating insights and facts.

While you’re here visit charming Burnham Market with its chic independent shops and walk through the pine forest to Wells-next-the-Sea beach for the iconic row of 200 multi-coloured beach huts. Hire one for the day from Pinewoods for that retro English seaside experience.

Where to stay: At Holkham try The Victoria, with produce sourced from the estate. Stay in nearby Wells-next-the-Sea at The Globe or The Crown, or check out Gabriel Cottage. There’s B&B and glamping at Whitehall Farm in Burnham Thorpe and in Burnham Market check out The Hoste Arms and No.Twenty9.

Dynamic beasts at Houghton Hall

Ending on October 4, Lynn Chadwick at Houghton Hall is an opportunity to see a major exhibition of sculpture by the celebrated post-war British artist. This new showcase of 30 previously unseen and rarely exhibited works alongside his best-known sculptures are displayed across the house and grounds of Houghton Hall, including dynamic beasts, kinetic sculptures, and a selection of Chadwick’s best-known paired figures (‘couples’).

While you’re in the area, Sandringham House has behind-the-scenes tours of the Royal dacha on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and dip your toe into historic King’s Lynn.

Where to stay: Stay at Congham Hall, Knight’s Hill, or on the Houghton Estate, there’s Houghton West Lodge and Washmeres Cottage.

Take a boat trip to see the seals

One of the best wildlife experiences in the East of England is to take a boat from Morston Quay to see the seal reserve at Blakeney Point. It’s the largest seal colony in England. With Beans Boats or Bishops Boats, you’ll get a tour to remember with expert information about the seals and their lives on the sandspit.

While you’re here explore Wells-next-the-Sea and its 200 multi-coloured beach huts and Holkham Hall and Estate.

Where to stay: In Blakeney try The Blakeney Hotel or Blakeney House. In Cley-next-the-sea you’ll find Cley Windmill and Maison Du Quai.