_FAQs about Norfolk

We get lots of email queries to info@visitnorfolk.co.uk from around the country, and indeed from abroad as well. They range from ‘what’s the number of the Norwich-Great Yarmouth bus?’ (901 via Acle) to ‘what’s the best way to see the seals in Norfolk?’ (by boat from Morston Quay with Bean Brothers).

So we’ve compiled a list of the top questions we get asked…

Can you take dogs on Norfolk beaches?

Yes! We’ve got 90 miles of coast, much of which is beautiful, unspoilt beach and dogs are very welcome on most of them. Just check where you can take and can’t take them before you hit the sand. For instance, in Great Yarmouth the main beach is restricted, but from the Britannia Pier north it’s doggie delight. Likewise popular beaches at Wells-next-the-Sea, Gorleston-on-Sea and Cromer. At Holkham, dogs must be on leads as you go through the boardwalks and pine forest because of nesting birds.

Are there dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk

Is Norfolk really flat?

No. We blame Noel Coward who wrote it is in his play Private Lives. In fact, Norfolk has gently undulating countryside, with soaring cliffs at Sheringham where the Cromer Ridge rises to the highest point in the East of England with a sea view. Interestingly, we produce the best barley in the country because it’s grown in salty sea frets and… at height!

The northern coast of Norfolk is particularly susceptible to these chilly mists, rolling in from the North Sea. They are caused by warm air passing over the cold sea between April and September. It is restricted to the coastal strip meaning inland it can be warm and sunny. Norfolk’s sea frets are responsible for the favourable growing conditions for cereals such as malting barley for beer.

How do you pronounce Happisburgh?

It’s not Happys-berg, put it that way. Norfolk has lots of village and town names that can throw a visitor such as Costessey and Wymondham. Take a look at our blog here and all will be explained.

Oh, and it’s Haze-bru.

How do you pronounce Norfolk place names

How do Norfolk people speak

Is it true the Broads are man-made?

Yes! The big lakes are actually inundated medieval peat diggings from the days when all the trees were felled to create pastureland to rear sheep for the lucrative wool trade. Unfortunately that meant no firewood to keep warm in the Winter. The answer? Dig up peat as turves (bricks), dry them and… hey presto! By the by, did you know the word field comes from the felling of trees (feld in German).

How were the Broads made

Is Norwich the only city in Norfolk?

It is but when it’s as good as the City of Stories you don’t need any more. The best-preserved medieval city in the country, Norwich has a fabulous Norman Cathedral and Castle as well as cobbled streets, riverside walks, and Europe’s largest permanent covered market with its flint Guildhall.

Visit the new Norwich Castle Keep

What are Norwich Cathedral's top sights

Why is Yarmouth called Great?

Obvious… it’s the greatest traditional seaside resort on the East Coast! Or is it to differentiate it from Yarmouth on the Isle of Wight? Actually, the town was named Magna (Great) in 1272 to distinguish it from Little Yarmouth across the River Yare, a community now known as Southtown. Interestingly, if you go back to Roman times when they had a huge fort at Burgh Castle (the biggest remaining Roman building in the country), Great Yarmouth didn’t exist… it was only over the next few centuries that longshore drift created a sandbank over the Breydon Water Estuary that became our famous seaside town.

Is it true that the village of Little Snoring used to have a newsagent called Mr Gotobed?

It sounds like something from BBC Radio 4’s Unbelievable Truth, but yes, it is true. What are the chances of that? It’s a sleepy village where drivers are asked to maintain the speed limit but there are no calls yet for Sleeping Policemen.

Is it easy to get to Norfolk?

Since the last section of the A11 at Elveden was fully dualled a decade ago, you’ve got two- and three-lane carriageways from anywhere in the country all the way to Norwich. After that, reset your mind and learn to relax on our lovely country B-roads and lanes. Is Norwich close to London?

Norwich is 115 miles from central London. It’s easy to get between the two along the A12 or up the M11 and then across to the A11. There are also regular Inter City trains between the two with Greater Anglia. Trains to Norwich leave from London Liverpool Street.

Is Norfolk an island?

It’s not, but it’s not far off. The River Little Ouse starts just behind Thetford and leaves the county for open sea at King's Lynn and The Wash. The source of the River Waveney, which reaches the sea at Great Yarmouth, is just a few miles from that of the River Little Ouse. So there’s only about four miles in it.