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Past + Present

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.

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History + Heritage Stories & Inspiration

1920 900 Norwich Cathedral aerial 1

Posted: 13th Mar 2026

Built more than 900 years ago, Norwich Cathedral dominates the skyline and is one of the top…

1920 900 Norwich Cathedral aerial 1
History + Heritage

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…

1920 600 Holkham Hall aerial Mike Page
History + Heritage

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…

1920 900 William Beechey 1753 1839 Horatio Viscount Nelson 1758 1805 2 Copy
History + Heritage

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

001 bressingham steam and gardens

Welcome to the home of Bressingham Steam & Gardens, generations of fun for everyone since 1961.

001 bressingham steam and gardens
Attractions

Bressingham Steam and Gardens

Welcome to the home of Bressingham Steam & Gardens, generations of fun for everyone since 1961.

001 norwich castle museum and art gallery

900 years of history, yours to discover

001 norwich castle museum and art gallery
Attractions

Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery

900 years of history, yours to discover

001 mannington estate gardens
Attractions

Mannington

Beautiful gardens with lake, trees and shrubs surround a medieval moated manor (not open). Feature…

001 mannington estate gardens
Attractions

Mannington

Beautiful gardens with lake, trees and shrubs surround a medieval moated manor (not open). Feature…

001 houghton hall

Palladian Mansion built for Britain's First Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.

001 houghton hall
Attractions

Houghton Hall, Walled Garden and Sculpture Park

Palladian Mansion built for Britain's First Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole.

Top History + Heritage Itineraries

Trending Items

History + Heritage Events

Start Date

End Date

Anna boleyn walk
History & Heritage

Anne Boleyn walk

Date: 19th May - 19th May 2026

Falcon 1
Boating & Sailing

Spring Trails - Secret Signals

Date: 28th Mar - 12th Apr 2026

Easter egg horsey
Easter

Easter Egg Hunt

Date: 28th Mar - 12th Apr 2026

Newstead and Re opening recreation Owen Hayward
Easter

The Easter Eggspress

Date: 28th Mar - 12th Apr 2026

Tulips at Houghton Hall Norfolk
Culture & Arts

Tulips At Houghton

Date: 11th Apr - 3rd May 2026

Can We Stop Killing Each Other exhibition series
Culture & Arts

Can We Stop Killing Each Other?' exhibition series

Date: 20th Sept 2025 - 17th May 2026

Murder On Mincarlo Murder Mystery Experience Suffolk 1
Boating & Sailing

Murder On Mincarlo - Murder Mystery Experience

Date: 3rd Apr - 30th May 2026

IMG 6903
Arts & Crafts

Spring Trail - Secret Signals!

Date: 28th Mar - 7th Jun 2026

Classic Ibiza
Culture & Arts

Classic Ibiza

Date: 1st Aug - 1st Aug 2026

History + Heritage Businesses

001 the english distillery roudham norfolk
Attractions

The English Distillery

Visit the home of the ‘World’s Best Single Malt Whisky’. This independent, family-owned distillery…

001 wells walsingham light railway resize
Attractions

Wells and Walsingham Light Railway

Narrow Gauge steam railway. Timetable service operates everyday between March and October.

Trues yard fisherfolk museum kings lynn 1
Attractions

True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum (The North End Trust)

An independent social history Museum depicting the story of the North End fisherfolk.

001 time and tide museum of great yarmouth life
Attractions

Time and Tide Museum

A captivating journey through the rich maritime heritage of this vibrant coastal town.

001 thursford collection thursford norfolk
Attractions

Thursford Collection

Thursford Collection is open during the summer as a working museum of mechanical organs, Wurlitzer…

001 the warehouse antiques and collectables
Attractions

The Warehouse Antiques & Collectables

The largest selection of antiques and collectables in East Anglia with over 100 dealers and 90…

001 the tolhouse gaol
Attractions

The Tolhouse Gaol

Discover the darker side of England’s history through crime and punishment.

001 nwt hickling broad and marshes national nature reserve
Attractions

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…

001 paul dickson tours norwich
Attractions

Paul Dickson Tours

Paul Dickson Tours runs guided walking tours in Norwich, Cromer and the Broads National Park.

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