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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 Thorpe Abbotts jacket Friendly Invasion

Posted: 23rd Jun 2026

Norfolk played a central part in World War II, when it became host to the B24 Liberators and B17…

1920 900 Thorpe Abbotts jacket Friendly Invasion
The Friendly Invasion

What was The Friendly Invasion in Norfolk?

Posted: 23rd Jun 2026

Norfolk played a central part in World War II, when it became host to the B24 Liberators and B17…

1920 900 Burgh Castle Breydon Water Roman fort 1
History + Heritage

Where to find Boudicca and Romans in Norfolk

Posted: 4th May 2026

Find Roman history including the largest remaining Roman site in the British Isles and discover…

1920 900 Cromer aerial Mike Page 2
Arts + Culture

100 things to do on the Norfolk coast

Posted: 1st May 2026

You’re coming to the Norfolk coast and you haven’t done your research yet. Don’t despair. Let the…

Top History + Heritage Attractions

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 sainsbury centre for visual arts
Attractions

Sainsbury Centre

The Sainsbury Centre is a world-class art museum with a unique perspective on how art can foster…

001 sainsbury centre for visual arts
Attractions

Sainsbury Centre

The Sainsbury Centre is a world-class art museum with a unique perspective on how art can foster…

001 thursford collection thursford norfolk

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

001 thursford collection thursford norfolk
Attractions

Thursford Collection

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

002 bure valley railway

Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge steam railway runs between the old market town of Aylsham and the…

002 bure valley railway
Attractions

Bure Valley Railway

Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge steam railway runs between the old market town of Aylsham and the…

Top History + Heritage Itineraries

Trending Items

History + Heritage Events

Start Date

End Date

Dads Army Water Drill L Caudwell
Comedy

Classic Comedy Weekend

Date: 2nd May - 4th May 2026

WW1 Home Ed
History & Heritage

First World War - Home Education Workshop

Date: 11th Nov - 11th Nov 2026

Libby Heaney with work Ent 2022 Photo Andrea Rossetti
Art Exhibition

Life in the Multiverse: Libby Heaney

Date: 16th May - 4th Oct 2026

Tree of Life Seyi Adelekun Ethel Aanyu
Art Exhibition

Tree of Life

Date: 20th Jun 2026 - 30th May 2027

Viator cover norwich
Dog Friendly

Norwich Interactive Treasure Hunt & Exploration Game

Date: 2nd Jun 2026 - 30th Jun 2028

THIS
Arts & Crafts

"Stitch Your Story" Textile Workshops

Date: 2nd Jul - 2nd Jul 2026

Thursford Gala Day
Family

Thursford Gala Day 2026

Date: 5th Jul - 5th Jul 2026

THIS
Arts & Crafts

"Stitch Your Story" Textile Workshops

Date: 9th Jul - 9th Jul 2026

History + Heritage Businesses

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 the dales country house hotel sheringham
Accommodation

The Dales Country House Hotel

Probable late Victorian and built as local rectory, subsequently was commandeered as a military…

001 the ironmongers aylsham
Accommodation

The Ironmongers

Luxury grade 2 listed boutique accomodation

001 maids head norwich
Food & Drink

The Maids Head Hotel

The award winning Maids Head Hotel is known to be the oldest hotel in the UK, with a history back…

002 bure valley railway
Attractions

Bure Valley Railway

Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge steam railway runs between the old market town of Aylsham and the…

001 the victoria inn holkham
Food & Drink

The Victoria

The Victoria is ideally situated just a few minutes walk from the beautiful Holkham Beach and at…

001 woodfordes brewery tours woodbastwick norfolk
Attractions

Woodforde's Brewery Tours

Discover how we brew your favourite beers, with a Woodforde's Brewery Tour.

001 wherry yacht charter
Attractions

Wherry Yacht Charter

Sit back and enjoy the tranquillity of sailing on a historical wherry yacht. Join one of the many…

001 strangers hall museum
Attractions

Strangers Hall Museum

A hidden gem in the heart of Norwich - one of the city’s oldest and most exquisite buildings.

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