The Most Under-Rated Corners to Explore in Norfolk

30 October 2022

You might not think it while wandering through one of the quieter corners of Norfolk, but this county was, prior to the Industrial Revolution, an economic and political hub of English society. However, the fervor of power has long since moved south, making those serene, ramble-friendly Norfolk nooks increasingly harder to find.

We’ve learned that Noel Coward’s remark about the region being quite flat is somewhat misleading. The winding, reed-filled waterways of the Broads and the caramel sands of Cromer inspire more vivid imagery. As the attractions of a weekend in Norfolk become as popular as those in Cornwall or the Cotswolds, it raises the question: where can you go to escape the crowds and the devoted fans of Alan Partridge? Read on to discover five tranquil places to visit in Norfolk.

Cley next the Sea

Don’t let the name fool you; Cley (pronounced ‘Cly’) hasn’t been ‘next the sea’ for centuries due to silting creating a large salt marsh. Today, copses, woods, and meadows surround a marshy inlet that gently flows down to what was once a bustling grain and wool port.

The handsome red-brick custom house stands as the sole reminder of trading days gone by, with a scattering of Georgian townhouses and charming flint-roofed cottages dotted around. Although nothing in the centre of the village predates 1612, the year a fire destroyed every building, Cley Marshes offer one of the oldest nature reserves in the country, home to rare bird species such as little egrets and Cetti’s warblers.

Titchwell Marsh

Solitude is readily found at Titchwell Marsh, especially if you walk to enjoy the view of the remains of the SS Vina, a cargo ship that met its fate in a gale in 1944. Once a site of gunfire during WWII, the sounds of aircraft have been replaced by the harmonious calls of diverse birdlife amidst the reed beds and lagoons.

Burnham Market

Traditionally, many visitors would quicken their pace to Horatio Nelson’s birthplace village of Burnham Thorpe, but more recently, they have meandered into nearby Burnham Market. This genteel Georgian village boasts manicured greens and delightful bakeries.

Little Walsingham

Little Walsingham, long overshadowed by its history, particularly that linked to Henry VIII, now features an array of different shrines from various Christian denominations. Notably, the Santa Casa replica was rebuilt after Henry’s order to dismantle it in the 16th century.