Norfolk
Get More for Less: Best 11 Free Places to Visit in Norfolk!
Get More for Less: Best 11 Free Places to Visit in Norfolk!
Have you ever thought about visiting Norfolk and discovering all of the amazing free activities it has to offer? From tantalising local food tours and educational museum visits to exploring nature in tranquil outdoor parks—there’s something for everyone! Norfolk is an ideal destination for those seeking a memorable holiday without breaking their budget. With countless thrilling experiences that won't cost a dime, this East Anglia region offers loads of fun activities to enjoy.
In this blog post we:
- List the best places to visit for no charge at all
- Show all places on an interactive map to help you locate each place easily.
Norfolk has many options for things to do for free on your visit. You could learn about the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history at the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, see the stunning architecture of the Norwich Cathedral, or take in the beauty of the Norfolk Coastal Path. Click on each name to be taken straight to the blog post for that place.
Updated and correct as of 27/01/24.
Quick Heading Links
Museums and Galleries
Dads Army Museum by Jack1956 under license CC0 1.0
Dads Army Museum
Relive the days of World War II with a visit to Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford (Walmington-on-Sea). See where this beloved British sitcom was filmed, and explore unique exhibits dedicated to its classic characters - from Captain George Mainwaring to Sergeant Wilson. You can even get a close-up look at authentic memorabilia! Pay homage to one of Britain's most enduring comedy programs at this must-visit museum for fans everywhere.
Cromer Lifeboat Station
With over 200 years of heroic service and 56 awards for courage, Cromer Lifeboat Station is one of the most renowned RNLI stations in existence. Visitors can admire its majestic Tamar and D-class lifeboats up close from their viewing gallery – all while paying tribute to Coxswain Henry Blogg. Though admission to this live-saving station is free, donations are warmly welcomed!
RNLI Henry Blogg Museum
The Henry Blogg Museum celebrates the legacy of local hero, Coxswain Henry Blogg. He is not only remembered as Cromer’s lifeboatman and National Hero but also holds a place in RNLI history as its most decorated person to date with three Gold Medals and four Silver Medals for his part in 387 rescues which saved 873 lives from North Sea danger. Displaying memorabilia related to him, this museum offers groups an opportunity to explore stories of bravery through its many educational activities.
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts by Walking Tractor under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Sainsbury Centre For Visual Arts
Explore the wonders of humanity at the Sainsbury Centre For Visual Arts - an international art museum located on the campus of the University of East Anglia. Home to world-class contemporary, anthropological, and archaeological collections plus a 350-acre outdoor Sculpture Park, this building stands as one of Norman Foster & Wendy Cheesman's first major public constructions back in 1978. Get ready for over 5,000 years worth of culture and creativity at the art centre that's perfect to spend an afternoon at!
The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum
At the 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum, visitors are invited to take a moment of reflection and honour those who served with valour in pursuit of peace during World War Two. This moving museum showcases photographs that have been hidden from public view for over 75 years—snapshots into the lives of brave airmen known as 'The Bloody Hundredth' due the high number of casualties suffered throughout the war. The extraordinary collection serves both an educational purpose as well as a reminder that freedom is not free.
History and Culture
Norwich Cathedral, Norfolk - The West Front by Jack Pease under license CC BY 4.0
Norwich Cathedral
Norwich Cathedral has been a beacon of history for over nine centuries, enchanting visitors with its majestic spire and timeless architecture. A pilgrimage to this sacred space reveals an awe-inspiring fusion of the old and new — from the Cloister's captivating beauty to the abundant collection of medieval roof bosses - there’s something special around every ancient corner! So visit today whether you're a first-timer or an eager explorer ready to uncover more secrets wrapped within these age-old walls.
Castle Acre Castle
Castle Acre is a curated time capsule of history, with its Norman castle ruins surviving for hundreds of years. The entire settlement was constructed by the great baronial family Warennes, during the 11th and 12th centuries following William de Warenne's loyalty to William I after the Battle of Hastings. As one might expect from such durable architecture, it stands today as one of England's most historic sites - a motte-and-bailey fortress offering incredible insight into our nation's past.
Walks and Nature Trails
Norfolk Coast Path towards Happisburgh by Mat Fascione under license CC BY-SA 4.0
Norfolk Coast Path
Enjoy a spectacular 83-mile coastal hike along the Norfolk Coast Path. Experience stunning views of dunes, shorelines, cliffs, and villages as you make your way from Hunstanton in west Norfolk to Sea Palling on the northeast coast. Along this captivating walk lies an array of diverse habitats within The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty - including rich maritime grasslands, salt marshes, and reedbeds! This well-signposted trail originally ended at Cromer but with its extension to Sea Palling, there is now even more unique landscape for exploration.
Holkham Bay
Holkham Beach is a stunning stretch of coastline located on the North Norfolk Coast. At low tide, take in breathtaking panoramic views as you wander through an untouched landscape dotted with only sand, sea, and sky. When temperatures soar, find respite from the balmy heat beneath the natural canopy provided by pinewoods that border this coastal paradise. Serving not just as a holiday hot spot for visitors but also wildlife habitat – it's home to large flocks of winter birds along with breeding grounds for Little Terns, Ringed Plovers & Oystercatchers!
Gorleston-on-Sea Beach
TripAdvisor has crowned Gorleston-on-Sea Beach, located just south of Great Yarmouth as the UK's 8th Best Beach. Visitors can enjoy a huge bay with a wide curving sandy beach perfect for strolling along or relaxing the day away; grassy cliffs come complete with pitch & putt, tennis courts, and bowling greens to keep active for hours on end - all surrounded by stunning gardens and a grand promenade with shops, cafes, and amusements.
Horsey Beach
Horsey Beach offers an amazing experience all year round. During summertime, visitors can come with a picnic lunch to swim or sunbathe in its soft sand. However, during winter months, something even more exciting awaits them - sighting seals! Whether it’s finding pleasure in nature with friends and family for some quality time outdoors or just seeking relaxation away from the city hustle - this beach is certainly worth exploring!
Map
Use the map below to locate all the places mentioned to create an itinerary for your trip.
Open Google Maps to see distance information between locations and directions on how to get to each place.
Please note...
All outdoor activities including forest walks involve a degree of risk. The walks are recommended due to the well known features of each forest but this may change over time and further research is required before undertaking any activity. The weather can also impact the surface and general conditions of each path so please keep yourself updated with the weather forecast before setting off to enjoy your walk!
Other Blog Posts from Norfolk
We write lots of blog posts from each area of free activities to do. Have a look at our blog posts from the area of Norfolk by clicking the links below: