Norfolk is well known for some amazing heritage sites, and the pride it takes in preserving them. They might be historical sanctuaries which can offer up interesting facts about the past. They could provide great fun and education for the kids, or simply be an impressive place to put down your picnic basket while you get familiar with the area.
1. Thetford Priory
This is the ruins of one of East Anglia’s most important monasteries, built in the 1100’s. Enveloped by a lush green and offering a dramatic set of views, this is the perfect place to take your camera and find yourself transported to an older time.
2. Weeting Castle
This is one of Norfolk’s most underrated castles. It’s one of the rare few medieval manor houses that still survives in some form. It’s also a great hub for exploring the rest of Norfolk. It’s situated in the small and sweet Saxon village of Weeting, but is also close to the prehistoric flint mine called Grime’s Graves – and even Thetford priory! So it’s a great one to start a day of heritage hopping.
3. Cow Tower
Everyone knows about Norwich castle. But few but the locals know of this hidden piece of heritage. You get to this tall tower through the picturesque Wensum Riverside walk. It’s the perfect place to settle in amongst nature and watch swans swim past. It’s our pick for picnics too!
They even have a mayday festival every year, complete with vegan treats and a maypole to dance around.
4. Walsingham Abbey and Grounds
Another set of picturesque ruins, this is a perfect example of nature meeting history in spectacular fashion. There are river and woodside walks, and these ruins are famous for snowdrops bursting into bloom at spring time.
Your ticket for the Abbey also includes entrance to the shirehall museum, filled with lots of local artefacts and photos of village life throughout centuries past.
5. Norwich Castle
Here’s the one no one can forget! Right in the heart of Norwich city centre, the castle provides a great day out where you can walk the pretty garden grounds, trawl through the museum and even pop into the shops at castle mall straight after.
There’s a Viking exhibition new for this year, talks, tours and even workshops to get your dose of history. Kids will love the puppets, stuffed animals and plenty of opportunities to dress up dotted throughout the museum!