Discover Norfolk’s Hidden Historic Gems
Beautiful Norfolk has a long and rich history, from ancient mining to Victorian follies. Among the more famous historic attractions of Norfolk are Norwich Cathedral, the Sandringham Estate and Cromer Pier. While these are all excellent places to visit, we also love the lesser-known historic gems in Norfolk.
Here are some of our favourite visitor attractions, which are all close to our Hopkins Homes developments in Norfolk. Learn more about how this lovely part of the world has evolved, as you discover historic Norfolk through its hidden gems.
Whitlingham Country Park
8 miles from Brundall Meadows, Brundall
Broads village Brundall has a long (and continuing) history of boat building, and life here centres around the pretty River Yare. People have been living in this part of Norfolk for over 6,000 years, so the landscape around Brundall is rich in ancient traces and fascinating historic sites.
Our hidden gem near Brundall is Whitlingham Country Park. The 280-acre park is a wonderful resource for local families, with pathways, cycle trails, water sports and that all-important loo-and-cafe combo. It’s best known for its wildlife conservation work; however, Whitlingham is the perfect place to discover the secret history of Norfolk…
The site has evidence of ancient chalk works along with signs of Paleolithic and Neolithic flint knapping. Easier to spot are the ruins of Trowse Newton Hall, once the country retreat of the priors of Norwich, and later, turned into a folly for a Victorian park. The estate was owned by one of Norfolk’s most famous names, the Colman’s Mustard family. Discover the site’s secrets for yourselves by taking the history walk through the park, guided by interpretation boards.
Find out more about Whitlingham Country Park.
The Museum of Norwich at The Bridewell
Norwich is just 5 miles from Church Farm, Drayton
Drayton has a lovely location on the River Wensum, within easy reach of both the coast and the Broads. The village dates back to Roman times, and notable historic sites include medieval Drayton Lodge and St Margaret’s Church.
If you want to learn more about Norfolk’s history, we suggest making the 15-minute drive into nearby Norwich and immersing yourself in the Museum of Norwich. The museum is housed in the Bridewell, a 14th-century building that’s been a home, a “house of correction” (a prison for petty offenders) and a factory.
The exhibitions explore life in Norwich over the centuries, focusing on the social and industrial history of the city and area. If you love knowing how people used to live, this is the place to come. Norwich has better-known attractions, including the mighty cathedral, but this thoughtfully designed museum is definitely worth your time.
Find out more about the Museum of Norwich at The Bridewell
Burgh Castle
14 miles from Loddon Rise, Loddon
Loddon has a charming historic town centre with well-preserved Georgian buildings and a lovely riverside area by Loddon Staithe. The white boarded Watermill and 15th-century parish church are among the market town’s most impressive places.
It’s just a short drive from here to our next hidden gem and one of Norfolk’s oldest sites. Burgh Castle was constructed as part of the Romans’ coastal defences, and dates from the third century. It’s exceptionally well preserved, its three walls standing at almost their original height (the fourth fell into the marsh).
It costs nothing to visit this English Heritage site, and there are also free guided tours on summer Sundays (please book your place online). Burgh Castle’s setting is beautiful, with views across Breydon Water and plenty of wildlife to look out for.
Find out more about Burgh Castle.
Thetford Priory
Just outside Thetford, close to Kingsfleet
Thetford is called “The Gateway to the Brecks”, a unique 250,000-acre landscape of heathland, meres and woodland, including the famous Thetford Forest. This ancient landscape features Grimes Graves, a neolithic flint mine and Europe’s oldest industrial site, which we definitely recommend you visit.
Our favourite hidden gem in this area is Thetford Priory, once one of the most significant monasteries in East Anglia. Dating from the 12th century, this now-ruined priory was once under the protection of the Earls and Dukes of Norfolk, and many members of this powerful clan are buried here.
Like Burgh Castle, the priory is free to visit (as are fellow English Heritage properties in Thetford, Warren Lodge and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre). Visitors can park in the small car park and take the path to the ruined buildings. The 14th-century gatehouse is the most intact surviving building, and you can also see remains of the cloister, church and the prior’s lodging. An evocative and fascinating site to visit.
Find out more about Thetford Priory
The Norfolk Motorcycle Museum
In North Walsham, not far from The Tanners’ Quarter
North Walsham has a rich history, and there are an astonishing 62 listed buildings in the town centre including the beautiful medieval parish church. The college is named after the Paston family (of the medieval Paston Letters fame) and the register of former pupils includes one Horatio Nelson.
Our pick for North Walsham’s hidden gem is the Norfolk Motorcycle Museum. East Anglia has a wonderfully wide and eclectic selection of industrial and transport museums, and this is one of our favourites.
The museum was founded by George Harmer over 25 years ago. He and his son Steve collect and restore old and rare motorcycles, and the collection now features over 150 bikes. This informal treasure trove is a wonderful place to explore, and you don’t have to be a motorcycle enthusiast to be captivated by its atmosphere and by George and Steve’s passion for their subject. One of those esoteric and welcoming museums that Britain does so well.
Find out more about the Norfolk Motorcycle Museum.
Your new Hopkins Home in Norfolk
There’s always somewhere to visit or something new to discover in Norfolk. It’s a wonderful part of the country to live in, which is why we’re delighted to have a collection of quality new build developments in Norfolk. If you like the sound of living here, please get in touch with the team at Hopkins Homes.