Norfolk Holidays Come Alive With History
In the east of England, Norfolk is a gem of history waiting to be discovered. Dozens of majestic castles from centuries ago dot the landscape. Historic churches and priories reveal the hearts of generations of worshippers who have shared the experience for hundreds of years. And Norfolk's coastal fishing towns give a glimpse of a life that hasn't changed much since the eighteenth century. If English history is the chosen pursuit of your Norfolk holidays, you will be thrilled at what the region has to offer.
In July 1881, the Norfolk Regiment was formed as the county regiment of Norfolk with local militia and rifleman. In 1935 it became the the Royal Norfolk Regiment of the British army, and was later combined with the Suffolk Regiment in 1959 to form the 1st East Anglian Regiment. You can relive the history of the regiment with a visit to the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum in Norwich. There you'll learn about the daily life of the regimental soldier, their history throughout some of war's greatest battles, and some of the regiment's heroes like Major Jamieson.
If ancient history is more to your liking, the Heritage/Visitor Centre in King's Lynn is your ticket to some great sights. The King's Lynn museum is a wonderful walk through the medieval history of this royal port city. From King's Lynn it's just a short ride north to Holme-next-the-Sea, where you'll discover a four thousand year-old Bronze Age monument dubbed Seahenge. You'll learn all about the construction of the site and the people who lived in the area at the time, and you'll be fascinated to see for yourself how Seahenge has survived for so long.
For a relaxing tour of coast and countryside, be sure to stop at the North Norfolk Railway station in Sheringham. The historic Poppy Line departs from the glorious Victorian era station on a 10 mi. round trip along the cliffs to Weybourne, through the heathland, and then to Holt. You'll see Weybourne Windmill, the Springs Hotel, Kelling Heath, and the M&GN station originally at Stalham which was removed brick-by-brick and rebuilt in Holt. A museum containing artefacts and images from the railway's long history is housed next to the station in a re-created railway goods shed.
There is so much history and heritage to see during your Norfolk holidays, we couldn't possibly list it all for you. There are hundreds of historic homes, churches, museums, and landmarks all over the region. And all are within a reasonable distance from Norfolk's finest accommodations.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an extended holiday, consider visiting Norfolk. You'll learn some amazing things about English history while creating fond memories that will last a lifetime.