The cathedral city of Norwich is well known for its university and football club, but it’s just one of many attractive places to live in Norfolk. From the Breckland forests to the beaches of the north coast, this relaxed and idyllic county offers a high quality of life to its inhabitants and a lovely getaway to its visitors. Norfolk is one of the UK’s drier counties, and with its 100 miles of coastline, it’s a destination for birdwatchers and other holidaymakers. Anything from new flats to Georgian manor houses is available here, as is arable land, and you can choose to live in a beautiful market town or a picturesque village. Norfolk also has a high concentration of churches and excellent state and independent schools, and is well-connected by rail to London and Cambridge and beyond.
Attleborough is a historic market town situated in the heart of Norfolk, lying between Norwich and Thetford. Its location on the A11 places it conveniently for commuters while offering a distinct small-town character. Attleborough is celebrated for its heritage, featuring a traditional market square, charming Georgian buildings, and a strong sense of local identity.
Cromer, located on the picturesque north Norfolk coast, is renowned for its classic British seaside charm and distinctive clifftop location overlooking the North Sea. Famous for its Victorian heritage, Cromer’s character shines through its elegant architecture, bustling pier, and vibrant arts scene. This coastal town draws a diverse mix of residents, including families seeking a relaxed coastal lifestyle, retirees attracted by the tranquil atmosphere and sea air, and seasonal influxes of visitors who bring a lively buzz during holiday months.
Dereham, located in the heart of Norfolk, is a thriving market town known for its historic roots, classic Norfolk architecture, and welcoming atmosphere. Often referred to as the “Heart of Norfolk,” Dereham sits approximately mid-way between Norwich and King’s Lynn, making it a pivotal location for those wanting easy access to rural and urban amenities. The town features a blend of Georgian and Victorian buildings, cobbled streets, and a rich heritage that can be seen in landmarks like Dereham Windmill and the 13th-century Church of St Nicholas.
Diss is a historic Norfolk market town located close to the Suffolk border, renowned for its picturesque mere and remarkable blend of rural charm and heritage. Known for its lively weekly market, Diss boasts a distinctive Georgian and Victorian architectural landscape, lending real character to its winding lanes and bustling market square. The town’s riverside parklands and nearby countryside offer a scenic backdrop for day-to-day life.
Downham Market, situated in the heart of Norfolk, is known for its historic charm, bustling market atmosphere, and its role as a gateway between rural Norfolk and larger urban centres. Nestled on the banks of the River Great Ouse, the town’s distinctive black-and-white clock tower is a prominent local landmark, symbolising Downham Market’s blend of tradition and community life. The area has grown from its origins as a Saxon market town to become a sought-after residential location, attracting a mix of families, retirees, and commuters seeking quieter, small-town living with accessible amenities.
Fakenham is a historic market town nestled in the heart of North Norfolk, known for its charming blend of tradition and modern amenities. Situated on the banks of the River Wensum, this town has roots stretching back to medieval times and is recognised for its longstanding market, which still takes place every Thursday, attracting residents from across the region. Fakenham’s character is influenced by its picturesque streets, flint cottages, and an inviting town centre filled with independent shops, local traders, and regular events.
Great Yarmouth, located on the Norfolk coast, is a well-known seaside resort with an enduring maritime heritage. It sits between the mouths of the Rivers Yare and Bure and is famous for its sandy beaches, historic seafront, and longstanding connections to the fishing industry. The area blends traditional Victorian seafront amusements with modern regeneration efforts and a bustling community, making it a unique place to live.
Harleston is a historic market town situated in the south of Norfolk, near the Suffolk border. The town is positioned on the River Waveney and is known for its charming Georgian and Victorian architecture, cobbled lanes, and a strong sense of tradition. With a population that includes families, commuters to Norwich, retirees, and a growing number of young professionals seeking a quieter pace of life, Harleston blends rural tranquility with practical amenities.
Holt is a charming Georgian market town in north Norfolk, renowned for its elegant town centre, independent shops, and close proximity to some of the county’s most celebrated coastal and countryside locations. Set amidst rolling fields and just a few miles inland from the North Norfolk Coast, Holt offers a unique blend of rural appeal and vibrant local amenities. The town’s streets are lined with handsome flint and brick buildings, many of which date from the 18th century, giving Holt a distinctive and attractive character.
Hunstanton, often affectionately referred to as “Sunny Hunny,” is a renowned seaside town on the northwest coast of Norfolk. Overlooking The Wash, Hunstanton is distinct for being one of the few places on the east coast of England where the sun sets over the sea, thanks to its unique westerly facing aspect. This town is celebrated for its dramatic striped cliffs, broad sandy beaches, and classic Victorian charm. The promenade, green spaces, and heritage buildings evoke a nostalgic coastal ambience, while the local lifestyle is laid-back, centred on the sea, and closely connected to the natural environment.
King's Lynn, situated on the banks of the River Great Ouse in West Norfolk, is a historic market town renowned for its maritime heritage and beautifully preserved medieval architecture. The town’s origins trace back over 800 years, and its position as a medieval port shaped much of its distinctive character. Today, King's Lynn balances its rich history with a thriving town centre, offering residents an intriguing mix of period charm and modern convenience.
Melton Constable is a rural village nestled in the heart of North Norfolk, known for its picturesque countryside and rich railway heritage. Once a significant junction on the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway, Melton Constable has evolved into a peaceful, close-knit community while retaining echoes of its industrious past. The area exudes a relaxed, traditional Norfolk charm, characterised by its Victorian architecture, former railway cottages, and open farmlands.
North Walsham is a historic market town located in the county of Norfolk, situated about 15 miles north of the city of Norwich and just a few miles inland from the Norfolk coast. The area is renowned for its rich medieval heritage, highlighted by the imposing tower of St. Nicholas Church and remnants of its ancient market square. Traditionally an agricultural hub, North Walsham today offers a blend of town and country living, with a welcoming, close-knit community atmosphere that appeals to a variety of residents.
Norwich is a historic cathedral city located in the heart of Norfolk, renowned for its distinctive medieval character, vibrant cultural scene, and picturesque riverside setting. Its striking skyline is dominated by Norwich Cathedral and the Norman castle, both of which lend the city a unique architectural identity. As the county town of Norfolk, Norwich serves as the region's commercial and cultural centre.
Sandringham, located in the county of Norfolk, is world-renowned for its close associations with the British royal family and the Sandringham Estate, which has served as a royal retreat since the 19th century. This rural village lies around 6 miles north of King's Lynn and occupies a tranquil spot in West Norfolk. The area is surrounded by rolling parkland, woodlands, and countryside, lending Sandringham a peaceful and bucolic character distinct from busier market towns nearby.
Sheringham is a traditional seaside town located on the North Norfolk coast, renowned for its scenic beaches, heritage charm, and strong sense of community. Nestled between Cromer and Weybourne, Sheringham is famous for its Blue Flag beach, the picturesque promenade, and its links to the heritage North Norfolk Railway, also known as the Poppy Line. The town's roots as a fishing community are still evident today, complemented by a lively local market, period architecture, and a flourishing arts scene.
Swaffham is a historic market town nestled in the heart of Norfolk, famed for its handsome Georgian buildings, thriving Saturday market, and picturesque setting on the edge of the Brecks. The town has an inviting blend of rural charm and practical amenities, appealing to families, retirees, and those seeking a tranquil lifestyle within easy reach of larger urban centres. Swaffham’s character is shaped by centuries of heritage, visible in its market place, 15th-century church, and a legacy of connections to the wind energy industry and the legend of the ‘Pedlar of Swaffham.’
Thetford is a historic market town in the Breckland district of Norfolk, positioned on the edge of Thetford Forest and the River Little Ouse. With roots dating back to the Iron Age, Thetford is renowned for its ancient heritage, including the impressive remains of a motte-and-bailey castle and rich connections to the Iceni tribe. Once an important medieval settlement, today Thetford is a vibrant town with a growing population, offering a blend of market town charm and access to some of East Anglia's most diverse woodland landscapes.
Walsingham, situated in the picturesque North Norfolk countryside, is one of England’s most significant pilgrimage destinations. This historic village is divided into Little Walsingham and Great Walsingham, both steeped in centuries of religious and cultural importance. The area is renowned for its beautiful medieval architecture and ancient shrines, which attract visitors from across the UK and abroad.
Wells-next-the-Sea, often simply referred to as Wells, is a renowned coastal town set on the picturesque north Norfolk coastline. Famous for its historic harbour, vast sandy beach edged with colourful beach huts, and proximity to the sweeping salt marshes of the Holkham Estate, Wells-next-the-Sea offers a blend of maritime charm and tranquil natural beauty. The town’s layout stretches inland from the quay, where fishing boats bob in the tidal water, towards a historic centre anchored by Georgian and Victorian architecture.
Wymondham is a historic market town nestled in the heart of Norfolk, approximately nine miles southwest of Norwich. The town is renowned for its stunning medieval architecture, particularly the striking twin-towered Wymondham Abbey, which dominates the skyline and draws visitors from across the region. With a heritage that traces back to the Domesday Book, Wymondham blends centuries-old charm with the convenience of modern living.