Top Things to do in Norfolk
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What to do and see in Norfolk, England: The Best Museums
A holiday in Norfolk is not a glamorous break. While the Norfolk Broads of East Anglia are a beautiful part of the UK, they represent a relaxing rural getaway rather than a high-powered city-break. Although its reputation is mostly rural, with people associating the county mostly with the wetlands of the Norfolk Broads, there are also towns such as Norwich and King's Lynn to visit, both of which provide shopping opportunities, nightlife and entertainment. Norfolk also contains a large stretch of coastline, and seaside destinations such as Cromer and Great Yearmouth mean there are great beaches to be found as well. Many areas of the Norfolk Broads and the coastal region are sites of outstanding natural beauty, and are also protected as bird reserves, so take a pair of binoculars on holiday. There are also popular wildlife attractions such as Banham Zoo, with a great collection of big cats, and Great Yarmouth's Sea Life Centre, one of the biggest of its kind in the country, complete with tropical sharks and conger eels. And of course, if any of your family are interested in boating, you'll need to rent a boat and explore the waterways of the Broads themselves!
Restaurants in Norfolk
1. The Garden House Gallery and Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 12 reviews
2. RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 451 reviews
Currently the Museum is closed due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Please check our website for any possible opening dates for 2020.
Reviewed By timlm222 - Norfolk, United Kingdom
Fabulous exhibits which are well spaced out. The volunteers are very informative and keen to pass on their knowledge. Give yourself plenty of time for your visit as there is so much to see! The Tea Shop fits its surroundings perfectly. Its a hidden gem.
3. Lydia Eva Steam Drifter
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 92 reviews
4. The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By benjaminmoye - Norwich, United Kingdom
A fascinating museum run by knowledgeable volunteers who are passionate about the site's history and have countless experiences to share. The site truly is a hidden gem and worth making a visit to see, the museum is free to enter with a cafe and can be supported by donations.
5. Gallery Plus
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 5 reviews
Gallery Plus is a contemporary business in Wells-next-the-Sea on the beautiful north Norfolk Coast. It boasts unrivaled natural light and offers a unique browsing and buying experience in a refreshingly open, bright and airy exhibition space. “We love colour – it’s good for the soul! – so the gallery is a colourful and uplifting place to visit.” There's a high quality on-going mixed show of original paintings and prints, ceramics, glassware, sculpture, and jewellery by popular artists and makers from around the country, as well as one-man exhibitions. Also home to the Open Studio of local artist Trevor Woods where visitors are always welcome. Professional picture framing service on site, with a wide choice of mouldings. Expert advice and guidance is freely given to help you choose the right frame for your requirements. “We pride ourselves on our friendly welcome and relaxed atmosphere, with an unpressured approach, which has proved popular with our returning customers.”
6. Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
The Museum is currently closed and we hope to reopen our doors as soon as it is safe to do so. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Reviewed By DramaQueen55 - Woking, United Kingdom
This museum contains a wealth of interesting exhibits and offers an insight into the history of the city, the industries that people worked in, and the lives that they led. The lady on the reception desk gave us a detailed and helpful explanation of the layout of the museum, the artefacts on display had clear and concise descriptions, and the interactive elements worked well. Definitely worth a visit.
7. Norwich Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,233 reviews
Built as a Norman Royal Palace and once a prison, Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is packed with treasures, including fabulous fine art, archaeology, and natural history. During 2020 and 2021 construction work will be underway on the exciting Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn project to transform the Castle’s Norman Keep. During these works some areas of the Castle are not accessible and this includes the main Castle Keep.
Reviewed By Sunshine25580300779 - York, United Kingdom
Fascinating visit on a wet dreary autumn day. Art gallery very good with excellent audio visuals. Historical display rooms surpassed excellent with audio visuals and commentary especially enjoyed Anglo Saxon display. Don’t miss visiting. Staff very pleasant too.
8. Strangers' Hall Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
A medieval merchant house and historic house museum with period room displays, large collections of furniture, toys, domestic life and a hidden garden. The museum is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Reviewed By avon10
It was decorated for Christmas and looked very festive. The room guides were knowledgeable but there was also plenty of information in each room. It has a fascinating history and also a nice secluded garden with heritage roses.
9. Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 633 reviews
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is an inspirational public art museum where you can see outstanding art for free. The Centre, which opened in 1978 to house the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection, is a world-class building designed by Norman Foster, at the University of East Anglia, Norwich.
Reviewed By 36daveb36
In the depths of the campus of the University of East Anglia, there is a very stylish building which combines university art library, with a gallery of modern art, ceramics and sculpture and the biggest cabinet of curiosities you could find. The collection of ethnic artefacts is amazing, and the antiquity of some of them is stunning.
10. City of Norwich Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
The museum started out as an aviation enthusiasts group for members of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company way back in 1977. The membership was later opened up to non employees and a temporary site was secured on the 17/35 runway at Norwich Airport. In early 1982, museum exhibits included Avro Anson (TX228), Westland Whirlwind (XP355), Sea Vixen (XP919) and a Dassault Mystere IV (121). 1983 saw the arrival of our Vulcan bomber which flew in to the airport after its retirement from service. By 1985 the museum had moved to its present site and an air fair held to help raise funds to expand the museum. At this time the Anson had gone (having been damaged beyond economical repair during gales) but Vampire (XD373) had arrived. 1986 saw another air fair on 14th September that saw attendance figures break the 20,000 barrier and another arrival, T-33 (16718). Over the next few years, services were laid, the main exhibition hall erected and the arrival of more aircraft.
Reviewed By 849andrewg
I would recommend a visit to this attraction. The staff on site are, friendly, knowledgeable and prepared to take time to answer questions from the visitors. We had guided tours of their Vulcan Bomber and Nimrod exhibits, both presented by two very knowledgeable people who explained things in an easy to understand way. The tea room was well stocked and service was with a lovely smile. If you are worried about the cost, don't, it must be one of the most reasonably priced attractions I've visited. Believe me there, is a lot for little money. I am happy to recommend the museum to anyone from very young, to very old, male or female. we spent quite some time there, due to the fact I wanted to experience the inside of the iconic Vulcan and Nimrod. Easily accessed by car but don't know about public transport.
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