Story: Experience the beauty and tranquillity of Norfolk

Being a largely rural country with a low population density, Norfolk is a great place to experience a refreshing escape from the hustle and bustle of busy Britain. Around every corner you will find pretty villages, historic churches, miles of unspoilt beaches, countryside and rivers teeming with wildlife.

The historic city of Norwich is Norfolk's county town and visitors will find so much on offer in the vibrant regional capital. In particular shopping in Norwich is a delight. It is listed in the top five shopping destinations in Britain and visitors can be sure of finding just what they are after. There is a mix of high street brands, two shopping centres, four large department stores and a large number of independent shops, in addition to a permanent six-day market.

Some of the smaller towns in Norfolk, such as Holt, Diss, Swaffham, Burnham Market and Dalegate Market offer a more sedate shopping experience. Here you will find independent retailers and local suppliers and don’t forget the Norfolk farmers’ markets, the craft outlets, the art galleries, the local delis and those little gift shops with the perfect souvenir for you to take back home.

For anyone planning to visit Norfolk during the festive period, Thursford is an absolute must. This is the home of the most popular and spectacular Christmas show in Britain today. As if the dazzling Christmas Spectacular isn’t enough, you and your family can also become part of the ultimate Santa’s Magical Journey into Christmas, where children can visit Father Christmas in his very special house. However, Thursford is not only magnificent at Christmas. You can visit the amazing sights and sounds of the beautiful Thursford Collection, the world largest collection of steam engines and organs throughout the year.

The Norfolk Broads is one of the most popular inland waterways in Europe and provides the perfect setting for a holiday, short break or a day trip. The Norfolk Broads is also Britain's largest protected wetland with status equivalent to a National Park. The beautiful, wild expanse of 125 miles of lock-free navigable rivers, shallow lakes, woodland, fens and grazing marshes, is home to some of the rarest plants and wildlife in the UK to the Swallowtail butterfly to the reclusive bittern.

There truly is no shortage of things to see and do in Norfolk from visitor centres, sightseeing tours, theatre productions, animal attractions and a wide range of outdoor activities including cycling and watersports.

North Norfolk is a holiday destination set apart in its location and it s character, a perfect destination for holidays and weekend breaks. Here you will find a wealth of superb places to stay including Manor House in Great Ryburgh provides luxury North Norfolk bed and breakfast accommodation close to Thursford and Pensthorpe. accommodation, hotels, self catering cottages and caravan and camping parks.