Take a Short Break in Norfolk this Summer

rnWith sunshine and clear skies quickly arriving in the UK, it’s a great time to start planning a summer break. Not sure where you want to go? If you enjoy spending time amongst tranquil scenery and beautiful market towns, why not book a short break in Norfolk? With its nature reserves and historical sites, through to music festivals and city nightlife, Norfolk really has it all. There’s always plenty to do in this remarkable unspoilt county and with London 2012 just around the corner, you’ll find that Norfolk isn’t as far from the action as you might think. History of Norfolk If you enjoy delving into British culture and history, there are some remarkable sites of national heritage all across Norfolk. Norwich Cathedral is a spectacular example of early medieval architecture, while a visit to Sandringham offers a rare insight into the life of the royal family. If crime and punishment is more your thing, head over to The Old Gaol House in King’s Lynn, where you can find out exactly how criminals and witches were dealt with. Norfolk Broads The Norfolk Broads are an intricate network of rivers and lakes which hosts some of the most beautiful scenery in the entire county. Here, you can find many unspoilt rural villages such as Woodbastwick and Ranworth, offering a peaceful way of life that you simply won’t find anywhere else. But if exploring these tranquil villages isn’t quite what you had in mind, you could always take in the scenery on a wonderful bike ride through the broads, or for the more adventurous, hire a boat and try your hand at navigating through them yourself. Norfolk Wildlife Over the years, Norfolk has often been referred to as the bird watching capital of Britain. No matter what time of year, there are plenty of species to spot, from Barn Owls and Kingfishers to the more elusive (and well-camouflaged) Bitterns. Of course, there are plenty of excellent birding locations across Norfolk – Foxley Wood being the perfect place to spot birds in a woodland environment. The High Lodge Visitor Centre in Thetford Forest provides another excellent birding spot, deep in the heart of Britain’s largest lowland pine forest. For those who may be new to bird watching, there are a number of nature reserves and trails to get you started, including Weeting Heath – the very best place to spot the the Stone Curlew. The Fine City of Norwich A bustling, vibrant city, Norwich comes alive every summer with street entertainers, music festivals and incredible nightlife. Shortlisted for UK City of Culture 2013, it is host to a variety of wonderful organisations, bringing international talent to Norfolk. At the Norwich Theatre Royal, you can watch some of the best theatrical productions from all over the world and the Norwich Arts Centre offers children and family activities throughout the summer holidays. If you’d rather spend the day shopping, enjoy some retail therapy at The Mall or barter down a bargain at Norwich Market. Great Yarmouth For a more family-oriented trip, you could always visit Great Yarmouth - Norfolk’s biggest and most lively coastal town. With sun, sea and golden British sands, you’ll have the time of your life in this wonderful seaside resort. The seafront, known locally as ‘the golden mile’, hosts an award-winning pleasure beach, a number of amusement arcades and a variety of traditional funfair rides (as well as some exciting, action-packed rides for the thrill-seekers). So if you have some time off this summer, make the most of it by exploring this magnificent county. From tranquil boat-rides to all the fun of the fair, you’ll find it all in Norfolk.