Micro Staycations in Norwich and Norfolk

Micro Staycations in Norwich and Norfolk 

by Katie Thompson

Everyone loves a holiday, right? Even more so when you don’t need to travel quite as far (and it’s cheaper). So, opt for a micro staycation- a getaway an hour away from home that feels a whole world away. 

Forget busy airports and ‘are we nearly there yet?’, if you’re holidaying less than 100 miles from home, make Norwich and Norfolk your destination. With a smorgasbord of culture, heritage and nature, we’re ready to welcome you under our wide-open skies.  

Whether you’re seeking a city break, coastal getaway or a few days ensconced in the countryside, these are our picks for a micro staycation in Norwich and Norfolk!

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In the City 

Stay: Based in the Norwich Lanes, 38 St Giles is a boutique retreat where elegant character and modern comfort go hand in hand (from £140 per night for 2 people). Perfect for couples, sink into sumptuous king-size beds and relax in their chic bathrooms (free-standing copper bath, anyone?). An indulgent night’s sleep is sure to set you up for your time in the City of Stories- make sure to try the tempting eateries on offer for that all-important breakfast. 

See & Do: From here, you’re in the perfect spot to explore our meandering cobbled streets, quirky indie businesses and rich heritage. Wander at your leisure, stumbling on bustling green spaces, quiet corners and impressive architectural icons.  

Head down to Cathedral Close, where Romanesque Norman design rubs shoulders with quintessential English cottages. We recommend stopping for a scoop at Cafe Gelato on the way and resting on the green in front of Norwich Cathedral. Admire its towering spire and grand nave, before strolling through the attractive monastic cloister- join a free 1-hour tour to discover hidden details and fascinating stories! Afterwards, make your way down to the rippling Wensum and along our serene riverside walk, where weeping willows brush the water and medieval monuments stand tall. 

Feeling peckish? It’s got to be Norwich Market! This bustling space is loved by locals and visitors alike and you’ll want to try as many vendors as possible. From warming chillies and zingy tacos to cinnamon churros dripping in chocolate sauce, there’s a dish for every taste and flavour- one that’s certain to fuel the rest of your exploration!

In Nature 

Stay: Immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of Norfolk’s beautiful countryside at Pensthorpe’s camping and glamping site (July – August, from £60 for 2 nights). Pitch up your own or elevate your stay with a bell tent, twinkling with fairy lights. Perfectly positioned to soak in our endless sunrises and sunsets, here you’ll sleep beneath the glow of clear night skies immersed in 700-acres of nature reserve. Their Courtyard Cafe even opens with a delicious camper menu on select evenings (Wednesday & Saturday, 5pm – 7.45pm).  

See & Do: As you’re staying here, it would be rude not to explore everything Pensthorpe has to offer! Plus, you can add on day tickets for 50% off (£16.95 for two days) when you stay, including after-hours indoor and outdoor play (equally as fun for adults as it is for children!). Stroll along fragrant, flower-lined pathways, winding through verdant gardens, past curious and twittering birds. While you’re here, make sure to listen to the ethereal notes of the Biosonification Garden, say hello to the magnificent cranes and powder-pink flamingos, and admire the placid lakes as the sun shimmers on their surfaces.  

And close by, you’ll find Thursford (10 minutes’ drive), perfect for families and couples alike! Their Steam Museum (April – September, Sunday – Thursday, 11am – 4pm, adults £8, under 15s FREE) houses the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs. Hear the mighty Wurlitzer play and ride on traditional fairground carousels and gondola (extra charge). Speaking of fairgrounds, Thursford’s Adventure Play Fair (March – October, open daily (excluding Thursday & Friday in term time), 10am – 4pm, adults from £4, children from £8) is a world of excitement, with zooming Helter-Skelter slide, twisting Teacups, unique Waterplay Fountain and more!

In the Broads 

Stay: Surrounded by the verdant beauty of the Broads National Park, Reedham Ferry Touring Park is ideal for a tranquil stay away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life (March – October, from £16 per vehicle per night). Think uninterrupted views stretching towards every horizon, across wetlands and marshlands, where thriving wildlife makes its home. Reedham Ferry Touring Park has all the amenities you’ll need- just pitch up beneath the dappled shade and relax. And just next door is the Reedham Ferry Inn. This traditional pub is part of the site and offers moreish pub grub made with local produce and plenty of love (including breakfast and roasts)! 

See & Do: Nestled next to the River Yare, forget your phones and head out further into the Broads National Park- whether you’re walking, cycling, hiring a boat or road tripping- to nearby Strumpshaw Fen. Embrace balmy breezes, the whispers of rustling long grass and keep your eyes peeled for both the great marsh harrier and elusive kingfisher. (And you can’t forget to take a trip over on the eponymous chain ferry!)  

For even more beautiful scenery, you can explore the gardens of Somerleyton House (10 miles away, April – October, from 10.30am, adults £11), home to a flowering arboretum, sweet-smelling rose garden, and lawns dotted with proud, towering trees. Not to mention a maze and walled garden that will feel as though you’ve stepped into the midst of an Austen novel.

On the North Norfolk Coast 

Stay: On Holkham’s sprawling North Norfolk Estate, where stunning green parkland blends seamlessly into a tranquil reserve and windswept beaches, is their newest stay offering, Camp Holkham (August & September, from £30 per night). Here you can stretch out under starry skies and wake just moments away from lapping waves, earthy pine forests and beach hut-strewn sands. All with the reassurance of 24-hour staffing and top tier facilities. There’s even a selection of local food suppliers on site for those days when you don’t know what to cook (that’s what a holiday’s about, after all).  

See & Do: As well as a whole host of activities and places to explore- think ropes course, walled garden and cycle hire, Holkham is home to a breathtaking beach, one that’s straight out of a film and regularly visited by the Household Cavalry. Mozy through Holkham Village, along the tree-lined drive that cuts across the reserve and onto the winding, sand-dusted boardwalk.  

If it’s walks you’re after, we recommend ambling along the water’s edge to Wells-next-the-Sea, spotting sunbathing seals and punctuated with a creamy Mr Whippy. Extend your visit and head down the mile-long spit into the harbour town, where families crab, independents abound and fresh fish is always the order of the day. 

Or set up shop on Holkham beach’s golden sands, ready to while away the day with a good book or bucket and spade. For a treat, stop by the Lookout for a slice of cake, flaky pastry or well-deserved ice lolly to end your day on a high.