Historic Buildings

Norwich Cathedral.

The Cathedral dominates the skyline of the city. The building was started in 1096 and took nearly 200 years to complete, with stone shipped from Caen in Normandy. After the townsfolk set fire to the cathedral in the riots of 1272, the timber roofs were replaced with stone vaulting with carved and painted roof bosses. It is one of the finest Cathedrals in England.

Norwich Castle.

Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago. Used as a prison from the 14th century, the Castle became a museum in 1894. One of Norfolk's principal museums, the Castle is packed with treasures including outstanding collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history.

Kings Lynn Town Hall.

The magnificent town hall dates back to the 15th century. The building has a distinctive chequered flint front, impressive windows and the arms of both Queen Elizabeth I and King Charles II. The centerpiece of the complex is the Trinity Guildhall, located behind the main window. The town hall was expanded over the years, with the Gaol House added in 1784, which remained in police use until 1955. The gaol house is now a museum where you can hear the stories of local highwaymen, smugglers, robbers and the punishments that were given to them. The museum also contains the Regalia room, containing fine civic treasures such as the King John Cup.

Medieval Priory in Little Walsingham.

Midway along the main street is the 13th century gateway leading to the remains of a medieval priory. Dominating the site, is the impressive, twin turreted 13th century arch, that would have housed the great east window of the priory church. There is a section of vaulted undercroft to the monks dormitory remaining, as well as the end of the south wall of the dining room. The priory grounds are beautifully maintained, and in spring the woodland setting is bursting with flowers, including bluebells, daffodils and brilliant white snowdrops.

All Saints Church at Burnham Thorpe.

Burnham Thorpe is the birthplace of Horatio Nelson. His father, Edmund Nelson, moved to Burnham Thorpe in 1755, after his marriage. Horatio, the 6th of their 11 children was born on 29th September 1758 in a house called the Shooting Box! Horatio went away to study and after his early years in the Navy, he returned for 5 years to Burnham Thorpe with his new wife. Nelson was given his first role as Captain after this and the rest is history. The pub in Burnham Thorpe was built in 1637 as the Plough, but fell into disrepair and in 1966 the new landlord restored it to its 1793 state, renaming it the Lord Nelson. The church where his father was Rector, is well worth a visit as it is full of Nelson family memorabilia, including a cross and lectern made from wood from HMS Victory.

Wymondham Abbey.

Wymondham Abbey was founded in 1107 by William d'Albini and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Alban, this was later changed to St Mary and St Thomas of Canterbury. When built, the church was intended to serve both Benedictine Monks and the parishioners of Wymondham. However, quarrels between the two groups over issues such as bell ringing lead to each faction building their own tower! At the Dissolution in 1538 the Abbey church was granted to the people of Wymondham and a wall was built blocking up the Monks tower! Sir Ninian Cooper designed a great gilded screen, and dedicated it to the young men who had fallen in the First World War.

Holkham Hall.

Holkham Hall, home of the Coke family and the Earls of Leicester, was built between 1734 and 1764 by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester. This Palladian style mansion reflects Thomas Coke's appreciation of classical art developed during his "Grand Tour" of Europe which lasted 6 years and from which he returned in the spring of 1718. The hall is set in large grounds, consisting of a lake, parkland, monument and nature trail.

Blickling Hall near Aylsham.

Blickling Hall is only a couple of miles from Aylsham and is a magnificent Jacobean house, garden and park, famed for its long gallery, fine tapestries, paintings and rare books. The extensive grounds are used in summer as the venue of various concerts. The hall is owned by the National Trust.

Felbrigg Hall near Cromer.

Felbrigg Hall is one of the finest 17th-century country houses in East Anglia. Owned by the National Trust, you will see some remarkable Stuart architecture and a fine Georgian interior. There is a lovely walled garden, orangery, orchards and many lakeside, parkland and woodland trails to explore.

St Helens Church, Ranworth.

The tower of St. Helens church dominates the skyline and has served the villagers since 1390. It is well worth tackling the ladders inside the church tower and climb to the top for the wonderful views over the landscape. The church bears the nickname the Cathedral of the Broads and it is easy to understand why when from its heights on clear days you can see five Norfolk Broads. The church also has a fine example of a medieval painted rood screen and some lovely stained glass. Next to the church is a Visitors Centre in a converted old coach house, which houses a tea room and a display of photographs of East Anglican churches.