Norwich is “A Fine City”. That’s the city’s motto and as a resident, I agree it has a lot going for it. There’s the Cathedral, Castle, Market, the Riverside Walk, and more within the city centre, but there are also some amazing places that you can visit on a day trip.
We have suggestions if you want to stay in Norfolk or venture to Suffolk, Cambridge, or London. In this post, we will share the best day trips from Norwich along with logistical details and helpful tips.
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- Best Day Trips from Norwich Using Public Transport
- Day Trip to Cromer From Norwich
- Day Trip to Sheringham from Norwich
- Day Trip to King’s Lynn from Norwich
- Day Trip to Thetford from Norwich
- Day Trip to Great Yarmouth from Norwich
- Day Trip to the Wroxham & Hoveton from Norwich
- Day Trip to Cambridge from Norwich
- Day Trip to London from Norwich
- Day Trip to Colchester from Norwich
- Day Trip to Bury St. Edmunds from Norwich
- Best Day Trips from Norwich By Car
- Choosing an Excursion from Norwich
Best Day Trips from Norwich Using Public Transport
Even without a car, there are several interesting day trips that you can do. The Norwich Train Station is a short walk from the city centre. Remember, it’s best to plan these day trips in advance because if you wait to buy your train (or bus) tickets the same day you travel, it can be expensive.
Note: If you prefer, you can also drive for these days out from Norwich.
Day Trip to Cromer From Norwich
Cromer is one of the gems on the North Norfolk coast. It’s a traditional English seaside town. It is famous for its crabs and pier, but there are many more things to do in Cromer.
What to Do in Cromer
- Try your hand crabbing from the pier. You can buy all the supplies you need at the shop on the pier.
- Enjoy the beach and try your hand at fossil hunting.
- Taste the Cromer crabs or have some Fish & Chips.
- Visit the Henry Blogg Museum and learn more about one of England’s bravest men. The museum is free.
- Go to the Cromer Parish Church (St. Peter and St. Paul). I was impressed by the stained glass and the organ. The Tower is closed because it is home to a pair of peregrine falcons.
How to Travel to Cromer from Norwich
You can take either a train or bus from Norwich to Cromer. Both options take you about an hour. If you want to take the train, be sure to buy tickets in advance. Check prices and schedule here.
The bus will be the cheaper option. It’s the x44 Coasthopper bus that you can catch at Castle Meadow (stop CE). A round-trip ticket will cost £6.90 and you can purchase it on the bus. They accept all contactless payment cards except American Express. Unlike National Express buses, these tickets cannot be purchased in advance. Click here to check the Coasthopper Bus schedule.
Day Trip to Sheringham from Norwich
Just a few miles to the west of Cromer, you will find the charming seaside town of Sheringham. It has a beautiful beach, plus museums, restaurants, a theatre, a classic steam train, and more.
What to Do in Sheringham
- Enjoy one of the blue flag beaches in Norfolk or walk along the promenade.
- Ride the historic steam train to Holt and back.
- Visit the Sheringham Museum at the Mo or the Fisherman’s Lifeboat Museum
- Climb the Beeston Bump to see the Y Station and take in the views.
- Browse the Sheringham Market (only open April to November on Saturdays and Wednesdays)
How to Travel to Sheringham from Norwich
You can take either a train or bus from Norwich to Sheringham. Both options take you about an hour. If you want to take the train, be sure to buy tickets in advance. Check prices and schedule here.
The bus will be the cheaper option. It’s the x44 Coasthopper bus that you can catch at Castle Meadow (stop CE). A round-trip ticket will cost £6.90 and you can purchase it on the bus. They accept all contactless payment cards except American Express. Unlike National Express buses, these tickets cannot be purchased in advance. Click here to check the Coasthopper Bus schedule.
Day Trip to King’s Lynn from Norwich
King’s Lynn is a well-preserved historic town with no less than 481 listed buildings. For a town of its size, the medieval architecture is unmatched anywhere in the country.
What to Do in King’s Lynn
- Take a walking tour with the King’s Lynn Town guides.
- Go inside St. George’s Guildhall which is England’s largest surviving medieval Guildhall, Britain’s oldest working theatre, and the only theatre in the world that can claim that Shakespeare performed there.
- Visit the Lynn Museum home to the Seahenge display where you can see the remains of a unique timber circle dating back over 4,000 years to the Early Bronze Age.
- Go inside King’s Lynn Minister founded by the first Bishop of Norwich, Herbert de Losinga, in 1101.
- Explore The Walks, a historic urban park in the heart of King’s Lynn. Be sure to check out the Broad Walk, Red Mount Chapel, and Guannock Gate.
How to Travel to King’s Lynn from Norwich
If you don’t want to drive from Norwich to King’s Lynn the bus is your best option. The Excel bus offers quick trips between King’s Lynn and Norwich via the A47 Dereham bypass, running up to every hour Monday to Saturday during the day. Get the details here.
There is no direct train between Norwich and King’s Lynn.
Day Trip to Thetford from Norwich
Thetford is the birthplace of one of America’s founding fathers, Thomas Paine. It’s a small town with plenty of historic sites to see, so ideal for a day trip.
What to Do in Thetford
- Visit the ruins of the Priory of Our Lady of Thetford and imagine what it would have been like in its prime when it was one of the largest and most important monasteries in medieval East Anglia. It is free to visit the Thetford Priory.
- Climb to the top of Thetford Castle which is the second-largest man-made mound in England. Unfortunately, the mound is all that’s left of the castle as it was largely destroyed in 1173 by Henry II. Thetford Castle is free to visit.
- Check out the Ancient Museum and the Charles Burrell Museum to learn more about Thetford’s history.
- Say hi to Thomas Paine (well the statue) and read his quotes.
- Grab a bite and/or a beverage at the Bell across the street from the Thomas Paine statue.
How to Travel to Thetford From Norwich
You can take either the train or a bus from Norwich to Thetford. The train takes about 30 minutes while the direct bus takes 45 minutes. Taking the bus will save you a bit of money though.
Click here to check train prices and schedule.
Click here to check bus prices and schedule.
Day Trip to Great Yarmouth from Norwich
Great Yarmouth has been a popular holiday destination for centuries because of its seaside location. The town has added many family-friendly attractions over the years, so it’s a great option if you are looking for things to do with kids in Norfolk.
What to Do in Great Yarmouth
- Have fun at the Pleasure Beach, a traditional theme park with 28 rides and attractions. (Note: It closes during the winter)
- Visit the Sea Life Centre. It’s an aquarium that aims to educate and entertain their visitors. Get more information here.
- See the circus at the Hippodrome, built in 1903 by the legendary circus showman George Gilbert and is the only surviving total circus building in Britain.
- Go to a museum. You can choose from the Time & Tide Museum, the Elizabethan House Museum, and the Tolhouse Museum. (Note: The Elizabethan House Museum and Tolhouse Museum close during the offseason.)
- Relax at the Venetian Waterways, a seven-acre park where you will feel like you have been transported to Venice as you walk along the ‘canals’ that wind their way through the park.
How to Travel to Great Yarmouth from Norwich
It’s easy to travel from Norwich to Great Yarmouth on public transport. You can choose to take either the bus or train.
The x1 and x11 Coastlink buses run from the Norwich bus station to the Market Gates bus station in Great Yarmouth. It runs about every 15 minutes during the day from Monday to Saturday and every 30 minutes on Sundays. You can buy tickets on the bus (contactless or cash) or use their app.
Alternatively, the train takes a little more than 30 minutes on the Wherry Line run by Greater Anglia. Be sure to buy your tickets in advance to get the best price. Check the train schedule and prices here.
Day Trip to the Wroxham & Hoveton from Norwich
Wroxham is affectionately known as the ‘Capital of the Norfolk Broads’ and Hoveton sits just on the other side of the River Bure. Together they are ideal for a fun family day out where you can take a stroll along the river, watch the boats go by (or hire your own), and check out other popular attractions.
What to do in Wroxham & Hoveton
- Hire a boat or take a boat tour as the best way to see the Norfolk Broads is from the water.
- Ride the Bure Valley Railway to Aylsham. If you want you could walk the 9-mile Bure Valley Path back.
- Check out Wroxham Miniature Worlds, the largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK.
- Go shopping at Roy’s, a local family run business founded by brothers, Alfred and Arnold Roy, in 1895.
- Have a romantic meal at Fizz & Fromage.
How to Get to Wroxham & Hoveton from Norwich
Wroxham and Hoveton is one of the few areas in the Norfolk Broads that is easily accessible by train.
The Bittern Line that runs from Norwich to Sheringham stops at the Hoveton and Wroxham station (HXM) which is a short walk from most attractions. You can catch a train from Norwich and be there in less than 20 minutes. Get the schedule and purchase tickets here.
Day Trip to Cambridge from Norwich
Cambridge is a picturesque city that is home to one of the most famous universities in the world. There is so much history and lots to do on a day trip to Cambridge.
What to Do in Cambridge
- Visit some of the famous colleges. You can do this on your own or take a guided walking tour led by a student.
- Check out some of the amazing museums. My favourites are the Fitzwilliam and the Museum of Archeology.
- Visit some of the beautiful churches. King’s College Chapel has some of the most beautiful stained glass anywhere. It’s also worth visiting Great St. Mary’s Church and climbing the tower to see the views.
- Try punting on the Cam River. This is the most quintessential Cambridge thing to do. You can do the punting on your own or take a punting tour.
How to Travel to Cambridge From Norwich
You can either take a train or bus from Norwich to Cambridge. The train takes a little more than an hour while the bus takes closer to two. The train station in Cambridge is about a 15-minute walk from many attractions while the bus station is more centrally located. The bus will take longer but it is cheaper. Whichever transportation option you choose to travel between Cambridge and Norwich, you will get the best price by booking in advance.
Click here to check train prices and schedules.
Click here to check bus prices and schedules.
Day Trip to London from Norwich
It is not possible to be bored in London, so even if you have been before it is always worth going back. There seems to be an endless list of things to do and it is easy to take the train from Norwich to London. We tend to do a day trip to London from Norwich frequently.
What to Do in London
- If it’s your first time in London, I recommend going to the Tower of London and the British Museum.
- At Westminster Abbey, you can see the tombs of many monarchs and other key figures in British history.
- During the summer, you can go inside Buckingham Palace and see the State Rooms.
- If the weather is bad, there are plenty of excellent museums. In addition to the British Museum, I love the Tate Modern, National Gallery, the London Transport Museum, and the Natural History Museum.
- If you are looking for something different to do in London consider taking a Harry Potter or Street Art Tour. I also love the Greenwich area. You can go to the Royal Observatory where the Prime Meridian is located, visit the Queen’s House, or even climb over The O2 Arena.
- Even during the colder months, there are plenty of things to do in the winter in London.
How to Travel to London From Norwich
The fastest way to get from Norwich to London is to take the train. It takes about 2 hours to get to London Liverpool Street Station. Get your ticket in advance and avoid rush hour to get the best price on your train tickets. Click here to check prices and schedule.
If you have a little more time, you can save money by taking the National Express bus from Norwich to London. Click here to check prices and schedule.
Read more about the options for traveling between London and Norwich.
Day Trip to Colchester from Norwich
Colchester is one of Britain’s most historic towns. It was the first Roman-founded city in Britain and for a time the capital of Roman Britain. The city walls were built during Roman times and two large stretches of the wall are still standing on the west and north sides. Colchester also has the only known Roman circus for chariot racing in England.
What to Do in Colchester
- Visit Colchester Castle. It’s a Norman keep built on the foundations of a Roman Temple. In the keep, there is the Colchester Castle Museum which holds some important national treasures.
- Explore the Beth Chatto Gardens. Once you have seen the six acres of beautifully landscaped gardens, relax in the tea room.
- Go to Firstsite. It’s a contemporary art gallery in a unique building designed by Rafael Viñoly. It is free to visit Firstsite.
- See some of Colchester’s other museums including Hollytrees Museum, Colchester Natural History Museum, East Anglian Railway Museum, and the Minories Gallery.
- Do the 2-mile circular walk following the course of the old city walls.
How to Travel to Colchester from Norwich
It’s best to take the train from Norwich to Colchester as it’s direct and takes a little more than an hour. Check train prices and schedules here.
Taking the bus between Colchester and Norwich is not practical for a day trip because there are no direct options. It could end up taking you five hours. I don’t think that is worth the money you would save.
Day Trip to Bury St. Edmunds from Norwich
Bury St. Edmunds is a historic market town in the county of Suffolk. It was once a pilgrimage site where people would come to see the shrine to King Edmund who died in 869. Now, it is known for brewing (Greene King brewery) and a sugar processing factory.
What to Do in Bury St. Edmunds
- Visit the Cathedral. While the church has been around for hundreds of years, the tower was only added in 2005. It’s free to visit the church, but there is a charge if you want to do a guided tour or a tower tour.
- Walk around the Abbey Gardens. The Abbey is now just ruins but it’s easy to see how magnificent it must have been. It’s free to visit the Abbey Gardens.
- Go to Moyse’s Hall Museum. This museum is popular with families and has exhibits about the history of Bury, witchcraft, rare timepieces, and more. It’s housed in a beautiful medieval building in the Market Place.
- Browse the Bury St. Edmunds Market. It’s open on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
How to Travel to Bury St. Edmunds from Norwich
In most cases, it is actually best to drive to Bury St. Edmunds, unless it is during the Bury St. Edmunds Christmas Market when there will be no parking.
If you want to take public transport, I recommend the train. Even though you do have to switch (most likely in Stowmarket) it only takes around an hour. Click here to check the train schedule and pricing.
Buses from Norwich to Bury St. Edmunds aren’t really practical for a day trip. The schedule is very limited and it takes more than three hours because there is no direct bus.
Best Day Trips from Norwich By Car
If you have a car and are willing to drive, it opens up more possibilities and gives you a bit of flexibility. While you may be able to reach these spots by public transport, it is much easier by car.
Day Trip to the Wells-Next-the-Sea from Norwich
Wells-Next-The-Sea may be best known for its beach huts, but there are many more reasons to visit this charming seaside town. You can take a boat ride, see some art, take a ride on the smallest public railway in the world, and more.
What to Do in the Wells-Next-the-Sea
- Enjoy the huge sandy beach at low tide. You can take a walk to see all the beach huts, make a sandcastle, have a picnic, or go for a swim.
- Take a boat or SUP tour.
- Enjoy a cider tasting at the Whin Hill Norfolk Cider shop. (Easter to October)
- Check out the art galleries and the Lifeboat Horse in the harbour. (May – September)
- Ride the famous Wells & Walsingham Light Railway, the smallest public railway in the world, between Wells-next-the-Sea and the beautiful village of Walsingham, a famous pilgrimage centre. (Note: It closes during the winter for maintenance.)
How to Get to the Wells-Next-the-Sea from Norwich
The best way to get to Wells-Next-The-Sea is to drive. It takes about an hour from Norwich. You should take the Fakenham Road (A1067) to A148 to B1105. If you want to go to the car park at the beach use what3words ///ticket.economics.keen or in the town ///dried.newsprint.besotted.
Day Trip to Sandringham from Norwich
Sandringham is one of King Charles III’s country retreats. It’s been a private home for monarchs since 1862 and where the royal family has celebrated Christmas since 1988 (although they missed two years during the pandemic).
What to do in Sandringham
- Tour Sandringham House. You can see the room where the royal family has Christmas Dinner and more. Don’t worry, with Sandringham House, you don’t need to get tickets in advance, you can buy them when you arrive. Note: The house and gardens are only open from April to mid-October each year.
- Enjoy the grounds of Sandringham. It is free to visit Sandringham Royal Park but there is a charge to see the gardens which surround Sandringham House. In the Royal Park, there is an adventure play area for kids and a sculpture trail.
- Go to the Sandringham Exhibition & Transport Museum. This is included with tickets to see Sandringham House or the Gardens.
- Visit St. Mary Magdalene Church where the Royal Family attends mass on Christmas morning.
- During the holiday season, you must visit the light trail Luminate at Sandringham.
- Stop in at the Dabbling Duck Pub nearby. It’s one of my favourite pubs in England.
You can find more information about visiting Sandringham here.
How to Get to Sandringham from Norwich
It takes about an hour to drive from Norwich to Sandringham. There is a car park by the Visitor’s Centre at Sandringham Royal Park.
Day Trip to Holkham from Norwich
Just a few miles west from Wells-Next-the-Sea, you will find Holkham. It’s home to one of the best beaches in Norfolk and a popular stately home, Holkham Hall.
What to Do in Holkham
- Tour Holkham Hall, an elegant 18th century Palladian style stately home built by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester. It’s now home to the 8th Earl of Leicester, but open to the public on select days.
- Do a nature walk around the lake and explore the grounds of Holkham Park. There is a walled garden, ropes course, and woodland play area. They also have bikes and boats you can hire.
- Enjoy Holkham Beach at low tide. There is plenty of room to build sandcastles, picnic, or just relax. When you want to cool off, the sea will be refreshing. Learn more in our Holkham Beach Guide.
How to Get to Holkham from Norwich
It takes about an hour to drive to Holkham from Norwich. You should take the Fakenham Road (A1067) to A148 to B1105. At Lady Anne’s Drive/Park Road turn right for parking by the beach or left for parking at Holkham Park. Historic Houses members can park for free at Holkham Park.
Day Trip to Hunstanton from Norwich
Hunstanton is nicknamed “Sunny Hunny” as it is one of the most popular destinations on the North Norfolk coast for families and a great place to catch the sunset. It’s known for its beach, unique striped cliffs, and lively promenade.
What to Do in Hunstanton
- Enjoy the large beach when the tide is out. You can even see the shipwreck of the S T Sheraton visible below the lighthouse.
- Visit the Sea Life Centre and see the seal hospital. Get more information here.
- Take a ride on a unique amphibious vehicle, called Wizzy the Wash Monster, that was originally designed for use by American Marines in Vietnam as a landing craft. From April to October, you can take a ride to see the seals in Hunstanton.
- Enjoy the fun fair and seaside amusements.
- See the lighthouse, ruins of St. Edmund’s Chapel, and more on the Wolf Trail.
How to Get to Hunstanton from Norwich
It takes about an hour and 20 minutes to drive to Hunstanton from Norwich. Take the Fakenham Road (A1067) to A148 to B1454 (Docking Road) to A149.
There are several places to park. We usually use the Clifftop car park, but the Southend Car Park is closer to many of the top attractions.
Day Trip to Walsingham from Norwich
Walsingham has been a popular destination for pilgrims after the apparitions that took place in 1061. There are still pilgrims who go to Walsingham, but even if you are not religious (like me) it’s still worth a visit.
What to Do in Walsingham
- Visit the ruins of Walsingham Abbey. If you visit during late winter or early spring, a Walsingham Abbey snowdrops walk is a must!
- Go to Our Lady of Walsingham, the Anglican Chapel, to see the replica of the Holy House and try the holy water.
- Go to the Slipper Chapel, the Roman Catholic Basilica.
- Stop in at the Walsingham Farm Shop for some local goodies.
- From mid-March through the end of October, there is a tourist steam train that takes you from Walsingham to Wells-Next-to-the-Sea.
How to Get to Walsingham from Norwich
It takes about an hour drive from Norwich to Walsingham. There is a small car park just northwest of the Abbey, use the small street off of Bridewell Street to access it.
Day Trip to the Suffolk Coast from Norwich
If you want to do a beach day trip from Norwich the Suffolk coast is another option. With a car, you could easily see a few of the most popular towns in one day. My favourites are Aldeburgh, Walberswick, Dunwich, and Southwold.
What to Do on the Suffolk Coast
- Have some of the best fish & chips in England in Aldeburgh.
- Picnic at the Walberswick Beach or try crabbing.
- Take a tour of the Adnam’s Brewery in Southwold.
- Go for a walk through Dunwich Heath.
How to Get to the Suffolk Coast from Norwich
It’s about an hour to an hour and half drive from Norwich to the Suffolk Coast depending on where you go.
It can sometimes be tough to find parking in Aldeburgh. If that is the case, drive towards Thorpeness to find more. It’s a lovely coastal walk back into Aldeburgh.
Parking at Dunwich Heath is free for National Trust Members. Click here to learn about more benefits that come along with National Trust Membership.
Day Trip to Framlingham from Norwich
Framlingham is home to the historic Framlingham Castle and also Ed Sheeran. Framlingham Castle is best known as the place where Bloody Mary (Mary Tudor) was crowned Queen of England.
What to Do in Framlingham
- Explore Framlingham Castle and do the castle wall walk. Framlingham Castle is an English Heritage site so members can get in free. Click here to get more information on English Heritage membership.
- Do the Framlingham Castle Meer walk.
- Other attractions nearby include Saxton Green Post Mill (also an English Heritage site) and Helmingham Hall Gardens.
- You may be able to also fit in a visit to one of the Suffolk coastal towns (see above)
How to Get to Framlingham from Norwich
It takes about a little more than an hour to drive from Norwich to Framlingham. There is parking at the castle.
Day Trip to Orford from Norwich
Orford in Suffolk is the quintessential English fishing village. It has an interesting history from Henry II to the Cold War and it’s ideal for nature lovers too.
Things to Do in Orford
- Visit Orford Castle. It was built by Henry II and has a unique shape. Climb to the top for some impressive views of the Suffolk Coast. Orford Castle is free for English Heritage members. Click here for more information about English Heritage.
- Explore the Orford Ness Nature Reserve. What used to be an atomic weapons research centre has been turned into a nature reserve. Orford Ness is a National Trust site, so while it is free for National Trust members but you do have to pay for the boat ride. Get more information about National Trust membership here.
- Take a boat cruise from Orford Quay. You can do one where they serve a meal or one that is more focused on nature and wildlife.
- Go inside Orford Church. It was built in the 14th century attached to the 12th century remains. The church is known for its acoustics, so catch a performance there if you can.
How to Get to Orford from Norwich
It takes about an hour and half to drive from Norwich to Orford. There are car parks by the castle and also close to the docks.
Choosing an Excursion from Norwich
If you have a bit of extra time in Norwich, there are plenty of day trips in East Anglia to choose from. It’s the perfect opportunity to go to the beach, learn more about history, get closer to nature, explore some museums, and more. The travel time is two hours or less!
Have you ever done a day trip from Norwich?
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