Norfolk: The most beautiful places to live in the county

There are locations to suit all tastes and the county certainly isn't short of breathtaking views.

With the help of local estate agents, here are some of the most beautiful places to live in Norfolk.

Castle Acre

The ruins of Castle Acre's Norman castle makes for a great day out exploring (Image: Norfolk County Council)

Castle Acre lies in northwest Norfolk, taking its name from a 12th-century Norman castle.

Lee Shuardson, residential sales manager at Brown&Co in King's Lynn, said: "One of the most beautiful places in Norfolk in which to live is the village of Castle Acre, situated a few miles from Swaffham.

"This pretty location is steeped in history, with both the ruins of an ancient priory and castle.

Lee Shuardson, Residential Sales Manager, King's Lynn (Image: Brown&Co)

"It has good pubs in the vicinity including the Ostrich, a 16th-century inn right in the heart of the village.

"Swaffham is nearby and further afield, King's Lynn.

"There are picturesque properties in Castle Acre and a feeling of community. It's a tranquil place to be with some beautiful scenic walks too."

North Walsham, Stalham and Sea Palling

Sea Palling offers beautiful coastal views without the cost of places like Burnham Market and Blakeney (Image: Newsquest)

Villages and towns to the northeast of the county lie in close proximity to windswept beaches and the Broads while offering more affordable prices, according to Arnolds and Keys' Jan Hÿtch​.

She said: "Some parts of the north Norfolk coast are well reported to be at the higher end of some people’s budgets and out of reach for many.

"But if you travel inland a little way, you can find good value homes in towns and villages, particularly in the northeast of the county, with North Walsham, Stalham and Sea Palling, for instance, coming in at almost half the budget of places like Blakeney and Burnham Market."

Burnham Market, Holt and Blakeney

Blakeney Quay (Image: Newsquest)

For Ben Rivett, joint head of residential sales at Savills, north Norfolk's coastal towns and villages are an obvious choice.

He said: “The most obvious examples which everyone knows about are the coastal towns and villages of north Norfolk – the likes of Burnham Market, Holt, Blakeney, Brancaster and Burnham Overy Staithe for example.

Ben Rivett, joint head of residential sales at Savills (Image: Savills)

"They remain incredibly popular with buyers and benefit from some fantastic eateries and boutique shops, complemented by a wonderful coastline in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty."

Hingham and New Buckenham

New Buckenham's green (Image: Newsquest)

The villages of Hingham, Woodrising and New Buckenham lie to the south of Norwich, close to the bustling market towns of Attleborough and Wymondham.

David Warner, a partner at Warner Estate Agents, said: "While it is of course subjective, there are little places like Hingham and New Buckenham that retain a beautiful village setting with stunning rural views.

"For example, we recently sold a property in Woodrising that had countryside views of Norfolk's wide skies that are second to none.

"The beauty of Norfolk is that it fulfils lots of briefs in different ways, whether it is the charm of historic towns or coastal areas in north Norfolk."

Aylsham

Aylsham town centre (Image: Danielle Booden)

The historic market town of Aylsham should not be overlooked, according to Savills' Ben Rivett, offering easy access to the coast and Norwich.

He said: "Situated beside the River Bure and next door to the National Trust site at Blickling, Aylsham is a lovely traditional market town with a range of facilities and independent retailers, good connections to the coast as well as Norwich, and a choice of house types to cater for all tastes and budgets."

Norwich

Norwich Cathedral dominates the city's skyline (Image: Bill Smith)

Norfolk's urban hub, Norwich, with its medieval architecture and riverside areas, has plenty of beauty to explore.

Jan Hÿtch​, a partner at Arnolds and Keys, said: "For those who love the countryside but prefer a more urban landscape to live in, a small budget does not mean you can’t enjoy open spaces and lots of greenery.

Jan Hÿtch, partner at Arnolds and Keys (Image: Arnolds and Keys)

"The city of Norwich with its rich medieval history and meandering River Wensum is one of the greenest cities in the UK.

"You could live right in the heart of the city in a flat or townhouse with little or no garden and feel like you’re in the countryside just by taking a riverside walk, visiting one of the beautiful public parks, or venturing to nearby Whitlingham lakes for fantastic scenery, wildlife and a vast expanse of tranquil water."