Top 5 West Norfolk Attractions

Sandringham House and Gardens

Attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year, the beloved Sandringham Estate of Her Majesty The Queen has become a widely admired tourism attraction in west Norfolk. With rooms bursting with Edwardian beauty, visitors are guaranteed to spot antique treasures including the porcelain chandelier gifted by Kaiser Wilheim I of Germany. A highlight of any visit is a walk around the stunning gardens surrounding the house, uniquely personalised to the tastes of The Queen and previous British monarchs.

Norfolk Lavender

Spot many different varieties of lavender and a large range of herbs at Norfolk Lavender, Heacham. Learn about the ancient process of lavender distillation and how the small aromatic evergreen shrub is harvested. You’ll be able to uncover a fantastic range of themed gifts in the Countryside Gift Shop. If you fancy a cream tea or a slice of freshly-baked cake, The Norfolk Lavender Lounge is on site to satisfy your cravings.

Hunstanton Beach

Enjoy west Norfolk’s outstanding coastline at the Victorian seaside resort of Hunstanton. As an east coast resort facing west, visitors are guaranteed to catch the sun and enjoy spectacular sunsets. During the warmer months of the year, you’re invited to follow the town’s self-guided Horticultural Trail or tour along the coast on a Wash Monster. Hunstanton has all the traditional seaside attractions including amusements, crazy golf, and donkey rides. The resort also offers shows at the Princess Theatre, interactive aquarium zones in the Sealife Centre, and has an indoor swimming pool at Alive Oasis.

Snettisham Park

Meet the miniature animals, witness new-born lambs take their very first steps or go on a 45-minute deer safari at Snettisham Park. From collecting and grading eggs to grooming and riding ponies along the wonderful farm trails, you and your family are guaranteed an all-round farm experience with something for every animal lover to enjoy.

Bircham Windmill

Explore the only working windmill open to the public in west Norfolk, Bircham Windmill. Climb up to the top to enjoy unmissable views of Great Bircham’s undulating countryside. Learn along the way, listen to the audio boxes, and watch the mill machinery turning. Visitors are welcome to meet and feed the farm animals on site or bake a bread loaf from scratch in the bakery adjoining the mill. 

West Norfolk Festivals

From food and drink events to music and literacy festivals, West Norfolk has something for everyone to enjoy throughout the year.

King’s Lynn’s annual Heritage Open Day is a celebration of local history and architecture.  The free festival gives visitors the opportunity to learn more about the town’s historic houses, offices, gardens, chapels, and towers that are not normally open to the public.

The town also hosts the annual King’s Lynn Poetry Festival. In a friendly and relaxed setting, attendees will have the opportunity to meet some of the best contemporary writers, hear them read and purchase their books.

Deepdale Camping hosts the Deepdale Festival. A weekend of great live music, with a strong focus on the best original talent East Anglia and beyond has to offer.

Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, the following festivals were cancelled in 2021 but are expected to make a return in 2022:

• King’s Lynn Fiction Festival
• The Soul Family Affair Weekend
• King’s Lynn Hanse Festival
• Festival Too
• Sandringham Food and Drink Festival
• Heacham Carnival
• Downham Market Water Festival
• Norfolk Walking and Cycling Festival

Check out the Visit West Norfolk Events page for updates.

Find out more

For more information about tourist attractions in west Norfolk, please see Visit West Norfolk website.