The Barns at Thorpe Market

Explore the Area

North Norfolk is a truly special part of the country, with traditional seaside charm, beautiful countryside, unspoilt beaches and picturesque villages.

Just four miles from The Barns lies Cromer, the quintessential British seaside town, famous for its pier, sandy beach, Cromer crab and fish and chips. Stroll along the promenade, explore the independent shops, catch a show at the Pavilion Theatre or simply watch the waves roll in. Further along the coast you will find miles of stunning beaches, charming villages and spectacular sunsets.

Beyond the coast, discover the tranquil waterways of the Norfolk Broads, see the seals resting on the beach at Horsey, or explore National Trust houses such as Blickling and Felbrigg. With country pubs, local food and charming market towns all within easy reach, The Barns is the perfect base for discovering this beautiful corner of England.

Holkham Beach UK

Our favourites

Eating and Drinking

We are spoilt for choice when it comes to eating and drinking in Norfolk, with a fantastic range of pubs, restaurants, cafes and tea rooms all serving excellent food. Here are a few of our favourites.

The Gunton Arms

Thorpe Market

1 mile

The Suffield Arms

Thorpe Market

1 mile

The Vernon Arms

Southrepps

1 mile

The Foundry Arms

Northrepps

2 miles

Gibsons Bistro

Cromer

4 miles

Bann Thai

Cromer

4 miles

Rocket House Cafe

Cromer

4 miles

Upstairs at No 1

Cromer

4 miles

Steam train leaving a station on the North Norfolk Railway Poppy Line
Cromer Pier

Days out

Places to Visit

Visit a National Trust house, take a ride on a steam train or relax on the Norfolk Broads, not forgetting our many market towns and the vibrant city of Norwich. There is something of interest for everyone.

Felbrigg Hall, Garden and Park

One of the National Trust's most elegant country houses in East Anglia.

5 miles

Sheringham Park

A spectacular landscape park and woodland garden designed by Humphry Repton, with miles of footpaths and coastal views.

6.7 miles

North Norfolk Railway - Poppy Line

Steam trains running from Sheringham to Holt through some of the country's most stunning coastal scenery.

7.5 miles

Blickling Hall, Garden and Park

A magnificent National Trust Jacobean house, with beautiful gardens and parkland.

8 miles

East Ruston Old Vicarage

A 30-acre exotic garden - one of the most remarkable and enjoyable gardens made in recent years.

9 miles

Holt

A beautiful Georgian market town full of independent shops and cafes. Always worth a visit.

9 miles

Holkham Hall

Much more than a stately home: this 18th-century Palladian hall has places to eat, gardens and the Hall itself to explore.

27 miles

Sandringham Estate

One of the King's country estates, with 60 acres of gardens and over 600 acres of woodland.

41 miles

Atlantic grey seal pups resting on the beach at Horsey
A green sandpiper feeding in the shallows of a Norfolk marsh
Boats moored beside a windmill on the Norfolk Broads

Coast and countryside

Nature and Wildlife

With most of the coastline an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and long sandy beaches, high cliffs, sand dunes and salt marshes, North Norfolk is wonderful for wildlife.

Southrepps Nature Reserve

12.4 hectares of woodland, reeds, grass and wildflowers.

1 mile

Peddars Way and Norfolk Coast Path

Scenic coastal landscapes on one of the 15 National Trails. Together the two trails cover over 150km.

4 miles

The Broads

Part of the National Parks family - perfect for boat trips, wildlife watching and gentle walks.

13 miles

Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Two nature reserves at Cley and Salthouse marshes.

15 miles

Blakeney National Nature Reserve

One of the largest expanses of unspoilt coastline in Europe, and great for birdwatching.

17 miles

Horsey Gap

A famous stretch of the east coast and one of the best places in the UK to watch grey seals, with pups in the winter.

21 miles

Plan your stay

Come and Discover North Norfolk for Yourself

Whether it is a relaxing short break or a longer stay exploring the area, we look forward to welcoming you to The Barns.