North Elmham contains the ruins of a stone Saxon Cathedral, protected by English Heritage. The first building on the site was the first cathedral of East Anglia until 1071 when the diocesan headquarters moved to Thetford and thence to Norwich. The market town of Dereham is five miles away with a wider range of shops and one of the most interesting churches in Norfolk, a county famed for its churches, both in their number and history. The splendid North Norfolk coast is only 20 minutes from The Engine House at Wells-next-the-Sea, with Holkham, Brancaster, Hunstanton and Cromer all easily accessible.

Roots of Norfolk in Gressenhall is a truly unique museum. You can visit its 50-acre site and discover a historic workhouse, with a museum of life on the land. You can also see a traditional farm with rare breed animals, all within beautiful, unspoilt grounds.

The museum offers a great day for everyone, whether you want to learn about the lives of Norfolk people in the past or relax and have a good time with your friends and family. You’ll need a whole day to discover all its wonders.

Not far from North Elmham is The Sandringham Estate, which is the country retreat for Her Majesty The Queen and His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. Many of the rooms in the house are open to the public, and are home to many of the Royals possessions. The house is open from 11am to 5pm from April through to October (except when HM is in residence).

Near the popular costal town of Wells-next-the-Sea, the Palladian style mansion of Holkham Hall is situated. Holkham Hall is home to the Coke family and the Earls Of Leicester. The rooms of their home are open from June and September for visitors to experience the wealth and opulence that was enjoyed by the Coke family. There are also shops and craft centres that are open to the public, alongside the parkland which is open all year round.

The coast of Norfolk has many popular places and towns to visit. Wells-next-the-Sea is a pretty and quaint coastal town that still enjoys its original and peaceful features. Hunstanton, Sheringham and Cromer are more traditional coastal towns, however; they are still worth a visit. For more local information please see the Houghton Hall page.