Norfolk is indeed an ideal location for a caravan holiday home. There are many holiday caravan parks on which you can own your own little piece of this very special county by buying either a new or preowned static caravan. Norfolk caravan parks range from those with all the major facilities such as pools and entertainment complexes to small secluded sites for those who value peace and quiet. If you are looking for your own escape from the pressures of a busy life, the staff at Joal Leisure (www.joalleisure.co.uk), will happily discuss options of new or pre-owned caravan holiday homes that are available to purchase. Their showground has a comprehensive selection of caravans for viewing and they are open 7 days a week.
Some well known Norfolk caravan parks are:
Waveney River Centre, Burgh St Peter
Woodhill Park, Cromer
Fritton Lake Woodland Lodges, Fritton
Breydon Water Holiday Park, Caister Holiday Park, California Cliffs Holiday Park, Cherry Tree Holiday Park, Clippesby Hall, Family
Holiday Centre, Hopton Holiday Village, Pontins Hemsby, Seashore Holiday Park, Vauxhall Holiday Park, and the Wild Duck Holiday Park,
all at Great Yarmouth
Kelling Heath Holiday Park, Holt
Searles Leisure Resort, Hunstanton
Heacham Beach Holiday Park, and Woodlakes, at Kings Lynn
Lakeside Country Club, Norwich
Norfolk is a large, flat, rural county. The usually sparse population of around 900,000 inhabitants is boosted each year by around 5 million staying visitors and 50 million day visitors.
There is much to attract the visitor and a Norfolk caravan will allow you to spend weekends and longer breaks here. The long coastline has beaches that are both sandy and pebbled, tiny fishing ports, and great seafood. Did you know that the dumpling was invented in Norfolk in the 16th century? Those who enjoy their food nowadays can take their pick of some superb restaurants in the area.
Probably the most well-known feature in Norfolk is the Broads. Many a happy time has been spent on these shallow lakes which are ideal for boating. Why not bring your own boat or kayak to your Norfolk caravan and enjoy the pleasures of being afloat whenever you wish. The Broads are the flooded remains of ancient peat diggings and number 41 in total. They are linked by six generally tranquil tidal rivers, and receive around two million visitors a year. They come for the boating, the beautiful and varied countryside, and the wildlife – especially birds such as bitterns and marsh harriers found at places like the Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Ranworth Broad centre and the National Nature Reserve at Hickling Broad (where the rare swallowtail butterfly may also be seen).
Windmills abound in this area, in addition to many thatched cottages, thanks to the large areas of fine reed beds.
Your Norfolk caravan will allow you to plan many trips to interesting places. For example, Great Yarmouth is at the eastern tip of the county and the seafood trade was very important in its history. Herrings were the root of the town’s wealth (as seen in the coat of arms, three lion heads and bodies with herring tails). The town’s wealth continued to be linked to the sea after the decline of the herring catch, first through tourism (the town has a Golden Mile to rival Blackpool’s, and two piers, Wellington and Britannia). Latterly, servicing the North Sea oil and gas industries has grown in importance. Yarmouth has many historic sites such as the Tollhouse dungeons; town wall remnants; a few remaining very narrow streets); and an elegant riverside.
The magnificent Norman cathedral at Norwich and the city's castle are evidence of its importance in English history. Within the city, the Adam and Eve public house has stood on the same site since the 13th century and has reputedly been haunted by Lord Sheffield since 1549. There are more than 30 medieval churches in the city, built on the wool trade, and other gems like the Guildhall and Dragon Hall.
King's Lynn (West Norfolk) has a long history, tied to the town's seafaring past. The preserved Norman fortress of Castle Rising Keep can be found nearby. Sandringham, a 600 acre Royal estate purchased by Queen Victoria in 1862 is the start of the fen country.
If you bring your bicycle to your Norfolk caravan, you’ll be able to get away from the hustle and bustle to explore areas such the south of the county, where there are many lovely forests. This is one of the driest areas in England. Picture postcard cottages adorn the market towns of Thetford, Swaffham and Dereham. Villages, like East Harling are a must for visitors who are keen to see ‘Olde England’ complete with village church and cricket pitch.
Norfolk has many habitats, and many different landscapes, but common to all are the huge skies that have attracted painters and sightseers for centuries, and continue to do so.
