Renting in Retirement in Norfolk

Posted 18th November 2024

Exploring retirement communities in Norfolk

Historically, the southern coast of Norfolk has been the most popular location to retire. We’ve seen a shift in this, and now inland towns and the North coast are becoming popular too.

Norfolk is a county in the East of England and East Anglia. It borders Suffolk to the south, Cambridgeshire to the west, Lincolnshire to the northwest and the North Sea to the north and east.

The county enjoys a large expanse of coastline which encourages many birds to the area throughout the year. Being largely flat, it is ideal terrain to keep active, either on foot, or cycling the many designated tracks.

Retiring to Norfolk offers a balanced lifestyle and there are three cities and several popular towns in the country to consider.

Norwich is an exciting place. It’s a vibrant city with plenty going on against a backdrop of heritage. With plenty of Roman and Medieval architecture to see, it has an exciting arts, music and cultural scene. There’s plenty of independent shops and high street retailers, a quaint covered market and a diverse nightlife.

Retiring to the coast in Norfolk

Great Yarmouth has lots going on, teamed with a long stretch of golden sands to relax on. There’s Merrivale model village, wildlife gardens and an aquarium. There are several museums, including a circus museum displaying props, posters and other artifacts. There are art galleries, Roman ruins and 2 piers with pastimes such as theatres and ten-pin bowling. Boat trips are available, and the pleasure beach is great for visitors.

North Walsham enjoys a slower pace of life, perfect for retirees who like a quieter town. It features a town with all the expected amenities, has some Anglo-Saxon buildings to explore and its own sandy beach. There’s a general market every Thursday with food, drinks, plants and crafts to enjoy.

Cromer is a great town to visit for a traditional seaside town vibe. There’s attractions, coastal walks and museums to enjoy. There are sandy beaches, shops and a pier which houses numerous events throughout the year.

Hunstanton is a seaside town based in the west of Norfolk. It was designed and built in 1946 as a purpose-built Victorian holiday destination and retains much of the heritage of that era. A perfect balance of activities from crazy golf and pitch and putt to the halcyon Esplanade Gardens. There’s a leisure centre to help keep active too.

Gorleston-on-Sea sits close to Great Yarmouth to the south. It has been named as having one of the best Beaches in England with its wide expanse of sandy beach below the cliff gardens and a majestic promenade. They have a Sunday Yacht race every week, which is a great spectator sport.

Sheringham is a traditional seaside towns with all of the scenery and activities you would expect. It has an award winning beach and a heritage railway along with a variety of shops selling local produce.

Retiring inland in Norfolk

Diss is a market town towards the southerly side of the county. It features one of the deepest inland lakes in England, being around 60 feet deep. It has a railway on the Great Eastern Main Line which runs between London and Norwich. It’s therefore convenient to venture out further afield.

Fakenham is a traditional market town around 10 miles inland. Your closest beaches would be Sheringham or Cromer. It is situated on the river Wensum and has great links to the major A roads in the county, which skirt around the quiet town.

Swaffham is a market town with heritage Georgian buildings. It’s featured on popular television programs, such as Dad’s Army and Hello Hello.

Find your perfect retirement rental apartment in Norfolk.