Where is Norfolk?
Norfolk is a county in the East of England, with an approximate population of 814,000. It borders Lincolnshire to its northwest and Suffolk to the southeast. Norfolk’s capital city is Norwich, which has a population of around 220,000 people.
The county is split into six districts: Breckland District Council, Broadland District Council, Great Yarmouth Borough Council, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Borough Council (which includes King’s Lynn), North Norfolk District Council and South Norfolk District Council.
Areas in Norfolk
Some of the most popular areas for prospective homebuyers in Norfolk include:
The Broads – a large protected wetland area in the east of the county, the Broads is popular for its natural beauty and for its many outdoor activities
Norwich – the county’s capital city, with a lively cultural scene and plenty of amenities, Norwich is a popular place for those looking to buy property in the county. It has a thriving nightlife and plenty of high-end shops, as well as all the amenities you would expect to find in such an urban centre. It is also home to two universities
North Norfolk – an area of outstanding natural beauty, with very little light pollution and plenty of activities on hand such as golfing and walking around its beautiful coastline
The North Norfolk Coast – a picturesque stretch of coastline that is popular with holidaymakers and those looking for a seaside home
South Norfolk – an area that is more rural and agricultural, with market towns and villages dotting the landscape
Fakenham – a market town in the north of the county with good transport links, Fakenham is popular with commuters who work in Norwich or London
Cromer – a charming seaside town on the North Norfolk coast, Cromer is well known for its pier and the crabs that are caught in the surrounding waters
King’s Lynn: another coastal town, this one with a more rural feel King’s Lynn is known for its antiques and traditional festivals.
Universities in Norfolk
With two universities, Norwich is the largest city in Norfolk and offers a wide range of educational opportunities
The University of East Anglia – based in Norwich, the UEA is a prestigious university known for its research work and modern approach to education. It specialises in the arts, humanities, business and law.
The Norwich University of the Arts – a specialist arts university, the Norwich University of the Arts is also well regarded for its fine art and design courses. It has a reputation for being a friendly and informal university with strong connections to the local region.
Top Schools in Norfolk
Norfolk has some of the best schools in Britain, with many achieving excellent results at the GCSE level every year. Some of the standout schools include:
Royal Norwich School – an independent school, the Royal Norwich School is one of the leading co-educational boarding schools in England. The school has an outstanding academic reputation and offers a wide range of extracurricular activities to its pupils.
Gresham’s School – another independent school, Gresham’s School is located in Holt, a small town in the north of Norfolk. The school has an excellent academic record, with many pupils going on to study at some of the most prestigious universities in the world.
Thetford Grammar School – Thetford Grammar School is a state-funded secondary school with academy status. The school has an excellent reputation for providing high-quality education and boasts some of the best results in Norfolk.
Population of Norfolk
Where there are a fair number of people living in Norfolk, the county is very large, which means Norfolk is one of the most sparsely populated counties in England, with a population of 907,760 but a population density of just 55 people per square kilometre. This makes it a great place to live if you want to get away from the hustle and bustle of a bigger city.