North Norfolk has been getting national attention once again.

People are calling it the new Cotswolds, and news channels have given it the nickname the “Notswolds”, which feels much more fitting for a place that has its own identity.

Once you spend time here, it becomes instantly clear why the spotlight has turned east.

Who would love living in the Notswolds?

The appeal of this part of the world is broader than people realise.

City people

Anyone escaping the city and looking for a calmer pace of life, pretty villages, good food, and a sense of space will settle in quickly. You still get a touch of sophistication, but without the crowds or the premium house prices.

Families

Children can grow up near long stretches of coastline, villages that feel safe and welcoming, and schools that sit at the heart of their communities. There is always something to explore.

Retirees

Quiet lanes, fresh air, coastal walks, and pretty cottages make North Norfolk a lovely place to enjoy more peaceful years.

Remote workers and creatives

Galleries, artisan cafes, inspiring landscapes, and a growing number of independent businesses create a setting that feels both calming and energising.

What the Notswolds offer

Life here is full of small pleasures. They might be simple, but they are the reason people fall in love with the area.

Cley’s wide salt marsh views at sunset
Coastal charm in Blakeney, as well as the seals
Burnham Market, with its boutiques and village green
Holt’s Georgian streets and independent shops
Beaches that stretch for miles
Farm shops that keep everything feeling local and authentic
A food scene that keeps getting better every year

Why does it offer better value than the Cotswolds?

Many people who once focused their search on the traditional Cotswolds are looking in this direction instead. The reason is straightforward.

Homes here often come with more space, better gardens, and a lower price tag. The villages feel just as characterful, yet the atmosphere is more relaxed and less commercial. Most importantly for many buyers, you are only minutes from the coast, which is something the Cotswolds doesn't provide.

A favourite escape for celebrities

North Norfolk attracts more well-known names than most people realise. Actors, chefs, writers, and creatives have quietly chosen it as a place to switch off. They get privacy, peaceful surroundings, good food, and no fuss. People here tend to treat everyone the same, which makes it easy for public figures to enjoy a simple day-to-day life without being interrupted.

A place for food lovers

This area has become a bit of a haven for people who enjoy eating well.

You will find fresh seafood straight from the coast, cosy pubs, bakeries, farm-to-table menus, and beautifully run independent restaurants in places like Holt, Burnham Market, Blakeney, and Wells. Whether you want something casual or something special, it is all here.

Holt at Christmas

Holt deserves its own mention because the town becomes magical at Christmas. The lights wind around the Georgian buildings, and the whole place feels like a festive film set. It is one of those experiences you remember, and it brings people back year after year.

The chance encounter with royalty

One of the quirkiest things about North Norfolk is how normal it is to spot someone from the royal family. With Sandringham close by, many members of the family visit the surrounding villages and towns. You might see them popping into a shop or enjoying a quiet walk. People barely react, which is part of the charm.

A region on the rise

The Notswolds are becoming one of the most desirable parts of the country, yet it has managed to keep its soul. It still feels friendly, genuine, and unspoilt.

Whether you are thinking about moving here, buying a second home, or simply exploring, the Notswolds offer something rare. It blends countryside, coast, and character in a way that does not feel manufactured or overdone.

If you are curious about what life here could look like, now is a wonderful time to explore the possibilities.

Discover the “Notswolds”.

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