Aerial view of 3-storey, Norfolk country house and its wooded estate in Norfolk.

My Favourite Holiday Cottages in Aylsham

Welcome to Aylsham, a charming market town in the heart of North Norfolk, where Aylsham holiday cottages offer the perfect base for exploring this beautiful region. Aylsham is a remarkable, attractive, and unspoilt little East Anglian market town in North Norfolk with a fine collection of 18th-century houses located on the River Bure in Norfolk. The town and surrounding villages are home to several quaint holiday cottages.

Aylsham has welcomed visitors to its various hostelries, restaurants and tea rooms over the centuries - Lord Nelson attended a dance at The Blackboys Inn on the Market Place, a popular watering hole and eating place in the town centre. Take the family on a trip by steam train on the Bure Valley Railway, which runs from Aylsham to Wroxham, where children will enjoy the play areas and a spot for animal feeding and grooming at Wroxham Barns.

This coastal town is conveniently situated near some of Norfolk's most beloved destinations. Fancy a day by the seaside? The delightful coastal town of Cromer is just 12 miles away. If you're in the mood for some urban exploration, the vibrant city of Norwich is a mere 15 miles south.

A wisteria-clad, single-storey brick building with large windows overlooks a garden full of shrubs.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Garden House is a gorgeous rural holiday cottage near Aylsham in Norfolk set on the lavish grounds of a grand private estate. The pet-friendly cottage boasts beautiful views and 150 acres of grounds with lakes. It combines rural charm with modern elegance in a cottage with an open fire and coastal access.

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A clapper-boarded barn conversion with steps to a balcony half-hidden between trees.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Miller’s Loft is a romantic cottage amidst lush green countryside in Erpingham, Norfolk. The luxuriously appointed cottage offers beautiful views from its generous deck and draws natural light to the contemporary open-plan living space. Explore the region and relax by the wood burner.

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An arched brick gatehouse converted to holiday cottages.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

The Treasury is an elegant romantic cottage within the grounds of the private Wolterton Park Estate in Norfolk. The pet-friendly luxury cottage for two boasts exposed brick walls and great character, as well as fine furnishings and an open fire. Couples can also enjoy the private estate and its 150 acres of grounds.

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The tower of a windmill (no sails) surrounded by a shrub-filled garden.
Sleeps
6
Bedrooms
3

Once a working flour mill for over 100 years, Aylsham Windmill now offers luxurious, family-friendly self-catering holidays (with Wi-Fi) for 2-6 guests in Aylsham, a picturesque rural market town in North Norfolk midway between Norwich and the coast at Cromer.

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Exterior of a row of terraced houses with potted bayleaf trees aside the front doors.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Perfectly situated for couples and small families hoping to explore the Norfolk Broads, Valentine Cottage in the heart of the Norfolk market town of Aylsham, offers cosy and welcoming accommodation, a pet-friendly cottage with wood burning stove, Freeview TVs, and a brick-built summerhouse.

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Exterior of a single-story, stone cottage overlooking a large lawn.
Sleeps
2
Bedrooms
1

Acorn Cottage is cute as a button. The romantic cottage in Oulton, Norfolk, is surrounded by countryside and a delightful garden and possesses true character. Pitched beamed ceilings grace the interior, and a wood burner warms the living area. Contemporary styling complements its country charm.

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Exterior of an 18th-century terraced holiday cottage in Aylsham.
Sleeps
5
Bedrooms
3

Ideally situated just steps from the heart of the market town of Aylsham, Norfolk, lies Ted’s Place, a mid-terrace period home renovated to a high standard, a pet-friendly cottage with a modern kitchen, three pretty first-floor bedrooms, freestanding rolltop bath, and enclosed lawned garden.

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Floor to ceiling French windows in a brick and coblestone cottage overlook a formal garden.
Sleeps
4
Bedrooms
2

Bridge Cottage is a cute cottage converted from a former mill worker home in Aylsham, Norfolk. The delightful garden leads into the characterful interior, which retains exposed beams and tiled floors and offers open-plan design, thoughtful presentation and décor, and easy access to many attractions.

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Aylsham's location is nothing short of perfect. It's conveniently situated near some of Norfolk's most beloved destinations. Fancy a day by the seaside? The delightful coastal town of Cromer is just 12 miles away. If you're in the mood for some urban exploration, the vibrant city of Norwich is a mere 15 miles south.

Activities for All

Aylsham offers a variety of activities to keep you entertained during your self-catering holidays in Aylsham:

Nature and Outdoor Pursuits

If you love the great outdoors, Aylsham won't disappoint. Lace up your walking boots and explore:

Culture and History

Immerse yourself in the area's rich history with a visit to Blickling Hall. This magnificent Jacobean mansion is just a stone's throw from Aylsham. After exploring the hall and its beautiful gardens, why not relax in one of the town's charming local pubs? Popular choices include The Black Boys Hotel Pub & Restaurant and The Porters Arms.

For history enthusiasts, Aylsham offers several other fascinating sites. The Aylsham Heritage Centre provides a captivating journey through the town's past, with exhibits dating back to its origins around 500 AD. Open from March to November, the centre offers guided tours and a wealth of historical materials.

Take a stroll through time on the Aylsham Heritage Walk. This self-guided route showcases the town's well-preserved 18th-century architecture, including Dutch-gabled lanes and charming cottages. It's a perfect way to appreciate Aylsham's unique character while exploring local independent shops and cafes.

Relaxation and Pampering

Treat yourself to some well-deserved relaxation at one of Aylsham's highly regarded spas. Visage Beauty Clinic, located at 5 Blofields Loke, offers a variety of beauty treatments and massages to help you unwind. For a more personalised experience, Pennie's Beauty and Massage Therapy on Buxton Road provides professional beauty and massage services tailored to your needs. These local gems are perfect for middle-aged women looking to rejuvenate during their stay.

Culinary Delights

Aylsham is a food lover's paradise, offering diverse culinary experiences. For a quintessentially British afternoon, visit The Orangery Tea Room, where you can savour a pot of loose-leaf tea while enjoying stunning views over a serene lake. If you're in the mood for homemade cakes and sweet treats, Byfords offers a delightful spread in a cosy ambience.

For those seeking fine dining experiences, The WinePress in Norwich boasts a 2 AA Rosette rating and showcases high-quality dishes made with seasonal, local ingredients. If you're in the mood for international flavours, Farmyard offers a bistronomy-style experience with creative dishes highlighted in the Michelin Guide.

Shopping

Explore Aylsham's charming high street, lined with independent boutiques, antique shops, and local crafts. It's the perfect place to find unique souvenirs or treat yourself to something special during your stay in one of the many holiday cottages in Aylsham.

Family-Friendly Holidays in Aylsham

Aylsham and its surrounding areas offer a wealth of family-friendly attractions, perfect for day trips or half-day outings with children. Here are some recommendations:

Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure

Step back in time to this prehistoric paradise where life-sized dinosaurs roam. Children can embark on thrilling adventures through the Dinosaur Trail, conquer the high ropes course, and cool off in the splash zone. With its blend of education and entertainment, Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure provides a roaring good time for all ages.

Bressingham Steam & Gardens

All aboard for a journey through history at Bressingham Steam & Gardens. Families can enjoy rides on beautifully restored steam engines, explore the meticulously maintained gardens, and visit the Dad's Army exhibition. The site's unique combination of horticultural beauty and railway heritage offers something for every family member.

Norfolk Beaches

Norfolk's coastline has charming seaside towns and pristine beaches perfect for family outings. Build sandcastles on Cromer's Blue Flag beach, explore the rock pools at Sheringham, or take a scenic walk along the pine-fringed sands of Wells-next-the-Sea. Each beach offers its own unique charm and array of family-friendly activities, from traditional donkey rides to exhilarating water sports.

Holkham Hall and Estate

Discover the grandeur of one of England's finest stately homes at Holkham Hall and Estate. The expansive grounds feature woodland play areas where children can let their imaginations run wild, while the Walled Garden offers a tranquil space for families to explore together.

With its diverse range of activities, including cycle hire and boat trips on the lake, Holkham provides a perfect blend of history, nature, and adventure.

These family-friendly attractions showcase the best of Norfolk's diverse offerings, ensuring your holiday is filled with excitement, learning, and quality time together. Remember to check the websites for the most up-to-date information on opening times, ticket prices, and any special events that might enhance your visit.

Stay in Aylsham holiday homes for a week or a weekend any time of year with family or friends for a relaxing or action-packed holiday exploring this corner of Norfolk.