Visit Norfolk – Closer than you think to London 2012

Norfolk Tourism has launched a microsite http://www.visitnorfolk2012.com/ to promote the county as a London 2012 base for visiting the Games.

Norfolk is the closest major holiday destination to London and is under two tours by train direct to the Olympic Park. Train services from Norwich and Diss in the south of the county go to Stratford. Trains from King’s Lynn and Downham Market in the west of the county go to King’s Cross, and will be connected to the Olympic Park by the six-minute Javelin® service.

The microsite is a one-stop shop for visitors arranging a holiday in Norfolk combined with a visit to the London Games. It features information about Games venues and transport, as well as links to accommodation in Norfolk, things to do and key events including the Cultural Olympiad and Torch Relay in the county. An interactive map of Norfolk helps plan a stay.

Norfolk Tourism is also running a series of competitions on http://www.visitnorfolk2012.com/ to win short breaks to the county in 2012. The first competition (open from November 12 to December 16) features Norwich, with two nights at De Vere Dunston Hall, an evening meal at Three Ways Lebanese Restaurant and a free pass to the city’s attractions, including Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery and the historic Dragon Hall.

Lydia Smith, Director Norfolk Tourism said: “The Olympic Park is an easy day visit from Norfolk. Rather than stay in London, which will be very busy next year, combine a trip to the Games with a break in our county. Explore the Broads, Britain’s magical waterland and the historic city of Norwich, which is also a Top 10 shopping destination. Or head to the beautiful North Norfolk Coast and visit King’s Lynn and nearby Sandringham, HM the Queen’s home in Norfolk, or base yourself in Great Yarmouth and enjoy the family fun on the seafront.”

Jo Artherton, Marketing Manager BeWILDerwood and Norfolk’s London 2012 champion added: “Norfolk has attractions to suit any age or interest as well as an exciting programme of special events. Our attractions and hotels are providing large screen TVs, so visitors can keep up to date with the action in London. There’s also a BBC Big Screen outside Chapelfield Shopping Centre in Norwich, where you will be able to capture all the atmosphere of the Games.”

Part of the VisitNorfolk 2012 campaign, run by Norfolk Tourism and its partners and funded by Norfolk County Council, the microsite has been designed with support-in-kind by Norwich based award-winning creative digital agency Selesti.