Discovering the North Norfolk Coast
From the beautiful broads to a Norwich City break, Norfolk has much to offer its visitors – a great...
by Georgia Beech / Area Guides
As one of the largest counties in England, you’ll be spoilt for choice when looking for things to do in Norfolk. Whether you’re here for a few days or a few weeks, you’ll be sure to find a great selection of fun days out in Norfolk.
From theme parks, museums, wildlife and watersports, there is something for everyone to enjoy during your stay.
Read on to discover some of the best things to do in Norfolk…
Home to around 2,000 animals and birds, Banham Zoo is a great day out for all ages. This award-winning Norfolk attraction boasts lots of activities. Get involved in animal feeding talks, and visit a subtropical house with free flying butterflies and exciting birds of prey displays.
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There is also a safari road train, aerial trekking course and zip wire, play area, restaurants, and lots more. Plus, as it’s open all year round, it doesn’t matter what time of year you are staying in Norfolk.
If you’re looking for a fun filled day out in Norfolk with children, then take a trip to Bewilderwood! Here you will meet Boggles, Twiggles, Swampy, Mildred the Crocklebog and many more creatures who live in the magical forest.
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This treehouse adventure park is home to swings, slides, climbing frames, den building, a maze, boat trip, plus more! It’s a place where children (and adults!) can run wild and enjoy the special ambience of the forest.
If you’re looking for things to do in Norfolk during the school holidays, be sure to look out for their special events – which include fancy dress parties, storytelling, lantern parades and lots of craft making activities!
There’s lots of lovely things to see in Norfolk, including the beautiful countryside, and what better way to get out than by hiring a bicycle. With places to hire from dotted all over Norfolk there’s sure to be a venue not too far away.
Here’s some suggestions:
Based at Holkham Hall, North Norfolk. Here you can choose from a variety of traffic calmed routes around the stunning Holkham Park.
Based in Hoveton, you’ll be in prime position to explore the quiet countryside around the peaceful Norfolk Broads.
Situated at Blickling Hall, near Alysham, this is the ideal spot for exploring the relaxing parkland without the worries of any vehicles.
If it’s an adrenaline pumping adventure, Go Ape, set in the stunning Thetford Forest, is the ideal day out. Hosting four different high rope experiences, Go Ape is a great place to make unforgettable memories with friends and family.
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The Treetop Challenge is designed for adults and older children (above 1.4m tall), while the new demanding Challenge Plus is suitable for those 16 and over only. For families with younger children there is the Treetop Adventure and Treetop Adventure Plus, with its Tarzan Swing, and an Alpine zip line!
If you’d prefer to stay closer to the ground, then the Forest Segways are the perfect way to get around and experience the glorious forest, full of wildlife and birds.
Step into history at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse and discover how people lived and worked there in the past.
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There’s lots of things to do at this Norfolk attraction, including visiting the Victorian school room and shop and hearing real stories from staff and residents who once walked the whitewashed halls. The museum is full of fascinating items and facts, giving you a vivid insight into what Victorian Britain was like.
As well as the museum you’ll find a working farm at Gressenhall, where you will see hens running loose, horses in the fields, and plenty of goats and pigs!
Children can take part in an activity to find all of the stamps in the farmyard or run wild on the adventure playground with its treehouse, tunnels and walkways!
Steeped in history, the city of Norwich is a must see during a visit to Norfolk, and what better way to see it than on the top of a double decker bus (commentary in English provided).
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Stopping at nine different places, you’ll be able to hop on and off as you choose. You may like to take a trip to the medieval Norwich Castle, home to Norwich Museum or stop off in Tombland and visit the stunning Norwich Cathedral.
Discover Dragon Hall, a medieval merchant trading hall, or have a wonder along the calming river. If you fancy a bite to eat, there are plenty of yummy cafes and restaurants in the city to choose from.
As the former home of BBC’s SpringWatch, this 700-acre park is packed full of wonderful wildlife and family activities.
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With four different gardens to explore, an outdoor adventure playground and indoor play area, Pensthorpe makes for a lovely day out in Norfolk. And with events happening throughout the year, you’ll be sure to find something going on during your visit.
One of the best things to do in Norfolk for little ones is Pettitts! An ideal mix of fun rides, adorable animals, and exciting play areas. Set in the heart of the stunning Norfolk Broads, young children are sure to love their day out.
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Meet the cheeky goats (who love to be fed with the special food available to buy), see the cute meerkats, and gaze at the stunning owls. Head to the fun rides, from the Crazy Caterpillar Roller coaster to the Bouncing Kangaroos, there’s sure to be lots of smiles and giggles during this great day out.
Look out for the special events they hold during their season, including Peppa Pig, Bluey, Paw Patrol and Peter Rabbit themed character days!
Do you have a young explorer ready for an adventure? Then look no further than Roarr Dinosaur Adventure Park, situated in the heart of Norfolk. Open all year round, children will have fun discovering the dinosaurs scattered around the park.
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There is also an outdoor splash zone (don’t forget to bring a towel and a change of clothes!), high ropes, and a secret animal garden. Roarr is a brilliant day out in Norfolk!
Hop on the North Norfolk Poppy Line Railway and enjoy stunning views of the Norfolk coastline.
Hosting events throughout the year, including a Spring Steam Weekend, and Dad’s Army Live, the North Norfolk Railway provides a great day out in Norfolk for everyone.
Home to the picturesque Broads and stunning 90-mile coastline, Norfolk is the perfect place to hire kayaks, canoes and paddle boards and take to the water.
With places to hire equipment dotted around the county, you’ll be able to find the right fit for you. Here’s a list of some of the places to try:
Based in Norwich, they hire paddle boards to use on the river.
Settled in Burnham Overy Staithe, North Norfolk, they hire paddleboards to use on the sea estuaries.
The Canoe Man has outlets all over Norfolk, where you can hire canoes, kayaks and paddleboards, as well as take part in other activities.
Operating from the centre of Norwich, why not hire a canoe and visit one or two pubs on your travels?
Surfs up! Based in Cromer, hire a surfboard and take to the sea!
With something for everyone, Wroxham Barns is a lovely Norfolk attraction. Boasting numerous craft studios (including handmade fudge, stained glass, woodcraft, ceramics, jewellery, and photography), you can enjoy watching true craftsmanship at work.
While you’re visiting, why not try your hand at mini golf, and enjoy a bite to eat in the café? For younger visitors there are fun rides, and a Junior Farm with play areas to have fun in.
Wroxham Barns is the ideal place to wander around, as you take in the relaxing and laid-back atmosphere. Look out for the huge selection of seasonal events including Lambing Live, Pumpkin Festival, Potato Picking and much more!
Built in 1903 by the legendary Circus Showman, George Gilbert, the Yarmouth Hippodrome is the only surviving total circus building in Britain!
With its amazing sinking ring (pool!) the Hippodrome entertains audiences throughout the year. Their shows include the Easter Pirates adventure, Summer and Christmas Spectaculars, and Halloween Spooktacular.
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As well as the shows, the Hippodrome is home to The Peter Jay Backstage Museum, where you will find over 100 years of Circus Memorabilia!
So, whatever you’re in the mood to do, there’s plenty of Norfolk attractions and things to see in Norfolk to choose from, helping to make your stay in the county one to remember. Choose from our collection of Norfolk cottages to find your dream stay.
by Georgia Beech / Area Guides
Hi, I'm Georgia and I joined the team in June 2021. I love travelling and finding hidden gems to explore. My favourite place for a...
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