The charming, ancient city of Norwich is the prefect base for exploring all the adventures Norfolk has to offer.
You’ll have no problems when it comes to finding things to do in Norfolk. Whatever your age or interests, this is a county that spoils you for choice. Beach lovers can swim and sunbathe on some of the UK’s most scenic and naturally beautiful beaches, while keen sightseers will never tire of the city’s cathedral, castle and the numerous stately homes in this historically wealthy part of England. Enjoying the river is also a tempting prospect with the vast network of the Norfolk broads on your doorstep. Add to that a stunning array of wildlife parks, nature reserves, museums and shops and you’ve got more than you’ll ever need for a break to remember.
Great Yarmouth
A visit to Great Yarmouth is one of the best days out in Norfolk, and the good news is, its wide sandy beaches and family-friendly seaside attractions are just over half an hour’s drive away from Norwich. If the sun’s shining, holidaymakers young and old will be happy to enjoy the Golden Mile on the seafront – there are even free beach wheelchairs available for those less able to get around. But if the weather’s less than perfect, there’s still plenty to do. The Time and Tide Museum tells the story of Great Yarmouth from the ice-age onwards, with an emphasis on fishing, while the Merrivale Model Village is set in lovely landscaped gardens and mini golf is included in the admission price.
Grand Gardens
Norfolk is blessed with many grand and gorgeous gardens, thanks to its high number of stately homes. However, those in the know consistently name East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden as the best the county has to offer. Rather than the long-established gardens to be found at most grand houses, this incredible garden was lovingly created from scratch by its current owners. The emphasis is on attracting wildlife as well as creating beauty, and between the Dutch Garden, Rose Garden, Winter Garden, Exotic Garden and more, there is always something to feast your eyes on, no matter what the time of year. And don’t miss your chance to relax with refreshments and a slice of delicious homemade cake in the Tea Garden.
Seaside Cromer
Norfolk boasts an incredible choice of beaches for walkers, sunbathers and paddlers alike. But no visitor should miss the well-preserved Victorian seaside town of Cromer. The beaches here are sandy and spacious, and its Victorian Pier is open daily, providing stunning coastline views and the only end of the pier show left in Europe. The RNLI Cromer Lifeboat Station showcases the lifesaving rescue work at sea that’s gone on in Cromer for over 200 years. After visiting here, move on to the RNLI Henry Blogg Museum to find out about a local lifeboatman who became a national legend. The local delicacy, the brown Cromer crab, stills grows abundantly on the chalk reef just off the coast and you’ll find it available everywhere.
Forest Themepark
For a family day out with a difference, don’t miss the chance to visit BeWILDerwood while you’re in the Norfolk broads area. Yes it’s a theme park but you won’t find any brightly coloured rollercoasters or cartoon characters. Instead, there’s a huge network of tree houses, jungle bridges and zip wires with the resident Crockelbogs, Twiggles and Boggles providing extra entertainment to its young visitors. But parents don’t get to find a bench to relax on – they’re encouraged to play alongside the kids, making it a memorable, active day out for everyone. Based on a book called A Boggle at BeWILDerwood by local author Tom Blofeld, this really is a magical land come to life. Boat trips and tasty bites to eat are also available here.
