THINGS TO DO

Mini Golf at Fakenham Fairways

Fakenham Fairways is the perfect place to enjoy a round of mini golf. With its unique obstacles and varied terrain, the outdoor mini golf course is great fun for all ages. During the summer, they are open every day from 10am. Each round is £3 per kid and £3.50 per adult. The 9 hole putt course is just as popular, and for more serious golfers, there is also a 10 bay driving range. Both the putt course and driving range is open from 10am on Wednesday through Sunday.

Woodland Play Area

Our kids absolutely love the extensive Play Area at Holkham Hall, which features treehouses, climbing frames, swings, slides, and sandpits, and also has a special play area for toddlers. The scenic parkland is home to many animals, including deer which can often be spotted as you drive through the park, and a local cafe serving hot drinks, ice cream, and quick bites. The play area is open every day from 10am to 4pm.

Axes & Escapes

Experience an unique activity at this axe throwing range equipped with authentic Viking throwing tomahawks. Challenge yourself to escape one of the uniquely themed puzzle rooms. With varying levels of difficulty, an escape room is the perfect activity for the whole family.

Wells & Walsingham Light Railway

Enjoy a half-hour trip from Wells-next-the-Sea to Walsingham an a journey through beautiful countryside. The Signal Box Café serves snacks and there is a play area for kids at the Wells station. Both Wells-nest-the-sea and Walsingham have plenty of attractions to explore, and we recommend including the railway trip as a feature of a day long adventure in the area. Ticket prices start at £7 for a one-way ticket and £8.50 for a return ride for kids, while adults pay £2 extra. The railway operates daily till October 2023, and you can find a timetable on their website.

Beaches

Enjoy swimming, sailing, kite and windsurfing, and waterskiing on a day out at the beach, and take plenty of pictures in front of the many colourful beach huts at the different beaches. There are a variety of beaches on the North Norfolk coast, including Wells-next-the-Sea beach, Holkham beach, the beaches at Hunstanton and Heacham, and many others. Brancaster and Wells-next-the-Sea are great beaches for dog walking and Cromer is popular for crabbing at the pier.

Pensthorpe

If you’re looking for an action-packed day out with the family, Penstrope is the ultimate destination. The large park has four magical gardens, internationally recognised reserves, bird watching, indoor and outdoor play areas, and more. They are open every day from 10am to 4pm (or to 5pm in the Spring and Summer) and admission prices are reasonable. If you’re just looking for a quick bite or some souvenirs to take home, you can visit the café and shop without a ticket. You're welcome to bring a picnic basket to enjoy in the beautiful park, and there are plenty of picnic benches.

For the children, there are plenty of outdoor adventures to enjoy, including a fantastic play area. With rope bridges, snaking slides, and tree-top towers to explore, your little ones can have a blast while learning all about the wildlife at Pensthorpe. And if the weather isn't on your side, there are indoor play areas that will keep them entertained for hours. To experience nature, take a trail through the stunning reserve and get up close with the local wildlife. Pensthorpe is the perfect destination for bird watchers, with a variety of species to see.

Thursford

If you’re looking for a fun-filled day for the whole family, then Thursford has got you covered. There’s plenty to experience and enjoy, including a range of exciting shows and attractions. One of the must-see shows is the Enchanted Light Journey of Light, a magical display of lights and music that is sure to enchant visitors of all ages. There’s also Santa’s Magical Journey, an interactive experience that takes you on a journey through winter wonderland, meeting elves, reindeer, and of course Santa himself! Keep an eye out for the dates and prices for these shows as they are still to be confirmed.

The Steam Engine Collection is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in steam engines and organs. It’s the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs and reopens on the 9th of April 2023. For those looking for some classic fairground fun, Thursford has plenty of rides to enjoy. Hop on the fairground carousels or the gondola, be transported back in time with a silent movie, or enjoy an organ performance by Robert Wolfe. Admission prices are just £8 per person, making it an affordable day out for the whole family. And for the little ones, the adventure park with its swings, slides, and a zip wire, is a must. You’re welcome to bring your own picnic basket to Thursford or buy something there and enjoy the picnic area.

Norfolk Lavender

Norfolk Lavender stands as one of England's top-notch lavender farms, boasting a plethora of offerings to suit everyone's tastes. You can grab souvenirs from their diverse product range or take a stroll through their garden center. Additionally, they offer guided tours of the lavender fields and an inviting dining experience in The Lavender Lounge, which features a delightful tearoom and restaurant. Families can also enjoy the animal gardens and play park, where they can marvel at an array of animals.

Alpaca Trekking

For something different, visitors can also try Alpaca Trekking. Walk along a stunning coastal path in Wells-next-the-Sea with a friendly alpaca at your side. Prices start at £57 for a group of three people on an hour-long trek, with longer treks also available. You're welcome to bring a picnic for a longer duration trek, and can bring sliced apples to feed to the alpacas.

Blakeney Point Seal Trips

The purpose-built ferry boat, the Ptarmigan, departs daily from Morston Quay. You’ll journey through the picturesque Blakeney Harbour and out to Blakeney Point, where you’ll have the chance to spot the UK’s largest grey seal colony. Keep an eye out for the ever-changing array of sea birds that visit the area – you’ll get up close and personal with them too. This adventure is perfect for both adults and children, and we guarantee it’ll be a highlight of your trip. Trip times vary depending on the tides, so book in advance.

Sandringham Estate

The historic Sandringham House and St Mary Magdalene Church invites visitors to step into the world of the British Royal Family. Explore the magnificent eight ground floors, including the iconic Ballroom, Dining Room, and Saloon, where the first televised Christmas Broadcast was made. Admire the tapestries and delve into the fascinating history of the estate and its royal inhabitants. Indulge in a classic British tradition and treat yourself to a scrumptious afternoon tea at the estate’s restaurant, available throughout the year. Visits to the House and Gardens must be pre-booked online before your arrival.

For an unforgettable experience, hop on a Land Rover safari tour on selected Fridays throughout the year. The two-hour long tour departs at 9.30am and takes you through stunning areas such as the Wash, an outstanding shallow bay teeming with wildlife, and the largest estuary system in the UK, internationally recognised for its bird species. The tour concludes with a delicious afternoon tea and is a personal experience limited to a maximum of six people.

The Sandringham Estate has numerous walking trails, perfect for a leisurely stroll while taking in the stunning scenery, and also features a Woodland play area for the kids. Don’t forget to stop by the gift shop for a wide range of souvenirs, including locally made products, or bring some snacks for a picnic in the Royal Park.

ROARR!

Roarr! offers a prehistoric themed adventure. As the UK’s largest dinosaur-themed adventure park, it’s packed full of exciting things to explore. Admission prices are very reasonable, typically under £10 per person. There’s a list of things to see and do, from the awe-inspiring animatronic dinosaurs, to the thrilling Dippy’s Splash Zone, to live animals in the Secret Animal Garden. Kids can climb and play on the high ropes or burn off some energy in Dippy-Ville, an indoor soft play area. And for the more adventurous, there’s also a zip line and a Jurassic Skywire to try out. Their outdoor activities include a mini golf course and an adventure playground. Don't forget to take a stroll through the Dinosaur Trail and marvel at the life-sized models of prehistoric creatures.

The Bure Valley Railway

This heritage railway runs through the Norfolk countryside, and is a great way for families to enjoy some of the stunning views North Norfolk has to offer. The Bure Valley Railway offers a range of activities, from educational talks to vintage train rides, and also has a cafe, gift shop, and picnic area at the Aylsham station. Suitable for all ages, this is a great way to explore the area and learn about its history. Aylsham is an attractive market town, that hosts weekly markets and bi-monthly Farmers Markets. The town features plenty of shops and tea rooms and is home to the nearby Blickling Hall where guests can visit the House and garden to explore the park, fine tapestries, paintings, and rare books.

As an alternative, you can take the train from Wroxham, a bustling town known for its river and prominent role in the boating industry. You can visit the famous Roys department store, known as the "largest village store in the world", and enjoy fish and chips from one of the many restaurants. At the end of your train journey, you may want to enjoy a further adventure by taking a cruise on the Beautiful River Bure from Aylsham to Wroxham. You can book the train ride and boat cruise as a combined trip, or just stick to the train.

Amazona Zoo

This popular family-friendly zoo is located in Cromer, North Norfolk. Here, families can observe and learn about a variety of animals, including tigers, lemurs, monkeys, and more. The zoo is also home to a variety of interactive experiences such as keeper talks, animal encounters and animal shows, making it a great day out for all ages. The zoo has a cafe and play area.

North Norfolk Railway

The "Poppy Line" is a steam railway that runs through the countryside between Sheringham and Holt. The railway has three beautifully restored century-old stations, making it one of the UK's most scenic heritage railways. Steam trains run through the stunning coast, operating daily during the months of April to October. The railway often has special events, which are indicated on their website. Explore the different booking options, and consider booking the gin train, dining train, cream tea train, murder mystery train, or a steam driver experience. There is plenty to do in the station towns, and many of the stations have their own souvenir shop.

Broadland View Brewers Fayre

It can be hard to keep the little ones entertained all summer, especially on a budget. That's why Brewers Fayre offers a jam-packed summer calendar full of fun activities. Each week there is a different theme (from 'Star Wars' to 'Fun at the Circus'), and kids can have fun on our fantastic play frames or join in on activities led by their friendly team members. Furthermore, their Summer Special Play Pass gives you 6 weeks of unlimited hours of fun in our play zones for £15. After they've worked up an appetite, the kid's menu has plenty of choices, with 3 courses for just £5.99. Brewers Fayre has something for everyone, with lots of great deals for adults too, so you can sit back and relax while the little ones blow off some steam.

BeWILDerwood

BeWILDerwood is an adventure park that is designed for families with children aged 2-12. Here, families can explore the park's magical treehouses, zip wires, and mazes, as well as join in with the many events, shows, and activities that are on offer. The park offers marsh walks and boat rides, and you're welcome to bring your own snacks to enjoy a picnic. Kids can also enjoy crafts, face painting, storytelling, and den building.

Creake Abbey

Creake Abbey is home to the historical Abbey ruins, an award-winning farmers market, café, and an array of independent shops. The ruins are what is left of Creake Abbey’s former Augustinian church. Visit Creake Abbey to learn about this historical landmark, dating from the 13th Century, or simply to enjoy a light lunch or afternoon tea at the Cafe. There is a farmers market the first Saturday of every month. The deli sells fresh meat, cheese, and other fresh produce. You can enjoy some local wines and ales, and even buy a plant or two. Dogs are welcome and there is a lovely children’s sandpit and toy tractors to ride on. There are a couple of lovely walks to enjoy, including a trail to viewpoint overlooking Burnham Overy Staithe and its harbour, as well as biking routes for cycling. The fields opposite the car park are known to be home to a variety of birds.

Holkham Hall

Holkham Hall is an 18th-century country house, situated at the heart of a 25,000 acre estate. The Hall is part of a group of ten most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England, as well as member of the Historic Houses. Visit here to see the Marble Hall, Statue Gallery, The Chapel, and many other impressive historic rooms. Learn about Holkham through the Holkham Stories Experience or simply explore the grounds to try and spot wildlife and various bird species living in the area. Holkham features a stately home, hall tours, walled garden and large Victorian greenhouses, parkland, large fountain, outdoor theatre, restaurant, and gift shop. Holkham Park is welcome to picnics, and the Woodland play area provides great entertainment for the kids.

The estate hosts a free parkrun every Saturday, and visitors can enjoy nature walks in the parkland every day. For something unique, book a tractor trailer tour or try the ropes course to enjoy swinging over the park on zip wires. The park also offers boat hire and various special activities throughout the year.

Houghton Hall

This Beautiful Palladian Mansion, dating from the 1700s, was built for Britain’s First Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. Visit here to explore The Hall, the award-winning Walled Garden, Houghton Outdoor Sculpture, the Soldier Museum, and the works of sculptor Tony Cragg. Surrounded by extensive parkland, the Hall boasts an array of attractions that are sure to impress visitors of all ages.

Among the many must-see attractions is the award-winning Walled Garden, featuring a spectacular double-sided herbaceous border, an Italian garden, a formal rose parterre, fruit and vegetable gardens, a glasshouse, a rustic temple, antique statues, fountains, and contemporary sculptures such as Jeppe Hein’s “Waterflame”, Stephen Cox’s “Flask II”, and Richard Long’s “Houghton Cross”, currently positioned on the croquet lawn. You can also explore the Houghton outdoor sculptures, including works by world-renowned artist Sean Scully, who is staging a major exhibition of outdoor sculptures from April 2023 to October 2023. The exhibition will include a selection of paintings and works on paper made over the past few years, with key reference to works from earlier in Scully’s career.

For those interested in military history, the Model Soldier Museum at Houghton Hall boasts the largest private collection of model soldiers in the world. And if you need a break, The Stables Café is the perfect spot to recharge with some delicious food and drink. Don't forget to check out the Gift Shop, offering a wide range of souvenirs and gifts to commemorate your visit. Be sure to check the dates online and plan your visit accordingly.

Wells-next-the-Sea Beach

Wells-next-the-Sea is another award-winning beach and is part of the coastal nature reserve. This dog-friendly beach was awarded a Seaside Award in May 2017, so visitors can enjoy a clean and well-managed beach. An electric shuttle bus service takes visitors to the beach from the town, and during the summer months, a vintage bus service is available. There is a main-beach car park with an excellent cafe, and you can walk through the shady pinewoods to reach the sandy beach and its row of colourful beach huts.

Holkham Beach

Holkham is the most renowned of Norfolk’s beaches. Located near Wells, Holkham is a nature-rich beach with white sands backed by dunes and pinewoods. It is the ideal setting for building sandcastles and family days out. Holkham Beach is a great place to bring your dog or enjoy horse riding. It’s important to note that swimming is only allowed in certain marked areas by red and yellow flags due to strong tidal currents. This beach is part of one of the largest National Nature Reserves in the country, home to many rare species of flora and fauna. At high tides, a shallow lagoon is formed in the basin behind the shore.

To get to Holkham Beach, simply take Lady Anne’s Drive off the main coastal road, A149, which is opposite the entrance to Holkham Village and The Victoria. The car park is open from 6am to 6pm and charges apply for parking at Lady Anne’s Drive. If you have an electric vehicle, you’ll be happy to know that there are two EV chargers on Lady Anne’s Drive. The Beach Café at Wells serves food and drinks, with both indoor and outdoor seating. At Holkham Beach, there’s also The Lookout, which serves light snacks and refreshments and offers a great view of the Holkham National Nature Reserve.

Brancaster Beach

Brancaster is located east along the coast from Heacham, and has a stunning golden sand beach. It is ideal for dog walking and swimming, and features dedicated areas for kitesurfing. Nearby are the tidal salt marshes of Scolt Head, where you can see the remains of SS Vina, an old shipwreck from WW II, at low tide.

Beaches at Hunstanton and Heacham

Hunstanton is an elegant Victorian resort and is most famous for its striped cliffs, providing an amazing backdrop to the beach. Old Hunstanton Beach is ideal for families. In addition to the large sandy beach there are also rock pools to explore and the sea here is great for kite-surfing. Heacham is located just three miles along the coast from Hunstanton and has both north and south beaches, looking out to a huge 20 mile bay. The water here is shallow and sheltered, making it ideal for children.

Beaches at Sheringham and Cromer

Sheringham is set in a traditional seaside resort and is most known for its fine seaside setting and cliffs surrounded by picturesque wooded areas to the north. The pebbly beach at Sheringham is great for exploring when the tide is out, with rock pools to explore. Cromer beach has excellent facilities, and is located along the coast from Sheringham. It’s famous for its Victorian Pier and is great for crabbing. The beach is sandy and flat and you can find the tidal salt marshes of Scolt Head nearby.

West and East Runton Beaches

West Runton is part of the Deep History Coast and is a sand and shingle beach with rock pools when the tide goes out. It is the site of the discovery of the West Runton mammoth, the largest and oldest mammoth skeleton ever found. West Runton is known for rock-pooling, and attracts many visitors at low tide. There is a coffee shop, Seaview Beach Cafe, nearby and many bird walks in the area. East Runton Beach is near Cromer Beach, so close that you can walk along the coast from one beach to the other in around 10 minutes. The beach is home to the largest chalk reef in Europe and attracts many fossil hunters as well as surfers.

Mundesley Beach

Mundesley features a family-friendly beach with safe swimming and an extensive flat beach area, backed by cliffs and a row of colourful beach huts. The area is typically quiet, making it a great choice for relaxing beach days. The promenade offers lovely walks and the beach is dog friendly. Near the beach, you'll find the clifftop memorial, built to commemorate the Bomb Disposal teams who cleared the Norfolk coast of landmines after WWII.

Sea Palling

Sea Palling is located at the most eastern point of the North Norfolk coast. This wide sandy beach has a series of shallow bays formed by man-made offshore reefs, which calm the waters and make it safe for small children. Nearby, is Reefs Bar, a family and dog friendly beach bar with a beer garden and large outdoor seating area.

Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve

This 45 acre Nature Reserve is home to a variety of wildlife, which can be viewed by guests from hides and viewing platforms. Boardwalks allow for easy access, guiding visitors through the reserve. You will find Bird feeders and places to sit along the walkway. Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve is based in the Wensum Valley of North Norfolk, and is home to a variety of bird species. The reserve is especially known for owls and hawks, but is also home to other wildlife.

Holkham National Nature Reserve

Situated in Wells-next-the-sea, not far from near Holkham Hall, this landscape is a haven for wildlife such as ground-nesting and over-wintering wildfowl and waders. Go on a guided walk to discover the diversity of wildlife on the reserve. Most of the area can be explored via the footpaths leading from the main car parks.

Blakeney National Nature Reserve

This nature reserve is the perfect place to explore the stunning North Norfolk coastline. Families can explore the mud flats, salt marshes and sand dunes and see a variety of wildlife, including seals, birds and other animals. The reserve also offers a number of guided walks, talks and activities, making it a great day out for all. Also known as Blakeney Point, this area is recognised as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and is only a 25 min drive from The Old Chequers. Here you can see seals, and during June to August you can typically also see their pups. The best way to see the seals is to go out on a locally operated ferry, departing from Morston Quay or Blakeney Harbour, or to take a boat trip. Blakeney point is also home to other wildlife, including many colonies of birds.