Norfolk is a beautiful, scenic part of the UK where it’s possible to see and do all kinds of things! Just in case you’d like to visit one of these days, we’ve put together a list of some of the best sights. These are things you don’t want to miss when going to Norfolk!
1). Royal Sandringham
Sandringham is the Royal Family’s country home, a retreat from the duties of public life. This is one of the most famous historic houses in the area. Here, you’ll find delightful gardens, a wonderful museum that’s home to the first car owned by a British monarch, and more.
The park covers 243 hectares, with trails for cycling, walking, and there’s even a play area for kids. And you’ll be happy to learn that the Royal Park is dog-friendly!
Along with the beauty of the park, the estate is also home to many events throughout the year.
2). Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea
Holkham is a beautiful estate that features 25,000 acres along the coast. There you’ll find Holkham Hall, home to the Earl of Leicester. The estate also features a white sand beach, framed by sand dunes and pine woods. Talk about picturesque. The beach is part of one of the largest natural nature reserves in the UK and a bird sanctuary for rare birds and other wild things.
You’ll also find a harbour with a wonderful town called Wells-next-the-Sea. The harbour was once the largest in the eastern England during Tudor times. Today, it’s the scene for fishing and sail boats.
3). The Seals at Blakeney
You’ll find common and grey seals at Blakeney Point! In fact, this is one of the largest winter seal colonies in England. You’ll be surprised to hear that there are as many as 3,000 pups each year at the Point.
The colony is a nature reserve that’s been run by the National Trust from 1912 to today. In the summer, between June and August, the common seals have their pups. The grey seals give birth to the pups between November and January. You’ll know the grey pups, as they’re the ones with the white fur.
If you’d like to see the seals and their pups up close, then consider booking a boat trip from Morston Quay. There are several ferry trips that go out to view the seals. But be sure to book in advance because spaces fill up fast, as this is a very popular thing to do in Norfolk!
5). Hippodrome Circus
Located in Great Yarmouth, the Hippodrome Circus features acrobats, and other daring stunts sure to take your breath away! The show also features dancers, swimmers and the Water Spectacular.
If you’d like to catch a show, then be sure to book early as seats fill up quickly! This is something the entire family will enjoy!
6). Roar! Dinosaur Park
If you and your kids love dinosaurs, then this is a park you can’t miss! The Dinosaur Park is filled with activities of all kinds including the Dinosaur Trail. Here you can take a pleasant walk through the woods using the nature trail. Along the trail you may be surprised by what’s lurking! You may encounter some beautiful, life-sized dinos from the past!
Other activities include the High Ropes, where you can climb into the trees to escape from the giant jaws of the T-Rex. Then there’s the Dippy’s Splash zones where you and the dinos can cool off. And there’s more!
So, don’t miss Roar! Dinosaur Adventure on your trip to Norfolk!
7). Wroxham Barns
Experience a day at the farm with a visit to Wroxham Barns! Here you and the family can relax and have fun. The park features a fun park where you and the kids can have fun on the Jumping Pillows, Sand Play, Water wars, and more.
The fun park has been combined with the Junior Farm, where you can have fun visiting Guinea Pig village, and see goats, sheep, alpacas, and other great animals.
To visit Wroxham Barns, you’ll need to book tickets online either before your visit, or on your phone the day of (if there are spaces left, that is). So, be sure to book ahead.
8). Pensthorpe Natural Park
This park has received Norfolk’s Best Large Attraction award multiple times for a very good reason. This nature park is one of the most beautiful places on the River Wensum (the most protected and longest river in Europe).
At the park you and your family will enjoy a day spent outdoors in the sun. This is the perfect place for bird watchers, too, and anyone who loves wildlife. The park is situated on 700 acres, which include lakes and woodland walks, amazing gardens, and a large adventure playground.
The park also features the Courtyard Café, where you can grab some lunch, as well as a small shop for souvenirs.
9). St. George’s Distillery
Would you love to taste some authentic English whisky? Then check out St. George’s Distillery. It’s open 7 days a week and offers a tour of over 200 copper stills. There’s also a shop where you can find over 200 different whiskies.
If you’d rather not take the tour, there also an enjoyable walk along the river. The venue also takes coach parties, educational visits, as well as providing facilities for conferences.
10). England’s Nazareth
For those interested in shrines and pilgrimage, a visit to Walsingham is a must. This small village has been a strong centre of pilgrimage since the 10th century. It all started with a Saxon noblewoman named Richeldis de Faverches, experienced a vision in 1061.
In the vision, Mary took the woman to Nazareth to view the home where the Annunciation took place. Mary asked Faverches to build an exact copy of this house in Walshingham. From then on, the village called the “Nazareth of England.”
Today you can visit the shrines and enjoy the village’s medieval charm. There are buildings from the 14th and 15th century that are still used today. One of these is home to the Shirehall Museum, where you can learn more about the history of Walsingham.
And don’t forget to visit the Priory Gardens, where there’s a beautiful 13th century twin turreted arch to take in, as well as the remains of the medieval priory.
As you can see, Norfolk has some wonderful things to see and do! And there’s even more to see than the attractions listed here. Norfolk is definitely a place where it’s possible to enjoy an entire holiday, and still not see all this county has to offer!
