Top Things to do in Norfolk
10 Nature & Wildlife Areas in Norfolk That You Shouldn't Miss
A holiday in Norfolk is not a glamorous break. While the Norfolk Broads of East Anglia are a beautiful part of the UK, they represent a relaxing rural getaway rather than a high-powered city-break. Although its reputation is mostly rural, with people associating the county mostly with the wetlands of the Norfolk Broads, there are also towns such as Norwich and King's Lynn to visit, both of which provide shopping opportunities, nightlife and entertainment. Norfolk also contains a large stretch of coastline, and seaside destinations such as Cromer and Great Yearmouth mean there are great beaches to be found as well. Many areas of the Norfolk Broads and the coastal region are sites of outstanding natural beauty, and are also protected as bird reserves, so take a pair of binoculars on holiday. There are also popular wildlife attractions such as Banham Zoo, with a great collection of big cats, and Great Yarmouth's Sea Life Centre, one of the biggest of its kind in the country, complete with tropical sharks and conger eels. And of course, if any of your family are interested in boating, you'll need to rent a boat and explore the waterways of the Broads themselves!
Restaurants in Norfolk
1. Brancaster Activity Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 6 reviews
Reviewed By 17sj - Ipswich, United Kingdom
Absolutely amazing time! We hired the whole place for 34 of us for 4 nights. Beautiful setting with some fantastic walks. The house was large enough for everyone to be together but get some space when needed. The common room was a great place to gather to eat, drink etc. It has a large screen T.V for football and movie screenings. There is also a snug to completely relax with a view of the staithe.The kitchen was really well equipped with two dishwashers which was a very positive addition. The bedrooms are dormitory styled but suit families well. Most have an ensuite. We all loved our stay and will definitely be back.
2. Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 235 reviews
Sculthorpe Moor is a nature reserve managed by national wildlife charity, The Hawk and Owl Trust. The rare fen habitat is managed for wild birds of prey and the eco-systems on which they depend. With over a mile of easy access boardwalk and hides this reserve is a great place to observe nature with every member of the family. Open from 8am every day. Only closed Christmas Day
Reviewed By Casanunda100
First time visit and very worthwhile. Boardwalk throughout and flat walking. Good covid prep as there are one way systems. Accessible or disabled and with ramps to hides.
3. Happisburgh Owls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 591 reviews
WE ONLY OFFER PRIVATE PRE-BOOKED VIEWINGS PLEASE IGNORE OUR OPENING TIMES SHOWN BELOW ( we cannot edit the shown times ) Please call or email to arrange your booking . A chance get up close and personal with probably some of the tamest beautiful owls that you are likely to have the privelidge to meet. Well supervised these owls can be handled by all age groups. Enjoy a close up way of understanding a little more of the everyday lives of these beautiful birds and the conservation needs to help them continue their plight for survival. Situated in beautiful north norfolk we are available for all your outside and home venues.
Reviewed By R0ADRUNN3R
In Happisburgh (pronounced Hazebrough) is the Happisburgh Owl Sanctuary (run by a lovely lady called Sandra, and her friend Darwin), if you like owls it’s an absolute must, a little pricey at £50.00 for the first two people in your group and £30.00 thereafter (our kids are grown up so we do not know the family price if there is one), but it is EXCEPTIONALLY GOOD good value for the money as Sandra is not a clock watcher (our 3hr visit went for 5hrs) and refreshments are included. Sandra only does ONE presentation a day, and it is by appointment and it is for one family or, one or possibly two couples (like our presentation) ONLY. Booking is essential as Sandra DOES NOT do “walk in” visits. Sandra starts by giving a short presentation with slides that explains how she got into caring for owls, and then introduces the ten birds she has brought in for you to handle, during which light refreshments (hot/cold drinks, cakes/quiche/sausage rolls/etc.) are served, and are available throughout you visit. After the presentation, Sandra and Darwin move onto the introduction to, and handling of, the birds themselves, ranging from the European Eagle Owl (BIG!) down to the Little Owl (miniscule compared to the Eagle Owl), after being introduced to each owl and holding them, things progress to feeding. Sandra gives a quick demonstration by feeding one of her owls with a dead mouse (slow motion video is a BIG plus from this point on), then moves on to having owls fly from a perch to your hand to accept food from you (small bits of meat). After which a trip outside for photos with a nice backdrop (her garden), and to see the remaining owls Sandra could not bring into the house. Sandra has some fascinating birds, and some very unusual ones like a Black Barn Owl (Sooty is gorgeous and quite the character), you get the privilege to handle these beautiful Birds of Prey, and have a fabulous day out.
4. Heigham Holmes
5. Hickling Broad
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 166 reviews
This small lake is said to be haunted by a young soldier during the Napoleonic War, who crossed it to meet his beloved, but met his icy death in its bone-chilling waters instead.
Reviewed By biburybill - Bilsborrow, United Kingdom
Visited on a lovely sunny day ,so relaxing to sit by the broad .Nice tea room nearby ,and toilets near by .
6. The Broads National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,226 reviews
Discover dramatic landscapes, raw natural beauty and a rare quality of light. Where big, bright skies meet endless horizons and dreamlike landscapes. A place where time stands still. Real peace, open space – it’s a place unlike anywhere else... The Broads National Park.
Reviewed By carolwise - Norwich, United Kingdom
We hired a day boat from Potter heigham and the views are amazing we also stopped of at a pub and the mooring was free. You see a lot of wildlife
7. Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,041 reviews
Reviewed By JazzofNorfolk
This is such a wonderful zoo. It's a lovely size, it's big enough for a day out but you will be able to see most of the animals. There is a play part for kids and a picnic area in the middle with tables although we enjoy bringing a blanket and sitting on the grass. The animals seem well looked after. We have been several times recently and if it's raining you can explore the indoor swamp house with crocodiles etc and there's another indoor bit too with birds and fish (our toddlers favourite bit). The snow leopards are amazing and if you're lucky enough to be at the top of the tiger enclosure when one comes up to sleep on the ledge you can get so close you can feel the power and strength of these incredible animals. The gibbons and meerkats are funny. There is a lot to see. Well worth the reasonable price and places like this really need our support so definitely go for a visit. We got a season ticket which also entitled you to money off a few other local attractions in the area including Amazonia in Cromer. We've been about 8 times over the past 6 months! We love it.
8. Holkham National Nature Reserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 541 reviews
Windswept tidelines, a maze of creeks and saltings, miles of dunes and sandspits, shady pinewoods, green pastures and grazing marshes, the mix of habitats and the blend of wildlife confirm Holkham National Nature Reserve as a unique place.
Reviewed By rachelcV9704LD - Cambridge, United Kingdom
What a superb nature reserve! Beautiful landscape of pine forest and endless beaches. In 2 hours I saw a huge flock of wigeon as well as teal, Brent geese and lapwings in the fields either side of the car park, & goldcrest, long tailed tits & red kite and kestrel hunting in the pines. Make sure you plan for at least half a day to enjoy this picturesque and extensive reserve.
9. Holkham Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,501 reviews
Holkham is a beautiful place rich in wildlife, history and heritage, with lots of things to do for all ages. With a stately home at its centre, Holkham encompasses a National Nature Reserve, a beach, a walled garden, and acres upon acres of parkland that is roamed by its resident fallow deer. Visit the Holkham Stories Experience to truly discover the history the estate and come away enlightened with one or two interesting facts up your sleeve. Children will enjoy our Woodland Adventure Play Area and ropes course, and all will be able to explore more of the grounds with cycle and boat hire available most of the year. Holkham hosts a number of events throughout the year; visit our website for full information on our visitor attractions and events.
Reviewed By E3847QJjohnd - Northampton, United Kingdom
Everything about this location is near perfect: the house is so well kept and the history is fascinating, the grounds are picture perfect and the walled garden is a must see. The facilities are exceptional: a good restaurant with reasonable prices and a well stocked shop. Staff everywhere, including those working in the grounds, were all very friendly.
10. Pensthorpe Natural Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 873 reviews
Pensthorpe Natural Park aims to inspire every generation by offering something for the whole family - from young children through to grandparents and everything in between. Pensthorpe offers a variety of activities and experiences that bring you closer to nature and allows you to explore the 700 acre reserve as a family. There are fascinating conservation projects you can discover including red squirrels, corncrakes, cranes and turtle doves; 5 stunning gardens, some of which are designed by renowned landscape designers and are home to a secret sculpture trail and; unique to Pensthorpe, 4 varied habitats including wetlands, woodlands, grasslands and farmland which each attract their own intriguing species. After exploring the further reaches of the reserve families can enjoy the award winning outdoor and indoor adventure play areas, WildRootz and Hootz House. There is enough here to keep everyone active and on a journey of discovery together for a whole day.
Reviewed By Y4670NIpeterw - Cambridgeshire, United Kingdom
We love pensthorpe,adore the place, love walking around this well thought out nature reserve,you can enjoy this place every season of the year ,just dress up for the British seasons, what more does one want in walking around pensthorpe,plenty to see different areas to see just wonderful,with the excellent cafe and shop ,a great way to remove the stress and strains of modern day life .Deep respect to all staff .
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