Top Things to do in Norfolk
Top 10 Military Museums in Norfolk, England
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. RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 451 reviews
Currently the Museum is closed due to the outbreak of the Coronavirus. Please check our website for any possible opening dates for 2020.
Reviewed By timlm222 - Norfolk, United Kingdom
Fabulous exhibits which are well spaced out. The volunteers are very informative and keen to pass on their knowledge. Give yourself plenty of time for your visit as there is so much to see! The Tea Shop fits its surroundings perfectly. Its a hidden gem.
2. The 100th Bomb Group Memorial Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 158 reviews
Reviewed By benjaminmoye - Norwich, United Kingdom
A fascinating museum run by knowledgeable volunteers who are passionate about the site's history and have countless experiences to share. The site truly is a hidden gem and worth making a visit to see, the museum is free to enter with a cafe and can be supported by donations.
3. Royal Air Force Marham Aviation Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 7 reviews
Reviewed By SONAS55
This is a great visit for anyone who is interested in RAF aviation, especially the history of RAF Marham. A friend and myself decided to pay a visit mid week, as it’s only open on certain days, check before going. The place is on the main road leading up to the base, and is accessible to people with disabilities, we were greeted by a member of staff and offered a hot drink and made very welcome. The history of the base starts from the beginning and up to present day operations, with many exhibits to see, staff are available to show you around and answer any questions. We stayed about 2 hours, there is no entrance charge, but a contribution was left on departure, there is also items to purchase about the base and the RAF.
4. RAF Sculthorpe Heritage Centre
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2 reviews
5. City of Norwich Aviation Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 239 reviews
The museum started out as an aviation enthusiasts group for members of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company way back in 1977. The membership was later opened up to non employees and a temporary site was secured on the 17/35 runway at Norwich Airport. In early 1982, museum exhibits included Avro Anson (TX228), Westland Whirlwind (XP355), Sea Vixen (XP919) and a Dassault Mystere IV (121). 1983 saw the arrival of our Vulcan bomber which flew in to the airport after its retirement from service. By 1985 the museum had moved to its present site and an air fair held to help raise funds to expand the museum. At this time the Anson had gone (having been damaged beyond economical repair during gales) but Vampire (XD373) had arrived. 1986 saw another air fair on 14th September that saw attendance figures break the 20,000 barrier and another arrival, T-33 (16718). Over the next few years, services were laid, the main exhibition hall erected and the arrival of more aircraft.
Reviewed By 849andrewg
I would recommend a visit to this attraction. The staff on site are, friendly, knowledgeable and prepared to take time to answer questions from the visitors. We had guided tours of their Vulcan Bomber and Nimrod exhibits, both presented by two very knowledgeable people who explained things in an easy to understand way. The tea room was well stocked and service was with a lovely smile. If you are worried about the cost, don't, it must be one of the most reasonably priced attractions I've visited. Believe me there, is a lot for little money. I am happy to recommend the museum to anyone from very young, to very old, male or female. we spent quite some time there, due to the fact I wanted to experience the inside of the iconic Vulcan and Nimrod. Easily accessed by car but don't know about public transport.
6. Gillings of Diss
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
7. The Muckleburgh Military Collection
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 550 reviews
Extensive Military Collection of tanks, guns and military equipment including models, ammunition and light weapons. Open from after Easter until the end of October.
Reviewed By littlepinkhearts - London, United Kingdom
Took my toddler here on a family holiday last summer. He loved it so much, he mentions it pretty much every day. He has been begging to go back, I told him once “everyone stopped having a cold and it was allowed to open” we would. Every day he has been asking if today was the day. That’s how good this place is! So earlier this week today was the day, and we made a 4 hour round trip to visit, and wow it was still worth it. There is so much to see here, along with information for older ones and adults. We walked round the entire museum 3 times, and my son also enjoyed the play area. We didn’t use the cafe ourselves but it was open during our visit. The toilets were clean. They had a one way system in place (it was already there to begin with) and the place is so spacious I did not feel uncomfortable at all Covid wise. The staff we encountered were pleasant and helpful. I was pleased to find some nice sticker books in the gift shop as we struggled for something age appropriate in there last time. If I could make any suggestion, if would be to please stock some little army related bits for tiny ones in the gift shop (eg little die cast tanks?). He’s already asking when we can visit again! So I guess we’ll see you soon...
8. 453rd Bombardment Group Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 8 reviews
Reviewed By JonS979 - Amesbury, United Kingdom
The museum at Old Buckenham airfield is a fitting tribute to the men of the 453rd Bomb Group. James has done a fantastic job of presenting their stories in a personal and touching way with modern and engaging displays. His wealth of knowledge on the subject is evident along with his passion for their time at Old Buckenham and the war they fought from there. The museum is open all year round and Jimmy’s Cafe is well worth a visit for a drink or a spot of lunch.
9. Shirehall - Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum
Overall Ratings
3.0 based on 1 reviews
10. Seething Control Tower Museum
Home of the 448thbg Bomb Group 1943 to 1945. Come and see how these men lived and worked whilst they were over here. Indulge yourself in reading their stories. See the airfield as it is today, if the weather is fine you may see aircraft flying from it. Enjoy a tea and cake in our cafe.
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