Top Things to do in Norfolk
Top 10 Things to do Good for a Rainy Day 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. 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. Shabbytatt
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
Shabbytatt is a small Antique & collectables shop, comprising of large room with an additional room stocking a large variety of army suplus as well as a dedicated record shop, stocking both LPs singles and CDs Within the shop we have a wide range of cabinets stocked from dealers of all kinds. As well as small selection of vintage furniture and up-cycled shabby chic furniture. We stock a wide range of ceramic : Lorna Bailey,Clarice Cliff, Moorcroft, Belleek,Sylvac,Wade, Doulton, Large selection of quality antique Silver collectables Chester, Asprey & a large selection of vintage jewellery , George Jensen, Pandora, Leastien etc Militaria : decommissioned guns, medals, badges. Also vintage lamps, Tiffany, converted oil lamps and original oil lamps. All of this amazing stock and more can be found here.
Reviewed By PBW24 - Ely, United Kingdom
VISIT THE VERY BEST !! ..........YOU WON'T NEED TO GO ANYWHERE ELSE .......................Shabby Tatt has always been a great place to visit and imerse yourself in all manner of Antiques, Retro and Militaria fare ..........we've seen the business grow and expand over the years, and with very good reason ........its been done with a creative flair and passion, giving the customer what they want, at fair and respectful prices. The new and expanded shop (next door the the old shop) is really excellant .......well laid out, clean and tidy, with professionally presented good quality product .......and none of that old rubbish (that is just one just step away from the local dump) found in so-called Retro shops elsewhere. This shop and business continues to showcase the owners passion for what they so successessfully do so well.
5. Blickling Estate
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,637 reviews
You'll never forget your first sight of Blickling. Sitting in a magnificent garden and park is a breath-taking mansion, flanked by ancient yew hedges. Past owners have used the estate as a refuge while performing on the world's political stage. Philip Kerr, the last private owner, helped shaped the National Trust's history, using his influence to find a way of saving great country houses for future generations to enjoy. Until his death in 1940 he used the house for entertaining his prominent guests; and photographs, sounds and objects help to tell his story. Outside, the formal garden is the result of three centuries of inspired planting, and the gently undulating historic parkland is great for exploring.
Reviewed By larke
Blickling estate Norfolk has a most beautiful library 18th century bequeathed in 1740 when Sir John Hobart 1 st earl of Buckinghamshire owned the estate, THE HOUSE WAS BUILT IN 1666 Jacobean hall, wonderful below kitchens and history also to be explored, was Anne Boleyn born here ? The parkland extends to 4,600 acres to explore multi trail on foot or bike hire.the gardens cover 55 acres three centuries of landscaping beautiful orangery and various temples to explore well worth a full days visit
6. Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
The Museum is currently closed and we hope to reopen our doors as soon as it is safe to do so. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Reviewed By DramaQueen55 - Woking, United Kingdom
This museum contains a wealth of interesting exhibits and offers an insight into the history of the city, the industries that people worked in, and the lives that they led. The lady on the reception desk gave us a detailed and helpful explanation of the layout of the museum, the artefacts on display had clear and concise descriptions, and the interactive elements worked well. Definitely worth a visit.
7. North Norfolk Railway
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,881 reviews
A 10.5-mile trip through beautiful parts of the region, hauled by a steam engine or heritage diesel locomotive. Steam trains run daily throughout the summer. All our trains offer stunning views of the Norfolk coast between Sheringham and Weybourne, Sheringham Park and Kelling Heath. We have a wide range of special events throughout the year to cater for the young and young at heart, see our website for our latest programme.
8. Felbrigg Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,448 reviews
Reviewed By 827JohnC - Wisbech, United Kingdom
In Cromer last Sunday with my wife, who was there to play bowls, which I declined to spectate (Watching grass grow without the excitement of watching paint dry!) Just nipped down the road to Felbrigg Hall, ample car parking, very near to reception and close to the hall. Good welcome from reception team, and excellent directions, not really time to visit the estate, so straight to the Hall, and a warm welcome from the volunteers on duty. Pleasant amble with the usual high standard of information available from the Room Stewards, a fascinating house, well worth a visit. A few days ago a winger left derogatory feed back because he objected to the fee structure, well he is of course welcome to his opinion, but really..... Adult Membership of the National Trust is £6 a month, for that you get free unlimited access to all the NT properties, that my friend is a BARGAIN!
9. Norwich Castle
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,233 reviews
Built as a Norman Royal Palace and once a prison, Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is packed with treasures, including fabulous fine art, archaeology, and natural history. During 2020 and 2021 construction work will be underway on the exciting Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn project to transform the Castle’s Norman Keep. During these works some areas of the Castle are not accessible and this includes the main Castle Keep.
Reviewed By Sunshine25580300779 - York, United Kingdom
Fascinating visit on a wet dreary autumn day. Art gallery very good with excellent audio visuals. Historical display rooms surpassed excellent with audio visuals and commentary especially enjoyed Anglo Saxon display. Don’t miss visiting. Staff very pleasant too.
10. Norwich Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,926 reviews
“Norfolk’s favourite building”Founded in 1096 and built using Normandy stone shipped from Caen, Norwich Cathedral is set in the 44 acre Cathedral Close, a peaceful city centre sanctuary.The Cathedral itself is one of the finest complete Romanesque buildings in Europe, with the highest Norman tower and largest monastic cloisters in England. Inside, the Cathedral tells almost 1000 years of history, with our enthusiastic volunteers on hand to talk you through the incredible stories of its past.There is more to see at Norwich Cathedral than you think. Our award-winning 21st century Refectory restaurant is open seven days a week, as is the Hostry which features a rolling programme of exhibitions, many of them featuring local artists.You can also experience the tranquillity of our expansive Library, Herb Garden or Japanese Garden, as well as guided tours of the building throughout the week.Afterwards, feel free to explore the lanes of the Cathedral Close, a quaint village just minutes from the bustling city centre, and stop for a picnic on one of our many well kept greens. Norwich Cathedral is a living centre for worship, learning and hospitality, extending a warm welcome to all our visitors from Norfolk and beyond.Part of the Norwich 12 - An initiative of Norwich Heritage, Economic & Regeneration Trust.
Reviewed By rickw73 - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
Where to begin?! I am a cathedral lover but had forgotten how special Norwich is. Boasting the largest cathedral close in England, the essentially Norman building is topped by a later, but most elegant spire. Strolling around the exterior gave glorious views across fields. I walked in at 7.30am to find the building deserted but bathed in wonderful summer sunshine. I watched peregrine falcons soar from the spire over the nave, I gawped at the 1380 dated reredos with its detailed painting and interesting political, as well as religious, story, and I gazed at the delightful and humorous roof bosses high over head -and the hidden misericords under choir stall seats. The cathedral also has some very good wall paintings which are well preserved (relatively) and worth taking time to see. Look out especially (in the south part of the nave) for the painting of the Bishop receiving money from King Rufus to buy his job! Stay as long as you can. And say a prayer there too! Did I mention the excellent small gift shop and the superb new refectory serving great food at reasonable prices? Wow! What a special place!
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