Top Things to do in Norfolk
What to do and see in Norfolk, England: The Best Hidden Gems Things to do
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. 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.
2. Horsey Beach
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,029 reviews
Reviewed By MisterBee123 - Chippenham, United Kingdom
We were advised to go to Horsey Gap to see the seals. So we did. We dined from the burger van in the car park (very good) then went to see the seals. There were a lot of seals and a lot of people watching them! It was great to see them in their natural habitat and seemingly not too bothered by their audience!
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. Trelawn Alpacas
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 106 reviews
We have a small herd of eleven alpacas that live with us in the wonderful surrounds of the South Norfolk countryside, where we provide a lovely permanent home and sanctuary for our family of fleeced creatures. We offer an exclusive, intimate and personal alpaca experience for small groups with these enchanting, curious animals. We would love you to come and visit us. Please book in advance through our website.
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. Elm Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 622 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Allied to its proximity to the Cathedral area and the river, this is undoubtedly the nicest part of the city. Elm Hill itself has managed to retain an old- fashioned and almost quiet atmosphere that is entirely appropriate to its age. Although it now has shops etc., the style of the place has been retained and its lovely old buildings and cobbled street evoke images of times long past and it is certainly a place you should visit.
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. Riverside Walk
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 586 reviews
Reviewed By Dencroft - Hertfordshire, United Kingdom
Sunny September Sunday leisurely stroll along the river wensum in Norwich. We were staying at the Maids Head hotel and wanted to walk down to Carrow road football ground. We started our walk (pub crawl) at the ribs of beef pub walking past St James mill, Cow Tower, Pulls Ferry with our next stop at the Red Lion pub which is right on the river. Carry on down the river to The Compleat Angler pub and cross over the bridge so you are opposite the train station, lovely walk past the riverside entertainment centre, plenty of places to eat and drink here and on the opposite side of the bank is beautiful old mill looking buildings it’s very interesting. Eventually to come across Carrow Road football ground the home of Norwich City. We turned around at this point and on the way back up the riverside we visited the beautiful pub called The Adam and Eve and the Wig and Pen before turning off the riverbank at Wensum Street. Walk is leisurely 6.5km and took us around 4 hours, so a really good walk (as long as the weather is kind to you) Totally recommend if you are staying in Norwich.
10. The Plantation Garden
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 444 reviews
A beautifully restored Victorian garden of 3 acres which is run by volunteers for the benefit of the community. All your entrance fees go the the upkeep of the garden, new plants etc. On Sundays in summer teas are served to musical entertainment. PLEASE NOTE: TOILETS are only open when there are volunteers on duty...on Sundays in the summer and for special events. Please see our website for details of events. Refereshments and toilets are available at St. John's Cathedral Narthex next door. We regret we have NO PARKING, but there is a pay and display carpark next door.
Reviewed By francesl566 - Cambridge, United Kingdom
Beautiful gardens. An oasis of calm and refreshment and a treat for the eyes. Highly recommend a visit.
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