North Norfolk is alive with activities for kids and grown-up kids alike. Fly kites and picnic in the dunes of beaches visited by Hollywood stars (think Keira, Gwyneth and Natalie); board a boat from Morston Quay to visit England’s largest grey seal colony at Blakeney Point or ride the rails of the steam trains of the North Norfolk and Mid-Norfolk Railways.
Who will scream the loudest on the zipwires of Holkham High Ropes and test their head for heights? Feed ducks from the palm of your hand at Pensthorpe Natural Park (former home of Springwatch) there’s indoor adventure and soft play here too. Go trekking with alpacas along the coast and reward them with apples afterwards. Take the little ones to Wroxham Miniature Worlds.
Run wild at Bewilderwood – a curious treehouse adventure with walkways and a Skymaze. Look out for Twiggles, Boggles and Crocklebogs. There’s a choice of zoos: Banham with big cats, rare birds and baboons and Amazona where you can get up close to tropical South African animals. For Jurassic adventure, visit ROARR! the UK’s largest dinosaur themed adventure park.
There’s plenty of children’s trails and activities in the National Trust houses and stately homes which pepper the area. Hop on a sightseeing bus tour of Norwich and take in city’s sites. Stop off at Norwich Castle and discover over 1000 years of history – did you know that William the Conqueror ordered the construction of this fine fortification?
There’s action and adventure to be found or relaxing rambles for those seeking more solace with coastline, castles and cathedrals to explore. If pottering around shops is your desire, make cobbled Burnham Market your destination; nicknamed Chelsea-on-Sea, lose yourself in the village’s trendy boutiques and antique shops.
Hire bikes and exploit the county’s gentle landscape to boost your Strava times Try a Full Grand Prix at Anglia Karting if you’re after a four-wheeled adrenaline rush. Wine buffs will enjoy a tutored tasting tour at Chet Valley Vineyard to sample award-winning Skylark wines. Ale lovers may prefer a visit to the Norfolk Brewhouse or Woodforde’s.
Holkham is a grand day out – so much to explore within the Hall and fine walled gardens. There’s always something going on here for all the family. Enjoy the royal parkland around Sandringham, their Majesties’ country retreat. And there’s National Trust in abundance too, with the impressive Halls of Blickling, Felbrigg and Oxburgh amongst others.
If the sport of kings is your thing, go racing at Fakenham. For golf, a round at the links course of the Royal West Norfolk is a must. Take a trip to Norwich and paddle a canoe downstream on the Wensum and pass the old Colman’s Mustard Factory and Carrow Road. Explore the cathedral with its famously tall spire and surrounding medieval streets.
