It’s fair to say that 2020 wasn’t quite been the year we all planned for. But at VisitNorwich we’re determined to make 2021 a great one! So it’s time to get up, get out, and escape the everyday. Norfolk is a county brimming with breathtaking views, riverside walks, and nature trails that take you off the beaten path – and how can we forget the amazing halls, gardens, exhibitions, zoos, and outdoor experiences dotted across the county! Here’s our rundown of 10 amazing Norfolk activities to help you escape the everyday.
700-acres of woodland walks, nature trails, and waterside adventures at Pensthorpe Natural Park. Enjoy five stunning gardens and make sure you go and see the resident Flamingo flock. This year the Millennium Garden, designed by renowned landscape gardener Piet Oudolf, celebrates its twentieth anniversary.
Photo: Pensthorpe Natural Park
Houghton Hall remains one of England’s finest Palladian houses, boasting stunning artwork and exhibitions, and an award-winning 5-acre garden. Currently, visitors can enjoy the Tony Cragg exhibition, featuring stunning sculptures in bronze and wood.
Another stunning example of a Palladian hall and home to the Earls of Leicester. Holkham Hall is surrounded by acres of rolling parkland, woodland trails, and a lake for you to explore. Hire a bike and take a fast-paced trip around the estate, or jump into a row boat and enjoy a peaceful afternoon on the water. Don’t forget to visit the Deer park too! And once you’re done exploring the grounds, head down to the nature reserve and beach, where you can enjoy hours of fun exploring wildlife by the coast.
Photo: Holkham Beach
85-acres of nature trails, animal gardens, high ropes, and immersive experiences to enjoy – a great family day out! Don’t forget to save some time for ‘Dippy’s Raceway’, a brand-new racing circuit for children to enjoy. Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure also have a fantastic range of themed events and experiences taking place all year, including live outdoor shows and performances.
Norfolk boasts not one, but two incredible zoos, each offering a truly unique experience. At Banham Zoo, visitors can discover over 2,000 animals from around the world across a beautiful 50-acre parkland. While visitors to Amazona Zoo is home to an incredible mix of animals from tropical South America!
Photo: Feeding the Squirrel Monkeys at Amazona Zoo
Explore beautiful gardens and rare animals from Asia at Thrigby Hall & Gardens. Discover endangered tigers, crocodiles, gibbons and even snow leopards! A truly unique day out for all, with plenty of family friendly activities, walks and experiences.
Journey back through time, to the old-fashioned fairground at Thursford. Explore the world’s largest collection of steam engines and rides from the Victorian era! A fantastic day out for all ages.
Photo: A Sumatran Tiger at Thrigby
The largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK, Wroxham Miniature World boasts slot car displays, LEGO displays, vintage toys, railway exhibitions, and even an old-fashioned penny arcade. Book tickets here.
Bure Valley Railway is Norfolk’s longest Narrow Gauge Steam Railway, and has been welcoming visitors since the 1990’s. This stunning 18 mile round trip runs through a stretch of lovely, rural Norfolk, following the river Bure through meadowland and ancient pastures, stopping occasionally at small country villages.
Photo: Bure Valley Railway Boat Train
Explore the sights and sounds of Africa at Africa Alive!. Set in 100-acres of stunning countryside, guests can discover cheetahs, African lions, zebras, lemurs and more – there’s over 80 species of animal in fact!
Photo: An African lion at Africa Alive!
