Norfolk is well known for its beautiful beaches and coastline. Whether you are after a pebbled beach or sandy, you’ll find one in Norfolk. There are 90 miles of unspoiled coast which are, clean, safe and family-friendly. Depending on the time of year, a lot of the beaches are dog-friendly too. There is nothing more peaceful than a stroll along the beach, any time of the year!
Cromer is a traditional Victorian sea side resort which is popular for swimming and surfing. If you are looking to go fishing or swimming, Cromer is the place to go.
Sheringham is a beautiful seaside town in Norfolk and has a small amusement park that is great for children. It has a beautiful stone beach that is perfect for surfing and swimming, especially when the weather is warmer!
2. Seal Watching - Experience the natural world
If you are planning to go to Norfolk one weekend, you can’t miss out on seal watching. There are a few locations where you can see the seals, either by boat tour or walking trails to the view the seals, such as Horsey Beach. The best time to visit is within the winter months - late October to February, which is when the seals usually start to have their pups. It’s an amazing experience where you see the seals in their natural habitat.
Best Places for Seal Watching
Horsey Beach Horsey
Horsey Beach is one of Norfolk’s most unspoilt, peaceful beaches to visit. It’s where you will find a colony of hundreds of seals during the winter months. You can also visit during the summer months, making it perfect for a picnic day out!
“Beautiful scenic walk leading to sandy dunes and seals” - TripAdvisor
Parking charges
Up to 2 hours £3.00
Up to 3 hours £4.00
Over 3 hours/All day £5.00
Overflow parking when open up to £5.00 all day.
Beans Boat Trips Blakeney
The boats run 7 days a week April - October inclusive, also throughout the winter 4 days a week. Trip times vary with tides.
Cost: Adult Ticket £12.00 per ticket
Child Ticket £6.00 per ticket
Address
69 Morston Road
Morston Quay
Blakeney Harbour
Norfolk
NR25 7AA
Contact details
01263 740505
Searles Sea Tours Hunstanton
Prices: 1 hour Seal Safari
Adult 14 years +: £17.00
Children under 14 years: £8.50
Group discounts available
All Coastal Tours:
Adults 14 years +: £10.00
Children 2-13 years: £5.00
Children under 2 years: Free
Address
Central Promenade
Hunstanton
Norfolk
PE36 5BH
Contact details
01485 534444
http://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/inspire/Hunstanton-Searles-Sea-Tours
www.beansboattrips.co.uk
www.explorenorfolkuk.co.uk/horsey-beach
http://www.explorenorfolkuk.co.uk/seals-in-norfolk
3. Boating and Sailing - The Only way to see The Broads
Explore Norfolk’s unique Broads and 93 miles of coast. Perfect for sailing and boat trips. Discover Norfolk during the summer holidays with family or book a romantic weekend away in the countryside.
Make a day of it with Broads Tours Norfolk Broads Day Boat Hire. There are many boat options available to suit all guests, including pets.
If you are looking for a longer trip along the Broads, why not consider hiring out a boat on the Norfolk Broads. Norfolk Broads Direct offer great information on boating holidays.
Opening times
March to October
7 days a week 8am – 5.30pm
November to February
Monday – Friday 8am – 5.30pm
Saturday – 9am – 2pm
Sunday 10am – 3pm
Contact details
01603 782 207
www.broadstours.co.uk/broads-day-boat-hire
https://www.broads.co.uk/boating-holidays
4. Walking - Seasonal walks with the National Trust
Discover Norfolk’s beautiful countryside, which offers over 1200 miles of walks, cycle and bridle routes. Norfolk is stunning to visit all year round with various National Trust seasonal walks.
West Runton and Beeston Regis Heath is a lovely place to walk, especially with your 4 legged friend!
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/lists/places-to-visit-in-norfolk
5. Heritage Railways
Sheringham Park in Norfolk offers a lovely walking trail through the forest, to North Norfolk Heritage Railway. You won’t be disappointed! There is also a little café if you’re feeling a bit peckish and a railway merchandise shop.
If it’s a sunny day, nothing beats an ice cream while watching classic steam trains pull in and out of the station!
If you don’t fancy the walk to the railway, North Norfolk Railway offers nearby parking.
“Absolutely Fantastic Preserved Steam Railway!” – Tripadvisor
Address
North Norfolk Railway
Sheringham Station
Station Approach
Sheringham
Norfolk
NR26 8RA
Contact details
01263 82080
www.nnrailway.co.uk
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/sheringham-park
Top 5 activities with the kids
1. Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary
There are so many animals to see at Sea Life with lots of children’s activities. Perfect for the summer holidays to keep children busy.
At Sea Life, you can discover the aquariums, attend premium experiences such as sleepovers, birthday parties, and many other great events. Find out when the animal’s feeding times are and you might get the opportunity to interact with the animals.
Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary is located on Hunstanton Promenade, close to the town centre with nearby parking. You can travel by car or bus to get to Sea Life.
Sea Life offers annual passes, group bookings and parent and toddler tickets. Save up to 30% when you book online.
At the door prices
Individual (Adult or child age 3 years or over) - £15.60
Child (under 3 years) – Free
Online tickets from
Individual (Adult or child age 3 years or over) – £10.92
Child (under 3 years) – Free
Address
Hunstanton Sea Life Sanctuary
Southern Promenade
Hunstanton
PE36 5BH
Contact details
01485 533576
www.visitsealife.com/hunstanton
2. Dinosaur Adventure Park
This park must be a dream come true for most children. Who wouldn’t want to spend a day at a dinosaur adventure park?
Dinosaur Adventure Park is perfect for bank holidays and summer breaks, located in Norfolk. You could consider spending the morning visiting many of Norfolk’s sights and then taking a visit to the Dinosaur Adventure Park in the afternoon.
There are various attractions, including a huge map of the park. Attractions include animals, dinosaur trails, play areas and many more fun activities. Dinosaur Adventure Park offers indoor and outdoor activities, perfect for those rainy days.
Opening times
Please visit Dinosaur Adventure Park website for seasonal opening times.
Location
Signposted from the A47 and A1067 near Lenwade, between Norwich and Fakenham.
Prices
Children under 3: Free
Child 3 - 15 years: £16.10
Adult: £13.20
Senior ticket: £12.30
Disabled adult: £6.60
Disabled child: £9.00
Address
Dinosaur Adventure Park
Weston Park
Lenwade
Norwich
NR9 5JW
Contact details
01603 876310
www.dinosauradventure.co.uk
3. Bewilderwood - The curious treehouse adventure
Action and adventure is what Bewilderwood is all about! It is an award-winning forest adventure with a hint of intriguing characters, bringing a curious difference to the Norfolk Broads, while encouraging parents to play alongside their children.
There are lots to explore at Bewilderwood. You can meet the characters, visit the Sky Maze, Muddle Maze, Slippery Slope and many more adventures!
Location: You can travel by car, train bicycle or bus to get to Bewilderworld. Visit their website for more information, including an online journey planner.
Address
Bewilderwood Norfolk
Horning Road
Hoveton
Norfolk
NR12 8JW
Contact details
01692 633033
www.bewilderwood.co.uk
4. Sticky Earth Cafe
Sticky Earth Café is a unique place to go and take part in various activities in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. You don’t need any artistic talent, just relax and have fun with your friends or family!
Choose from pottery painting, Decopatch, T-shirt printing and canvas printing. Sticky Earth offers fun activities for all ages.
Opening times
Saturday 10am – 5.30pm
Sunday 11am – 4.30pm
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays during term time.
Contact details
01263 519642
www.stickyearthcafe.co.uk
5. Holkham Hall & Woodland Play Area
This play area is perfect for young adventurers! If you like heights and tree houses, Holkham Hall & Woodland Play Area is the place to be. From High level walkways, to rope ladders and zip-wires.
There has also been some new play equipment for the over 5’s, including a stepping stone bridge, a crawl tunnel and other fun equipment. If your child is a very young adventurer, Woodland Play Area offers a fun sand pit, swings and a ground play area for toddlers.
Opening times
1st April – 31st October, open every day 10am – 5pm.
Location
Holkham Hall
Wells-next-the-Sea
Norfolk
NR23
1AB
Satnav: NR23 1RH
Top 5 restaurants in Norfolk
1. The Mulberry
www.mulberrythetford.co.uk/home.html
11 Raymond Street
Thetford
IP24 2EA
England
2. Pamela's Restaurant
01493 331000
Camperdown Cottage
Wellington Road
Great Yarmouth
3. Benedicts
www.restaurantbenedicts.com
9 St. Benedicts Street
Norwich
NR2 4PE
England
4. Stoke Mill Contemporary Fine Dining
www.stokemill.co.uk
01508 493337
Mill Rd
Stoke Holy Cross
Norwich
NR14 8PA
5. Morston Hall Restaurant
www.morstonhall.com
Morston Road
Holt
NR25 7BG