Visitor Attractions and places to go in Norfolk
For those seeking both excitement and relaxation Norfolk exceptional attractions drawing from the county’s unmatched landscape and unique relationship to the natural world. Adventurous spirits of all ages are welcomed by a series of sprawling activity parks, promising to make memories for the whole family to treasure.
Natural Norfolk, sealife and wildlife
An encounter with seals, otters and penguins awaits visitors at Sea Life Hunstanton, an innovative marine aquarium host to over two thousand magnificent creatures, from sharks to shrimp, tropical fish to turtles. At the Seal Rescue Hospital, the Norfolk coast’s flourishing population of Common Seal and Grey Seal is honoured. Observe the moving personal journeys of young and vulnerable seals: adorable newborns are treated alongside sick or orphaned seals, who are rehabilitated and later released through a vital conservation programme. 2020 typically welcomed a new inhabitant to the aquarium, the archerfish, whose special talent is shooting a stream of up to five feet of water at its prey.
Children are fascinated and entertained
Children are provided with an engrossing educational experience, replete with thrilling lessons about the environment and natural sciences, promising to foster interests that might have otherwise faltered in the classroom.
If land animals and birds are more your passion then Pensthorpe Natural Park is a perfect day out, and not just for adult wildlife enthusiasts. Children have an enormous outdoor adventure playground to roam through, as well as an award-winning indoor playground, guaranteeing fun in all seasons. Keen gardeners are also catered to, with three lush gardens created by cutting edge designers providing a rich source of inspiration.
Something for all the family
Magical beasts have been known to make an appearance in Norfolk. A vast family adventure park boasting boat rides, marsh walks and a network of elaborate tree houses – all populated by fantastical beings drawn from a series of books by Tom Blofeld – is found in BeWILDerwood Norfolk Hoveton. Scramble through the intricate treehouses, learn crafts or sit in rapture before one of the park’s storytelling sessions. For a calmer afternoon, head to Wroxham Barns, where talented craft makers exhibit their practice to the public in a cluster of unique pop-up shops. Yet retail therapy is only one of its star attractions. Whether relaxing with an artisan coffee in the café, visiting the goats, alpacas and donkeys at the Junior Farm, or helping your toddler explore in the soft indoor play area, Wroxham Barns guarantees a relaxing day out for all the family. A similarly luscious time can be had at Norfolk Lavender, which features over one hundred acres of lavender fields as well as an oil distillery, with a fabulous restaurant and specialised gift shops to round off the trip. Those visiting in the colder season when the lavender plants are not in full bloom will be pleased to find that the scent lingers evocatively in the gardens.
The unique attraction that is the Thursford collection
Winter at the Thursford Collection sees its nationally acclaimed and wildly popular Christmas Spectacular Shows take over with its cast of singers, dancers, and musicians, promising an unforgettable display for the festive season. No two visits are the same: in summer the Thursford Collection becomes a working museum displaying mechanical organs, Wurlitzer shows, vintage carousels and related memorabilia, ideal for anyone fascinated by vintage culture. For grandparents eager to share with their young relatives precious memories, adults seeking to know more about their own past and even fans of The Repair Shop, the Thursford Collection offers an opportunity to investigate and share personal histories through a weird and wonderful collection of objects.