Norfolk is absolutely brimming with exciting things for families to see and do together.
 
There’s something for everyone, whether you’re a beach fan, bird-spotter, boat or steam enthusiast or a culture vulture.
 
We’ve picked our top 10 things to do in Norfolk to help you make the most of your break when you visit this picturesque and fascinating region.

1 Banham Zoo

Banham Zoo by Richard Gillin

Where: Banham NR16 2HE
Details: Animal-loving children will adore this award-winning zoo, home to some of the world’s most exotic, rare and endangered animals and spanning over 50 acres of attractive Breckland countryside. One of the best features of this zoo is the ability to get up close to the animals. Stand on a raised walkway above the giraffes; meet the cheeky monkeys; come face to face with the magnificent birds of prey; hang out with the charismatic lemurs; or marvel at the Amazing Animals presentation. Hop on the free road train, schedule in some animal encounter sessions, and, for a bit of adventure, try the Skytrek aerial trekking course and zip wire. The fun adventure play area is a perfect spot to relax with a coffee, as the café and seating is close by. Banham Zoo celebrates conservation and helps to preserve endangered species, and your kids will come away with a renewed appreciation of nature.

2 BeWILDerwood

© BeWILDerwood

Where: Hoveton NR12 8JW
Details: This magical eco-friendly playground is guaranteed to fire your children’s imaginations and tire the liveliest and most adventurous youngster. The plucky can whiz down zip wires and fast slides, wobble along the broken bridge with a see-through glass bottom, explore the treehouses and muddle through the fiendish maze. All reached by boardwalk or boat across the Sccaaaaary Lake, with healthy food stops along the way and a lot of Twiggle, Boggle and Crocklebog spotting to boot. For those not in the know, these are the magical forest folk who inhabit the site! In a tie-in with his adventure park, Tom Blofeld has written a series of books about Swampy the young Marsh Boggle and his forest friends, in case you’d like to get acquainted before your visit.

3 Blickling Estate

Blickling Estate by Michael Button

Where: Blickling NR11 6NF
Details: Flagship of the National Trust properties, Blicking Hall is every inch the grand Jacobean mansion, sitting at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic parkland. The hall is famed for its long gallery, fine tapestries, paintings and rare books and has connections with Henry VIII’s second wife, Anne Boleyn, who was born in a former manor house on the site. Keep a look out for her ghost, said to haunt the corridors carrying her head under her arm! The beautiful gardens and park are the big draw – hire a bike or grab a map of waymarked walks and explore the vast grounds. Housing a glorious lake and woodland, there are picnic spots aplenty. After tucking in, let the kids discover the secret garden, investigate the ancient temple, explore the tranquil woods or fish in the lake.

4 Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens

Bressingham by Simon Waters

Where: Bressingham IP22 2AA
Details: Smell the smoke in the air as you step back in time at Bressingham Steam Museum and Gardens. With a vast range of working engines, you can take a ride on four different narrow gauge routes, taking in the woodland and 20 acres of famously landscaped gardens. The steam collection includes traction engines and steam trucks, and no trip would be complete without a ride on the steam-powered Gallopers carousel! If you’re a Dad’s Army fan, then don’t panic, Mr Mainwairing – you will certainly appreciate the Dad’s Army exhibition set in the recreated high street of Walmington-on-Sea and may well recognise some engines which featured in the series. With plenty of picnic areas, an on-site café, restaurant and plant centre, as well as a play area for kids to ‘let off steam’, why not make a whole day of it?

5 Bure Valley Railway

© Bure Valley Railway

Where: Aylsham NR11 6BW
Details: Hop on board Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge heritage railway, linking the ancient market town of Aylsham and Wroxham, at the heart of the Norfolk Broads. There’s not a dull moment on this nine mile trip as you puff through the beautiful Bure Valley countryside following the meandering river. Rolling fields are punctuated by stops at small country villages where you can disembark for a fine walk, then board again to continue your journey by waving down the driver to stop. At Wroxham, you can hire bikes, explore the town, or make a short walk to the water’s edge for a stroll along the Broads. Or why not take a combination train-boat trip which includes an hour and a half cruise before your return? On your return to Aylsham, pop into the Whistlestop Café, gift shop and model railway shop for a well-earned breather.

6 Go Ape & Segway Experience at Thetford Forest

© Adventure Forest Ltd

Where: High Lodge Forest Centre, Brandon IP27 0AF
Details: Challenge your bravery on two Go Ape treetop adventures, including a Junior course for your little monkeys. With rope bridges, cargo net, tunnels, various obstacles and of course the speedy zip line at the end, you can all practice your Tarzan cries high up in the trees! For parents with younger kids who can’t yet participate, there’s a fabulous playground and sand pit right next to the course. However, don’t just stop there! Introduce your older kids to a new off-road experience on a Segway. These self-balancing electric scooters have huge wheels allowing you to get off the beaten track and are really cool! The session starts with brief safety instructions before you roll off along the trails of Thetford Forest. Back on terra firma, there are also walking routes and four different cycling trails which are easy to navigate around. Bike hire is available.

7 Norwich

Norwich Cathedral Cloisters © VisitNorwich Limited

Details: A fantastic blend of old and new makes Norwich a vibrant city with many attractions to experience, most of which can easily be reached on foot. If you want to get a flavour of the city’s rich heritage, explore the splendid Norman cathedral and imposing Norman castle which doubles up as a brilliant museum and art gallery, one of many museums to delve into. The city has a cafe culture that places it in the UK’s top 10 for retail shopping – experience the lively and colourful market place, open six days a week, and the award winning Norwich Lanes with unusual independent shops. Walk along the riverside, explore the winding lanes or get your bearings with a sightseeing tour bus. This buzzing cultural hub is also famous for the two-week long Norfolk and Norwich Festival in May.

8 Oxburgh Hall

Polly and Archie exploring the Priest’s Hole at Oxburgh Hall

Where: Oxborough, near Swaffham PE33 9PS
Details: This moated gatehouse with its magical setting and impressive Tudor brickwork is one of the National Trust’s most photographed houses. The hall dates back to 1482 when it was built by Sir Edmund Bedingfeld and has been in the family ever since. Wander round the interior and admire the beautiful 16th-century needlework panels crafted by Mary Queen of Scots and Bess of Hardwick which deservedly draw crowds. From the roof there’s a glorious view over the surrounding countryside, the Victorian French parterre, walled orchard, kitchen garden and the Bedingfield family chapel. Don’t miss the excitement of the Priest’s Hole, the highlight of the visit! If you’ve children in tow, there are quizzes and dressing-up clothes to try on as well trails to explore in the 70 acres of gardens and woodlands, making Oxburgh Hall a real winner for a family day out.

9 Spot the seals at Blakeney Point

Blakeney Point seals by DncnH

Where: Morston Quay, Morston NR25 7AA
Details: Children will love a boat trip from Morston Quay to Blakeney Point to see the adorable, inquisitive seals. Managed by the National Trust, Blakeney Point is a sand and shingle spit stretching out into the sea from the heart of Blakeney national reserve. Not only do you get the chance to spend time with these wonderful swimmers, but you can also disembark at the iconic blue Old Lifeboat House, home to National Trust rangers and a visitor centre. A great way to get a new perspective on the coast and its wildlife, you can explore the windswept beauty of Blakeney Point itself, which hosts colonies of migrant birds. Check out Beans Boat Trips.

10 The Norfolk Broads

© NorfolkBroads.com

Details: The Norfolk Broads is Britain’s largest protected wetland, with more than 120 miles of lock-free waterways and man-made lakes, quiet country lanes and an extensive network of footpaths and bridleways. With a quarter of the country’s rarest species here, the tranquil waterways are home to a huge variety of birds and other wildlife. This land of big skies and sparkling landscapes never feels crowded and it’s the perfect canvas for adventure and relaxation. There are all kinds of ways to enjoy the tranquillity and unspoilt beauty. Hire a boat or hop on board a boat trip, paddle downriver on a canoe trail, try learning to sail in the safe waters or simply entertain your kids with a game of ‘spot the wildlife’.

What else?

Our top 10 things to do in Norfolk are just a selection of some of the fantastic attractions on offer when you stay at our luxury Norfolk holiday cottages. If you need some more ideas for fantastic days out, take a look at the ‘Things to Do & Events’ section for each property listing and make the most of your getaway!