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HomeUK Travel43 issues to do in Norfolk with youngsters

43 issues to do in Norfolk with youngsters


Huge open seashores and conventional seaside resorts, historic homes and castles, household points of interest like zoos, cities and nature reserves, seals and dinosaurs – in terms of issues to do in Norfolk with youngsters, you’re spoiled for selection.

Sunbathers and beach huts on the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea - visiting is one of the top things to do in Norfolk with kids
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Spending our newest journey close to the border with Suffolk, we cut up one other current summer season journey between Norwich and the coast at Cromer, so every Norfolk household vacation tries to pack in as many days out as potential – though there’s nonetheless a lot on our wishlist (reluctantly I preserve leaving the Norfolk Broads for an additional time).

So no matter makes the proper journey for you, I’ve picked out a number of the high issues to do in Norfolk with youngsters to start out you off.

Open air in Norfolk

The seashores

There’s round 90 miles of coast in Norfolk, so that you’re by no means removed from the seaside on this a part of East Anglia – and when the tide’s out, there appears to be twice as a lot sky and sand right here as nearly wherever else within the UK.

You’ll be able to’t go flawed when you’re hoping for someplace to make sandcastles, however for just a few of Norfolk’s greatest seashores with youngsters, don’t miss these.

Hunstanton’s pink and white striped cliffs are well-known, and also you’re additionally strolling distance from a Sea Life Centre – as a bonus, it’s one in all solely a handful of seashores on the east coast which face west, so it’s an ideal spot to look at the sundown.

Previous Hunstanton seaside can be dog-friendly year-round.

Or Holkham seaside is a kind of countless unspoiled stretches of sand which might be good for kite flying and racing alongside (simply be careful for the naturist part).

Canines are additionally welcome on the vast majority of the seaside off-lead, though there are restrictions throughout the summer season to guard wildlife.

Try my picks for extra of the greatest seashores in Norfolk with youngsters

My daughter splashes in a tide pool at Wells-next-the-Sea beach - one of the best places to go in Norfolk with kids

For extra amenities, close by Wells-next-the-Sea has a café, bogs, lifeguards… in addition to some shaded dunes and tide swimming pools to paddle in. The automotive park will get booked up quick in summer season although.

That is one other dog-friendly possibility, though as at Holkham there are restrictions throughout the summer season to guard wildlife.

In the direction of the border with Suffolk, Winterton-on-Sea is one other enormous unspoiled white sandy seaside with its personal dunes, a small café and bogs, plus the prospect to identify seals that congregate at close by Horsey. Canine-friendly year-round.

For one thing just a little extra off the overwhelmed observe, attempt Cart Hole seaside between Happisburgh and Sea Palling – there’s a single lane observe to the seaside, so you’ll be able to escape any crowds, and it’s additionally dog-friendly.

For a style of conventional seaside, head to Cromer the place you’ll be able to wander alongside the pier or decide up and ice cream and fish and chips within the city earlier than strolling right down to the seaside – canine aren’t allowed from Could to September.

Realistically, you’re by no means removed from a beautiful spot to loosen up by the waves in Norfolk.

Seals lounging on the shingle at Blakeney Point - seal spotting is one of the top things to do in Norfolk with kids

Recognizing seals in Norfolk

You’ll be able to’t go to Norfolk with out attempting to see seals. Properly, you’ll be able to… however you shouldn’t. The county is legendary for its seals and there are two locations alongside the coast the place you’re all however assured to identify them.

We headed to Blakeney Level to spy gray and harbour seals, with hour-long boat journeys working from close by Morston Quay – in summer season, there are pups to be seen too, lounging on the spit of land because the others swam and lazed, often barking and flapping a flipper at one another.

A number of boat firms run excursions: all are likely to go at related instances due to the tides, with related costs, and it’s properly price reserving upfront – even for early September, journeys bought out round every week forward.

We booked with Beans Boat Journeys who had been incredible and my best choice for a Norfolk seal tour with youngsters.

At Horsey, gray seals come ashore to mate and provides beginning throughout late autumn and winter, and the sand is crowded with seals and their new child pups between November and the top of January, when you’re visiting Norfolk in winter.

Though you’ll be able to go down onto the seaside to see them, at all times preserve no less than a 10m distance away and by no means get between a seal pup and its mom.

Beans boat tours boats moored at Morston Quay for a seal spotting boat tour to Blakeney Point - one of the best things to do in Norfolk with kids

Deep Historical past Coast path

There are some incredible strolling routes alongside the coast that are quick sufficient for youths to get pleasure from – but it surely’s at all times nice to have an additional motivator, which is the place the Deep Historical past Coast path is available in.

Following the identical route as a lot of the Norfolk coast path, and working between Weybourne and Cart Hole, there are data indicators with AR factors dotted alongside the way in which.

As a bonus, you’ll be able to obtain the app to ‘accumulate’ mammoth bones to assemble your individual digital mammoth at West Runton (the place precise mammoths have been discovered) and Mundesley.

With tips about fossil looking in addition to further data on creatures which as soon as lived right here, it’s also possible to discover out extra in regards to the space’s prehistoric previous as you roam.

We walked a number of stretches alongside the clifftops and the seaside, discovering extra about monkeys in Norfolk, to not point out hyena poo, sabre-toothed cats and violet sea slugs.

For extra about exploring the Deep Historical past Coast in Norfolk with youngsters, try this publish for a few of our highlights

Sign for the Deep History Coast by the seafront in Mundesley- one of the best things to do in Norfolk with kids

Norfolk Broads

This nationwide park is made up of 30 waterways overlaying 125 miles, so you’ll be able to cruise gently between villages or just pootle alongside absorbing the views, recognizing wildlife and watching the solar set.

You’ll be able to move by means of RSPB reserves for birds galore, spy uncommon dragonflies and swallowtail butterflies, or head to a few of Norfolk’s household points of interest. The artifical waterways even stretch into Norwich itself.

It’s simple to rent boats, whether or not you fancy a day journey or an extended vacation sleeping aboard, in addition to boat excursions when you desire to let another person do the navigation.

Canoeing in Norfolk

If you happen to desire to get nearer to the water, there’s loads of selection within the Norfolk Boards together with canoeing and stand-up paddle boarding.

However for a moderately completely different day trip in Norwich with youngsters, you’ll be able to rent canoes to discover Norwich by water, together with household canoes.

My daughter walks along a cobbled street in Tombland in Norfolk, past a series of old buildings on a Norwich Treasure Trail, one of the most fun things to do in Norfolk with kids

Norwich Treasure Path

We’re a giant fan of Treasure Trails as a method to get out and discover new locations, as you’re led down streets you may not in any other case uncover, and with eyes peeled for all method of little particulars as you search for clues.

Norwich has not one however 4 completely different trails – we tried the Cathedral homicide thriller path which took us by means of Tombland and the Norwich Lanes, previous the Cathedral and alongside the Quayside, for a number of the metropolis’s highlights.

There are additionally a string of different Norfolk Treasure Trails, taking between 90 minutes and two and a half hours, together with for Cromer and King’s Lynn plus extra spots alongside the coast.

For extra concepts of issues to do in Norwich with youngsters, try this publish

Thetford Forest

The Forestry England website is definitely the nation’s largest artifical lowland forest, with a whopping 18,730 hectares to discover.

There are numerous strolling trails dotted all through Thetford Forest together with a simple stroll nature path at Excessive Lodge, in addition to a stroll by means of the pine bushes.

Or Lynford Arboretum additionally has a number of strolling trails, together with an accessible path that’s simple to observe with a buggy: nice when you’re visiting Norfolk with a child or toddler.

ExTREEme Journey

If you’d like extra journey out of your woodland, ExTREEme Journey in Weasenham Woods is inbuilt a number of the nation’s tallest bushes.

Between Easter and October, attempt the 1000ft lengthy zip line from the Excessive Platform, appropriate for age eight and above – positively one for mini thrill-seekers. There’s even an army-style assault course too.

The Brograve Windmill near Horsey on the Norfolk Broads - exploring the waterways and the fens is one unmissable thing to do with kids in Norfolk

Discover the Fens

The fens stretch throughout Norfolk into Lincolnshire and Cambridgeshire, and when you’ve received youngsters who love nature, it’s an unbeatable place for a household day trip.

If you happen to head off on a boating vacation within the Norfolk Broads, you’ll end up exploring alongside the way in which, though when you’re searching for a day trip with youngsters, it’s also possible to head to RSPB Strumpshaw Fen the place orchids flower within the meadows and you may wander by means of the reedbeds.

Or attempt the Wheatfen Nature Reserve with its two-mile round path to take you thru lots of the reserve’s highlights.

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve

The setting for the BBC’s Springwatch for a number of years, Pensthorpe Nature Reserve has woodland walks and a wildflower meadow in addition to birds galore in its completely different habitats, together with wetlands.

A part of Pensthorpe Pure Park, there’s additionally a sculpture path and gardens to discover, plus an out of doors journey playground,  in addition to common household pleasant occasions all year long.

The indoor playground, Hootz Home, is included in entry however prebooking one of many timeslots is advisable – verify right here for extra data.

Norfolk castles and historic websites

For a comparatively small county, Norfolk is filled with historic websites from royal palaces like Sandringham to medieval homes aplenty, usually with actions and trails to enchantment to youngsters.

The facade of Blickling Hall in Norfolk, one of several great National Trust sites in Norfolk to visit with kids

Blickling Property

The birthplace of Anne Boleyn, Blickling Corridor was later dwelling to the Earls of Buckingham, with some fascinating gadgets on show from Jacobean and Georgian instances – together with early weighing scales, the place you might sit down as you checked your weight, and Chinese language pagodas in glass instances designed to work as earthquake detectors, with a small bell ringing at a tremor.

When you’ve wandered by means of the previous rooms, together with the large library, you’ll be able to stroll previous the parterre, amble across the walled backyard and deal with one of many three strolling trails across the property, together with a route which leads across the lake.

Learn my evaluation of a day trip at Blickling Corridor with youngsters right here

Oxburgh Corridor

This excellent moated home was as soon as on the coronary heart of historical past – the Catholic Bedingfield household who owned Oxburgh Corridor saved the long run Elizabeth I underneath home arrest and had been among the many first supporters of Mary I.

Objects on present embody scissors that are mentioned to have belonged to Mary Queen of Scots, whereas it’s also possible to spot ornamental leather-based wallpaper and the standard opulent furnishings and portraits.

The home has been tucked away underneath scaffolding for years as a part of a significant £6 million restoration however has been unveiled since 2022, with a number of the new finds additionally on show.

You may also head inside, and wander by means of the gardens and woodland the place there’s just a little recognizing path for youths to observe.

Learn my evaluation of a day trip at Oxburgh Corridor with youngsters right here

My daughter looks across the moat at part of Oxburgh Hall in Norfolk, undergoing a major renovation project, but still one of the best places to visit with kids in Norfolk

Felbrigg Corridor

One other Nationwide Belief property in Norfolk, this historic home has influences from around the globe together with the Chinese language Bed room and gadgets picked up by its aristocratic house owners on their Grand Tour of Europe.

There’s an I Spy path for youths as they give the impression of being spherical Felbrigg Corridor as properly.

Together with the gardens, together with a Willow tunnel and walled backyard, there are additionally 520 acres of woods and trails to wander, with buggy-friendly choices, plus tracker packs for households.

Houghton Corridor

This grand corridor was constructed by Robert Walpole within the 18th century, and match for the nation’s strongest politician – the state rooms are as lavishly grand as you’d count on, designed to impress his visitors whereas permitting the household to bask in luxurious after they visited from London.

As a bonus, it’s also possible to go to the Soldier Museum, the most important non-public assortment of mannequin troopers on the planet.

However it’s not simply the historical past which makes Houghton Corridor stand out: the grounds and gardens are dwelling to common sculpture exhibitions, together with well-known names like Anish Kapoor, together with white fallow deer.

Sandringham Property

The King’s nation retreat stretches over 600 acres of grounds and lakes, fairly aside from the royal collections within the museum – you’ll be able to go to the bottom flooring residences, which embody some household portraits as properly.

There’s a quiz for youths to attempt at Sandringham, plus a sculpture path and play space out within the grounds, in addition to woodland with woodland play space and walks galore.

It’s free to enter the woods (and there’s free parking too) when you’re searching for an affordable day trip in Norfolk with youngsters, and when you can’t nip into the home whereas the royal household is in residence, it’s price holding an eye fixed out to see who’s driving across the property. You by no means know…

View of Sandringham House against a blue sky - one of many historic houses to visit with kids in Norfolk, with the added bonus of being owned by the Queen

Holkham Corridor

There’s way more to the Holkham Property than the Corridor – a nature reserve, enormous open seaside, deer park, farmland… the record goes on. Even the seaside at Wells-next-the-Sea is a part of the property, when you fancy including a great stroll into your go to.

The home itself, constructed within the 18th century for the Earl of Leicester, has been picked as one of many 10 most opulent palaces, homes and castles in England immediately.

From Roman statues to Previous Masters, bedrooms which have hosted Queens to the previous kitchens, what is going to make most children’ jaws drop is the truth that kids reside at Holkham Corridor to today.

Add in trails utilizing the whatthreewords app and spotter guides within the grounds, walks galore and a nature path, you might simply spend a day exploring.

Fortress Rising

This 12th century fort is among the largest and greatest preserved retains in England, sitting in splendour on 20 acres of earthworks. You’ll be able to nonetheless climb as much as get a view of those defensive fortifications, in addition to heading contained in the ruined medieval fort.

Finest identified for being dwelling to Queen Isabella, widow of Edward II, the place she was imprisoned (in various luxurious, admittedly) by her son Edward III.

You’ll be able to go to the stays of her residences, in addition to the Nice Corridor and an early Norman church that pre-dates the fort itself.

Burgh Fortress

A part of the Roman community of defences alongside the English coast – the so-called Saxon Shore forts – Burgh Fortress dates again to the threerd century. Three of its stone partitions nonetheless survive, making it one in all Britain’s best-preserved Roman monuments – and you may nonetheless see the stays of later Norman fortifications.

Looking throughout Breydon Water, it’s an ideal stopping level when you’re planning a stroll alongside the Angles Means, in addition to for enjoying your individual Romans vs Anglo-Saxons battle – or when you’re searching for free issues to do in Norfolk with youngsters.

Mix it with Caister Roman fort, not far-off; the partitions there are lacking however you may get an thought of the structure contained in the fort, to finish the image.

Norwich cathedral

Relationship again to the 11th century, there are some things to tempt households to Norwich cathedral over the realm’s different historic church buildings – for starters, the cathedral has its personal cat.

Budge the cathedral cat – who strolled in throughout the Good Friday service and has now settled in as official feline resident – can usually be noticed prowling round, or once we visited, sitting on a facet altar for some paw washing and enjoyable.

There’s additionally a labyrinth to stroll by means of within the cloisters, winding by means of the grass, whereas the cathedral runs common household trails, such because the dinosaur-themed one with little fashions dotted across the constructing once we visited. It’s additionally free to enter.

Grimes Graves

Norfolk is dwelling to the one Neolithic flint mine that’s open to guests – preserve your eyes open, and also you’ll see flint utilized in buildings throughout the county, in addition to coming in very useful for the realm’s prehistoric inhabitants.

Mined simply exterior Thetford, at Grimes Graves you’ll be able to nonetheless see proof of 400 pits: a collection of bumps and dents within the panorama trying like a large orange peel lined in grass.

The mines themselves date again over 5,000 years, and in addition to studying extra in regards to the historical past of the realm at a small exhibition, you’ll be able to head 30 ft underneath the bottom by ladder into one shaft to see the black flint.

Solely kids aged 7+ are allowed within the mine, and it’s closed throughout the winter months.

Stranger's Hall in Norwich, one of the oldest homes in the city and a great place to visit on a rainy day in Norfolk with kids

Discover a historic Norfolk home

Away from the grandeur of the halls and palaces of Norfolk, you’ll be able to step inside some equally fascinating historic homes on a a lot smaller scale. The 16th century Elizabethan Home in Nice Yarmouth was dwelling to rich retailers, and has hyperlinks to Oliver Cromwell.

Or Historical Home in Thetford is over 500 years previous, and you may wander by means of recreated rooms from its historical past, in addition to discovering extra about a few of its inhabitants – human and animal!

Stranger’s Corridor in Norwich is older nonetheless: there was a constructing right here since no less than the 13th century, with a number of the metropolis’s main residents residing in it for the reason that 14th century. You’ll be able to discover the Nice Corridor and the bedchambers exhibiting life within the 17th century, plus different rooms themed round Georgian and Victorian historical past.

For extra issues to do in Norwich with youngsters, try my high picks

Animal points of interest in Norfolk

The seals (scroll up for extra particulars) aren’t the one creatures you will discover in Norfolk, with a collection of Norfolk zoos and farms.

Amazona Zoo

Amazona Zoo, close to Cromer, focuses on South American animals from jaguars to monkeys, with over 200 to see and an emphasis on schooling and conservation.

There are additionally smaller creatures, together with guinea pigs, when you’re visiting Norfolk with toddlers, and a gentle play space, in addition to an out of doors playground. Prebooking is advisable however it’s also possible to purchase walk-up tickets.

Ring-tailed lemur - one of the animals you can spot in Banham zoo in Norfolk

Banham Zoo

This 50-acre zoo will not be removed from Thetford Forest and from the Suffolk border, so it’s an ideal one to maintain on the record when you’re staying away from the Norfolk coast.

House to 2,000 animals, the award-winning zoo has a variety of creatures from farmyard animals to tigers, snow leopards, monkeys and zebras, together with birds and reptiles.

You may also join experiences, together with a Large Keeper Little Keeper expertise for over-eights.

Thrigby Corridor wildlife gardens

At Thrigby Corridor close to Nice Yarmouth, you will discover a collection of endangered large cats, together with reptiles, birds, and different animals together with pink pandas, meerkats and gibbons – plus one of many highlights is getting near the furry inhabitants on the Tiger Treetop stroll.

Together with the animals, there are some nice play areas together with an journey playground with the 3D journey maze, plus tree ropes and gardens to discover. If you happen to’re visiting on a wet day, try the indoor gentle play too.

There’s a reduction when you e-book your tickets on-line upfront.

Redwings Horse Sanctuary

House to donkeys and mules in addition to horses and ponies, Redwings Horse Sanctuary rescues deserted, mistreated and uncared for horses and donkeys from throughout the UK, chargeable for round 2,000 animals at its centres throughout the UK.

There are two of those in Norfolk, at Aylsham and Caldecotte, the most important of the sanctuaries, with Shetland ponies to Shire horses – there’s no entry cost, when you’re searching for a free day trip in Norfolk with youngsters, though donations are welcomed.

Bright reef fish in a tank - you can spot tropical fish in the Norfolk aquarium found in Hunstanton and Great Yarmouth

Sealife Sanctuary Hunstanton

House to Norfolk’s solely seal rescue centre that’s open to the general public, Hunstanton’s Sea Life Centre has one thing further on high of the standard points of interest of an aquarium.

It’s additionally dwelling to penguins and a colony of Inca terns, whereas the Ocean tank homes over 30 species of fish plus Inexperienced Sea Turtle Ernie, together with 187,500 litres of seawater.

Discover Peppa Pig at Sea Life Hunstanton till June 4, with a enjoyable path, crafts and an opportunity to fulfill Peppa herself, together with recognizing the wonderful creatures which reside on the aquarium, from these seals to sharks and turtles – prebook tickets right here

You may also get palms on with some creatures, helped by the Rainforest Rangers, see life on a tropical reef and meet a pair of cheeky otters. There’s a reduction when you prebook on-line.

Sealife Nice Yarmouth

Proper on the seafront in Nice Yarmouth, there are some fabulous marine creatures to find within the aquarium – the ocean tunnel winds by means of an enormous tank holding 1 / 4 of one million litres of seawater, the place the inhabitants swim across the misplaced metropolis of Atlantis.

Sealife Nice Yarmouth can be dwelling to African Dwarf Crocodiles, and allows you to uncover extra of the world of jellyfish within the Jelly Invaders show, in addition to watching the aquarium’s penguins.

There’s a reduction when you prebook on-line.

Discover Peppa Pig at Sea Life Nice Yarmouth till June 18, with a enjoyable path, crafts and an opportunity to fulfill Peppa herself, together with recognizing the wonderful creatures which reside on the aquarium, from sharks and penguins to turtles – prebook tickets right here

Museums in Norfolk with youngsters

Whichever nook of Norfolk you’re visiting, you received’t be removed from one of many county’s museums – excellent for a wet day in Norfolk however with a lot to tempt year-round.

Norwich Fortress

Certainly one of Norfolk’s most necessary museums is about in Norwich Fortress; you’ll be able to nonetheless climb the Norman steps of the staircase to the highest of the preserve, in addition to exploring the shows and art work within the assortment.

With galleries telling the story of Boudicca’s revolt in opposition to the Romans, of Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, plus Historical Egyptians, it’s a incredible spot to go to with primary-school-aged kids – and an ideal thought for a wet day in Norfolk.

There’s additionally work occurring to create a brand new medieval gallery  in partnership with the British Museum, and restore a number of the fort preserve – components of the museum will be open throughout the redevelopment works, though the fort itself stays shut.

Sign to the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, one of the great family-friendly museums in Norwich

Museum of Norwich on the Bridewell

Norwich was as soon as England’s second metropolis, and this museum tells the story of Norwich’s historical past, together with the commercial heritage – not least a 19th century hand loom on show – in addition to on a regular basis life as you step inside a recreated early 20th century chemist’s store .

Set in a former jail, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the Undercroft (for ages 8+ solely) in addition to study the tales of a number of the Bridewell’s inhabitants – together with Peter the Wildman, a German boy dropped at Britain by King George I.

Lynn Museum

With a welcome roar from Horace the tiger, Lynn Museum is designed to enchantment to youngsters from the second you stroll in. And there’s a lot extra to entertain within the galleries.

The collections cowl centuries from Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings to rich medieval finds, and tales of the Civil Warfare.

Maybe one of the vital fascinating components, particularly with barely older youngsters, is studying about Seahenge, the Bronze Age timber circle found on Holme Seashore and preserved for over 4,000 years within the sand.

View of Cromer Pier and the sea - Cromer museum is one of several great options to visit in Norfolk with kids

Cromer Museum

Cromer Museum is the place to return in case your youngsters are fascinated by fossils, mammoths and prehistoric tales – good when you’ve been exploring the Deep Historical past Coast (scroll up for extra particulars).

The Geology Gallery is filled with fossils present in Norfolk, and you may study extra in regards to the West Runton Mammoth, in addition to seeing the forged of the cranium of a Mosasaur, a marine reptile which might have swum within the seas overlaying what’s now Norfolk over 80 million years in the past.

There are additionally displays on Cromer’s maritime previous, together with fishing and its time as a well-liked Victorian seaside resort.

Gressenhall Farm and workhouse

If you’d like a little bit of all the things, Gressenhall Farm has a lot to entertain youngsters – because the title suggests, it’s nonetheless a working farm, and it’s also possible to study extra about farmhouse life throughout your go to.

One of many highlights although is seeing the Museum of Norfolk Life with over 2,000 objects donated by folks in Norfolk to indicate how life has modified over the previous 200 years, together with a circus caravan and tales of the Ladies’s Land Military.

Set in an previous workhouse, it’s also possible to study extra about those that as soon as lived right here, with an app to information you round.

Time and Tide

Set in a transformed Victorian herring curing works, Time and Tide in Nice Yarmouth tells the city’s story, and you may see inside a fisherman’s dwelling in addition to wandering by means of a Victorian ‘Row’, to not point out getting behind the wheel, nearly visiting the Nineteen Fifties quayside and indulging in tales of wreck and rescue at sea.

There are additionally kids’s actions, free audio guides and loads of video games, puzzles and methods to get palms on for youths.

My daughter stands by mammoth street art on the seafront in Sheringham, part of the Deep History Coast trail tracing the prehistoric history of the Norfolk coast - with a series of Norfolk museums displaying other local history to visit along the way

Norfolk household points of interest

If you happen to’re searching for theme parks in Norfolk or different household points of interest, there are a lot to select from – to not point out dinosaurs and steam trains too.

Bewilderwood

Bewilderwood calls itself an journey park (there’s one in Cheshire, in addition to the Norfolk website) and that’s precisely what you’ll be able to count on at this outside website, with a hefty facet serving to of fairytale magic.

There’s storytelling, when you haven’t encountered the Boggles, Twiggles and different characters earlier than, plus outside enjoyable together with den constructing and treehouses, marsh walks and boat rides, zip wires and further themed occasions throughout faculty holidays.

It’s vastly standard in class holidays so prebooking is advisable.

Children look at a dinosaur in the trees at Roar Dinosaur Adventure park in Norfolk - photo courtesy VisitNorwich

Roarr Dinosaur Journey

This dinosaur-themed theme park is incredible with youthful youngsters, when you’re visiting Norfolk with a toddler, in addition to for older ones.

Youngsters can have enjoyable within the splash zone, or discover treasures within the dino dig, escape mazes and extra adrenaline-fuelled enjoyable like swinging on excessive ropes.

Head into the woods to observe the dinosaur path, meet animals, play loopy golf and spot deer too.

Misplaced World Journey Golf

In case your youngsters love journey golf, the nine-hole Misplaced World course at Hemsby close to Nice Yarmouth is nice enjoyable, and only some kilos for youths and adults.

Putt previous dinosaurs, fossils, water hazards, even an historical Aztec temple, and it’s also possible to go panning for gold when you’re there.

Pettits Animal Journey Park

That is one other nice household attraction in Norfolk which has a little bit of all the things – the prospect to see animals, rides and play areas, plus further themed actions year-round (together with a number of the greatest pumpkin selecting within the nation)

There are rides appropriate for youthful youngsters when you’re visiting Norfolk with toddlers and preschoolers, whereas the animals embody birds, reptiles and some small fluffy inhabitants like marmosets and pink squirrels.

Pettits Animal Journey Park is closed throughout the winter months. In any other case you’ll be able to prebook tickets right here.

Caister Fortress Motor Museum

For teenagers who love automobiles (to not point out grownup followers!), this Norfolk household attraction is unbeatable with one of many largest motor collections within the nation.

The shows vary from traditional and classic to sports activities automobiles, in addition to bikes, plus some very uncommon veteran motors – one courting again to 1893.

You’ll be able to even spot steam automobiles and electrical automobiles at Caister Fortress Motor Museum, in addition to taking a wander to the 15th century Caister Fortress tower.

Steam engine coming into Sheringham Station - the North Norfolk railway, or Poppy Line, is one of my top things to do with kids in Norfolk

North Norfolk railway

Operating from Sheringham to Holt, the ‘Poppy Line’ heritage steam railway nonetheless works as a enjoyable method to get from A to B, in addition to a beautiful relaxed method to see the Norfolk coast.

There are particular occasions throughout the 12 months, together with Santa Specials, whereas the North Norfolk railway trains run from April to October, taking about 20 minutes to chuff their manner from one station to the opposite.

Wells & Walsingham Gentle Railway

This slim gauge steam railway runs between the seafront at Wells inland to Walsingham – and kids underneath 4 journey free.

Closed throughout the winter months, the Wells & Walsingham Gentle Railway runs a spherical journey to Wighton from Wells which lasts round half-hour, without having to prebook.

Bressingham Steam Expertise

There’s extra household enjoyable for mini transport followers at Bressingham Steam Expertise – you’ll be able to take a trip on a steam practice, with 4 railways winding by means of the gardens, in addition to visiting the steam locomotive sheds.

Adults will benefit from the assortment from Dad’s Military, whereas youngsters shouldn’t miss an opportunity to trip on the steam-powered gallopers – the carousel dates again to the 19th century.

Red carriages of a steam train in the gardens of Bressingham Steam Experience in Norfolk

Merrivale Mannequin Village

The award-winning mannequin village is dwelling to a penny arcade in addition to loopy golf, so there’s a lot to maintain everybody entertained throughout a go to – together with the mannequin railway which runs by means of the miniature village.

With a mini fort and vacation park, theatre and airship, to not point out a floodlit sport of cricket and a home fireplace, it’s the little particulars which make it further enjoyable – spot the morris dancers, crown jewels and Victorian seaside. 

Wroxham Miniature Worlds

You’ll be able to see a number of the largest mannequin railways on the planet on everlasting show at this household attraction – the truth is, it’s the largest indoor modelling attraction within the UK, overlaying over 10,000 sq. ft. 

In addition to the mannequin trains, you’ll be able to see a metropolis manufactured from Lego bricks, mannequin boats, a classic penny arcade and toy assortment plus there’s an opportunity to drive trains and take a look at out a flight or practice simulator.

Youngsters aged underneath 5 go free.

*First printed 2020, up to date 2023*

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN NORFOLK WITH KIDS

The best things to do in Norfolk with kids - from museums and theme parks to animal attractions and historic houses, as well as beaches, family trails and seal spotting

Disclosure: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee

Photographs: Roarr Dinosaur Journey courtesy of VisitNorwich, fens/Sandringham/steam trains courtesy of Depositphotos, all others copyright MummyTravels

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