With so much to explore, there are quite simply hundreds of reasons to visit Norfolk for a day, a long weekend or a longer family holiday. We couldn’t include everything we wanted to in this article, simply because Norfolk has so much to offer, but here are twelve of our favourites that we know a lot about. We will hopefully cover more of Norfolk’s delights in future articles.
SANDRINGHAM ESTATE
Sandringham House is a beautiful country house and private home to Queen Elizabeth II. All year round thousands of people visit the home for the Royal tour and a walk around their amazing gardens. But there’s also so much more to Sandringham than meets the eye, so a visit is well worth putting at the top of your list. With miles and miles of woodland walks to explore, this is a great family-friendly spot in a beautiful part of our country. It’s no wonder the Royal Family have enjoyed it for so long! You can take a picnic or enjoy lunch at the Visitor Centre Restaurant.
There’s a brand new adventure playground which your children are going to love – This was installed during the lockdown period and it looks incredible. The gift shop is fabulous. There’s camping nearby, and plenty of B&B’s.
Find out more by visiting the website www.sandringhamestate.co.uk
SNETTISHAM PARK FARM & THE ROSE & CROWN
First opened to the public in 1986, a trip to Snettisham Park Farm can involve many exciting adventures for both kids and adults! Experience animals being fed, lambs be born, collect fresh farm eggs, ride ponies and hop onto their spectacular deer safari tour!
You can take your own lunch or grab something fresh and tasty from their cafe.
After a great day out at the farm, why not top it off with a visit to the multiple award-winning, Rose & Crown in Snettisham. How to sum up the Rose & Crown? Food that brings you back, over and over again, a garden you’ll want to spend the whole day in, with its new and very smart Beach Hut Bar, and the most welcoming team on planet earth. This is the pride of Norfolk. It’s a classic pub, a modern restaurant, and they get every single detail just right. See you at the bar!
Find out more on their websites:
www.snettishampark.co.uk
www.roseandcrownsnettisham.co.uk
WELLS NEXT THE SEA & HOLKHAM
Sea air, stunning views, and adventurous woodland exploring. This is what the Wells to Holkham walk brings to you. Holkham has been used as a scenic spot for the occasional Hollywood film too, notably the final scenes for the 1998 movie Shakespeare in Love, starring Gwyneth Paltrow and Joseph Fiennes. And the stunning views do not disappoint, this is truly one of the most beautiful parts of England. Many take the walk along the beach from Wells to Holkham and trackback through the pine woods. Afterwards, why not treat yourself to some shopping in Wells town and a spot of lunch at The Globe Inn? www.theglobeatwells.co.uk
OLD HUNSTANTON BEACH & OLD TOWN BEACH CAFE
Old Hunstanton Beach offers lovely long stretches of sandy beaches with wonderful views of the sea. Have a splash in the water and a spot of crabbing! If swimming isn’t quite your thing you can visit the Old Town Beach Cafe, for a drink and a very tasty Full English. Sandy paws are always welcome at this dog-friendly, hidden treasure. You can find them online by searching ‘Old Town Beach Cafe’ on Facebook.
SEAL TRIPS AT BLAKENEY POINT & MORSTON QUAY
This is simply a must when you visit Norfolk! Hop on one of the daily boat trips to see seals and birds in their natural environment. This is a rare opportunity to get up close and personal to these amazing animals.
BURNHAM MARKET – SHOPPING & EATING
Just a stone’s throw away from the Norfolk coastline, Burnham Market is a great place to shop and dine. There is an exciting variety of eateries for you to choose from, as well as over thirty independent and specialist shops to treat yourself in. After all the shopping you can enjoy a pint or a G&T at The Hoste or Number 29 Bar & Restaurant. Find out more at www.burnhammarket.co.uk
NORFOLK LAVENDER & THE GIN TRAP
One of Norfolk’s many hidden gems, Norfolk Lavender is a unique experience with plenty of things to offer. Wander around the world-famous Lavender Gardens, have a cup of tea in the Lavender Lounge and treat yourself in the garden centre and gift shop. This is a must for all Norfolk visitors. Once you’ve explored Norfolk Lavender, why not head to another hidden gem – the Gin Trap at Ringstead. The Gin Trap has famously been serving farmers, traders, fishermen and smugglers since 1668, and they will be delighted to welcome you. The Gin Trap has a stunning new garden that your children are going to love!
www.norfolk-lavender.co.uk
www.thegintrapinn.co.uk
There’s plenty more to explore in Norfolk. These are just some of our favourites. Enjoy!