Best things to do in Norfolk with kids

With its stunning beaches, beautiful countryside, and the Norfolk Broads National Park, there are so many brilliant things to do in Norfolk with kids.  Whether you’re looking for beaches, wildlife parks, historic houses, rainy-day activities, or fun family attractions, you’ll find plenty of ideas here.

Norfolk is a fantastic destination for a family holiday or weekend break.  We’ve visited many times with our kids, staying with locals, and discovering new places to explore.

In this guide, we share the best family days out in Norfolk, including beaches, wildlife experiences, theme parks, outdoor adventures and indoor activities for when the weather isn’t great.

So, if you’re planning a trip, here are our favourite things to do in Norfolk with kids.

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With over 90 miles of coastline, one of the best things to do in Norfolk with kids is a day at the beach, and it’s completely free.  Norfolk has a wonderful mix of wide sandy beaches, sand dunes, and seaside towns, so is perfect for families.

Our favourite family beaches include Holkham, Mundesley, Brancaster and Sea Palling.   The kids love building sandcastles, rock-pooling, and paddling in the shallow water.

One of our favourite beach activities in Norfolk is crabbing (or “gillying” as it’s called locally).  The harbours at Wells-next-the-Sea and Blakeney are brilliant for catching crabs.

Wells has a lively quayside, and it’s easy to buy a bucket, crabbing line, net, and bait locally.  We’ve spent hours here watching the kids carefully lower their lines into the water.

Afterwards, walk the mile to the sandy beach, hop on a boat trip, or let the kids burn off some energy in the playground.

For something different, check out this sailing experience through the salt marsh creeks at Wells-next-the-Sea.

West Runton is one of the best rock-pooling spots in Norfolk. When the tide goes out, the beach is filled with rock pools, teeming with with sea creatures.

Our kids could easily spend hours searching for crabs, shrimps, and anemones.  Wear sea shoes, as the rocks can be slippery and uncomfortable.

Keep an eye out for fossils too.  This was there the famous ice-age Steppe mammoth skeleton was discovered.

Read more: A walk from West Runton to Cromer

Have you ever heard of Cromer Crabs?

The seaside town of Cromer in Norfolk is famous for its tasty crabs, which are caught in the surrounding North Sea.  So, there’s nothing better than eating some fresh local crab or fish and chips by the sea.

However, if you’d rather catch your own, try Cromer Pier, another of Norfolk’s popular crabbing spots.  Cromer Pier is a Grade-II listed Victorian Pier, with its very own theatre.  It hosts regular shows, with a variety of music and dance acts.

Cromer is a popular destination for families, as it has a child-friendly blue-flag beach, with lifeguards in the summer.

If your children love animals, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is a great day out.  Set in the grounds of a country mansion, the zoo is home to rare and endangered animals, including a Sumatran Tiger.

You can get a close up view of the wildlife from the Tiger Tree Walk or at one of the regular animal feeding sessions.  The adventure maze is perfect for burning off energy afterwards.

One of the best things to do on a rainy day in Norfolk is a visit to Sea Life in Hunstanton.  At this popular Norfolk aquarium you can see thousands of amazing underwater creatures, such as sharks, turtles, rays and clownfish.

The Sea Life aquarium has its own beach where you’ll see the endangered Humboldt Penguins waddling across the rocks.

You’ll save money by booking Sea Life, Hunstanton online.

Now, if you’re looking for things to do in Norfolk with wildlife enthusiasts, Banham Zoo is the place to go.  This large zoo near Norwich is home to over 2, 000 animals, including monkeys, meerkats, kangaroos, and some big cats.

Banham Zoo also has a collection of creepy crawlies and reptiles, as well as birds and farm animals. In addition, for younger children, there’s an exciting adventure playground.  It’s certainly one of the best days out in Norfolk for animal lovers.

Spotting seals at Horsey Gap is one of our favourite wildlife experiences in Norfolk.  During the winter months (November to January), thousands of Atlantic Grey and Harbour seals gather here to pup.

Seeing so many seals lounging on the sand was a real highlight for the family.  Remember to keep your distance and follow the rules to protect the animals.

Alternatively, another option for seeing seals in Norfolk is a boat ride to Blakeney Point Nature Reserve.  This nature reserve is home to England’s largest Grey Seal colony and a presents a fantastic opportunity to see them in their natural habitat.

You can take a seal trip from Morston Quay, where you’ll find a choice of companies offering rides.  As you’d expect, the boat trips are popular, so it’s best to book in advance.

Now, although you might not expect to see tropical animals in Norfolk, Amazona Zoo near Cromer is home to over 200 South American animals .

The exotic collection at Amazona Zoo includes monkeys, capuchins, pumas, macaws, and parrots.  As well as the animals and Tropical House, younger children can enjoy the indoor play area or the outdoor adventure park.

Probably the most famous stately home in Norfolk is Sandringham House, the private home of HRH King Charles III and the Queen Consort.

Sandringham Estate has a 600-acre country park with walking trails and a brand-new play area, inspired by buildings from the royal estate.  It is very family-friendly and ideal for a day out with children in Norfolk.

Plus, when the King is not in residence, you can explore inside and see the royal collections of vehicles, ceramics, and memorabilia.

Another of Norfolk’s most popular stately homes for families to visit it Blickling Hall near Aylsham.  Blickling Hall is the former family residence of Anne Boleyn, second wife of King Henry VIII.

Set over 4,600 acres, Blickling Hall has sweeping grounds with four trails for walking and cycling with kids.

The trails are interesting, as there are so many points of interest along the way.  Look out for a mausoleum, a Gothic tower, a lake, and some very elaborate gardens.

Nowadays, the National Trust own this Jacobean mansion and estate and admission is free to members.

Click here for details on walking at Blickling Estate.

Holkham Hall is one of the most magnificent stately homes in Norfolk.  It has extensive grounds that include a national nature reserve and beach.  There’s plenty to entertain kids at Holkham Hall, making it perfect for a family day out in Norfolk.

Walking trails lead round the estate, or you could hire a boat on the lake.  Families with younger kids should head to the woodland play area, where you’ll find high-level bridges, walkways, and treehouses.

Another of Norfolk’s finest National Trust properties is Felbrigg Hall.  The estate near Norwich has huge gardens and woodlands for kids to explore.

Built over 900 years ago, Norwich Cathedral is a magnificent building which has withstood the test of time.  With one of the tallest spires in the UK, the cathedral towers over Norwich.  It’s a prime example of Renaissance architecture and is one of the top places to visit.

Kids will love the cloisters, which look like something out of a Harry Potter film.  Plus, you’ll often find seasonal activities, such as crafts and storytelling.  Admission to Norwich Cathedral is free.

History-lovers will enjoy a visit to Burgh Castle, one of the most impressive Roman buildings in Britain.  Although only ruins of the wall remain today, you can wander at leisure for a close-up look.

From Burgh Castle you’ll have a great viewpoint over the Breydon Water and across to Berney Arms Windmill.  For more information, read A visit to Burgh Castle

The Norfolk Broads is a National Park like no other – it’s mostly water!  With 125 miles of waterways, it’s perfect for boat trips, waterside walks, and spotting wildlife. You could go for a day trip or even take a boat holiday on the Broads.

We love how peaceful it feels, with pretty villages, riverside pubs, and endless nature.

Hiring a boat for the day is one of the most memorable things to do in Norfolk with kids.  Whether you choose a guided tour or hire a self-drive boat, it’s surprisingly easy and lots of fun.

Our kids loved being “captain for the day” and spotting windmills and wildlife along the way.  You could even have a week’s boating holiday on the Broads.

Wroxham Barns is a junior farm and fun park.  As well as feeding and stroking small animals, it offers rides, mini-golf, jumping pillows, and a pirate ship.  What’s great is that everything is included in the price of one ticket.  In addition, there’s a selection of heritage craft shops and cafés to entertain the adults.

Of course, if you prefer the idea of being captain and sleeping on a boat, you could hire a boat on the Broads for the week.  We spent a wonderful time exploring the different Broads and made it as far as Beccles in Suffolk.

Click here for full details of our first boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads.

Whilst you’re in your boat on the Norfolk Broads, kids will love spotting the many beautiful windmills and windpumps.

They were originally built to help local millers grind corn and provide power for drainage.  However, today they provide a very picturesque addition to the landscape, and some serve as museums for local history.

If you’re looking for other fun water activities in Norfolk, how about hiring a Canadian Canoe in Norwich or paddleboarding down the Norfolk Broads?  Alternatively, if you’ve got your own equipment, there are several launching points throughout the Broads.

Check out this Kayak adventure on the River Waveney.

Nature-lovers on the Broads will enjoy a visit to Norfolk Wildlife Trust nature reserve.  NWT have recreated new areas of wetland in a conservation project to protect the habitat of the Broads.

Follow the boardwalks through the wet woodland to get to the Visitor Centre.  Click here for more details of our visit to the NWT Ranworth Broad.

Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure is a huge hit with younger children.  It’s the UK’s largest dinosaur-themed adventure park, with indoor and outdoor activities.

Expect dinosaur trails, rope bridges, splash zones, and crazy golf, and animal encounters  There’s also dinosaur shows throughout the day, which makes for a really fun family day out in Norfolk.

For adrenalin junkies in Norfolk, the Pleasure Beach in Great Yarmouth is a must-visit place for you.  Set over 9 acres at the end of the Golden Mile, you’ll find white-knuckle rides, dodgems, and log flumes.

There’s something for all ages, so if you have little ones, they can try the less scary cups and saucers ride.  Afterwards, head to the beach.  Great Yarmouth also has a gorgeous stretch of golden sand, backed by sand dunes.

BeWILDered is a fantastic adventure park just waiting to be explored.  This enchanted woodland has sky mazes, zip wires, slides,  and rope bridges.

Back down on the ground, families can enjoy marsh walks, boat rides, and story-telling.  There’s so much to do at BeWILDered you could easily fill a day.

For a brilliant family show in Norfolk, head to The Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth.  This 1903 building is a purpose-built circus, the last remaining in the UK.  It’s a spectacular performance, with acrobats,  jugglers, daredevil acts, and a magnificent water spectacle.

We went to the summer Circus and Water Spectacular with two families and without exception everyone loved it and wanted to return.  The compère, Peter Jay, brings the show together with old-school slapstick humour, which had the kids in stitches.  It really is a fun activity that all the family can enjoy.

If your family enjoys crazy golf, the Lost World Adventure in Hemsby is a fun themed 9-hole course.  Look out for dinosaurs, fossils, and an ancient aztec temple.

Holt is a charming, Georgian town with a myriad of narrow streets and courtyards.  Here you can lose yourself in the alleyways browsing the galleries and craft shops. Holt really is a shoppers’ paradise.

However, if your kids don’t like shopping, follow the Owl Trail.  It’s the perfect way to discover the gorgeous market town.  And, if you’re lucky, you might be able to sneak into a few shops along the way.

Firstly, collect a free trail map from the Visitor Centre by the memorial and then you’re ready.  Next, kids have to follow the clues and find the owls around the town centre.  The trail leads to all the prettiest areas of Holt.  And don’t worry, there’s plenty of cosy tea shops if you need a break en route.

With a choice of short family walking trails, a play area and sensory garden, there’s something for everyone to enjoy at Holt Country Park.

This award-winning country park is open all year and makes a fun day out for families.  Admission to the park is free, but there is a small parking fee.

Thetford Forest is one of the best outdoor places for kids in Norfolk.  With walking trails, cycle routes, natural play areas, and adventure golf, there’s something for all ages.

The Gruffalo Trail is brilliant for younger children and older kids will love the treetop adventures at the Go Ape Centre.  Another way to explore the forest is on a Segway adventure.

Check prices and details of Go Ape at Thetford Forest.

Nature-lovers will be spoilt for choice when it comes to choosing activities at Pensthorpe Natural Park.  Whether it’s the themed gardens, wetland areas, nature trails or bird hides, you’ll find something for all the family.

For adults there are nature trails and beautiful gardens and for kids, there’s an amazing outdoor eco-play area, with zip wires, wooden towers, and tunnels.  Even on a rainy day Pensthorpe Natural Park makes a enjoyable day out for kids as there’s a fantastic indoor play barn.

Another of the best free things to do in Norfolk is a visit to Sheringham Park. (There is a small charge for parking.)

Sheringham Park is a landscaped woodland estate in Upper Sheringham.  Although Sheringham Hall is private, the 1000 acres of surrounding parkland is owned by the National Trust.  The estate is open to the public and admission is free.

You’ll find four family walking trails at Sheringham Park, trees to climb, and lots of picnic areas.

Afterwards, you could hit the beach, which is only a few miles away.  Click here for more details on how we spent a day out in Sheringham.

Norfolk is also home to the Hilltop Outdoor Centre, an exciting outdoor education centre near Sheringham.

Located in a pretty woodlands overlooking the sea, the Hilltop Outdoor Centre provides a range of outdoor adventure activities, including climbing walls, high ropes, archery, and zip wires.  Plus, if the kids are feeling brave, they could try the new Air Jump, the first in the UK.

Adventure-loving families will love the choice of exciting activities at the centre.

If you are looking for some indoor things to do in Norfolk, you’ll find a good choice of family-friendly museums. These are ideal if you’re planning how to spend a rainy day in Norfolk.

The Muckleburgh Military Museum at Weybourne holds a fascinating display of military memorabilia. The collections include weapons, uniform, and models.

Muckleburgh Museum stands on a former military camp, and you can see the artillery from the beach.  As well as the exhibits, kids can ride on one of the army lorries or enjoy the play area.

Sheringham Museum at the Mo is a small, family-friendly museum on the beachfront in Sheringham.  It offers a fascinating collection of exhibits showing the local history of Sheringham and its lifeboats.

One of the best galleries for families in Norfolk is the the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, just outside Norwich.

The gallery has a collection of world-class art, from classic and modern artists.  However,  younger children might prefer exploring the amazing life-size sculptures in the grounds.  Admission to the gallery is free.

Finally, prepare to take your family back in time to the ice age at the Time and Tide Museum in Great Yarmouth.  Then wander through the recreated streets to discover years of history about the people of Great Yarmouth.

This is one of the best museums in Norfolk for families and makes an enjoyable day out with kids.

You’ll find a great choice of accommodation in Norfolk to suit all budgets.  Click here for prices and availability of self-catering accommodation in Norfolk on Booking.com

Norfolk is a great destination for families on a budget, with plenty of free activities to enjoy.

Free family activities in Norfolk:

• Beach days – Most Norfolk beaches are free to visit, including Holkham, Brancaster and Cromer
• Seal Spotting at Horsey Gap
• Norfolk Broads walking trails – explore the riverside paths and nature reserves
• National Trust parks and gardens – NT properties such as Blickling Estate and Felbrigg Hall are free for members.
• Norwich Cathedral – free entry and family-friendly activities
• Country parks – Holt country Park and Sheringham Park are free
• Holt Owl Trail – A fun free town trail for children.

We love mixing free beach days with one or two paid attractions to keep the costs down.

If the weather isn’t great, there are still plenty of indoor things to do in Norfolk with kids.

Best rainy-day activities:

• Sea Life Hunstanton – perfect for younger children and buggy-friendly (There’s also a Sea Life, Great Yarmouth)
• Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure (indoor zones)
• Virtual Reality Experience, Thetford – cutting edge VR games and experiences
• Pensthorpe Play Barn – large indoor soft play area
• Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
• Muckleburgh Military Museum- interactive vehicles and indoor exhibits
• Sheringham Museum at the Mo – small, engaging and right by the beach if the sun comes back out!
• Hippodrome Circus, Great Yarmouth – A fantastic family show

We always keep a rainy-day list handy, as you can’t guarantee the sun on a UK holiday!

Norfolk is a county in eastern England, in the region of East Anglia.  It’s the fourth largest county in England, with a long coastline on the North Sea, giving a choice of beautiful beaches.

Norfolk is only a 2-hour drive from London by car.

Alternatively, regular trains run from London Liverpool Street and King’s Cross to Norwich.  The journey takes less than 3 hours.

You may also like:

• 9 great days out in Norfolk with kids
• A boating holiday on the Norfolk Broads

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