Attractions

Holt country park

Good zip wire, good walking and trail riding for children. Parking can be a little difficult at times.

Sheringham country park

National trust property. Lovely views, good walk to the coast and back via a number of routes. Interesting WW2 history and some historical days for the children. There are activity packs for children from the visitor centre that are free and contain binoculars etc. Easy parking, some easy trail riding for children, lovely lookout tower. Basic café with only outdoor seating so take something warm to wear. They do a park run and the running trails are pretty good. There is a good walk to the coast and then back up through Weybourne.


Blickling house

This has some great walking, both long and short. It is a national trust property.The back bike trails are good for children. The cafés (two) and food are good. The Christmas lights are lovely especially combined with a seasonal lunch or evening meal at The Buck pub, which is just opposite - booking advised (though it has a good seating area outside for summer)


Creake Abbey

Good artisan food café with nice food and coffee and some interesting shops. A (short) walk down to the Abbey, with blackberrying at the right time of year, is nice. Good delicatessen and butchers as part of the shop complex.


Felbrigg house

Another National Trust property. Great tree climbing, café good. The walk around the “Victory V” is lovely at all times of year with the changing colours of the trees, and manageable by most children. There are longer walks that are beyond the small church.


Holkham estate

A privately owned country house that has lovely ground. The deer are beautiful, there are loads of great walks, a lovely walled garden, a couple of good cafes, an adventure playgound that is suitable for all ages and great bike riding and running trails. There us a cycle hire and a ropes course (open between Aug – Nov). Some good exhibitions and events throughout the year - check their website.


Sandringham House and gardens

Lovely gardens and grounds.


Pensthorpe park

Fantastic nature and bird life with some lovely lakeside walking. Great adventure playground for children. Indoor play area for when it is wet.

Bewilderwood

A massive favourite with the children of all ages. Overhead runways, sides, face painting, short boat trip, creative tent. Food is reasonable. Easy to spend all day there.

Dino-adventure

Brilliant dinosaur park, good adventure playground, small farm, good indoor area if wet (with fantastic slides), splash pad for hot days - lots to do and another firm favourite, especially when the children were younger (up to about 10, though they still enjoy it now).


Railways / steam trains

Steam train journeys both north and south can be found at Holt and Aylsham. From Holt the train takes you past Sheringham Country park and then to Sheringham. It is worth booking for their big events and Christmas express. The other local one is the Bure Valley railway which takes you the heart of The Broads National Park at Wroxham.


Shows

Cromer Pier show

A summer and a Christmas show. Award winning, gentle humour that is suitable for all ages, including children. A variety performance of jokes, magic, dancing, songs and music. Costumes and dancing are fabulous - it is always entertaining, plus, a theatre at the end of the pier (from which the lifeboats launch): well worth a visit just to say that you have been!


Thursford Christmas Spectacular

Christmas and popular favourites. Popular and always booked out it is an "extravaganza of non-stop singing, dancing, music, humour and variety".


HOUSES AND GARDENS

· Sandringham

· Holkham Estate

· Felbrigg Hall

· Blickling Hall

· Sheringham Park

· Priory Maze and Gardens

· Norwich Castle and Art Gallery

· City of Norwich Aviation Museum

· Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

· Cromer Museum

· The Muckleburgh Collection