What to See in Norfolk, UK

One of the top attractions in Norfolk, the Banham Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals. It offers several cools ways to interact with the animals including feeding tigers and meerkats, becoming a zookeeper for the day, or working with the trainers in charge of the Amazing Animals shows. With stops at the Farm Barn, Penguin Cove, and Sea Lion Bay, the Safari Roadtrain is an easy way to get around the park and save your energy for exciting activities like the Skytrek ropes course and zipline. The zoo is open every day of the year except Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norfolk, UK, Phone: +44-19-53-88-77-71

For an unforgettable experience during your stay in Norfolk, book at trip to the Blakeney National Nature Reserve with Beans Boats. On the journey from Morston Quay to Blakeney Point, passengers will see flocks of migratory birds and have the opportunity to learn a little local history from the knowledgeable crew. As you approach the harbor, colonies of seals will make an appearance, often swimming right up to the boat. When possible, the crew will dock the boat and allow guests to explore the area. These trips are quite popular with residents and tourists alike, so advance reservations are highly recommended.

Beans Seal Trips , Morston Quay, Morston, Norfolk, UK, Phone: +44-12-63-74-05-05

Attractions for Couples

Blakeney Point is home to the Blakeney National Nature Reserve. Its mudflats, salt marshes and sand dunes are protected by the National Trust, which provides visitors with information about the area’s conservation efforts at Morston Quay and the Blakeney Point Lifeboat House. To learn more about the work that is being done at the reserve, guests can attend one of the presentations given by a local wildlife expert or one of the rangers. Birders will enjoy observing the migratory birds as they navigate one of the coastal walks and visitors who arrive by boat will encounter colonies of seals on their approach.

Blakeney National Nature Reserve, Holt, Norfolk, UK, Phone: +44-12-63-74-02-41

The historic Blickling Estate has an interesting past. Previously owned by knights, noblemen, politicians, and even members of the British royalty, the estate is now in the hands of the National Trust. Visiting the estate’s mansion and gardens is a relaxing way to spend an afternoon. In addition to touring Bickling Hall, guests can use the all-weather activity trail, visit the plant center and garden shop, browse the second-hand bookstore, go fishing in the lake, and have a bite to eat at one of the cafés. The estate is open daily except for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Blickling, Norwich, Norfolk, UK, Phone: +44-12-63-73-80-30

Unique Attractions

Railroad enthusiasts will be delighted to ride the trains in this private collection. The trains carry their passengers through the scenic woodlands and meadows of Bressingham on narrow and standard gauge railways. Along the way, guests will see the Bressingham Gardens and nursery, a world-class attraction created by renowned horticulturist Alan Bloom. Kids will love riding the carousel and playing the carnival games at the old-fashioned fairground. The fairground also features vintage rides for young children and a mini-golf game that is fun for the whole family. Prices for single-day admission and season tickets are posted on the website.

Bressingham Steam and Gardens, Low Road, Bressingham, Norfolk, UK, Phone: +44-13-79-68-69-00

Passengers will feel like they’ve stepped back in time when they climb aboard the trains of the Bure Valley Railway. Steam locomotives propel the fleet along the 18-mile round-trip journey between Aylsham and Wroxham. Riders will love the old-timey feel of chugging along Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge railway as they are transported through quaint villages and picturesque countryside. Passengers are welcome to disembark at any of the stops along the way and flag down the driver when they want to continue the journey. Themed shops at the main stations are run by the Friends of the Bure Valley Railway and proceeds go to support the railway.

Aylsham Station, Norwich Road, Aylsham, Norwich, Norfolk, UK, Phone: +44-12-63-73-38-58

The grounds of the old vicarage in East Ruston have been transformed into an innovative 32-acre garden by its owners. Its formal design includes rows of hedges, a water feature, and a sculptures created by local artists. The garden is unique in that exotic plants and native species both flourish here, protected by the Monterey Pine trees that shelter them from the harsh winds coming off the North Sea. Visitors who want to try their hand at planting some of the species from East Ruston in their own garden can stop by the nursery as they are leaving the grounds.

East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden, Vicarage Road, East Ruston, Norfolk, UK, Phone: +44-16-92-65-04-32

Recommended Activities for Families

Birdwatchers, boaters, and budding artists are all invited to visit this award-winning garden. The 130-acre property in The Broads uses organic conservation techniques to protect the diverse plant and animal species that call the Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden home. Visitors can take a scenic boat ride on the Primrose or the Primula, spot rare birds through their binoculars, or sketch the natural beauty they see all around them. Fairhaven supports the community by using locally grown ingredients in their tearoom menu and offering handcrafted gifts by area residents in their gift shop. A small admission fee helps the management maintain the property.

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, School Road, South Walsham, Norwich, Norfolk, UK, Phone: +44-16-03-27-04-49

Felbrigg Hall is a well-preserved country house with a fascinating history. Guests will have the opportunity to visit the Great Hall and admire its 15th-century stained glass windows, learn what the owner served for a formal dinner in the 1860s, see the hand painted wallpaper in the Chinese bedroom, and count the number of times the lion and fetterlock motif shows up in the decor. Felbrigg Hall and its gardens and estate are owned by the National Trust who invites visitors to learn about its history and even stay in one of the holiday cottages on the grounds.

Felbrigg, Norwich, Norfolk, UK, Phone: +44-12-63-83-74-44

Pleasure Beach in the seaside resort of Great Yarmouth is fun for kids of all ages. This historic amusement park is full of exciting rides, entertaining attractions, and themed gardens. Open between March and October, Pleasure Beach is the perfect seasonal activity for thrill-seeking tourists. Riders can purchase individual tickets or buy an all-day wristband for unlimited fun. Hungry guests can stop by the Food Court, have a snack at the Pleasure Beach Inn, or bring a picnic lunch to eat in the open grassy areas. There is also a cinema, restaurants, lodging, and parking.

Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach, South Beach Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, UK, Phone: +44-14-93-84-45-85