The Best Things to Do in Norfolk

Norfolk is a truly captivating destination that combines stunning coastlines, rich wildlife, fascinating heritage, and fun-filled family activities. Whether you’re after a peaceful retreat in nature or an action-packed family holiday, Norfolk offers something special around every corner. With its beautiful British beaches, historic landmarks, charming towns, and excellent transport links, it’s a location that’s easy to explore by car and perfect for making lasting memories.

Here’s what to see and do the next time you’re in Norfolk.

Historic & Royal Sites to See in Norfolk

History lovers will find Norfolk’s heritage absolutely captivating. The county’s royal and celebrated sites are a delightful way to step back in time and immerse yourself in some of the stories that have shaped England. 

Norwich Castle

One of the most eagerly anticipated attractions is Norwich Castle, which reopened in August 2025 following a remarkable £13 million refurbishment. This iconic Norman castle will bring history to life through modern exhibitions, making it an exciting experience for visitors of all ages.

Sandringham Estate

For a taste of royal life, the Sandringham Estate is a must-visit, known as the royal family’s Christmas home. Set within beautiful grounds, Sandringham offers more than just royal history, you can enjoy peaceful walks through the manicured gardens, explore an intriguing museum, and unwind with an ice cream or coffee in the gift shop’s café or out on the green.

Oxburgh Hall

Then there’s Oxburgh Hall, offering a unique glimpse into Tudor life with its moated manor house and enchanting family trails. Kids love hunting for secret priest holes and wandering through the gardens, which have been carefully preserved over the centuries. Meanwhile, Castle Rising provides a dramatic backdrop for history enthusiasts, standing proudly as a 12th-century keep just a short drive from the seaside town of Hunstanton. Its impressive battlements and storied past make it a favourite for visitors wanting to imagine life in medieval times.

Norfolk Coastal & Beach Attractions

Norfolk’s coastline is a playground for all ages, offering a mixture of lively seaside towns and tranquil beaches. Here’s a scattering of the best places to see in Norfolk.

The Great Yarmouth Golden Mile

This cheerful seaside town is the heart of traditional British seaside fun. Packed with arcades, piers, rides, and the fascinating SEA LIFE Centre, it’s a place where families can spend full days enjoying classic seaside entertainment. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, Cromer Pier is iconic, renowned for its end-of-the-pier theatre shows, tasty crab stalls, and colourful beach huts lining the shore. Nothing beats sitting down with freshly batteredcaught fish and chips as the sun sets over the sea in Yarmouth.

Holkham Beach

This expansive stretch of sand is backed by rolling dunes and woodland, ideal for long coastal walks and birdwatching. Its untouched natural beauty makes it a haven for those looking to escape the crowds. Just a little further along the coast, Hunstanton offers something for everyone, whether it’s the family-friendly Sea Life Sanctuary or exciting seal safaris where you can spot playful seals in their natural habitat.

Sea Palling and Waxham Sands

Don’t miss the two closest and most beautiful stretches of coastline near our two Norfolk parks. Treat yourself to warm sugar and cinnamon doughnuts from Sea Palling before taking a peaceful stroll down to Waxham and Horsey Gap, where you might be lucky enough to spot some seals.

Norfolk’s Nature Reserves & Incredible Wildlife

Blakeney Point and Horsey Gap

Blakeney Point and Horsey Gap are well known for their seal colonies and rich wildlife. You can take a boat from Morston Quay to see these charming creatures basking on the sandbanks or simply walk over the sand dunes from our Waxham Sands park for a chance to spot them up close. It’s a magical experience that both adults and children treasure.

The Norfolk Broads

This stunning network of winding waterways teeming with wildlife, from graceful swans to elusive otters. It’s also home to plenty of dog-friendly pubs, perfect for relaxing after a day of exploring this beautiful natural haven.

Cley Marshes National Nature Reserve

Cley Marshes invites visitors to explore a mosaic of wetlands through accessible boardwalks and bird hides, providing an unparalleled opportunity to spot rare and migratory birds.

Holkham National Nature Reserve

Holkham’s reserve is the largest of its kind in England, is a sprawling landscape of reed beds, dunes, and grazing marshes. Here, you might catch sight of birds like elegant breeding waders, graceful spoonbills, or marsh harriers soaring overhead.

The Norfolk Coast Path

This scenic pathway links many of these special sites, while offering walkers breathtaking scenery, from rugged cliffs to gentle sandy bays. Whether you’re an avid rambler or just fancy a gentle stroll, this path is a perfect way to connect with Norfolk’s diverse natural beauty.

Family Fun Adventure & Wildlife Parks

Families visiting Norfolk are spoilt for choice when it comes to adventure and wildlife parks. Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure is a favourite, especially for younger children who love dinosaurs. It features thrilling rides, immersive dino trails, and splash zones to keep kids entertained for hours. Nearby, BeWILDerwood is a wonderfully imaginative forest adventure park where children can explore treehouses, zip wires, and magical storybook settings, making it a truly enchanting day out.

Pensthorpe Natural Park combines conservation with fun, offering interactive play areas set against a backdrop of stunning nature trails and sculptures. It’s a place where kids can learn about wildlife while enjoying the outdoors. For those keen on meeting animals from around the globe, Norfolk boasts several excellent zoos including Amazona Zoo in Cromer, Banham Zoo with its rare tigers, and Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, where lemurs bound and crocodiles lurk.

Unusual & Off‑beat Highlights Local Love

If you’re looking to uncover some of Norfolk’s more unusual attractions, you won’t be disappointed. The Norfolk Tank Museum is a fascinating collection of military vehicles that lets visitors climb aboard and imagine life in wartime, it’s surprisingly engaging for older children and adults alike.

The Happisburgh Lighthouse, standing proudly on the East Anglian coast, offers visitors the chance to climb its historic tower and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding coastline. 

For something more fragrant and calming, Norfolk Lavender provides a sensory delight with its sprawling lavender fields, workshops, and a cosy tearoom. 

Curious and insect-loving families shouldn’t miss The Bug Parc near Norwich. It offers close encounters with tropical butterflies, giant beetles, and educational displays for budding biologists.

Charming Town & Coastal Gems

Norfolk’s unique charm isn’t just in its famously flat landscapes, it’s in its towns and villages too. Norwich is the county’s capital, where medieval architecture meets modern creativity. Wander the cobbled streets to discover an imposing cathedral, bustling markets brimming with local produce and crafts, and a vibrant arts scene. Independent shops and cosy riverside pubs add to its welcoming atmosphere. Along the coast, towns like Burnham Market and Wells-next-the-Sea offer a slower pace, where boutique shops, charming cafés, and scenic harbours invite visitors to relax and unwind. 

Further north, Sheringham and Cromer retain the magic of traditional seaside resorts, where Victorian promenades, sweet shops, and local souvenirs make for a nostalgic experience.

Tailor Your Norfolk Visit

With so much to choose from, planning what you do in Norfolk by interest or region is simple. 

By Interest:

• History Lovers should visit Norwich, Sandringham, and Oxburgh. 
• Coastal and Wwildlife spots include Holkham, Blakeney, and Cromer Pier. 
• Families with youngsters will enjoy Roarr!, BeWILDerwood, and local zoos, while nature fans should head to Holkham NNR, Pensthorpe, and the Norfolk Coast Path.

By Location:

Regionally, the North Norfolk coastline has Cromer and Sheringham, the East Coast features Great Yarmouth and Hunstanton, Central Norfolk includes Norwich and Oxburgh, and West or South Norfolk offers royal gardens and lavender fields. Spoiled for choice? Our carefully crafted 7 day Norfolk itinerary is packed with more ideas to suit all the family over the course of a week’s holiday.

Ready to plan your stay?

Waxham Sands boasts electric and non electric touring & camping pitches, lodges, holiday homes, and glamping pods. Whether you’re after a cosy lodge or spacious family accommodation, we’ll place you right in the heart of Norfolk’s best attractions with a quiet place to rest your head after the long days out exploring.

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