Top Attractions in Norfolk: Must-See Sights and Activities
Our holiday lodges offer a perfect base to explore an enchanting blend of history, natural beauty, vibrant culture and an abundance of family attractions. Known for its serene countryside, picturesque coastline, and charming market towns, Norfolk is a hidden gem for travellers looking for a peaceful escape or a cultural adventure. The region boasts an impressive array of attractions, from the medieval marvel of Norwich Cathedral and the historic estates of Sandringham and Blickling Hall, to our scenic waterways of the Norfolk Broads National Park. Outdoor enthusiasts can explore breath-taking beaches, unique wildlife reserves, and traditional seaside towns, while art and history lovers will appreciate Norfolk’s museums, galleries, and historic sites that bring the area’s rich past to life. Whether you’re looking to wander through quaint villages, sail along the Broads, or enjoy a fresh seafood feast by the shore, Norfolk has something special for everyone. Below is a just a taste of what you can expect on your holiday to magical Norfolk.
The fine city of Norwich is 8 miles away. Norwich is easily accessible by car or train, with its excellent shopping, theatre, restaurants, inns, cafes, castle, cathedral and museum.
See What’s On – Visit Norwich
Local Towns and Villages
Visit surrounding seaside towns and villages of Gorleston-on-Sea, Hemsby, Caister-on-Sea, Winterton, California, Newport and Hopton-on-Sea, all which offer entertainment for a family holiday.
Venture out to explore the pretty Broadland villages and countryside.
Benefitting from direct train access from Brundall train station, Great Yarmouth, a beloved coastal town is home to the iconic Pleasure Beach, a free-entry amusement park offering a variety of thrilling rides and attractions for all ages.
Bask in the nostalgia of the seaside arcades that line the Golden Mile, where the sounds of slot machines and laughter fill the air.
The expansive sandy beach provides the perfect backdrop for sunbathing, sandcastle building, and paddling in the sea, making Great Yarmouth an ideal day out for our lodge guests.
Strumpshaw Steam Museum presents a unique glimpse into England’s industrial heritage.
With Steam Engines, 100-ton working Beam Engines, Narrow Gauge Railway, 1930s Fairground, Mechanical Organs and Memorabilia. A gift shop for souvenirs. The cafeteria is newly furnished and is ideal for cups of tea or coffee and soft drinks, with a selection of cakes and pastries. Dogs on leads are welcome in the Museum.
Check directly for seasonal opening times.
A tranquil 130 acres of beautiful woodlands and waterways await in South Walsham. With nearly 4 miles of enchanting woodland paths, visitors can enjoy year-round beauty, from vibrant wildflower displays to amazing autumn colours. Lovely views and thriving wildlife make this a haven for anyone looking for a wonderful walk at any time of the year.
Visitors can also enjoy boat trips, bird hides, children’s nature trail, the tearoom, gift shop and plant sales area.
Winterton-on-Sea
Winterton Beach is a hidden gem nestled along the coast. This picturesque beach offers a vast expanse of soft sand, backed by rolling dunes. An uncrowded, open atmosphere gives you ample space to relax and walk, even during the busy summertime.
The quiet nature of the beach makes it a good spot to spot playful seals – especially in the winter months. A perfect blend of seaside relaxation and nature walks, Winterton beach is an ideal spot to let your furry friends stretch their legs.
Horsey Gap’s long sandy beach is home to one of the largest and most accessible grey seal colonies in the uk. The seal pups start to arrive from late October and are at Horsey in great numbers during the winter seal pup season. All year round seals can be spotted either on the beach or swimming close to the shore.
During the Seal Pup Season, (end October to February), it is important not to disturb the seals or their pups so viewing is from the sand dunes and the designated ‘viewing platforms’ only.
This charming village boasts a broad sandy beach with calm, clear waters, sheltered by off shore reefs that soften the waves. At the stunning Blue Flag beach, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, or fishing. Sea Palling also has a rich history of sea floods, shipwrecks, and heroism, which you can discover at the local museum and church.
Brundall Countryside Park
Brundall Countryside Park is a beautiful walk where you may enjoy newly planted trees, vibrant orchards, and flower-rich grasslands that host a variety of wildlife. Its network of mown paths make it a perfect spot for dog walkers looking to enjoy nature without straying too far from the comforts of our dog-friendly lodges.
Ideal for a peaceful day out, this spot is perfect for activities such as walking, jogging, dog-walking, and nature watching.
Brundall Church Fen
Take a walk through Brundall Church Fen. An area of fen and carr woodland, laying to the south of 13th century St Laurence Church and accessed via Church Lane. It lies to the east of Brundall Broad, between the railway and River Yare, and covers some 3.133 hectares (7.743 acres).
It is home to a variety of wildlife including voles, foxes, chinese water deer and otters. As well as lots of different species of trees, shrubs, grasses and wildflowers.
A relaxing circular walk around the Surlingham Marshes along the River Yare. Host to a variety of birds and other wildlife year-round. In the springtime, colourful wild flowers bloom all over the marshes. The paths may become muddy, especially in the wetter months, so wellies are a must. Cows may be grazing in nearby fields, so we recommend keeping dogs on a leash.
Surlingham Church has parking available for ~15 cars, and several walks are available to choose from.
Just 2 miles away, the charming village of Strumpshaw, known for the Strumpshaw Fen RSPB Reserve, is a paradise for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts alike. A great place to see many iconic Broadland species. Explore a patchwork of woodlands, reed fen and wet grassland.
In spring and summer a beautiful display of wildflowers bloom, becoming host to a wide range of butterflies, dragonflies and damselflies. Barn owls may be seen during the day, and other notable bird species include booming bitterns in the reedbeds and Cetti’s warblers.
Nobody ever forgets their first sight of Blickling. The breath-taking Jacobean mansion and ancient yew hedges sit at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park in the beautiful Bure meadows.
Surrounding the house, the formal garden is the result of three centuries of inspired planting, and the gently undulating historic parkland is great for exploring on foot or by bike. Grab a map of our way-marked walks from visitor reception and enjoy discovering intriguing landmarks, stunning views and wildlife.
Please note: With over 4,600 acres to explore, Blickling’s parkland is the perfect place to take your four-legged friend for a walk. However dogs, except assistance dogs, are not permitted in the house, East Wing or formal garden.
Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Their Majesties The King Charles III and Queen Camilla. Including an organic farm, sawmill, residential and commercial properties, local parishes and communities nestled in the heart of The Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The Estate’s 20,000 acres offer a wealth of opportunities for visitors of all ages to soak up history in the House and Gardens, or explore way-marked trails and adventure in the woodland play area of the Royal Parkland.
BeWilderwood is a magical outdoor adventure park, based on the whimsical series of books by Tom Blofeld, is a playground for the imagination, making it a perfect nearby location for families looking to weave unforgettable memories.
Just a short journey from the lodges, Bewilderwood’s sprawling landscapes of mystical forests, delightful treehouses, and captivating characters promise a day full of adventure, excitement, and enchanted stories.
Experience the thrills of Pleasurewood Hills, East Anglia’s favourite family theme park.
Situated a short drive away, this theme park is loaded with rides and shows to entertain everyone from adrenaline seekers to those who prefer a more gentle pace of fun.
From heart-stopping rollercoasters to serene lake-view picnics within the park, Pleasurewood Hills is an exhilarating day out.
Visit the UK’s largest dinosaur-themed adventure Park in Lenwade, near Norwich!
Dinosaurs are indeed the main theme and a few of them are even animated with atmospheric sounds to add to the fun. Why not, pose for selfies and discover prehistoric creatures within Valley of the Dinosaurs or even capture a photograph on the magic mirror beside them?
Get competitive at Dippy’s Raceway, brush the sand away to reveal ammonites and dinosaur fossils at X-Tinction, and meet Dippy and Friends in Dippy’s Theatre. Traverse the course at Predator High Ropes, cool off at Dippy’s Splash Zone and conquer our rides, Raptor Contraptor and Swing-O-Saurus!
Outdoor excitement or indoor soft play, this is an immersive, fun-packed day out for the whole family.
Pettitts Adventure Park, nestled in the beautiful Norfolk countryside, offers a delightful day out for families.
With an array of rides suitable for young children, live shows, and a petting zoo, Pettitts ensures that there’s joy and entertainment for every member of the family.
The park seamlessly blends fun and educational experiences, allowing children to learn about various animals while engaging in exciting activities.
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is a must-visit attraction for animal lovers and families, featuring a collection of rare and exotic animals from Asia, including tigers, red pandas, and alligators, set within the grounds of a beautiful 18th-century hall.
Thrigby Hall provides an enlightening experience, with its well-designed pathways and bridges allowing visitors to closely observe and learn about these magnificent creatures in environments thoughtfully designed to replicate their natural habitats.
The Bure Valley Railway is a beloved heritage railway that navigates through nine miles of picturesque Norfolk countryside, connecting the ancient market town of Aylsham to the bustling Broadland village of Wroxham.
Board one of the traditional steam or diesel trains and enjoy a leisurely journey, soaking in the scenic views and beautiful landscapes.
You will find pirates less than 2 miles away in Blofield! Located at Norfolk Premier Golf, this exciting and crazy adventure golf course offers a fun-filled day out for families, friends, and adventurers of all ages. Explore the challenging 12-hole course, where you’ll putt your way through pirate-themed obstacles, encounter treacherous waters and battle it out to be crowned the ultimate Pirate King or Queen. Perfect for families looking for a fun day out, couples seeking a unique date idea, or groups looking for a team-building activity. Party packages for birthday celebrations and other special occasions are available.
With an eclectic 18-hole crazy golf course, electro-darts, shuffleboard, pool, plus a fantastic bar and a restaurant, whether you’re a big kid or a little kid, there really is something for everyone!
*Please note – cashless venue and an 18+ venue after 8.45pm*
Asian Inspired Crazy Golf and Games
Take yourself on a journey to the far east and immerse yourself in crazy golf like never before. Enjoy exotic drinks, tasteful Asian themed street food and new and fun authentic games. For something a little different, visit Putt Putt social.
For all the dinosaur lovers out there, your 18 hole expedition takes you riding on self propelled rafts, putting through the cannibal cooking pot, past a real plane and jeep, and onwards into the land of the dinosaurs.
Holiday Lodges close to
Top Local Attractions in Norfolk
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New for 2025!
Flag House is an iconic holiday home situated on the banks of the River Yare in the Norfolk Broads, offering unparalleled views and breath-taking sunsets. This double-storey property is designed to provide a luxurious and comfortable stay for guests seeking a memorable riverside retreat.
Flag House is ideally located for both relaxation and adventure. Whether you want to explore the Norfolk Broads, coastline and countryside or enjoy family-friendly attractions nearby, there’s plenty to do.
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Dinky Daze is a one-bedroom cosy riverside holiday lodge hideaway full of charm and character—ideal for couples or solo adventurers looking to slow down and soak up the beauty of the Broads.
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With a stunning riverside setting with wonderful river views and quay headed mooring for your own or hired boat. Featuring a timber interior, this spacious holiday lodge has all you need for an idyllic home from home waterside break.
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Timber interior, a quirky gem on the river. Perfect for fishing from the decking and watching the river activity. The sunsets are incredible!
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Perfect for fishing in the garden and watching the river activity. Moor your own boat at the bottom of the garden.
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A quiet and tranquil location, perfect for kayaking, paddle boarding and fishing. Quay headed mooring for your own or hired boat.
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A peaceful and quiet location. Great for fishing, kayaking and paddle boarding. Watch the boats go by from your veranda or garden.
River Rest
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Located at the front of the Marina, it’s a great spot for fishing from the garden and seeing the boats pass by from your open plan lounge/diner and covered veranda or garden.
River Bay
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Located in our peaceful marina just off the River Yare, it’s a good spot for fishing and getting into the tranquil waters with your own boat, kayaks or paddleboards.
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New for 2025
We’re thrilled to introduce Yare View, the latest addition to our riverside collection. Available now in its pre-renovation state, this lodge offers a rare opportunity to enjoy a riverside escape at a great price—before we unveil a brand-new upgrade later in the season. Don’t miss your chance to stay by the water for less!
Testimonials
We take pride in the positive feedback we receive from our satisfied customers. Read some of our testimonials below and see for yourself what customers have to say about Norfolk Holiday Lodges.