Exploring Norfolk—Top 5 Family-Friendly Things to Do

Norfolk, particularly North Norfolk is a place close to my heart. With stunning, vast beaches and charming towns, Norfolk is the perfect combination of historical, traditional towns and wide open spaces. There is just so much to discover! I have therefore narrowed the search down to my top five best locations - places to visit and hidden gems.

1: Seals

Norfolk is well renowned and blessed to be the home of the largest colony of Grey Seals. Around 40% of the world’s grey seal population live in Britain and from November to the end of January, some beaches can be crowded with seals and their new born pups. You can enjoy boat trips from Blakeney Quay to get a closer look, but you are also able to observe them by foot from the beach. Horsey Gap , in my opinion, is the best beach for seeing the seals with their new pups and there is a small car park here for your convenience (charges apply). From the car park, either walk to the viewing platform (the area will be fenced off to protect the seals) or head right from the car park, through the sand dunes to the Pill Box.

Please remember human intervention can be fatal to the seals and their new pups. The seals are wild animals and should be treated as such. It is also worth noting, that the smell of the seals on the beach can be extremely potent.

The following rules should be adhered to:

·         Keep your distance. Maintain at least 10 metres between you and the seals

·         Never come between pups and their mother. Approaching seal pups may lead to the mother abandoning the pup.

·         Ensure dogs are on extremely short leads.

2: Beaches

It would be very difficult to visit Norfolk without heading to the beach. There are so many stunning beaches to visit, so you will be spoilt for choice. There are six Blue Flag beaches in the district: East Runton, West Runton, Cromer, Mundesley, Sea Palling and Sheringham. This means that the beaches have the highest quality of water, facilities, environmental education, cleanliness and safety.

One of my favourites is Brancaster in North Norfolk. The beach is stunning with miles and miles of golden sand. Dogs are welcome and the sunsets are unlike anywhere else we have seen. Nearby are the tidal salt marshes of Scolt Head. When the tide is out you can see an old shipwreck, the remains of SS Vina which was used by the RAF for target practice before the Normandy landing.

Some of my other favourite beaches in Norfolk and those that are absolutely worth a visit include: Holkham, Holt, Mundesley and Happisburgh.  

3: Crabbing

Crabbing is as old as the seaside itself, and with so many great locations in Norfolk to go crabbing, it would be a shame to miss it. Norfolk is also great for crabbing because of its estuarial and creek waters. Top spots are Blakeney, Cromer Pier and Wells-next-the-Sea quays. To taste the crustaceans yourself, Cromer is best.

4: Children’s activities

In case all of the above are not reason enough to visit Norfolk, then these great family-friendly days out should be enough to seal the deal. Consider visiting:

Banham Zoo

Bewilderwood Read more about our personal experiences of Bewilderwood here.

Castle Acre

Felbrigg Hall

Happisburgh Lighthouse

North Norfolk Railway

5: Norfolk Broads

This is the known by some as ‘Venice of the East, UK’. In fact, the Norfolk Broads has more miles of waterway than the Italian city! It also has more waterways than Amsterdam! Without a doubt, the best way to discover the Broads is by boat. So much of the boards can only be accessed by boat, so why not leave the campervan and dry land for a few days and hire a long boat? With lots of fishing spots, hidden gems and wildlife along the way, you won’t be disappointed. There are numerous opportunities for walking the broads too. You can find more ideas here.

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