Discovering Norfolk: A Family Adventure Awaits! Top 5 Family-Friendly Things to Do
Norfolk, particularly the stunning region of North Norfolk, is a place that captivates with its expansive beaches and charming market towns. It offers the perfect blend of history, tradition and wide-open spaces, making it an ideal destination for camping families seeking outdoor vanlife adventures, wildlife encounters, or classic seaside fun.
This guide highlights the top five family-friendly activities in Norfolk, including visiting the seals, exploring the county's breathtaking beaches, crabbing at quaint coastal spots, discovering exciting children’s activities and venturing into the picturesque Norfolk Broads.
For those planning a trip and searching for the best places to stay, check out the Top 5 Campsites in Norfolk - a helpful resource for families eager to explore all that this beautiful region has to offer. Also, don’t miss the Google Map below, which is packed with the best campsites, attractions and things to see and do in Norfolk.
Let the adventure begin!
1: Top 5 Family-Friendly Things to Do - Visit the Norfolk Seals
Norfolk is renowned for being home to the largest colony of grey seals in England. With around 40% of the world’s grey seal population residing in Britain, Norfolk’s coastline becomes a haven for these incredible creatures from November to January, when some select beaches are bustling with seals and their adorable newborn pups. Visitors can experience this natural spectacle through boat trips from Blakeney Quay for an up-close view or by observing them from the shore.
One of the best locations for seal spotting is Horsey Gap, a beach celebrated for its accessibility and remarkable wildlife. A small car park (charges apply) provides a convenient starting point, from which visitors can walk to the dedicated viewing platform or explore the dunes towards the Pill Box. To protect the seals, certain areas are fenced off during the pupping season.
It’s crucial to remember that grey seals are wild animals and human interference can be harmful - sometimes even fatal. The safety and well-being of the seals should always be a top priority. Visitors should also be prepared for the distinctive, strong smell that often lingers along the beach during pupping season.
Guidelines to protect the seals:
Maintain a distance of at least 10 metres from the seals.
Never come between a mother and her pup, as this can cause the mother to abandon her young.
Keep dogs on very short leads at all times.
By respecting these simple rules, everyone can enjoy this incredible natural event while ensuring the seals and their pups remain safe and undisturbed.
2: Top 5 Family-Friendly Things to Do: Visit Norfolk’s Beaches
A trip to Norfolk wouldn’t be complete without a visit to its stunning beaches. With miles of golden sands and a variety of coastal spots to explore, visitors are truly spoilt for choice. Norfolk is home to six Blue Flag beaches - East Runton, West Runton, Cromer, Mundesley, Sea Palling and Sheringham. These prestigious awards highlight beaches with the highest standards of water quality, cleanliness, safety and facilities, making them perfect for families.
Another standout is Brancaster Beach in North Norfolk. This breathtaking stretch of sand offers endless opportunities for exploration and relaxation. With its dog-friendly policy and unparalleled sunsets, it’s a favourite for many. Just nearby are the tidal salt marshes of Scolt Head and when the tide retreats, the haunting remains of the SS Vina can be spotted (a shipwreck used by the RAF for target practice before the Normandy landings).
Other must-visit beaches include Holkham, known for its vast expanse of unspoilt sand; Holt, offering a wonderful selection of independent small businesses; Mundesley, with its family-friendly atmosphere; and Happisburgh, famous for its striking red-and-white lighthouse and fascinating history. Norfolk’s coastline is full of treasures waiting to be discovered, each beach offering its own unique experience and beauty.
3: Top 5 Family-Friendly Things to Do: Go Crabbing
Crabbing is a timeless seaside activity and Norfolk’s abundance of ideal locations makes it an unmissable experience. The county’s estuarial waters and winding creeks create perfect habitats for crabs, offering families a fun and engaging way to connect with nature. Some top spots for crabbing in Norfolk include the charming quays of Blakeney and Wells-next-the-Sea, as well as the iconic Cromer Pier. Each location offers a unique setting to drop a line, watch the crabs scuttle and enjoy the simple joys of this traditional pastime.
For those who want to sample the local catch, Cromer is the place to be. Renowned for its famously sweet and tender Cromer crabs, this coastal town combines a day of crabbing with the chance to indulge in some of the freshest seafood Norfolk has to offer.
4: Top 5 Family-Friendly Things to Do: Children's Choice
If the natural beauty, beaches and wildlife aren’t reason enough to visit Norfolk, its incredible array of family-friendly attractions will surely seal the deal. The county offers a wealth of activities to delight children of all ages, making it an unforgettable destination for family adventures.
Here are some top picks for a day out with kids:
Home to over 2,000 animals, Banham Zoo offers a full day of fun with interactive feeding sessions, a farmyard area and an adventure play park. Families can enjoy learning about endangered species and watching exciting animal encounters.
A magical woodland adventure park, BeWILDerwood is packed with treehouses, rope bridges, zip wires and enchanting storytelling sessions. It’s a haven for active kids who love climbing, exploring and letting their imaginations run wild. Read more about our personal experiences at BeWILDerwood here.
Without a doubt it’s one of the BEST family-friendly days out in Norfolk! Watch the full video here.
Step back in time with a visit to Castle Acre, a historical village boasting a stunning priory and castle ruins. Children will love exploring the grounds and learning about medieval life in this beautifully preserved setting.
Felbrigg Hall
This National Trust property combines history with nature, featuring an elegant 17th-century country house surrounded by acres of parkland, woodland trails, and a walled garden. Families can enjoy picnics, scavenger hunts, and seasonal events.
Take a ride on the Poppy Line, a heritage steam railway running through some of Norfolk’s most picturesque countryside. Perfect for train enthusiasts of all ages, it’s a nostalgic journey filled with charm and scenic beauty.
Beyond these highlights, Norfolk also boasts numerous soft play centres, interactive museums and farm parks such as Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure and Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens.
5: Top 5 Family-Friendly Things to Do: Explore the Norfolk Broads
Often referred to as the "Venice of the East," the Norfolk Broads boast more miles of navigable waterways than Venice or even Amsterdam, making them one of the most unique and tranquil destinations in the UK. This stunning network of rivers and lakes, set amidst breathtaking countryside, is perfect for families seeking a mix of adventure, relaxation and exploration. The best way to discover the Broads is undoubtedly by boat. Much of this magical landscape is only accessible by water, so leaving the campervan behind for a day - or even a few - opens up a world of possibilities. Families can hire a day boat or a traditional narrow boat and set off to explore the winding waterways at their own pace. Along the way, discover secluded fishing spots, hidden coves and an abundance of wildlife, including kingfishers, otters and swans.
For those who prefer to stay on solid ground, the Norfolk Broads also offer a variety of scenic walking trails. Highlights include the How Hill Nature Reserve, where you can wander among wildflowers and marshes and Ranworth Broad, complete with a floating wildlife centre and a walk to St. Helen’s Church for panoramic views.
The Broads are also rich in cultural and historical landmarks. Families can stop off to visit charming villages, historic windmills and cosy riverside pubs. Adventurous kids will enjoy spotting wildlife or taking part in activities like canoeing, paddleboarding, or even geocaching along the trails.
With its serene waters, picturesque scenery, and countless opportunities for adventure, the Norfolk Broads promise an unforgettable family experience. For more tips and ideas on exploring the Broads, click here.
