Norfolk - A Place For All the Family
Published: Monday 5th Jan 2015
Written by: The Original Cottages Team
Norfolk is the fifth largest county in England, and the driest, making it a superb destination for families looking to enjoy a taste of the East, and the many attractions scattered throughout the county.
With a coastline stretching for nearly 100 miles, Norfolk boasts some of the top coastal destinations in the UK. Cromer and Sheringham, arguably the most recognisable towns on the North Norfolk Coast, are both packed with things to do, to keep children and parents happy.
Stroll along the promenade, play the 2p machines in the amusements or enjoy a well-earned ice cream on the seafront at either of these two coastal gems. Cromer also has its own pier, home to the Pavilion Theatre and Cromer Lifeboat Station, which is well worth a look.
Further west along the coastline you will find Holkham and Wells-next-to-Sea, two ideal family beaches. Both enjoy vast expanses of soft sand, offering plenty of space to wander, play beach games, or let the dog roam free.
Inland Norfolk offers excellent family attractions which will certainly leave the kids feeling sleepy on the car journey home. Pleasurewood Hills is an action packed family theme park with thrill rides, family rides, kiddies rides and extra attractions. Bewilderwood near Wroxham is another adventure park, packed with magical treehouses and rides. While the Dinosaur Adventure Park in Lenwade is perfect for smaller children.
Or how about exploring some of Norfolk’s heritage attractions together as a family? Blickling Hall, just north of Aylsham is a fantastic estate owned by the National Trust. Explore the gardens and grounds, take a tour of the house, or even book yourself on a ghost tour during May. Felbrigg Hall is another National Trust property with equal charm and character.
Norfolk also has a heritage steam railway line that runs along the North Norfolk coast from Sheringham to Holt. It is well worth taking the kids and hopping on to experience the thrill of steam engines powering through the countryside. They also run special trains throughout the year to coincide with seasonal events, Santa Specials are very popular amongst the kids.
If all that isn’t enough then head into Norwich for a taste of culture, arts and great shopping. Explore Norwich Castle, and take a tour of the dungeons, or wander around Norwich Cathedral. Shop your way through the Norwich Lanes, and take a glimpse of Elm Hill, frequently used for film and TV sets.
And after all of that, you deserve a warm and inviting cottage to return to.