Fun for nothing! 14 free things to do in Norfolk

Informative and engaging museums, superb natural spaces and historical buildings are just some of the many excellent free attractions that Norfolk boasts. If you are looking for a brilliant day out without extravagant costs, consult our list of 14 free things to do in Norfolk below…

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Redwings Horse Sanctuary

Redwings Horse Sanctuary is the biggest of its kind in the UK and cares for ponies, mules, donkeys and horses. There are two visitor centres in Norfolk, both of which are free to visit, making this a wonderful and economical day out for young and old animal lovers alike. The Caldecott Visitor Centre close to Great Yarmouth and the Aylsham Visitor Centre in North Norfolk both offer the chance to interact with the charming animal residents as well as walking tours, a cafe and a play area for kids.

Norwich Cathedral

Norwich Cathedral is a strikingly beautiful building both within and without and can be explored for free courtesy of an informative free guided tour. The tour is a great opportunity to find out about the building’s extensive history stretching over nine centuries.

Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve

Outdoor enthusiasts can immerse themselves in spectacular scenery without spending a single penny thanks to a visit to the lovely Titchwell Marsh Nature Reserve. There are three signposted nature trails to enjoy within the reserve and it is also a particularly good location for birdwatching. Drivers should note there is a small parking charge for non-members, but entrance to the reserve itself is free.

Dad’s Army Museum

Fans of the show Dad’s Army are in for a treat with a visit to the Dad’s Army Museum in Thetford. In addition to exploring the museum for free, visitors can also take themselves on a self-led Dad`s Army Trail which enables people to see the various locations around Thetford that were used for filming the show.

Norfolk Lavender

If you love lavender then a visit to Norfolk Lavender is not to be missed. Norfolk Lavender features spectacular lavender gardens as well as a lavender oil distillery, a National Lavender Collection and a pretty herb garden to explore. Plus the animal farm and outdoor play area is sure to keep young visitors well entertained too.

Holkham National Nature Reserve

The Holkham National Nature Reserve offers a wealth of diverse landscapes, from pinewoods to sand dunes and marshland and is home to a variety of wildlife including Natterjack toads, Grey Plovers, Barn Owls and Little Terns. This stunning national nature reserve encompasses an area of around 4,000 hectares and can be explored through a number of footpaths.

Straw Museum

The Straw Museum in Hanworth is a lovely little museum that features a varied collection of items constructed out of straw. Items range from the likes of marquetry to Swiss straw lace and embroidery and visitors can also enjoy quilling and marquetry demonstrations.

Wells Lifeboat Station

Anyone with an interest in boats, the sea or who is looking to visit somewhere different will enjoy a visit to the Wells Lifeboat Station located in Wells-next-the-Sea. Visitors can view the boats and associated equipment and often crew and station officers are around to provide more insight into the lifeboat station. Open evenings are also held during the summer, incorporating a talk by a crew member as well as the chance to try on lifeboat kit and to board a lifeboat.

Henry Blogg Museum

Anyone who is keen to find out about lifeboats should also visit the Henry Blogg Museum in Cromer. Henry Blogg was the most decorated lifeboatman in the Royal National Lifeboat Institution and his awards included three gold and four Silver RNLI medals for gallantry, in addition to the George Cross and the British Empire Medal. The museum provides insight into the history of lifeboats in Cromer and details of Blogg’s most famous lifeboat rescues, while a number of free and varied events are held at the museum during the year too.

Wells-next-the-Sea Beach

A day at the beach is always free! Why not combine a visit to the Wells Lifeboat Station with a ramble on the beautiful Wells-next-the-Sea Beach. This excellent beach is great for visitors of all ages and is dog-friendly too (except for a part of the beach where dogs are not allowed). The beach forms part of the Holkham Estate, so visitors may also want to combine their beach fun with exploring the Holkham National Nature Reserve as well.

Diss Museum

Diss Museum provides a fun way to enjoy history for free with a number of different displays including the likes of a 19th century doll house and town archive photos. The museum is a good means of learning about the history of Diss as well as the nearby villages.

Thetford Priory

Stepping back in history doesn’t have to cost a thing. All you have to do is visit the remains of Thetford Priory and wander around the site of what used to be one of the most important monasteries in East Anglia, namely the Cluniac Priory of Our Lady of Thetford whose history dates back to the 12th century.

Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History

An unusual museum visit is on offer in the Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History, the last surviving town gasworks within Wales or England. The gas works site is a Scheduled Ancient Monument and contains a diverse collection of gas manufacturing equipment as well as various equipment displays covering areas such as lighting, cooking and heating.

Seething Control Tower Museum

For an informative and engaging day out, a visit to the Seething Control Tower Museum won’t disappoint. The museum building is a restored World War II air traffic control tower situated at Seething Airfield and is a memorial for the 448th Bomb Group. The museum contains a range of exhibits, photographs and memorabilia related to the airfield as well as the 448th Bomb Group.

Fabulous free fun for everyone

These great Norfolk attractions ensure that people of any age can have fun without needing to spend a lot of money. From nature and animal lovers to history and architecture enthusiasts, there’s no reason not to enjoy a wonderful day out thanks to these entertaining free things to do in Norfolk.