9 relaxing things to do in North Norfolk

If you need an escape from the stresses of daily life then North Norfolk is a superb holiday destination. A selection of 9 relaxing things to do in North Norfolk is highlighted below, each of which is sure to leave you rested and refreshed.

1. North Norfolk Coast

The breathtakingly beautiful beaches and surrounding areas of the North Norfolk Coast make this a must-see region during your visit. Take the North Norfolk Coastal Path to explore this incredible landscape and discover an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty that is sure to awe. If you don’t want to walk the whole path (which will take several days) you can always walk a short part of it and then catch the regular bus service on the coast road.

2. Holkham Hall

Stunning Holkham Hall (pictured above) is a treasure trove of discoveries, from exploring the sumptuous interiors and beautiful artwork in the hall itself to wondering in the walled gardens and the expansive deer park. In addition there are several other attractions too, including the Bygones Museum and a woodland play area that kids will love. Entry to the hall, museum and walled gardens is £12 for adults and £6 for children aged 5 to 16.

3. Wolterton Hall

Constructed in the 1720s for the brother of Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s first prime minister, Wolterton Hall has a number of collections to view and is surrounded by a pretty park that is ideal for walks. There is also an adventure playground to keep children entertained. The hall is open on Fridays during summer, with a £5 entry charge, while the park is open every day until dusk.

4. Holt

The market town of Holt is one of the most popular tourist destinations in North Norfolk that doesn’t lie on the coast. Full of colourful Georgian architecture and with a wide choice of shops selling everything from antiques to books and clothes, this is a good place to go if you’re in the mood for shopping followed by a delicious afternoon tea or a tasty evening meal at one of the many restaurants and cafes.

5. Bure Valley Railway

Sightseeing by train is an excellent way to view beautiful scenery from the comfort of a cosy coach, perhaps enjoying a bite to eat during your journey. The Bure Valley Railway is used by a number of steam and diesel trains and while travelling between Aylsham and Wroxham the trains pass through spectacular North Norfolk countryside. There are three intermediate stations and you can choose to explore some or all of these stations and their corresponding villages on your journey.

6. Meander through marvellous nature reserves

North Norfolk is a nature lover’s dream, boasting some wonderful nature reserves such as Blakeney National Nature Reserve with its diverse landscapes of saltmarsh, sand dunes, mudflats and fresh watermarsh that are home to a multitude of flora and fauna. The shingle and sand spit known as Blakeney Point within the nature reserve is also a good place to see birds and grey seals.

Another beautiful option is Pensthorpe Wildlife and Gardens with its superb selection of wildlife gardens and one of the biggest wildflower meadows in North Norfolk, as well as many species of wildlife including Grey-Crowned Cranes and red squirrels. Admission to Pensthorpe is £10.75 for adults and £7.50 for children aged 3 to 16.

7. Relax on the river

A fantastic way to see the Norfolk Broads in style is via a boat trip with the likes of Broads Tours which offers a fun choice of cruises to choose from, such as discovery cruises, day cruises, evening music cruises and self-drive cruises if you fancy commandeering a boat of your own. A one-hour tour costs £7.50 for adults and £6 for children.

8. Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens

For a chance to see a selection of incredible Asian wildlife make sure to visit Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens. Many of the animals are very rare such as Sumatran tigers and Amur leopards. Stroll through Willow Pattern Garden with its variety of beautiful birds and take to the trees for the Tiger Tree Walk which provides a bird’s eye view of the tiger enclosure. Adult tickets are £12.50 and entry for children aged 4 to 14 is £9.50.

9. Kick back with cycling

With an abundance of cycling routes, from beautiful coastal routes to quiet country lanes, North Norfolk is an ideal landscape for laidback cycling. You can choose routes that accommodate all levels of cycling fitness and age, so kids as well as adults can enjoy terrific two-wheeled sightseeing. Try the likes of the Norfolk Coast Cycleway for sea views, as well as Bacton Woods Cycle Path which accommodates families on the main path and also cyclists who are keen for some hill excitement on the minor paths.

A laidback holiday sure to leave you revitalized

North Norfolk has so many wonderful attractions and activities to offer that every visitor can have an amazing holiday. There is a host of wild things to see and do but for those quieter periods when a bit of rest and relaxation is in order, the options above will ensure you have a very happy holiday indeed.