Food
Days Out
Beach
Bike & Hike
Sports
Nature
Gardens
Activities
Historical
Eating & Drinking
With an emphasis on delicious Greek dishes and an extensive menu featuring seafood, meat and vegetarian choices, Constania offers something for everyone, including a few English and French dishes.
Imaginative fresh fish dishes including the world renowned Cromer crab and (when in season) local lobster feature on the exciting and varied menu of this well established and highly regarded restaurant.
This gastro pub takes great pride in serving traditional home cooked food, where the majority of the ingredients are locally sourced, within a forty mile radius.
The Lodge - 15 Miles (24 KM)
Winner of many awards you will be sure to remember your visit to this bar and restaurant. Serving delicious lunch and evening meals with many ingredients locally sourced bellies will be left feeling very happy! For a night with a difference look out for the themed evenings also on offer such as Italian, Greek and Spanish.
Exquisite restaurant situated within 10 acres of wooded grounds. Enjoy coffee and cakes all day or sit down to a beautifully prepared lunch. If you are planning a wedding Drayton Old Lodge caters for all your specifications. Fully licensed you will be ensured your day will be fabulous. Make sure you visit the old ruin of the original 1432 lodge.
Traditional fish and chips are what every family enjoys. The Rembrandt is a family run restaurant that has been serving delicious meals for 14 years. Offering a takeaway service or sit down meals you can enjoy tasty fish in whatever way you wish. Evening meals also consist of mouth-watering starters, pizzas, pies and many more.
The glorious building holding this diner will take you breath away. With two floors and a romantic atmosphere this is perfect for meals with family and friends or for couples. Enjoy the huge range of dishes serving various grills, seafood and pasta the kids will love the Junior Zaks menu.
Taste the flavours of the southern and northern states if India in this lovely Indian restaurant. Proudly, the only South Indian restaurant in Norwich you can enjoy seafood, chicken, vegetarian dishes and many more in the relaxed ambiance of this restaurant. There is also a takeaway service offering 10% discount on collection.
Awarded two Rosettes by the AA Good Food Guide, Chef Patron Andrew Brummell and John Sullivan offer a gourmet menu with an emphasis on superb local seafood. Perfect for an intimate candlelight dinner.
If you're a fan of great Italian food this is the restaurant for you. A family run restaurant serving traditional Italian food perfect for a meal with your partner or to enjoy with your friends and family. Umberto is self-taught and skilled chef cook offering you delicious dishes from Calabria. You are guaranteed to want to visit again.
Set in what was once a Victorian shoe factory this makes for a truly unique restaurant. Offering delicious bar and a la carte menus you will be spoilt for choice. If you are a lover of the grape endeavour to peruse the extensive wine menu which consists of over 100 wines.
For a fabulous pizza and Italian food Pizza Express is the place to visit. Offering an endless choice of pizzas and pastas and a fantastic kid's menu this makes for a brilliant family dining experience. Take advantage also of the takeaway service and enjoy an evening in with your favourite pizza.
You will not miss this vibrant pink coloured establishment proudly stating 'Fine American Food'. Work the American dream with a drink in the sunset bar then embark on tasty burgers, steaks and other delicious foods in the unique booth seating. After you have dined admire the views of the River Wensum and Cow Tower on the lovely patio outside.
Located in a beautiful 16th century building Trattoria Rustica makes for your unique Italian experience. Savour the taste of the wonderful Italian foods, made from authentic recipes, whilst admiring the original flint structured walls and exposed timber ceilings. Compliment your meal with a good Italian wine from the extensive wine list.
Zizzi - 20.4 Miles (32.6 KM)
For simple and affordable Italian food, amongst a great environment, Zizzi's is the place. The Norwich restaurant is situated in a stunning listed building at the cathedral entrance and close to the City Centre. If the weather is fine why not enjoy your lasagne or Linguine al fresco in the great outside area.
With great breakfast, lunch and dinner menus Frankie & Benny's is full of variety. Look out for the distinctive neon red sign and feel the wonderful American experience on entry. Sit down to tasty pizza, steaks or Frankie & Benny's specials and, if you have room, treat yourself to a scrumptious dessert.
Part of the fun is spotting your favourite Delia recipes appearing in her own restaurant at Norwich Football Ground — seasonal, unfussy food served by friendly young staff. The puddings are especially delicious.
A famous Grade II listed 16th century thatched cottage is a more than fitting setting for the talented chef's seasonally based, locally sourced and delicious menu that artfully combines the classic with the contemporary.
As well as traditional dishes such as fish pie with cod and prawns, the specials board at the Fisherman's Return features crab, lobster, mussels and a positive cornucopia of locally caught fresh fish.
Fun Days Out
The gallery exhibits some of the best ?art inspired by nature? in Britain, in work ranging from the abstract to the realistic, from oils to encaustic techniques and from prints to porcelain. Sculptures include amazing woodcarvings and bronzes.
Sightings of seals are guaranteed when you join an informative, licensed boat trip to see the seals on the end of Blakeney Point (they do not go out to the open sea). Landing on the point is usually optional for up to one hour, if tides allow.
Come and say hello to the friendly and gentle rescued shire horses and other animals at this loving sanctuary. Watch the amazing horse displays and see the blacksmiths at their trade. Plenty of activity areas for the children and a Farming Bygones museum where you can learn about farming history.
Not one of this exciting new zoo's wide range of animals from tropical South America has been imported from the wild. All the animals, including Jaguar and Spider Monkeys, have arrived through the generosity of other British Zoological Gardens.
For a unique way to travel, catch a steam train on the light railway. With a regular timetable from the seaside town of Wells to the historic Walsingham this is the perfect day for the whole family. The journey will take you under 5 bridges and through stunning countryside. Don't forget to visit at the restored signal box at Wells for souvenirs and refreshments.
You'll have a great family day out at the Dinosaur Adventure park — there's a dinosaur trail, where you can track a T-Rex, the secret animal garden deer safari, the dinosculptor lost world amazing adventure, giant tortoises, raptor races and a fossil workshop. (Wheelchair access available, although a carer is recommended.)
Founded by the Augustinians as a priory it became an almshouse before being elevated to the status of an abbey in 1231. Although, now in ruins due to fire in the 15th century, this is definitely a sight to see during your travels around Norfolk.
A great place for all the family, Wroxham Barns has something for everyone — stylish clothes, gifts for home and garden, country foods, Bill LeGrice Roses & Plant Centre, Junior Farm, a children's funfair, 12 craft studios and a restaurant.
For over 100 years, this large store has been meeting the needs of holidaymakers visiting the Norfolk Broads. Today, Roys is a unique shopping experience with every kind of shop in one area, from clothes to food.
A fabulous fun and relaxing time for parents and a brilliantly exciting time for kids. Discover the world of the Boggles — tree houses, zip wires and jungle bridges are just some of Bewilderwood's thrilling features.
Melsop farm has special handling areas for some of its wonderful collection of animals of all sizes, shapes and colours. Clown shows and other exciting events are held throughout the season.
Snettisham's proud motto is 'a countryside park for all seasons, activities for all ages'. See stags and new born deer, hand feed the hinds on a unique deer safari, ride horses and ponies, follow the discovery trail or have fun in the adventure playground.
This is England's premier lavender farm, take a guided tour around the distillery and treat your nose to a trip around the herb garden. Look around the Rare Breeds and Animal Centre, new in 2010. Enjoy delicious food at the Lavender Kitchen restaurant, visit the gift shop selling a multitude of locally produced fragrant products and see the essential oil distillery in action. You can even learn how to create your own fragrant garden!
Inside you will find an amazing variety of animals including otters and penguins as well as a full seal rescue facility and hospital. Among the rich diversity of life in the displays are sharks, seahorses and rays.
Thrigby Hall's wildlife gardens house a large range of monkeys, birds, pandas, wild cats and other animals housed in the grounds of Thrigby Hall. Elsewhere in the grounds, you'll find a lake garden based on the legend of the Chinese Willlow Pattern pottery plate.
Beach
Sheringham Beach - 5.9 Miles (9.4 KM)
A stony beach with an expanse of sand and rock pools at low tide, Sheringham retains its Blue Flag for cleanliness and range of visitor facilities. The North Norfolk Steam Railway is a ten-minute walk from the beach and provides a lovely route along the coast. Try some surfing or stroll along the prom.
Wells Beach - 10.8 Miles (17.3 KM)
Catch the miniature railway from the town out to the beach. Or if you prefer to walk, the little path provides a lovely route in the summer months. A part of the Holkham Estate, this expansive beach is largely unspoilt and is great for beach sports, bird watching or as a place to simply relax and soak up the views along this beautiful stretch of the Norfolk coastline.
Holkham Beach - 12.1 Miles (19.4 KM)
Voted best British beach for a bank holiday break by readers of The Times, Holkham beach is three miles long and, at low tide, half a mile deep. A beach for simple activities such as sandcastle building or kite flying, there are no lifeguards or facilities here. Go and spend some time at the gorgeous beach that was also a location for the film 'Shakespeare in Love'.
Happisburgh Beach - 19.4 Miles (31 KM)
A great favourite with families, the sandy beach at Happisburgh (pronounced 'Haysburgh')stretches for miles in both directions and is dominated by the cliff protection barrier. The village of Happisburgh is within easy reach of Norwich.
Thornham Beach - 21.9 Miles (35 KM)
Accessed by a mile long walk along the Norfolk coastal path at Thornham, these secluded sands are also an excellent for spot for bird watching and winter beach walks.
Holme-next-the-sea beach - 23.7 Miles (37.9 KM)
In an area of outstanding natural beauty, this is a great place to spot many species of local bird. See some beautiful beaches in a largely unspoilt section of the county. Wild marram grass and sandy dunes are all that you will find here. A perfect place to relax and unwind away from the nosy arcade games of the better known local beaches.
Hunstanton Beach - 25.2 Miles (40.3 KM)
West facing cliffs mean this beach is a little sun trap, with excellent vantage points for spectacular sunsets. At approximately two miles, this charming beach is a ideal for a bracing walk in the winter months or to lay back and catch some rays in the summertime. Go rockpooling, visit the amusement arcades and admire the beautiful Victorian houses poised on the seafront.
Biking & Hiking
At about 20km, this largely flat route uses a mixture of off-road cycle paths combined with country lanes. End in Wells-next-the-Sea, a pretty little coastal town with a wonderful beach and some great pubs.
At just over 7 miles this cycle route is perfect for all abilities. Why not stop at Cotishall riverside green and have a drink in the pub or watch the boats?
Hire yourself a bike and explore the surrounding countryside and the Norfolk Broads. When booking the bikes for three days or more, you can even get your bikes delivered to your holiday home.
There's lots to see on this route. You can pause for a walk along the new boardwalk at Barton Broad, rest awhile on the banks of the River Ant, and return via the riverside beauty spot of Horning, perhaps stopping off at the RAF Radar Museum.
Norwich to Trowse Bridges - 20.5 Miles (32.8 KM)
Cross the Rivers Yare and Tas, duck under bridges, stroll along old streets and keep an eye out for local wildlife. A great way to explore this part of Norfolk.
Norwich to Caistor Roman Town Walk - 20.5 Miles (32.8 KM)
Look out for local wildlife and archaeological sites on this pretty little walk around the county. Mainly on quiet country lanes and public footpaths it is a fairly easy walk.
Ride through the little parishes south of Norwich, look out for the plentiful local wildlife and admire the lovely countryside. Ride through the delightful village of Brooke with its old worldly features, keep an eye out for a sculpture or two in Bergh Apton and soak up the lovely village atmosphere in the Saxlinghams.
Walking the River Chet - 29.9 Miles (47.8 KM)
This is a gentle walk of about 4 miles that will probably last roughly 2 hours. Walking the River Chet, one of the quietest Broadland rivers, is a particularly rewarding for those who enjoy spotting wildlife or simply delight in the countryside.
Golf & Sports
Set in 31 acres of wooded valleys, this outdoor adventure centre is perfect for family days out. Visitors can book either a half day or full day in advance. Prepare to be in for some serious fun! Hilltop have also just introduced a 'pay and play' scheme where you can just turn up and do what it says on the tin!
A three acre lake well stocked with rudd, roach, tench and crucian carp. Day tickets are available.
This famous and long-established club stands 320 feet above Cromer's beautiful sandy beaches. It offers a challenge to players of all abilities.
Gunton Lake Park - 10 Miles (16 KM)
A well stocked fishing lake of about 12 acres. Depths vary between 2ft and 5ft. An abundance of species can be fished here including roach, perch, breem, carp and big pike. Day tickets are available to buy.
Playland - 10.8 Miles (17.3 KM)
An indoor adventure fun house for children, set in the beautiful fishing town of Wells-next-the-Sea.
Beginners and professionals alike will adore this 9 hole course. Set a the site of Fakenham racecourse this makes for a challenging parkland type green. To enhance play there are alternate tees for several holes and many holes follow the length of the river.
Fabulous 18 hole golf course set amongst serene surroundings with magnificent trees and no shortage of wildlife. Once you have completed this challenging course why not enjoy a drink or two and a meal in the clubhouse where you'll find two bars and lounge areas, conservatory and dining room.
Gorgeous 9 hole parkland course located near to the North Norfolk coastline. Offering 17 unique tee positions this will challenge all strengths of play. When your game is over relax in the pleasant clubhouse, dating from the 1930's, which serves bar snacks and 'a la carte' dishes.
Stunning 18 hole parkland golf course nestled in the glorious Tud river valley. Compete against your fellow golfers whilst enjoying the beautiful views. Peruse the Pro Shop for affordable clothes and accessories and relax in the friendly Clubhouse with a cool, refreshing drink to discuss your game.
Extreeme Adventure is a high ropes course. There are plenty of exhilarating experiences to choose from including a 1000ft zip wire descent. There is an obstacle course for under 10's - and a woodland walk and treasure hunt too.
Set in the Norfolk countryside, this purpose built riding school offers half hour private and semi private lessons.
Situated on the Norfolk Coast, in a scenic surrounding famous as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Sailcraft Sea School offers a variety of courses.
For the golfing family this is the place to come. Offering more than 130 acres of picturesque countryside, with the Glen Lodge sitting proud above a tree lined valley, makes this a beautiful 18 hole course. Also, a host for private functions and with a clubhouse serving extensive menus and drinks, this is a truly unique club.
Ice skating for all the family. For those excellent skaters out there or those who wish to learn; this is the place for you. Facilities include a bar, grill, café and photo shop.
Royal West Norfolk Golf Club is located along the beautiful North Norfolk Coast and is positioned between Brancaster Bay and the salt marshes. It is a true and genuine, par 71, links course that has its roots firmly established in its history and much of the course remains as it was when first established back in 1892. It should be noted that the course is subject to the tides, and at times part of the course can be cut off but, this makes play more interesting. The course is well maintained and is in excellent condition, greens are fast and true, it is not a particularly long course. The course is quite challenging and has a number of obstacles, from the winds that are almost persistent here making play difficult at the best of times, the bunkers are deep, it also has some astounding views and the scenery is gorgeous. The club is very welcoming to everyone and you will find he staff to be very friendly, professional and courteous. They restrict the numbers that play on the course so it is never crowded and remains easy to get around. The clubhouse is lovely, well aged and luxurious and very comfortable, it has excellent facilities, and has a nice menu that is diverse and serves good quality home cooked food. Royal West Norfolk Golf Club is ranked as one of the top 50 courses in the UK and this accolade is highly deserved, it is a fantastic course with green fees that reflect the quality and stature of the course, not to be missed if you get the opportunity.
There are plenty of activities on offer here. You can try your hand at off-road biking, archery, climbing, sailing - to name just a few. They host themed birthday parties here too.
Open all year this club is great for the pro or amateur skier. Whether its skiing or snowboarding that?s your thing there is professional equipment and instructors to hand to help. The Club House has a fully licensed bar offering panoramic views of the slope and is a perfect way to chill out.
Dunston Hall's USGA specification golf course offers a varied game to players of all levels. The 71 par, 6,319 yard course is complemented by an excellent floodlit driving range and relaxing clubhouse with bar, restaurant and snooker room.
The Oasis Sports and Leisure Centre has a number of facilities including an eco ice rink, swimming pool, indoor bowling hall and squash courts.
This 18 hole, par 71 golf course offers every ability of golfer a challenging game. The club has a comfortable lounge area to relax in and enjoy a bite to eat.
Hall Farm - 29.5 Miles (47.2 KM)
Hall Farm is a rescue and rehabilitation centre for rescued horses and ponies. You can meet the horses being cared for and enjoy a guided tour around the stables and yard. Activities include paddock walks.
Nature Reserves
One of the finest birdwatching sites in the UK whatever the season. The bird hides all have great views of the pools and scrapes and meandering along the boardwalks and glimpsing the birdlife through the reeds is pure pleasure.
Extending to 1097 hectares, this beautiful, unspoilt reserve encompasses Morston and Stiffkey Marshes, Blakeney Point and Blackeney Freshes. Most of these lovely spots are owned by the National Trust. Why not take a walk around this great part of the county and maybe catch a boat trip to see the seals at the end of Blakeney Point?
A spectacular area of beauty on the North Norfolk coast. Holkham is also the home to an extensive and diverse collection of habitats. See the windswept tidelines, sand dunes and sandspits and explore the miles of creeks and pinewoods.
The 25 hectare reserve is a mixture of open water, reed, sedge and carr woodland. Within its area, there is huge variety of wildlife. It is also one of the largest areas of remaining fen habitat in Western Europe.
Birders will be in their comfort zone at this exciting and picturesque reserve. Visitors in the summer will be treated to the sight of marsh harriers and winter visitors can admire up to 20 species of wading birds. Observe our feathered friends from benches or hides. Take a look in the shop selling RSPB gifts and also serves hot and cold snacks.
A must see for any nature lovers. Witness thousands of wading birds move onto their roosting banks in front of the hides provided by the RSPB. If you're visiting in winter at dawn or dusk there is a very good chance of seeing pink-footed geese. Whereas a summer visit should reveal huge numbers of common terns and black-headed gulls.
Keep an eye out for wintering wigeons and the only wintering flock of bean geese in England. Depending on the time of day you visit, you might also see a great collection of rook and jackdaw roosts.
A beautiful corner of the Norfolk Broads with numerous species of birds, plant life and insects. Located alongside the River Ant, it is situated in the basin of the now extinct Sutton Broad.
Roydon Common is the biggest remaining ancient heath in West Norfolk and this vast area provides the opportunity for lots of lovely walks in the fresh air. The common has lovely sweeping views, and comprises of heaths and bogs. There are a number of different trails to take with different things to see and look out for as you meander along. The area is popular with wildlife and birds who have their homes within this natural habitat, you will see many reptiles such as adders, grass snakes and lizards, many species of butterfly, moth and insect. It is also home to some unusual and rare plants. The common is beautiful unspoilt and so tranquil and can be enjoyed whatever the season as there is always something different to see, it is particularly spectacular in Summer when the heather is in full bloom. Roydon Common is open all year round and provides the perfect venue for a walk amongst a beautiful reserve.
Set across 328 hectares, this wonderful reserve is part of the Halvergate Marshes which also has RSPB ties. Come and spend some time here and see a huge variety of beautiful birds including redshanks, snipes, lapwings, pink-footed geese and teals.
Gardens & Woodlands
Designed by Humphrey Repton in 1812, these gardens are one of his outstanding achievements. In May?June rhododendrons and azaleas create a spectacular display, and there are stunning vistas of the north Norfolk coast from the viewing towers and delightful waymarked walks through park and woodland.
This is a garden for rose lovers. Set around a medieval moated manor house, the gardens feature a wide variety of plants, trees and shrubs but planted throughout are thousands of roses especially classic and heritage varieties (there's even a display on rose history).
Natural gardens of woodland, water and meadow provide the perfect setting for peaceful contemplation and the unique micro-climate in this part of Norfolk enables rare and exotic plants to grow in this enchanting garden.
Pensthorpe - 9.7 Miles (15.5 KM)
A year round spectacle of interest and colour with plenty of natural history activities for all the family including guided discovery tours. The enchanting Woodland Garden is great favourite as are the new Millennium Garden and Wave Garden.
At the edge of the Norfolk Broads, Hoveton Hall's gorgeous 15 acre garden mixes both formal and informal planting across the seasons, with a burst of early spring bulbs, spectacular rhododendrons and azaleas in May and June through to its mid-summer delights.
A thoroughly fascinating and beautiful garden featuring many rare and unusual plants which the owners propagate in small numbers for sale. If you see a plant growing in the garden that you would like, do ask, there may be some tucked away for you to purchase.
There's a so much to enjoy in this 5 acre garden. Divided by yew hedges into 'rooms', it has a long double herbaceous border, formal rose parterre, kitchen garden, greenhouses, water features, sculptures, a rustic temple, large fruit cage and croquet lawn.
A plantsman's garden for all seasons — Bradenham Hall's house and garden walls are covered with unusual shrubs, climbers and fruit, and its formal rose gardens, paved garden and herbaceous borders are a delight.
With over three miles of woodland walks affording superb views across South Waltham Inner Broad, the garden is organically managed and the resulting fauna and flora found here (including the UK's finest collection of naturalised candelabra primulas) are testimony to this approach.
Local Attractions
Hear the real-life stories of macabre goings-on, hauntings and the tragic events of yester-year, if you dare! A highly acclaimed guided tour that leads you on foot through the ancient and mystical streets of the City of Norwich.
The theatre has a full calendar of events including plays from classic favourites to brand new plays by less well known writers. As well as their stage productions, they also offer drama classes for all ages and abilities.
A place of pilgrimage and Christian worship for over 900 years, this glorious building has impressive cloisters and particularly fine roof bosses among its architectural delights. Music still plays an important role in daily services.
The Forum - 20.5 Miles (32.8 KM)
The Forum is a unique city centre venue for exciting and diverse entertainment from the world famous Comedy Store, to lively street theatre. The stunning glass atrium and expansive outdoor spaces host a great programme of free and ticketed events.
Displaying porcelain sculptural pots and domestic pieces with a variety of textures and glazes, the pottery and gallery is housed in a traditional carrstone coach-house and stables, once part of the Royal Estate and set just one mile from Sandringham.
Historical & Heritage Sites
Once a glorious residence Baconsthorpe Castle was built in about 1450 and occupied by the Heydon family. Over 200 years the castle was extended as wealth increased until harder times were met. Now in ruins this is still a must just to have a glance at what was a most beautiful structure.
A military museum jam-packed with memorabilia from guns to tanks. Take the opportunity to watch a tank demonstration or treat yourself or a friend to a drive! Have a look in the shop and enjoy a meal in the restaurant or a picnic with the family. Keep an eye on events as there is always something happening!
An absolute must for steam engine enthusiasts (and everyone else in the family!), Thursford Museum houses the country's finest collection of organs, traction engines, steam rollers, steam tractors, fairground rides and much, much more. If you're in the area for Christmas, the 'Christmas Spectacular' really is just that!
Have a peek at life of the wealthy from the 17th century and onwards. Almost unchanged since the 17th century have a look at Great Hall, Drawing Room and Library containing endless books. Wander the beautiful gardens and admire the 18th century Orangery. Enjoy a delicious meal at the Brasserie or tuck into a cake in the tea rooms.
One glance at this superb estate will take your breath away Standing for 4 centuries and boasting truly beautiful gardens this is a place to see. Learn about the hall itself and life as a servant and view amazing portraits of generations of residents to this hall. Often the location for large musical events and theatrical productions in its grounds, it is also the supposed childhood home of Anne Boleyn who reportedly haunts this magnificent house. With an impressive long gallery, a huge collection of rare books and some beautiful tapestries, Blickling Hall is not to be missed.
Walsingham has been a place of pilgrimage since the 11th century. visitors can enjoy the gardens and museum all year. Well known for the masses of snowdrops which grow in the grounds of this Abbey this is must for flower lovers. You can marvel at the ruins of this structure and take part in a snowdrop walk at the same time. You can also visit the Shirehall Museum and discover the history of Walsingham.
Get a taste of life as fisherman in this late 19th century fisherman's cottage. Wander the 'Old Cromer Gallery and take in the historic photographs. Find out about Cromer's history and the heroics of Henry Blogg and lifeboat men. Keep a look out on events as there is always something different going on.
Learn about the most famous Coxswain Henry Blogg and all the fantastic works of the lifeboat men. Find out about the bravery shown in some of the biggest rescues and see HF Bailey, the boat used by Blogg during World War II. Have a go at trying on the lifeboat uniform or try your hand at Morse Code.
Hear the story of rural Norfolk, have fun in the woodland adventure playground and the historic workhouse, before exploring the indoor displays.
Learn about the everchanging history of British aircraft at this museum. Maintained by a team of dedicated volunteers you can view planes it superb condition. Admire the Jaguar XX109 and be amused by the Phantom XV426. There is also a café onsite serving refreshments such as hot and cold drinks and ice-creams
Located at Stalham Staithe, the only waterside museum of Broadland life displays boats used on the Broads for the past 200 years and offers an insight into how people's working lives shaped the landscape.
A superb Visual Arts Centre boasting an extensive range of historic collections for the public to enjoy. Exhibitions of various fields are always going on so check the website for latest offerings. There's also a Gallery Café serving delicious coffee and cakes or for a bigger meal try the beautiful Garden Restaurant.
An intriguing museum, housed in one of Norwich's oldest buildings. Built around 1320, Strangers Hall features interlinked rooms displaying various textiles and artefacts from the Tudor and Stewart periods. Hear the stories of the local people, how they lived and what their trade was and see beautifully preserved rooms and furniture. Take a guided tour around the beautiful hall and maybe bump into a few of the old characters yourself!
Winner of 'The Best Small Visitor Attraction' award in 2007 you know you are guaranteed a good time. Newly refurbished for April 2011, discover the secret world of air defence during the Cold War by taking part in the exhibits. See the operations room and sit at a terminal and imagine working amongst 70 people or even envision being in charge of the fighter planes!
For many centuries Norwich has been dominated by its great castle, a symbol of the Norman's military and political control. These days it houses an excellent museum with superb interactive exhibits which are fun for all ages. Visit the original keep, take a tour around the old dungeons and then browse the impressive art collections.
Experience a taste of the life of a soldier from past times at this museum. Take a look at the exhibits that holds artefacts spanning 300 years of regimental history and don't miss out on the chance to handle some of the larger objects. Also, view the 'Norwich Roll of Honour' kept in the castle keep.
Castle Acre - 24.1 Miles (38.6 KM)
Standing 5 miles north of Swaffham, today only ruins remain of the castle. There is a debate as to whether the walls of the rectangular building found at the top of the mound would have been strong enough to support a great keep such as Norwich or Castle Rising. Now a peaceful village, with traditional flint houses, it is well worth a visit.
The much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk. Within the Estate, 600 acres of woodland and heath in the Country Park are open to the public free of charge every day of the year.
Originally built 200 years ago this is a truly stunning structure. It is set in a beautiful position and has fabulous views of the coast and landscapes. Nature enthusiasts will delight in seeing the rare local birdlife and insects. Refreshments are also available.
Perhaps the most famous 12th century castle in the country, Castle Rising is a massive stone ringwork and bailey fortress, and its current owner is a descendant of William D'Albini II, the Norman baron who raised the castle.
