Days Out in Norfolk

Norfolk is a region full of charm, from its vast sandy beaches to historic cities and idyllic countryside. Whether you’re staying in a holiday let along the North Norfolk coast or nestled in the heart of the Broads, there are countless opportunities for adventure and relaxation.

If you’re looking for the best ways to spend your days out in Norfolk, this guide has everything you need – from events and live shows to top attractions across the region. Let’s dive in and discover the unforgettable experiences that await you in Norfolk.

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Norfolk Events
Shows in Norfolk
Norfolk Beaches
Norwich Attractions
Family Friendly Days Out
Getting Around
Stay in Norfolk

Norfolk Events

Norfolk is a year-round hub of activity, with events to suit every interest.

Norwich Winter Wonderland
🗓️ 23rd November 2024 – 5th January 2025

For those visiting this winter, Norfolk doesn’t slow down. The region comes alive with Christmas markets and festive celebrations. Winter Wonderland is a favourite, offering everything from artisan gifts to gourmet food stalls. Enjoy the rides, Santa’s grotto, real ice rink and the Christmas tree maze, plus much more! Perfect for families, couples and groups of friends looking for festive days out in Norfolk, you’ll certainly be filled with cheer.

Norfolk and Norwich Festival
🗓️ Friday 9th – Sunday 25th May 2025

When it comes to Norfolk events, it doesn’t get better than the Norfolk and Norwich Festival! One of the highlights of the year, it takes place every May and is one of the UK’s oldest arts festivals. A fantastic weekend for everyone, it features a diverse programme of music, theatre, dance, and visual arts. From international performances to local talent, this event is a cultural feast perfect for those looking for inspiring days out in Norfolk.

North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival
🗓️ Saturday 30th – Sunday 31st August 2025

In the summer months, food lovers should head to the North Norfolk Food and Drink Festival, held at Holkham Hall. This two-day celebration of local produce brings together some of the best chefs, bakers, and brewers in the region. It’s a fantastic way to sample Norfolk’s finest flavours while enjoying the stunning backdrop of one of North Norfolk’s most iconic estates.

Shows in Norfolk

With a rich variety of performances to enjoy across the region, live entertainment in Norfolk is always brilliant.

Cromer Pavilion Theatre
📍 Promenade, Cromer, NR27 9HE

Cromer Pavilion Theatre is a must-visit for anyone seeking a traditional British seaside experience. Famous for its end-of-the-pier shows, it delivers spectacular performances throughout the year offering a mixture of comedy, music, and dance. These lively productions make for ideal family-friendly days out in Norfolk, especially during the summer holidays.

Norwich Theatre Royal
📍 Theatre Street, Norwich, NR2 1RL

If you’re a theatre enthusiast, then Norwich Theatre Royal should be on your itinerary. As one of the leading venues in East Anglia, Norwich Theatre Royal offers a wide range of shows, from West End musicals and classical ballet to thought-provoking plays.

Norwich Playhouse
📍 42-58 St Georges Street, Norwich, NR3 1AB

The nearby Norwich Playhouse also hosts a great mix of comedy, drama, and children’s shows in a more intimate setting, ensuring there’s always something happening to suit your taste.

Outdoor Performances
📍 Across Norfolk

During the warmer months, why not catch an outdoor performance? Many stately homes, including Holkham Hall and Houghton Hall, host open-air concerts and theatre shows in Norfolk. You can enjoy a Shakespearean play or a live concert under the stars.

Family Friendly Days Out in Norfolk

BeWILDerwood Norfolk
📍Horning Road, Hoveton, Norwich, NR12 8JW

BeWILDerwood is a magical woodland adventure park focused on imaginative outdoor play. Perfect for children, it offers outdoor play activities including boat rides and storytelling events, alongside wildlife observation opportunities.

Opening hours:
Saturday & Sunday – 10am – 4:30pm

Banham Zoo
📍 Kenninghall Road, Banham, Norwich, NR16 2HE

Banham Zoo is a well-known wildlife park that’s home to over 2,000 animals from around the world. It features a variety of exotic species, including big cats, primates, giraffes, birds of prey, and reptiles. The zoo offers daily animal talks, feeding sessions, and interactive exhibits. There’s also a farmyard petting area for children, a road train ride, and a high ropes adventure for more excitement.

Opening hours:
Monday – Friday – 10am – 4pm
Saturday & Sunday – 10am – 5pm

Amazona
📍 Hall Road, Cromer, NR27 9JG

Located just outside of Cromer, Amazona Zoo focuses on tropical and exotic animals, offering an interactive and educational experience. It features animals from the Amazon rainforest and other tropical regions, including monkeys, reptiles, and birds.

Opening hours:
Daily – 10am – 5pm

Getting Around Norfolk

Public transport in Norfolk is a convenient, scenic, and sustainable way to explore the county’s many attractions. Whether you’re catching a bus to the beach, hopping on a train to explore historic towns, or taking a boat trip through the Broads, the transport network has you covered for your days out in Norfolk!

Buses in Norfolk

The bus network in Norfolk is extensive, providing services that connect both urban centres and more rural areas. First Eastern Counties and Konectbus are the two main bus operators in Norfolk, offering routes that make it easy to travel between popular destinations, including Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and the North Norfolk coast.

If you’re staying in or near Norwich, the Park and Ride service is a convenient way to get into the city centre. With sites located on the outskirts of Norwich, it allows you to park your car for free and hop on a bus that takes you right into the heart of the city, avoiding traffic and parking issues.

For those staying in our holiday lets in more remote parts of the county, services such as Flexibus offer demand-responsive transport. This pre-booked service covers areas where regular bus services are limited, making it easier to reach nearby towns or attractions.

Trains in Norfolk

Norfolk’s rail network offers quick and comfortable connections, especially for visitors staying in our holiday lets near train lines. Greater Anglia operates the main train services in the region, linking Norfolk with neighbouring counties and London.

Cycling and Walking:

Norfolk is well-known for being flat and cycle-friendly, making cycling a popular alternative to traditional public transport. The National Cycle Network routes, such as Route 1 (which passes through Norwich and along the coast), provide safe and scenic pathways for cyclists. Many buses and trains in Norfolk are bike-friendly, allowing you to combine cycling with public transport to reach more remote holiday destinations or attractions.

Boat Travel in Norfolk

Norfolk is unique in that it also offers transport by boat, especially within the Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes that wind through the countryside. Several boat hire companies allow you to explore the Broads at your leisure, while ferry services like the Reedham Ferry help transport both passengers and cars across the river. For a more relaxing experience, Broads boat tours offer guided excursions with commentary about the area’s history, wildlife, and landscape.

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