5 Great things to do in Norfolk

5 Great Things to do in Norfolk, the Coast and Broads.

Winterton-on-sea is a great place to come on holiday!  The east coast of Norfolk is a place of uninterrupted sandy beaches, picturesque farmland, open skies, and rolling sand dunes, where you can spot seals and explore quiet waterways and good independent pubs. This Guardian Article gives you a flavour of what the area has to offer. Here is my local’s guide to making the most of your time here. 

Sandy beach and dunes

Winterton-on- Sea has a beautiful sandy beach and dunes stretch for miles in either direction and forms part of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty as well as a national nature reserve. Dogs are allowed on the beach all year round. Our walking guide provides you with 5 walks you can do direct from Winterton-on- sea. Winterton-on-sea is a quiet and picturesque ancient fishing village. The village has a shop, tearoom, post office, fish and chip shop, seaside eatery, children’s play area and a pub, all accessible on foot from the barns.

Seal colony and Wildlife 

Visiting the seal colony (4 miles away) in nearby Horsey is a must – park at the Nelson Head pub and enjoy a pint of Woodfordes on your return and even visit the National Trust’s traditional Horsey Windpump. For a suggested walk, see walk number 5 in our guide .

The Seal pups’ numbers are now over 1500 per year, so the colony is expanding towards Winterton. Visit our Seals at Horsey blog to find out more and discover the best way to visit them.

Winterton itself is brilliant for birdwatching, and Mill Farm is now alive with birds since we have planted hedges and restored a pond.  For more wildlife-spotting ideas, see our blog on how best to enjoy Norfolk’s wildlife

The Broads National Park

The Broads, as the UK’s largest wetland area, are a unique landscape of shallow lakes and rivers renowned for wildlife and perfect for boating, kayaking, walking, cycling and fishing. It’s only 3 miles away.

We recommend:

• Hiring an electric day boat from Martham Ferry Boat Yard
• Taking  Ross’s Wildlife Boat Trips which leave daily during the summer from Horsey onto Martham Broad, just 4 miles away
• Go on a kayak or stand-up paddle board safari with Norfolk Outdoor Adventure
• A trip to How Hill  or Fairhaven Water Garden for gardens, tea rooms and boat trips
• Attend an event at Hickling Broad Nature Reserve

Highlights for Children 

As well as the endless beach and the Broads, our games barn and the village’s excellent children’s play area, we recommend the following day trips for kids:

• The award winning BeWilderwood adventure park with its tree houses & zip wires.  Suitable for 2 years and up is only 25 minutes drive
• Wroxham Barns – junior farm with soft play, restaurants and shops
• The sweet Bure Valley Steam Railway runs from Wroxham to Aylsham – Just take a few stops.
• For young children, Pettitts has rides, play areas, a mini railway and animals.
• Thrigby Hall Wildlife Park to get up close to tigers, snow leopards, crocodiles and noisy gibbons:
• Great Yarmouth has seafront amusements, Joyland, Merrivale model village and a Sea Life Centre, Mariana Centre swimming pool with it’s slides and climbing wall or The Jump warehouse if it is wet.  The Time & Tide museum is a good museum for kids 8 plus.  Shows at the Hippodrome circus are also excellent.

Our blogs have loads more ideas.

Eating out 

There are lots of eating out options in and around Winterton on sea. We recommend:

• The Fisherman’s Returns is a child and dog friendly pub in the village. Or the Nelson Head near the seals at Horsey
• The award winning Ingham Swan serves wonderful food with a focus on local and seasonal produce in a delightful old Inn. Booking essential. Recommended for an amazing dining experience. Or slightly nearer you could try the Kings Arms in Fleggburgh.
• For pubs with a broadside view and children’s play area, try the Boat House on Ormesby Broad. It’s great all week and has a good Sunday carvery
• The Gunton Arms is a bit of a drive but well worth it if you enjoy fine dining in a funky atmosphere. This old coaching inn, set in the grounds of a deer park, is now owned by a London art dealer and is renowned for exquisite food.
• New to Winterton-on-Sea, you can visit Norfolk Edge. Located on Winterton beach, delicious food from award-winning head chef Alex Clare. Private Dining and Edge at home, which you could always book for arrival.
• Planet Spice in nearby Ormesby has fantastic authentic Indian cuisine to eat in or take out.

So, there you have it. 5 Great Things to do in Norfolk!

For more ideas, see Mill Farm’s blogs on eating out or where to buy the best food.