Easter Escapades: Things to Do in Norfolk this Easter
There are so many fun things happening across Norfolk this Easter, with the Norfolk Broads and Norfolk Coast offering an exciting variation of day trips.
Here are my top tips for places to go if you are staying with us in one of our Eco Barns in Winterton-on-sea or visiting the nearby Norfolk Broads. If you are local and have something to add, please let me know. I’d love to hear from you.
As always, I’d recommend anyone coming to the area to get on the water.
Hire an electric day boat from Martham Ferry boat yard, go on the
Kayak tour with Norfolk Outdoor Adventures or if you don’t want to be a skipper for the day, go on the wonderful Ross’ Wildlife Boat Trips. These one-hour boat rides leave from Horsey Staithe every day at 0945 hrs; 1100 hrs; 1215 hrs; 1400 hrs; 1515 hrs, seven days a week. My guests always rave about these dog and child friendly tours (one went on 3 over the course of a week!).
Fingers crossed, we will have some lovely weather this Easter break, and long walks can be enjoyed along the beach. We’ve got a gorgeous stretch of sandy beach at Winterton-on-sea for you to explore. Or you can walk over the dunes, and a short walk to Horsey where you’ll find one of the largest grey seal colony’s in the UK. The seal pup season has ended now, but the adults are just as much fun to observe.
Hands down, BeWILDerwood is one of our favourite attractions in the area if you’re visiting with kids. Aimed at those between 3-12, the whole family will be climbing through the trees in search of twiggles and boggles in no time. Even the unimpressed teenager won’t resist the epic slides. Easter is packed with special Easter themed events, including crafts and face paintings. Most, if not all, of the park, is outdoors, so be sure to check the weather in advance and while tickets are reasonably priced, they’re cheaper still if you book online.
A sunny day over at How Hill is a day well spent. Come here to play the best game of hide and seek in the house gardens before finding the perfect picnic spot and soaking up those far reaching views of the Broads. You can also walk around the secret water gardens or visit the tiny Toad Hole Cottage Museum and see how the Marshmen used to live. How Hill Trust often run brilliant family fun days during school holiday’s. I’d really recommend these days out for kids up to 12 for a chilled out nature based day out. Check out the How Hill’s Trust’s website to book a place.
The nature reserve is a wonderful walk, and the Electric Eel boat ride down the river Ant is a nice little outing too. Until May, there is no tea shop on site, but the neighbouring village of Ludham has a lovely tea room if you’re in need of refreshment.
You may have heard of Happisburgh in the news as the village with the houses falling into the sea. Aside from the eroding cliffs, you’ll find Happisburgh light house which opens to the public during the holiday’s. This 85 ft tall, iconic red and white striped tower is the only independently run lighthouse in the UK and well worth a visit. There are 112 steps to the top; unfortunately, children under 1m won’t be permitted for safety reasons. There’s a wonderful play park a stone’s throw from the lighthouse, though, plenty of parking.
You could also combine your visit to Happisburgh with a circular walk along the beach to Cart Gap and enjoy lunch at the Small Sticks café or back in Happisburgh at the Seaside Tea Rooms, which are just outside the car park. Closer to home, the church tower at Winterton is often opens for the Easter weekend.
Fairhaven water garden is a lovely destination for families who want a day outside. Lovely dog friendly gardens, a fariy trial, tea rooms and shops and bookable paddle boarding all await.
For a day on the coast, why not check out Rockpool Rummaging or Fascinating Fossils at West Runton. You can find out more details and other nature based activities from Wildlife Norfolk Wildlife Trust. A great option for lunch in the vicinity is Rocky Bottoms which serves up a delightful seafood menu with views out to the sea. Also run by the wonderful wildlife trust, there’s an some dyke dipping at the Wildlife Trust.
The National Trust’s Sheringham Park is another fab national park to explore,
brimming with wildlife and plenty of wide open space for the little ones to burn off some energy on thier family egg trial.
If you have young kids in tow, try Wroxham Barns. The junior farm allows kids to feed animals (including baby lambs from Easter), cuddle guinea pigs and has decent soft play inside. This is also a nice place to head if you have adults in your group, as the café and local shops make for a pleasant afternoon out.
Also in Wroxham, Hoverton Hall Gardens are offering an Easter Treasure Hunt from April 19th to 22nd from 10:30 am. These are lovely gardens to walk around.
Slightly further from our barns, but still worth a visit, is the Dinosaur Adventure Park. They have a ROARR-some Egg-cellent Easter Event as well as the re-opening of Predator High Ropes and Dippy’s Splash Zone and also a brand new attraction Dippy-ville opening.
Finally, I’d highly recommend checking out the latest show at Great Yarmouth’s amazing permanent circus. With an Easter themed show which is suitable for children, is showing until the 28th of April and features fire eaters, aerialists and acrobats.
If, for some reason, the weather decides not to play ball, there are loads of things to do indoors with kids if it’s raining.
Our Barns are currently booked up over Easter Weekend. If you fancy coming to visit, Click here to get in touch and book your stay.
