Links
This is a list of other websites that we think that you might find useful when planning your holiday or short-break. No matter which Coast and Country Holidays property you select - you won't be far away from all of these fantastic attractions...
We also have some great non-attraction links that you may find useful. CLICK HERE >
Norfolk Attractions:
Pensthorpe Nature Reserve
Location: Nr. Fakenham
Pensthorpe is the home of BBC Springwatch.
Full of nature, wildlife and the outdoors. Come and visit to see the wildlife stars in the flesh.
www.pensthorpe.com
To find out more about Springwatch, visit: www.bbc.co.uk/springwatch/
BeWILDerwood Treehouse Adventure
Location: Nr. Wroxham between Hoveton and Horning
BeWILDerwood is a huge forest of wild family fun and outdoor adventure for kids of all ages.
www.bewilderwood.co.uk
The Big Dinosaur Adventure Park
Location: Lenwade between Fakenham and Norwich
Family day out full of discovery, adventure and fun.
www.dinosaurpark.co.uk
Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park
Location: Between Lowestoft and Great Yarmouth
Pleasurewood Hills is the regions biggest theme park (50-acres) and is set in beautiful coastal parkland.
www.pleasurewoodhills.com
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park
Location: Nr. Great Yarmouth between Reedham and Acle
Pettitts Animal Adventure Park is a great day for the little ones. Rides galore, family entertainment, exotic and domestic animals and birds to see as well as animals to feed and pet.
www.pettittsadventurepark.co.uk
Banham Zoo
Location: Banham between Attleborough and Diss
Banham Zoo is a
fun filled day out for all the family and home to almost 1000 animals from around the world. Come and meet baby Josie, the new arrival in the Giraffe House.
www.banhamzoo.co.uk
Amazona Zoo
Location: Cromer
Amazona Zoo is an attraction with lots of things to do and animals to see including South American Jaguars, Reptiles, Monkeys and Flamingo.
Thrigby Hall & Wildlife Gardens
Location:
South of the village of Filby just 8 miles outside Great Yarmouth. Follow the brown road signs from the A47 at Acle or from A149 at Caister on Sea.
Progressive zoos like Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens are fast becoming a last refuge for many species as their natural homes are destroyed by the greed of man. Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens is a strong supporter of The World Zoo Conservation Strategy of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. The collection of animals at Thrigby was the first to be signed over in entirety to the Joint Management of Species Programme.
Location: Throughout the County
Norfolk's museum collections and landscape heritage are for the inspiration, education and enjoyment of all. Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service (NMAS) holds our common heritage in trust and makes it available to the widest possible audience. www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Norwich Castle Museum & Gallery
Location: Norwich City centre
One of the City's most famous landmarks, Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago. Used as a prison from the 14th century, the Castle became a museum in 1894. Now the County's principal museum, the Castle is packed with treasures to inspire and intrigue visitors of all ages. Its outstanding collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history are of national importance and include the best collections anywhere of paintings by the Norwich School of Artists and the world's largest collection of ceramic teapots.
www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse Museum
Location:
Gressenhall Nr. Dereham
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse is a truly unique museum. Visit its 50-acre site and discover a historic workhouse, a museum of life on the land, a traditional farm with rare breed animals and beautiful, unspoilt grounds.
www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Lynn Museum
Location:
Kings Lynn
Following a major £1.2 million redevelopment, this charming museum tells the history of West Norfolk and is home to Seahenge, Norfolk’s astonishing Bronze Age timber circle. A whole gallery is devoted to telling the story of these unique 4,000 year old timbers which includes a life size replica of the Bronze Age circle.
www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
The Shell Museum
Location: Glandford, Nr. Holt
The Shell Museum, Glandford, is the oldest purpose-built museum in Norfolk and houses the finest seashell collection in the UK. As well as thousands of exquisite seashells, the Museum also contains fossils, birds' eggs, agate ware, local archaeological finds and many more fascinating items.
Sandringham Estate
Location: 6 miles north-east of King's Lynn, signposted from the A148 Fakenham road and the A149 Hunstanton road.
Sandringham is the much-loved country retreat of Her Majesty the Queen, and has been the private home of four generations of British monarchs since 1862. The house, set in 60 acres of stunning gardens, is perhaps the most famous stately home in Norfolk and is at the heart of the 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate, 600 acres of which make up the woodland and heath of the Country Park, open to the public free of charge every day of the year.
www.sandringhamestate.co.uk
The Holkham Estate
HOLKHAM
two miles west of Wells-next-the-Sea on the main A149.
The Holkham Estate offers lots to do a see and do with one of the most beautiful stately home tours in Norfolk, along with stunning walks around the park, through the woods and down to a simply stunning beech. There's a bygone museum and even a lake cruise! A great day out.
www.holkham.co.uk
Houghton Hall
Location: Nr Fakenham, just off the A148 Kings Lynn to Cromer road.
The residence of Great Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole with magnificent interiors designed by William Kent in the early 18th Century. Houghton Hall has received the “Garden of the Year Award” from Christies and the Historic Houses Association in recognition of the renovation of the 5-acre walled garden.
www.houghtonhall.com
Wolterton Manor and Mannington Gardens
Location:
Found about 2 miles apart in North Norfolk, 20 miles north of Norwich.
Countryside walks and trails, gardens, rose and plant sales, hall tours, weddings, special events including music, drama, exhibitions, history and nature walks.
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
Location: South Walsham. 9 miles east of Norwich, signposted off the A47 at the B1140 junction.
The Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden comprises of 53 hectares (131 acres) of beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad at South Walsham in the heart of the Norfolk Broads.
www.fairhavengarden.co.uk
Langham Glass
Location:
Follow the brown signs off the A148 between Fakenham and Kings Lynn
Langham Glass welcomes many thousands of visitors every year who come to witness the ancient craft of glass making - a craft that has changed little in the past three hundred years.
www.langhamglass.co.uk
The Play Barn
Location:
10 minutes from Norwich off the B1332
The Playbarn is a fun packed indoor and outdoor play centre especially designed for children aged 7 or under.
Outdoor activities include pony rides, tractor rides and visits to the farm animals. These are available from Easter to October.
www.theplaybarn.co.uk
Aylsham Fun Barns (Playbarn)
Location: near Norwich
Indoor play barn, outdoor adventure playground, cafe, childrens parties, pets corner Fantastic fun for children under 10 and something for all the family too.
Wroxham Barns
Location: 10 miles from Norwich near Wroxham
Wroxham Barns offers stylish clothes, gifts for home and garden, country foods, Bill LeGrice Roses & Plant Centre, Junior Farm, Children's Funfair, 12 Craft Studios and table service restaurant - it's well worth a visit.
www.wroxham-barns.co.uk
Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum
Location:
Just 2.5 miles west of Diss and 14 miles east of Thetford on the A1066.
Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum is a great day out, combining Adrian Blooms famous six acre garden, the Dell, Foggy Bottom and four other linking garden - plus Bressingham's extensive Collection of locomotives, steam vehicles & steam carousel. There's even special exhibits for Thomas the Tank Engine and Dad's Army fans.
www.bressingham.co.uk
The Bure Valley Railway. Norfolk's longest fifteen inch gauge line runs between the ancient market town of Aylsham and Wroxham, the 'Capital of the Norfolk Broads' with country stations serving the villages of Brampton, Buxton and Coltishall.
www.bvrw.co.uk
Mid-Norfolk Railway
Operates between Dereham and Wymondahm
The Mid-Norfolk Railway Preservation Trust was established in 1995 with the aim of buying and restoring the then-disused line between the Norfolk market towns of Dereham and Wymondham. We currently own 28km (17.5 miles) of track and trackbed through central Norfolk's most attractive countryside, making us one of the largest preserved railways in the UK today.
www.mnr.org.uk or check TIMETABLES
North Norfolk Railway 
The North Norfolk Railway offers a 10.5 mile round trip by steam train (vintage diesel trains on some journeys) through a delightful area of North Norfolk designated as being of outstanding natural beauty.
Great Yarmouth Racecourse
Location: Great Yarmouth
Great Yarmouth Racecourse is situated on the northern edge of the town only a few minutes walk from the beach, a mile from the train station and the town centre, and hosts 24 exciting fixtures of flat racing a year.
www.greatyarmouth-racecourse.co.uk
Yarmouth Stadium
Location: Yarmouth Road, Caister, Gt Yarmouth.
Greyhound Racing every Monday and Wednesday at 6.30pm and Saturday at 7.30pm. You are guaranteed an exhilarating evening whatever the occasion!
www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk
Merrivale Model Village, Miniature Railway & Gardens
Location: On the seafront in Gt Yarmouth.
A model village set in an acre of floral landscaped gardens on the sea front. Take your time to discover this captivating model village and its charming inhabitants. Wander around the maze of paths and humpback bridges, spot the cricketers playing on the village green in their whites, marvel at the firemen carrying out a daring rescue from a smoking building and relive all the magic of the funfair in miniature.
www.greatyarmouthmodelvillage.co.uk
The Green Quay
Location: Kings Lynn
FREE ENTRY with a
river side licensed cafe/bar
and
gifts from Langham Glass & Norfolk Lavender +Greeting Cards, Books, Wash Calanders and Ornaments etc.
Learn more about 'The Wash' and the fragile environment around it at ' The Green Quay', which is a registered charity and its partners are Natural England, RSPB, Wash Estuary Strategy Group, Norfolk County Council and Borough Council of King's Lynn and West Norfolk. A key objective of the Green Quay is to inform and educate both schools and general public
www.thegreenquay.co.uk
SEAL TRIPS
From various locations along the A149 coast road.
Take a boat trip to see the SEALS in their natural environment basking on BLAKENEY POINT. Trips are suitable for all ages and can only be described as A "MUST DO" EXPERIENCE!
www.sealtrips.co.uk
The Muckleburgh Tank Collection
Located: Off the coast road Nr. Weybourne
The Collection has over 120 tanks, guns and vehicles in addition to thousands of other items. The vehicles on display have come from far and wide; Russia, Norway, Italy, Czechoslovakia, Belgium, Holland, Eire, Syria, Kuwait, Israel, the Falkland Islands, the United States and Iraq. There is a Restaurant and Shop and visitors have the opportunity of seeing a tank demonstration and of enjoying a bumpy coastal ride in an American Gama Goat personnel carrier. A children’s play area and picnic site give all members of the family an exciting day out.
www.muckleburgh.co.uk
The Royal Air Force Air Defence Radar Museum
Located: in the Norfolk Broads, off the A1062 Hoveton to Potter Heigham Road
See the history and development of Detection, Air Intelligence Photography, Air Defence Radar and Air Battle Management from the 1930's to the modern computer technology of today.
The end of the cold war means that the secret world of air defence is open to public scrutiny. Thousands of item's of memorabilia, accessible photo albums showing the pictorial history of RAF Neatishead, all on public display.
www.radarmuseum.co.uk
City of Norwich Aviation Museum
Located: Just off the A140 Norwich to Cromer road, on the north side of Norwich airport.
The museum is committed to recording and preserving the history of aviation in Norfolk and the exhibits we display reflect that policy. We are a registered charity and a member of the ‘British Aircraft Preservation Council’. The museum is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, and without these people our continued existence would be impossible.
www.cnam.co.uk
Hillside Animal Sanctuary
Location: Frettenham, Nr. Norwich
Hillside Animal Sanctuary was founded in 1995 to help and campaign for animals in need' and most importantly, to bring public awareness to the millions of animals suffering every day in the intensive factory farming industry. Although Hillside has given sanctuary to 300 horses, ponies and donkeys, most of their residents have been rescued from the farming industry.
www.hillside.org.uk Check Website for dates of OPEN DAYS
The Church Street Gallery
Location: Cromer
The Church Street Gallery provides the contemporary art and studio crafts gallery for Cromer and the surrounding area.
Bircham Gallery
Location: Holt
Browse and buy great British art from our exhibitions and superb collection of works by established contemporary artists, acclaimed modern masters and emerging new talent.
www.birchamgallery.co.uk
East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens
Location: Situated off the A149 near Stalham
As seen on BBC Gardens World, these stunning gardens have been created by ALAN GRAY and GRAHAM ROBESON with many varied styles and planting schemes - a MUST SEE for any garden lover!
www.e-ruston-oldvicaragegardens.co.uk
Hoveton Hall Gardens
Location:
On the edge of the Norfolk Broads just off the A1151, north of Wroxham.
Hoveton Hall Gardens is a delightful 15 acre garden mixing both formal and informal planting across the seasons. Beginning with the burst of early Spring bulbs, the spectacular Rhododendrons and Azaleas in May and June through to the mid-summer delights of the 'Spider Garden'. Full summer colours of Hydrangeas followed by autumn berried shrubs and leaf tints complete what is truly a garden for all seasons.
www.hovetonhallgardens.co.uk
Cycle Hire in Norfolk
Huff & Puff Cycle Hire offers great cycling opportunities in the holiday areas of North Norfolk - around Sheringham, Kelling Heath, and Holt (on traffic-free trails and quiet lanes). Day and long-term hire available (large groups a speciality)... as well as special challenge events.
Bircham Windmill
Location:North Norfolk - 6 miles from Sandringham and 8 miles from Hunstanton
Bircham Mill is considered one of the best still remaining: it is the only windmill in working order in the area open to the public. Visitors can climb the five floors up to the fan stage and, when possible, on windy days, visitors can also see the sails and the milling machinery turning. There are also many items of interest to see in the tearooms, bakery and grounds.
www.birchamwindmill.co.uk
Sufffolk Attractions:
Go Ape!
Location: In the heart of the forest, just outside Thetford
It’s not in the dictionary, but if it was, Go Ape would be described as a ‘high-wire forest adventure’.
That means we build giant obstacle courses up in the trees using ladders, walkways, bridges and tunnels made of wood, rope and super-strong wire, and top it all off with the country’s best zip lines.
www.goape.co.uk
Africa Alive
Location:
Kessingland Nr. Lowestoft
Get close to the animals and discover the sights, sounds and smells of the world's most vibrant and exciting continent!
www.africa-alive.co.uk
Oasis Camel Centre
Location:6 miles from Halesworth
Camels in Suffolk? Not that strange - the owners of the Oasis Camel Centre have had a serious interest in working with and keeping camels and their various relations for many years in all sorts of locations. Now the camels are here along with the other members of the camel family and lots of other things to do and see.
www.oasiscamelcentre.co.uk
Unwind and discover the more subtle charms of the Suffolk countryside at your own pace with www.cyclebreaks.com - Cycling Holidays
Snape Maltings
Nr. Aldeburgh
Perfectly situated on the River Alde, the Maltings is a haven for birdlife with its expansive estuary. Being tidal it's a place of glistening mud and shallow open water, filled twice a day by the incoming tide and rich in wildlife during migrating months, making it perfect for nature walks, bird watching and boat trips. There's also a
Granary Tea Shop filled with local produce and gift shops with a lovely
selection of furniture and home accessories.
www.snapemaltings.co.uk
ALDEBURGH
Set amidst breathtaking scenery alongside the River Alde, Aldeburgh is an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty on the east coast of England. There's loads to do and see and is well worth a visit.
Moo Play Barn
Location: Brampton, Suffolk
On a beautiful farm, central to Southwold, Beccles, Bungay and Halesworth is the ULTIMATE FARM ADVENTURE for children and adults
Ickworth House, Park & Gardens
Location:
Nr. Bury St Edmunds
A National Trust Georgian Italianate palace, set in idyllic English parkland.
East Anglia Transport Museum
Location:
Carlton Colville, Nr. Lowestoft
A museum of street transport designed to show the development of mechanical transport over the best part of a century.
RSPB Minsmere Nature Reserve
Location: Saxmundham
Minsmere offers families and keen birdwatchers a great day out. Nature trails take you through a variety of habitats to excellent birdwatching hides. There is a visitor centre where you can find out more about the wildlife, browse in the shop or enjoy a meal in the tearoom. There are events all year and family explorer backpacks and trail booklets are available.
Suffolk Wildlife Trust
Locations:
Redgrave & Lopham Fen Lackford Lakes &
Suffolk Sandlings
From its early beginnings over 40 years ago, as a group of naturalists concerned about the damage to Redgrave and Lopham Fen, the Trust has become Suffolk's most dynamic and influential conservation organisation. As it has matured, the Trust has retained the energy and urgency of the early days and turned it into a powerful advocate and guardian for Suffolk's wildlife.
The Lady Florence Cruise Restaurant
Location: Orford
Lady Florence cruises the Rivers Alde and Ore for 3½ hours during which lunch or dinner is served. Your meal is freshly prepared on board while you cruise using local produce from Orford's famous butcher and two smokehouses.
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village
Location: Nr. Bury St Edmunds
What was it like in early Anglo-Saxon times? Perhaps we will never really know. At West Stow you can walk in the footsteps of our ancestors, explore their homes, see the evidence for yourself - then make up your own mind.
www.stedmundsbury.gov.uk
Landguard Fort
Location: Nr. Felixstowe
Harwich Harbour, at the mouth of the River Orwell, has always been the best safe haven for large ships between the rivers Thames and Humber. The rivers Orwell, Stour and Deben stretch several miles inland and were ideal highways for trade and raiders. Landguard Fort dominated the navigable channel on the northern bank of the River Orwell, whilst the Redoubt at Harwich guarded the harbour entrance along with a large battery at Shotley
www.landguard.com
St Edmundsbury Cathedral
Location: Bury St Edmunds
For over 1,000 years the site of Suffolk 's Cathedral has been one of worship and pilgrimage. The death of Edmund, King of the East Angles, at the hands of the Danes in 869 led to the building of an abbey to house his remains. St James Church was built within the precincts of the Abbey, becoming a Cathedral in 1914
Halesworth Gallery
The gallery is run by a local artists and people interested in the fine arts. The galleries shows are supervised entirely by voluntary helpers. Early exhibitors included John Constable (a descendant), Elisabeth Frink, Felix Topolski, Mary Potter and Joseph Herman. The gallery shows mainly the work of those artists who have a connection with East Anglia.
www.halesworthgallery.co.uk
Kentwell House, Gardens & Farm
Location: Long Melford
In 1970 Kentwell stood neglected and no-one was prepared to take it on - except Patrick Phillips. He fell for this wonderful House in its magical setting and was not deterred by its condition. Ever since then he has, with his family, sought to bring Kentwell back to life. Their works have taken part of the House and its 15th Century Service Building back to the 16th Century. Elsewhere changes reflect their own preferences. The House, Gardens & Farm have an unrivalled ability to captivate the visitor.
WildTracks Outdoor Activity Centre
Location:
Kennett, Nr. Newmarket
WildTracks offers a unique, exciting atmosphere with fun, competitive sporting events on its purpose built 60-acre site located close to Newmarket and Cambridge. Come on your own, or with your family or friends. Choose WildTracks to host your company team-building event. Whatever your reason for visiting, it is where special events become memorable occasions.
The National Horseracing Museum
Location: Newmarket
Explore the story of the people and horses involved in racing from its Royal origins to Lester Piggott, Frankie Dettori and other modern heroes. Highlights include: the head of Persimmon, a great Royal Derby winner in 1896; the skeleton of Hyperion; a special display about Fred Archer, the late Victorian jockey regarded as one of the greatest of all time; and the colourful jackets of 'Prince Monolulu', the 1950's tipster.
The National Stud
Location: Newmarket
The National Stud is the showcase for British Thoroughbred breeding. It comprises over 500 acres of prime pastureland on the edge of Newmarket, headquarters of racing in the UK. Its facilities include accommodation for eight stallions and up to 200 mares in nine separate yards.
Orford Castle
Location: Orford
The small Suffolk town of Orford at the time of the Domesday book was only a small hamlet. Less than one hundred years later it was transformed by Henry II into a busy port with a magnificent castle to guard it. Work begun on the castle at Orford in 1165 and Henry also drained the marshes around the area which in turn utilised the coastal geography, turning Orford into a newer sheltered port.
Museum of East Anglian Life
Location: Stowmarket
Discover the history and natural world of East Anglia on our beautiful 75 acre site - explore nearly 3km of woodland and riverside nature trails. Learn about fascinating East Anglian crafts and traditional Gypsy culture, get steamed up with our powerful engines and meet our friendly animals including Major, our Suffolk Punch Horse and rare breeds of cattle and sheep. Discover 15 splendidly restored historic buildings and try some delicious food and local produce in the new museum bistro.
Melford Hall
Location: Sudbury
At first sight, the thrusting turrrets of Melford Hall look very much as they did when Elizabeth I visited with her 2,000 courtiers in 1578. Inside the Hall, there is a fine panelled banqueting hall, as well as Regency, Georgian and Victorian rooms charting the tastes of the Hyde Parkers – who have lived here since 1786. The house is filled with reminders of the family's history and, as they were a naval family, this includes fine nautical paintings and even plunder looted from a Spanish ship in 1762. As well as being one of the earliest country houses in Britain to have central heating, Melford also boasts a family connection with Beatrix Potter, who sketched here on her visits, and the house is home to the original Jemima Puddleduck doll. Outside, a rare and beautiful 17th-century banqueting house, probably built by the Savage family, sits in Edwardian-style gardens that are surrounded by the remains of an ancient deer park, forming 52 hectares (130 acres) of parkland.
Henry Watson Potteries
Location: Wattisfield
Since 1800 Henry Watson's Potteries have established an enviable reputation for producing well-crafted, innovative products that continue to compliment both traditional and contemporary kitchen styles.
The collections available are 'Charlotte Watson's Country Collection' in Cream or Black. The 'Original Suffolk Collection' is available in Terra cotta or two funky glaze colours of Butter Milk & Green. Most products are gift boxed, very collectable and well designed by the renowned Queensberry Hunt Partnership in London.
Framlingham Castle
Location:
Nr. Woodbridge
The superb castle at Framlingham is managed by English Heritage and looks from the outside almost exactly as it did when it was built over 700 years ago. The continuious curtain wall linking 13 towers can be climbed and walked giving excellent views of the surrounding countryside and town of Framlingham. The castle lies to the north of the town, beyond the parish church which contains some fine tombs of the Norfolk family.
The curtain wall is in excellent condition, but nothing remains inside of the original buildings, only the poor House and outbuildings. There is a small carpark at the entrance to the castle which is usually good for a few hours, but at busy periods during the summer or during special events, an alternative can be found a short distance away in the town. The town is a delight with many interesting shops and the church lies at the head and should not be missed.
Sutton Hoo
Location: Nr. Woodbridge
Sutton Hoois a group of seventeen burial mounds from the 6th-7th century, overlooking the River Deben and the town of Woodbridge in Suffolk.
The National Trust took over the site in 2002, and aim to promote, protect and preserve this unique place. There are guided tours of the burial site available.
www.suttonhoo.org