Holidays in Norfolk

What to do in Norfolk

From beaches to broads, cities to seascapes, there is an almost endless list of discoveries to be made in Norfolk. Whether you stay for a weekend or two weeks, you'll find an array of activities to trial, sights to see, and fascinating places to explore!

Norfolk holidays are ideal for weekend breaks or longer stays. Whether you're looking for dog friendly holidays in Norfolk or hot tub holidays in Norfolk, our self catering cabins at Thorpe Forest, near the Suffolk border, are the perfect choice.

Where to go in Norfolk

The possibilities are endless on your holiday in Norfolk; whether you're looking for adventure, or simply a chance to wind down, Norfolk is the perfect place for your escape to the forest. With so much to see and do, we have listed our top 10 places to go in Norfolk:

1. Bury St. Edmunds
2. Burgh Castle
3. Castle Acre
4. Sandringham Estate
5. Great Yarmouth
6. Wells-next-the-Sea
7. Banham Zoo
8. High Lodge
9. Go Ape
10. BeWILDerwood

There’s nowhere quite like Norfolk

Wherever your interests lie, there’s something for everyone to enjoy when you visit Norfolk. Make the one hour drive from Thorpe Forest to Bury St. Edmunds to find a town steeped in rich history, where medieval buildings greet you at every turn.

For a little mystery, we recommend the roman fort at Burgh Castle, a fascinating stop-off during a day trip to Great Yarmouth. If you’re looking to make a royal connection, the ruins of Castle Acre or the Sandringham Estate are both close to nearby King’s Lynn.

Discover 90 miles of coast

With the nearest beach just over one hour away from Thorpe Forest, and so many miles of coast to explore, there’s no reason why a Forest Holiday can’t also be a seaside holiday! Our top three picks for beach-goers have to be Great Yarmouth, Wells-next-the-Sea, and Horsey; each offering something different and each a fantastic choice for a day at the beach.

Take a walk on the wild side

What do 2,000 of the world’s animals, a dinosaur, and a rare breeds centre have in common? They’re all in Norfolk!

See daily feeding displays, fascinating primates, exotic birds, and much more at Banham Zoo – with 50 acres full of animals, there’s plenty to keep the whole family entertained. If you feel like a trip back in time, make the 45-minute journey from Thorpe Forest to Dinosaur Adventure, an award-winning attraction.

If the thought of making friends with a wide variety of farm animals appeals, the Church Farm Rare Breeds Centre in Stow Bardolph is somewhere you’ll never want to leave!

So no-one feels left out

Getting back to nature with your family has never been so much fun! Adventure or exploration, there are a number of places for you to choose from in Norfolk. Some of our favourites include High Lodge and Go Ape in Thetford Forest, BeWILDerwood, and Blackdyke Fishery.

Best beaches for dog walking in Norfolk

Norfolk is renowned for being one of the most pet-friendly locations in the UK. With white sandy beaches, offering the perfect space for dogs and their responsible owners all year round. Many of the beaches in Norfolk are best to visit at low-tide so ensure you check time tides before you embark on your walk. With a number of dog-friendly beaches, here's our top 10 that everyone, including the dog can enjoy:

1. Brancaster
   With miles of unspoilt sand and shallow water Brancaster beach is the perfect place for your dog to splash around on their walk.
2. Happisburgh
   Rich in history, Happisburgh is situated on Norfolk's Deep History Coast offering miles of coastal paths to walk and footpaths in the surrounding area.
3. Heacham
   Divided into two sections, Heacham South benefits from sandy dunes, whilst Heacham North has a promenade - a great walk for you and your dog. 
4. Holkham
   With miles of white-gold sand, pretty seashells to collect and pine woods to explore, Holkham beach is one of Norfolk's hidden gems. Park at the end of Lady Anne's Drive, walk along the footpath through the woods until you reach the sandy beach. 
5. Mundesley
   Best visited at low tide, his sandy beach is accessible from walkways down from the cliffs surrounding it.
6. Old Hunstanton
   With an expanse of golden sand, backed by sand dunes and stripey cliffs Old Hunstanton Beach is a popular choice. 
7. Great Yarmouth North
   Whilst dogs are not allowed on the central part of the beach, they are welcome on the north beach. Offering wonderful sand dunes and wide stretches of white sand Great Yarmouth North is the nicest of the the three beaches at Great Yarmouth. 
8. Thornham
   Walk along the raised embankment, which leads down to a a sandy beach. Beware of the birds who nest in the sand dunes during nesting season.
9. Titchwell
   Backed by low sand dunes Titchwell is home to a expanse of beautiful beach. At low tide, this already quiet beach can feel deserted as the sand extends for miles in every direction.
10. Wells-next-the-Sea
    One of the most picturesque beaches, Wells-next-the-Sea features an array of multi-coloured beach huts. With a dog free zone in operation for the first 200 yards of this beach, owners are advised to enter from the pinewoods entrances.