Norfolk is jam-packed with seasonal events, and summer (despite the weather) is the time to discover some very special places here, if you haven’t already. We’ve put together a few of our favourites, with some that you might not have come across before. So, grab your wellies – and your shorts – and head to any one of these gorgeous places for a great day out. Just don’t forget to come and tell us all about it!
Horsey Windpump, Great Yarmouth
A Grade II listed building, the iconic Windpump was unused for 75 years and is now in working order, with sails and winding cap. Panoramic views of the mere and surrounding famous Broadland landscape, this is a great spot to see the coast and broads meet. £7 / Children £3.50
City of Norwich Aviation Museum, Norwich
With 30 aircraft, cockpit sections and exhibits, this is a must visit for those who love planes. Collections include Royal Air Force 100, USA Army 8th Force, and there are regular tours operated by groups of volunteers*.
Adults £9 Concession £7 Children under 8 go free / Family tickets £25
*Avro Vulcan Bomber, Hawker Siddeley Nimrod, Avro RJ85, Fokker Friendship F27, Handley Page Herald tours subject to volunteer availability and weather conditions
Catch the Lady Ann from Staithe where you can take a leisurely boat trip over Horsey broads and marvel at the diversity of our Norfolk landscape. See marsh harriers, cranes, bitterns, and many of our more common bird species. The rare swallowtail butterfly can be seen on warmer summer days.
One hour Wildlife Boat Trips leaving from Horsey Staithe…
Times: 0945 hrs; 1100 hrs; 1215 hrs; 1400 hrs; 1515 hrs. 7 days a week
£10 / under 16 £8
This is the oldest purpose-built museum in Norfolk with the finest seashell collection in the whole of the UK. Admire thousands of beautiful shells, fossils, birds’ eggs and pottery as well as fascinating archaeological finds. Glandford is nestled alongside the river Glaven, where there are stunning walks nearby and Bayfield Hall.
Open Thursday to Saturday April – July 10-3, £4 / Children £1
Love creepy crawlies? Look no further than Lenwade’s Bug Parc, where you can handle live invertebrates and learn all about your favourite tiny critters or larger more infamous ones like scorpions and tarantulas. There are over 200 species here, so you’re bound to learn and enjoy plenty of bug action.
Adults £11.95 Children £9.95
The Norfolk Motorbike Museum, North Walsham
Launched over a quarter of a century ago by bike enthusiast George Harmer who with his son Steve began collecting motorbikes from the1900 – 1980s. The museum houses over 150 vintage bikes, and if you’re in the market for a vintage bike yourself you can get it restored here.
Hunstanton Carnival 23rd June 11-5pm
Expect the full procession and a huge programme of entertainment, on dispay throughout the town. Morris Dancers, bike displays, pipers, keep fit, singers, raffles and a dressing up parade. Fun for all the family.
Sandringham Horse Trials 28 – 30 June
Set up by the late Duke of Edinburgh, HRH Prince Philip this is the national carriage driving event, and this year sees the trials welcoming Horse Driving Trials (National, Club, Gateway and VSE classes), the Coaching Club, CIAT Attelage d’Tradition and Scurry Driving across an action packed 3 days. Prices on booking.