Hunstanton, Norfolk "sun can be seen to set over the sea"

Hunstanton, and known colloquially as 'Sunny Hunny', is a seaside town (population 4961) in Norfolk, England, facing The Wash.

The description of Hunstanton as an "east coast" town makes it unique as the only east coast seaside resort in England where the sun can be seen to set over the sea.

Blickling Hall (National Trust)

Built in the early 17th century and one of England’s great Jacobean houses, Blickling is famed for its spectacular long gallery, superb plasterwork ceilings and fine collections of furniture, pictures, books and tapestries.

The gardens are full of colour throughout the year and the extensive parkland features a lake and a series of beautiful woodland and lakeside walks.


BeWILDerwood

BeWILDerwood is a huge forest of wild and imaginative adventure park with magical treehouses and characters, bringing a curious difference to the Norfolk Broads.

Not only will you be able to find the regular wildlife of squirrels, rabbits and hedgehogs but also creatures such as Boggles, Twiggles, the Thornyclod Spider and vegetarian Crocklebogs!

An accompanying book, A Boggle at BeWILDerwood, gives children the chance to follow in the footsteps of the lead character Swampy, a 2ft Marsh Boggle with a taste for adventure.

BeWILDerwood features fantasy treehouses and aerial walkways through pine, fir, oak and sweet chestnut trees above unspoilt Norfolk Marshland.

High in the trees there are also miniature Twiggle villages. Attractions include the Broken Bridge where you have to walk over invisible glass 7 metres above the ground, the Wobbly Wires, a daring zip wire slide and the Slippery Slopes, not for the faint hearted. Entry to the park is by boat through the marshes, adding to the sense of fantasy and adventure.

Bircham Windmill

Standing in the heart of Norfolk's undulating fields, Bircham Windmill now looks as it did over 100 years ago. At that time over 300 mills ground corn for horse and cattle feed and bread-making in Norfolk. Today, very few windmills are left, and 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. Many items of interest are on the ground floor for visitors to see and, when possible on windy days, the sails turn the milling machinery inside and visitors can climb the five floors of this fully restored windmill and take a loaf home from our onsite bakery.

Our tea rooms serves cream-teas, home-made cakes, light-lunches and coffee. You can hire a bike, or take a walk round nearby lanes. A wonderful day out for all the family.


Broads Tours

Join us for a scheduled river cruise from our Wroxham or Potter Heigham boat yards. All trips include an informative commentary, light refreshments and toilet facilities. Licensed bar on Wroxham boats. For the independent explorer, why not hire a self-drive day launch.

Trip Boats

Relax and enjoy the commentary as you cruise the beautiful Norfolk Broads on board one of our luxury double decker passenger trip boats.

On all of our Trip Boats you will find light refreshments and toilet facilities and a licensed bar on all boats operating from Wroxham.

For our timetable of scheduled trips please look at our website or telephone 01603 782207.

Prices range from £6.50 for adults and £5.00 for children. All under 5’s travel free


Spend an evening dancing on the Broads

Come for an evening cruise on one of our luxury double-decker passenger boats. Relax with a drink from our well stocked bar, enjoy the beautiful scenery and tap your toes to the sound of the beat.

Boogie Nights – Wednesday evenings from 1st July to 26th August. Boogie, jive to the dance sounds of the last four decades.

Jazz Nights on the Broads – Thursday evenings from 4th June to 30th July. Tap your toes to the traditional sounds of the Climax Jazz Band.

Evening Music trips board at 7:30pm, depart at 7:45pm and return to Wroxham at 10:15pm
Tickets £11.00 Booking essential telephone 01603 782207.

Norfolk Lavender

Caley Mill at Heacham is home to "England's Premier Lavender Farm" and the site of a national collection of Lavenders. Guided tours take place regularly from May to August. Groups welcome - details on request. Lavender and Gift Shop, Millers tea room offering hot meals, cream teas and snacks, Lavender and Herb Gardens and our Fragrant Meadow complete your visit. Free Entry & Parking.

Cathedral of St John the Baptist

The Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist was a gift to the city of Norwich of Henry Fitzalan-Howard, 15th Duke in Norfolk. He chose the Early English style of Gothic architecture for this church as there was no example of this style among the city's many beautiful medieval churches. For many decades it was the largest parish church in the country, before being created the cathedral of the new Diocese of East Anglia in 1976. It has a wealth of Frosterley marble and much exquisite stone carving. However, its glory is its stained glass, reputed to be some of the finest of its period in Europe.

Extreeme Adventure


Extreeme Adventure is a high ropes course set in the beautiful New Wood, part of the Wesaenham Woods, Norfolk, amongst some of the tallest trees in Eastern England. Hours of adrenaline rushing fun for all the family over 10 years of age which takes aerial trekking to new extremes. Swing, climb and jump at 20ft or 40ft for the more adventurous! High up in the trees there are over 20 different elements to conquer. In addition there is a 3G swing, a 85ft fan descender jump and a 1,000ft zip wire, both respectively thought to be Britain's highest and longest!

Narborough Trout & Coarse Lakes

Open every day except Christmas Day, Boxing Day New Year's Eve and New Year's Day. The site offers 27 acres of lakes and water meadow situated in the beautiful Nar valley. The fishery, part of a working Trout Farm, has lakes fed by the pure waters of the River Nar, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) because of the water quality. The site comprises three fly lakes, a stream for fly or float fishing for trout, and one well stocked Specimen Coarse lake, in which the fish are sustained in top class condition by the environment and abundance of natural food. While providing ideal fishing the site also boasts grassy wooded and areas adding to the beauty of the surroundings and providing a natural habitat for a variety of wild life.

From beginners to experienced Anglers of all ages there is relaxation and challenging sport. In addition there is a Nature Walk, along the Mill stream to the Trout farm, where visitors can feed the fish and relax in peaceful surroundings. Please ring before coming to check that the nature walk is available. The site, family owned and run, offers Car Parks, Toilets, disabled access, Picnic Tables, snacks and drinks and bookable educational tours. Tuition is also available but must be pre-booked. The shop carries a comprehensive stock of Tackle and Accessories for sale plus kit hire. Rod licences are sold on site. Junior courses are run periodically by the Salmon & Trout Association. Our shop sells our own fresh and smoked Trout, Trout Fillets and our 'Great Taste Gold Award' Smoked Trout Pate, Smoked Duck and Chicken Breasts, all prepared freshly on site.

Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens

The Natural Centre of Norfolk, an award winning must-visit attraction for all those who love nature, wildlife and the outdoors. Children love feeding the birds, pond dipping, completing their very own nature quiz and discovering mini-beasts in the Bug Walk before letting off steam in the adventure play area. There is plenty for all the family; the red squirrels, walking with birds in the huge free-flight aviaries or exploring the nature trails around seven beautiful lakes where you can spot some of the hundreds of wild bird species.

See parts of Pensthorpe normally off-limits on the Wensum Discovery Tour, an exciting guided nature expedition that takes in the beauty and importance of conservation while listening to tales of times gone by when woolly mammoths once roamed the land. Get even closer to nature in one of the purpose built bird hides; you can always borrow a pair of binoculars for a more enjoyable birdwatching experience. Find out more about the ongoing conservation work of the Pensthorpe Conservation Trust by visiting the Pensthorpe Conservation Centre, where you can see eight of the world's sixteen crane species, many of which are endangered. While you're there, don't miss the flock of greater flamingos.

Lose yourself in the stunning gardens at Pensthorpe, both designed by Chelsea Flower Show gold medallists. The Millennium Garden is a summer and autumn spectacular full of perennials and grasses designed by Piet Oudolf, and the Wave Garden is a serene woodland garden with year round structure and interest designed by Julie Toll.

Visit the new and improved Courtyard Café which serves delicious home-cooked meals using ingredients that are locally sourced, then browse the Gift Shop which is always a delight selling everything from gift cards to candelabras.

Pensthorpe organises and hosts many events and workshops throughout the year so get in touch or see the website to find out more.

RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
The RAF Air Defence Radar Museum, situated at RAF Neatishead, was opened in October 1994. The museum, a registered charity, traces the fascinating history and development of Air Defence Radar during the period 1935 to 1993 including, WWII Operations at home and overseas, Surface to Air Missiles, Radar Engineering, Communications & Radar Systems, Air Intelligence Photography and even Space Surveillance and Defence!

Housed in the original Operations Building at Royal Air Force Neatishead near Horning in Norfolk, current features include:
* Battle of Britain Operations: An accurate recreation of a 1942 GCI operations Room. The original "Cold War" Ops room used until 1993.
* WWII ROC field post.
* The largest permanent display of original Unit and Station badges.
* ROC Air Defence model aircraft collection originally housed in Bentley Priory.

The museum also holds a large quantity of photographs, documents and videos relating to Air Defence equipment and procedures which can be made available to individuals for research purposes.

Unfortunately, as the Museum is housed within an old Operations Room environment, there are a number of steep stairways and narrow steps which means that there is limited wheelchair access.

New for 2007, the RAF Coltishall Memorial Rooms; featuring the history of this famous Battle of Britain Station which closed in 2006.

CitySightseeing - Sightseeing Tours of Norwich



Discover Norwich aboard the CitySightseeing open top bus. This fantastic sightseeing tour operates as a hop on, hop off service at 9 stops near to the main attractions and the railway and bus stations.

Find out about the city from the on board commentary. Tickets valid 24 hours. Starts outside Theatre Royal on Theatre Street at 0945 runs hourly until 1545pm.

This very popular sightseeing tour is a must for all visitors and locals alike!

Operates: April - October


Sandringham House, Museum & Gardens

The House
Built in 1870 by the Prince & Princess of Wales, later King Edward VII & Queen Alexandra, Sandringham was once described as 'The most comfortable house in England'. It has been passed down as a private home through four generations of British monarchs & is now the country retreat of Her Majesty The Queen & His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh.

The main ground floor rooms, regularly used by the Royal Family, are open to the public & the decor & contents remain very much as they were in Edwardian times. Both Queen Alexandra & later Queen Mary were great collectors of objets d'art hence the profusion of porcelain, jade & crystal oriental figures. Sandringham is a friendly & informal place to visit with knowledgeable guides in every room ready to talk to visitors. For wheelchair-users, it is totally accessible & for blind or partially-sighted visitors, the guides will bring objects to touch.

Museum
As early as 1928, King George V had created his own private museum of big game trophies in rooms attached to the stable block. Around the time of HM The Queen's Silver Jubilee in 1977, the remaining stables, coach houses & old powerhouse were converted to house a varied & ever-growing collection of objects. Pride of place goes to the vintage Royal motor vehicles ranging from the first motor car owned by a member of the British monarchy, a 1900 Daimler phaeton to the splendid 1939 Merryweather Fire Engine which was used by the Estate's own Fire Brigade. Photographs depicting Royal life at Sandringham from 1863 to the 1960’s give a fascinating insight into the history of the Estate. Social history of Sandringham is explored in a room devoted to Queen Mary's Carving School & the village school Curio cupboard filled with curiosities brought back by King Edward VII & King George V from all over the world. The tragic story of the Sandringham Company of the 5th Norfolk Regiment, many of whom died at Gallipoli along with the Land Agent, Frank Beck, is portrayed in a special exhibition room.

In the courtyard outside is a comfortable tea-room converted from an old stable, just right for a rest after all that history.

Country Park
600 acres of The Queen's private Estate at Sandringham is designated as a Country Park & is available for visitors to enjoy. There are two waymarked Nature Trails; one being 1½ & the other 2½ miles long. There is no charge to enjoy the Country Park, which is open, every day to the public & car parking is free.

Visitor Centre
Set in the woodland of the Country Park, the Visitor Centre was developed to provide excellent facilities for visitors year round & the timber buildings are designed to blend into the landscape.
* 200 seat air-conditioned self-service restaurant.
* 50 seat terrace restaurant.
* Plant Centre selling houseplants, shrubs & other items.
* Gift Shop specialising in British made goods & exclusive Sandringham souvenirs.
* Tractor & trailer tours of the Country Park from April to October. * Free car & coach parking.

Thursford Collection

There is also the Behind the Scenes tours which take in the cast dressing rooms, the costume stores, Fantasy Land, our recreation of George Cushing's engine yard and the old forge. It was George Cushing's love of Steam Engines and the despair of watching them being scrapped and cut up that led to the beginnings of the Thursford collection. George once said "To me it was as though the crown jewels were bring sold for scrap, and pebbles were worth more than diamonds. It seemed that the world had been turned inside out, and I would have bought them with my last pennies if I had had to!”. And buy them he did, over the years, until his big shed and yard behind his home at Laurel Farm were full of disused engines. In 1959 George bought a huge Marenghi mechanical organ, which he brought over from Ireland. When the Gondola roundabout arrived in 1978, it was so large that a very big extension had to be built, both to house it and to give visitors enough space to stand back and look at it. In 1976 the great Wurlitzer arrived and another extension was needed to cope with its 1339 pipes. At the end of 1976, a Trust was formed, which came into operation on 1st January 1977. Its role is to ensure that the steam engines and organs are permanently preserved.

Come to Thursford Collection, you will have a fantastic day out full of lights, music and nostalgia - as an extra bonus, you will be helping to ensure that the steam age is forever remembered in Britain and your children will have a superb memory to pass down to their children.

Wroxham Barns
Our beautiful converted barns are home to beautiful and interesting crafts, tempting shops and welcoming tea-rooms. The resident craftsmen will create unique items before your eyes and are always happy to talk to you about their work. From pottery to stained glass, from quilts to traditionally pressed cider you are sure to find something to catch your eye.

Merrivale Model Village
Merrivale Model Village is one of Great Yarmouth’s best loved family attractions set in an acre of award winning landscaped gardens with streams, lake and waterfalls.

Sit for a while, escape the hustle and bustle while you watch the Merrivale Railway go by and wonder at the models. 2009 see even more new models including The New Bell Pub, the new Quarry house, and some new houses and bungalows. See the Old Penny Arcade - which has proven so popular that many people come back time after time to hear the "laughing sailor" and see "what the butler saw". Also don’t forget the Merrivale Tea Room which has become a firm favourite on the golden mile.

Muckleburgh Collection

Collection The Muckleburgh Collection has been so named after Muckleburgh Hill at the foot of which the former Weybourne Military Camp is situated. Weybourne has always been a base for the repulse of invasion from the early days of the Spanish Armada in 1588. There is a sixteenth century saying “He who would Old England win must at Weybourne Hope begin” reflecting the ease of landing because of the deep shore water. In 1914 the area became front-line defence with the billeting of troops, and the building of pill-boxes, gun emplacements and trenches. The site became an anti-aircraft artillery base in 1936 and remained in use until the last of some 1.5 million shells was fired on 2nd October 1958. Sir Winston Churchill and The Princess Royal, Princess Mary were amongst the many important visitors to the camp during the Second World War. To-day the RAF still maintains a radar station within the area and some of the gun emplacements remain although they are not open to visitors.

In 1986, work began to demolish nearly 200 old buildings which were beyond repair and 45,000 tons of rubble was removed to make way for the Collection which was opened in 1988 by Berry and Michael Savory. The heart of the present museum is the NAAFI building which underwent several years of restoration and enlargement. Across the meadow, in front of the main building, is the storage compound. This remains virtually as it was in 1948 and is now used as workshops and for storage of equipment awaiting restoration. One of these buildings also houses a large collection of operational radios maintained by the North Norfolk Radio Group. The airfield continues to be used by civilian aircraft and the Kelling Model Flying Club.

When first opened the museum consisted of a few exhibits and a small room describing the camp history. The Collection has since grown to 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. Most of The Collection's vehicles have undergone restoration to ensure they are kept in working order. Other fine exhibits include historic memorabilia from The Suffolk and Norfolk Yeomanry, RAF Reconnaissance, Air Sea Rescue and Marine Craft, and a unique collection of naval and civilian ship models.

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.

Africa Alive!

Take your family on a walking safari at one of the UK’s largest and most exciting wildlife attractions, set in 80 acres of dramatic coastal parkland.
Explore the sights and sounds of Africa and discover, giraffes, rhinos, cheetahs, hyaenas and hundreds more African animals and birds. Enjoy a bird’s–eye view of the fabulous Lion enclosure “Kingdom of the Lion & Lookout Lodge"", see the ""Plains of Africa"" an awe-inspiring recreation of the African savannah, where the animals of the plains room freely together as they would in the wild. There are plenty of daily animal feeding talks and animal encounter sessions, magnificent Bird of Prey display and Climb aboard for a FREE journey around the Park with a live commentary on some of the animals you will meet. The park offers a great adventure play area, Discovery centre as well as restaurants, snack shacks, free car parking, disable facilities and a gift shop were you can stock up on cards and find presents and gifts for everyone including yourself.

Alby Crafts and Garden

Alby Crafts is a unique collection of individual businesses working in beautifully restored farm buildings and surrounded by four acres of outstanding gardens and ponds. Established for over 25 years the centre features both traditional and contemporary crafts, Affinity Arts Gallery, a gift shop and tearoom.

Current businesses include a sculptor, a painter and weaver, silversmith and jeweller, picture framer, needlecrafts, furniture makers, wood turner and stained glass maker. The tearoom serves morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea.

Pre-booked groups very welcome. Regular special events during the summer.

The garden was created after the great storm of 1987. The plantings are the result of a lifetime of collecting by Valerie Alston. The garden provides colour for all seasons.

Norwich Cathedral

Norwich's magnificent Romanesque Cathedral is open all day to visitors of all faiths and none. Set in beautiful grounds it is an awe-inspiring and welcoming building. With spectacular architecture, magnificent art and a fascinating history it is well worth a visit.

It is one of the finest complete romanesque cathedrals in Europe, with the second tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England. It houses more than a thousand beautiful medieval roof boss sculptures.

There is also a licensed restaurant beside the cloisters, housed within a striking modern building that has won numerous design and architecture awards.

The Cathedral hosts a wide variety of orchestral concerts, choral concerts, jazz ensembles and lectures.

Disabled access. Tours and activities all year. Admission free. Open daily 7.30am-6pm.

Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary

Come and see our Heavy Horses, Ponies and Donkeys, also Sheep, Pigs, Rabbits, Ducks, Hens, Goats and many more rescued animals in their home in the beautiful North Norfolk countryside, located between Cromer and Sheringham in West Runton, just off the A149.

Visit our Museum and relive the farming days of yesteryear surrounded by our extensive Collection of Carts, Wagons and Farm Machinery.

Lots of space for Children to play in our Activity Areas. Try ‘Animal Friendly’ refreshments in the Cafe and take home a souvenir from the Gift Shop to remind you of your visit. You may even ’adopt’ a rescued animal!


AmazonaZOO
AmazonaZOO has taken 2 years to emerge from 10 acres of derelict woodland and the abandoned brick kilns just to the south of Cromer town. We are now home to a wide range of animals from Tropical South America including Jaguar, Otters, Spider Monkeys and Flamingos. All the animals have arrived through the generosity of other British Zoological Gardens; None are imported from the wild.

Benefitting from Cromer's favourable sunshine and low rainfall the grounds of the new zoo offer the animals and visitors a relaxed and pleasant environment. AmazonaZOO will join the other 84 members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria in their concerted efforts in education, research and conservation, and we are already supporting urgent amphibian conservation work in South America.

Cromer Pavilion Theatre

Cromer Pier is famous for many things, not least of which its Victorian architecture, glorious views of the coastline and town and a warm friendly welcome.

Cromer Pier was built in the late Victorian era, although a pier has stood on the same spot since the 14th Century. In 2004 the pier and theatre under went a £2.2 million refurbishment programme The elegant Victorian architecture and style have been preserved ­ but the facilities for visitors and theatre patrons were much improved.

The Pavilion Theatre is best known for is summer season show ŒSeaside Special¹ one the last traditional Œend of the pier¹ variety shows in the country. 23rd June - 22nd September. Now in its 30th year and still as popular as ever Seaside Special plays to packed house throughout the season. Of course the theatre has much more to offer patrons than its summer season show there are a whole host of concerts and shows from April until November this year featuring famous names like Cannon and Ball. Vince Hill, Chas and Dave and tribute bands including Magic a kind of Queen, That¹ll Be The Day and the Karpenters. The Magic of Ireland, The Manfreds, Marty Wilde, the Kings of Swing, and the Barron Knights are just a few more of the many concerts and shows that make the Pavilion Theatre one of the best entertainment venues in North Norfolk.

Church Street Gallery


Housed in a listed building typical of Cromer's Victorian heritage, the gallery provides an attractive display for the work of artists from around the country.

The predominant theme celebrates landscape, countryside and the "Sense of Place" that inspires so many artists in the materials they use and the images they present.

Work includes ceramics, wood and metal sculpture, glass, jewellery, paintings, original hand-produced prints, etchings and collagraphs.
Cromer Museum

Step inside this cosy Victorian fisherman’s cottage and imagine what it was like to live in Cromer at the end of the 19th century.

Browse in the Old Cromer Gallery with its huge archive of historic photographs and illustrations of the town. Discover Cromer’s history as a Victorian seaside resort with its fine hotels and scandalous mixed bathing.

Visit the Geology Gallery and see an amazing collection of fossils – all found in Norfolk. Enjoy fascinating displays revealing why Cromer is renowned as a geological area of international importance.

Find out about the famous West Runton elephant, Britain’s oldest and most complete elephant fossil and see some of its actual bones. Marvel at a cast of the skull of a mosasaur – a huge marine reptile common off the North Norfolk coast over 80 million years ago.

North Norfolk's Poppy Line

North Norfolk's Poppy Line from the seaside resort of Sheringham to the Georgian market town of Holt is one of Britains most scenic heritage railways.

From the beautifully original Victorian station at Sheringham, the former Midland & Great Northern Joint Railway line runs along the coast to Weybourne, with wonderful views across the cliffs to the sea. As Weybourne windmill comes in sight, the line turns inland to the station another perfect Victorian gem, which in true rural railway tradition is around a mile from the village it serves. From the train there is an unforgettable panorama of fields and woods running down to the sea, framed by the squat tower of Weybourne church and the mill on the higher ground above it. Weybourne station is big for what is little more than a rural halt. It was built in anticipation of a resort development that never happened: the 5-storied Springs Hotel opposite the station opened in 1910, furnished throughout by Maples of London, but the tourists never came, and the hotel was demolished.

Norfolk coastline

It’s incredibly peaceful here. Even on busy days many of Norfolk’s beaches have empty hideaways where you feel you have the place to yourself. You can hear the squeals of children in the distance, their laughter carried along on the gentle breeze, yet it all seems so far away, and your eyelids grow heavy as the sun warms your skin and you drift in and out of a summer’s snooze.

With miles and miles of wide sandy beaches, unspoilt Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty and some of the best nature reserves in the country (including Titchwell, Snettisham and Cley), it’s easy to see why artists and writers have flocked to the Norfolk coast for years.

The Norfolk coast is a place to do as much or as little as you like. Try your hand at windsurfing, sailing or kiting. The Norfolk coastline is invigorating and with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face you’ll feel the adrenalin rush. Or head out to Blakeney or Morston and hop into a boat to see the seals. Dozens of them. Sunning themselves on the sand banks as happy as the day is long. What a great sight!

Or simply get out and explore. The Norfolk coast is a wonderful area for walking or cycling with a gentle undulating landscape, pretty coastal villages, crumb

Houghton Hall is a fine Palladian mansion set in beautiful parkland. The house was built in the 18th century for Sir Robert Walpole, Prime Minister to George I and George II. Walpole came from an old Norfolk family.

Houghton today is the centre of a thriving estate, reflecting the ups and downs of nearly 300 years of history.

The Houghton restaurant serves light lunches and delicious home-made cakes. The shop offers a wide variety of goods including linens, china, books and jewellery, many from international sources.

The Soldier Museum - The 6th Marquess started collecting model soldiers as a schoolboy. He was fascinated by the campaigns of the Napoleonic period, and had great knowledge of the various battle and parade formations, and of regimental uniforms.