50 Things to do in Norfolk
We love our county, whether you’re in Norfolk for a romantic weekend, a summer holiday, a winter break or a work trip, from the broads to the coast and the vibrant city there’s so much to do and see.
The Dial House is perfectly placed in the heart of the countryside, just 30 minutes from Norwich, and a short drive to the coast, it’s no wonder people keep coming back.
So whether you’re a Norfolk newbie or a regular returnee, we’ve put together a list of 50 (or so) things to do in Norfolk, just browse below to choose your own adventure!
And if you have mans best friend with you, check out our guide for dog friendly places to stay in Norfolk.
Our Top 5 things to do in Norfolk
We’ve lived here for most of our lives, and now we’re bringing the kids up in Norfolk, we’ve got so many things we love to do. This countryside is deceptive – you think it’s quiet, but hang about for a bit and a local will tell you the next best foodie place that’s just opened, a festival that’s happening, or the best place to catch the sunset over the water. So here’s our latest top 5 for you!
- Go for a winter walk on Marriott’s Way and end with a cosy pub lunch at the Kings Arms, Reepham.
- Take a bracing swim in the sea at Cromer, a classic North Norfolk seaside town with a beautifully preserved pier. Reward yourself with fish and chips by the sea.
- Enjoy a varied circular walk between Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea, taking in sandy beaches, pine forests and marshes.
- Rent a kayak and go for a paddle in the Norfolk Broads
- Drive into Norwich to visit our medieval city. Explore a wealth of independent shops in The Lanes, wander the riverside walk and sample one of the many pubs or restaurants.
Where to eat and drink near The Dial House
Kings Arms, Reepham
Walk across the marketplace to our charming local 16th-century pub and restaurant.
All Day Brewing Company, Salle
20 minute walk from The Dial House to a rustic taproom and courtyard kitchen on Salle Moor Hall Farm. The beer is brewed with hops grown in their very own hop garden on site. Refer to their Instagram page for their latest food offering. The farm has a visitor’s car park, cycle routes and public footpaths. Dog friendly.
Heydon Village Tea Shop, Heydon
A 10 minute drive from Reepham to a traditional tea shop selling homemade lunches and cakes. It overlooks a well-kept village green.
Buckinghamshire Arms, Aylsham
A 15 minute drive to a traditional 17th century pub and former coaching inn located next to the National Trust Blickling Estate. Serving real ales and great food, with a large dog-friendly garden.
The Black Boys Hotel, Aylsham
15 minute drive to a popular pub, bar and restaurant in a Grade II listed building in the centre of the historic market town of Aylsham.
The Blind Pig, Aylsham
15 minute drive to a bistro and wine bar serving small seasonal plates.
The Pigs, Edgefield
20 minutes drive to a pub near Holt in North Norfolk serving a seasonal and classic menu, with an indoor and outdoor play area.
The Brisley Bell
20 minute drive to a cosy country pub in the heart of Norfolk catering for pub lovers and foodies alike.
The Gunton Arms,Thorpe Market
30 minute drive to a beautiful traditional pub in an extensive historic deer park, near Cromer in North Norfolk. The restaurant uses local and seasonal produce. Venison from the deerpark is cooked over a large open fire.
What can I do?
Marriotts Way
about Marriotts Way
Marriotts Way is a 26 mile footpath, bridleway and cycle route which follows the routes of two disused railway lines, running between Aylsham and Norwich. The footpath can be accessed from 2 local cafes:
- Reepham Station Cafe facebook.com/Reephamstation 10 minute walk from The Dial House
- Whitwell and Reepham Railway Station whitwellstation.com 20 minute walk from The Dial House and a good option for railway
enthusiasts and families.
Stimpson’s Piece
2-minute walk to our local park and woodland for dog walks, play area, and tennis courts.
Whitwell Common
5-minute drive to a hidden gem full of rare flora and fauna, designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).
Heydon Village
10-minute drive to a picturesque village centered on a traditional village green, offering a pub, tearoom, bakery, florist, antiques, and beauty salon.
Blickling National Trust Estate
Blickling National Trust Estate
20-minute drive to explore a Jacobean mansion set in 55 acres of formal garden. The extensive woodland and parkland are packed with walking trails, including a 4-mile multi-use trail around the perimeter – perfect for walkers, pushchairs, wheelchair users, and cyclists.
Sheringham Park
30-minute drive to a Repton landscape park and woodland garden with miles of stunning coastal views.
Felbrigg National Trust Estate
Felbrigg National Trust Estate
35-minute drive to a welcoming 17th-century hall with a delightful Walled Garden, 380 Great Wood, stunning in the Autumn months, tearoom, and shop.
Pub & Paddle, Norwich
Paddle through Norwich by canoe and experience a new perspective on this beautiful city. Best to book in advance.
Coastal Explorations
Explore the wilderness of the North Norfolk Coast on professionally skippered traditional wooden fishing boats under sail and enjoy delicious locally sourced food.
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
The Sainsbury Centre is one of the most prominent University Galleries in Britain and a major national center for the study and presentation of art. The Sainsbury Centre has free entry for the galleries but also holds tours, workshops, family-friendly events, lectures, films, and performances, and much more. One-off exhibitions are often held there, so it’s definitely worth a browse of their website.
Where can we take our children?
The Bug Parc
5-minute drive to see rare and unusual invertebrates. The handling session is highly recommended! There is a cafe, gift shop, and play area.
The Dinosaur Park
10-minute drive to a dinosaur-themed adventure park with indoor and outdoor play.
Bure Valley Railway
15-minute drive to experience a steam train on a narrow gauge railway running between Aylsham and Wroxham, at the heart of the Norfolk Broads.
Pensthorpe
20-minute drive to a 700-acre family-friendly nature reserve with walks, bird hides, gardens, and indoor and outdoor play areas.
BeWILDerwood
30-minute drive to a forest of family fun and outdoor adventure. There are treehouses, slides, zip wires, wobbly bridges, and mazes to explore.
Norwich Castle
30-minute drive to a medieval castle featuring a museum and galleries. They offer activity resources, toys, and books.
Wroxham Barns
30-minute drive to a collection of businesses offering boutiques, craft studios, a kids’ farm, funfair, and restaurant.
Holkham Estate
50-minute drive to an 18th Century hall, walled garden, parkland, beach, and nature reserve. There are bikes, boats, high ropes, and an excellent outdoor play area.
Sandringham Estate
50-minute drive to the Royal Estate for parkland walks, a fantastic outdoor children’s play area, shops, and a restaurant.
Norfolk Beaches
Cromer, Blakeney, Wells-next-the-Sea
Perfect for crabbing and paddling.
Walks
Reepham 2 Stations Circular Walk (5 miles)
Reepham 2 Stations Circular Walk
Circular walk, 5 miles.
Reepham via Marriott’s Way and Catchback Lane (3.25 miles)
Reepham via Marriott’s Way and Catchback Lane
Via Marriott’s Way and Catchback Lane, 3.25 miles.
The 10 Towers Trail (15 miles)
A circular route taking in some of Norfolk’s finest churches and towers.
Sheringham Circular Walk (6 miles)
A walk with a bit of everything: clifftops, parkland, ancient oak woodland, marsh, fen, and grassland. Possible steam train sightings on the Poppy Line.
Holkham to Wells-next-the-Sea Circular Walk (5 miles)
Holkham to Wells-next-the-Sea Circular Walk
Coastal walk from Holkham to Wells-next-the-Sea, 5 miles.
Norfolk Coastal Path
Beautiful multi-day walk from Hunstanton to Sea Palling. Accessible sections via the Norfolk Coasthopper bus.
Norwich Riverside and Cathedral Quarter Walk
Norwich Riverside and Cathedral Quarter Walk
Walk in the Norfolk Broads
12 Brilliant Walks in Norfolk
National Trust Walking in Norfolk
Beaches
Holkham
Undoubtedly one of the best beaches; with endless miles of unspoilt sands, dunes and wide open landscapes, backed by pine woods. This is the perfect place for a beach walk or to relax somewhere a little more secluded on a warm day. It can be a long walk to the water but the scenery is absolutely worth it.
Wells-next-the-Sea
Wonderful wide sandy beach with a row of charming colourful beach huts. Children will love splashing around in shallow water and there is a lifeguard on duty in the summer months. It can be a long walk down to the water and the tide comes in quickly. A siren sounds 4 hours before high tide. Head back to dry sand when you hear it to avoid being cut off. It is quite a walk into town but there is parking and a cafe close to the beach.
Brancaster
One of the most dog-friendly beaches in Norfolk. This expansive stretch of flat golden, unspoilt sand is a year round favourite. With literally miles of beach there is plenty of room for summer picnics and romantic winter walks.
West Runton
Situated between the towns of Sheringham and Cromer. At low tide this is a lovely sandy beach with excellent opportunities for fossil hunting and rockpooling.
The Dial House – Extra Services
The Dial House is home to a collection of small businesses. If you would like an extra service to enhance your stay then please contact the business directly.
The Orange Grove Clinic
A new well-being clinic to help you relax, unwind and soothe away stresses and strains.
Phone: 01953 603472 Orange Grove Clinic
The Country Salon
Offering a welcoming and relaxed space in which their team of hair experts deliver a wide range of services to suit all hair types.
Phone: 01603879849 The Country Salon
Wykeham Florals
Would like a beautiful floral bouquet in your room on arrival to celebrate a birthday or anniversary? Harriet Aitken at Wykeham Florals is a local independent florist who specialises in beautiful, seasonal, home-grown flowers.
Phone: 07540 609465
Email: hello@wykehamstables.com
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