Whereas Norfolk’s seashores are amongst my favourites for a sunny day, I’ve spent sufficient wet days within the county to know you’ll have simply as a lot enjoyable in Norfolk within the rain with children.
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From some quirky museums to a royal dwelling, animal sights and many extra indoor household enjoyable, there’s heaps to find throughout the county, together with a string of wet day sights in Norwich.
So whether or not you’re visiting Norfolk in winter, or dodging the showers in mid summer time, listed here are my tips about the very best issues to do in Norfolk within the rain with children.
Contents – click on to leap to a piece
Norwich cathedral
Relationship again to the 11th century, there are various issues to tempt households to Norwich cathedral over the world’s different historic church buildings – for starters, the cathedral has its personal cat.
Budge the cathedral cat – who strolled in throughout the Good Friday service and has now settled in as official feline resident – can typically be noticed prowling round, or once we visited, sitting on a aspect altar for some paw washing and enjoyable.
There’s additionally a labyrinth to stroll by means of within the cloisters, winding by means of the grass (value a fast sprint round with a raincoat on), whereas the cathedral runs common household trails, such because the dinosaur-themed one with little fashions dotted across the constructing once we visited. It’s additionally free to enter.
Grimes Graves, Thetford
Norfolk is dwelling to the one Neolithic flint mine that’s open to guests – hold your eyes open, and also you’ll see flint utilized in buildings throughout the county, in addition to coming in very useful for the world’s prehistoric inhabitants.
Mined simply exterior Thetford, at Grimes Graves you’ll be able to nonetheless see proof of 400 pits: a sequence of bumps and dents within the panorama trying like a large orange peel lined in grass.
The mines themselves date again over 5,000 years, and in addition to studying extra concerning the historical past of the world at a small exhibition, you’ll be able to head 30 ft below the bottom by ladder into one shaft to see the black flint.
Solely kids aged 7+ are allowed within the mine, and it’s closed throughout the winter months.
Blickling Property, close to Aylsham
The birthplace of Anne Boleyn, Blickling Corridor was later dwelling to the Earls of Buckingham, and there are many fascinating issues to see contained in the historic home.
In addition to the standard stately dwelling furnishings, you’ll be able to spot some distinctly uncommon objects on show from Jacobean and Georgian occasions – together with early weighing scales, the place you can sit down as you checked your weight, and Chinese language pagodas in glass instances designed to work as earthquake detectors, with a small bell ringing at a tremor.
When you’ve wandered by means of the previous rooms, together with the massive library, you may also head into the farmyard in addition to the small RAF Oulton museum, centered on the Bomber Command squadrons billeted right here throughout the Second World Warfare.
Learn my evaluation of a time out at Blickling Corridor with children right here
Oxburgh Corridor, close to King’s Lynn
This glorious moated home was as soon as on the coronary heart of historical past – the Catholic Bedingfield household who owned Oxburgh Corridor stored the long run Elizabeth I below home arrest and had been among the many first supporters of Mary I.
Objects on present embrace scissors that are mentioned to have belonged to Mary Queen of Scots, whereas you may also spot ornamental leather-based wallpaper and the standard opulent furnishings and portraits.
The home has been tucked away below scaffolding for years as a part of a significant £6 million restoration however has been unveiled since 2022, with a number of the new finds additionally on show.
Learn my evaluation of a time out at Oxburgh Corridor with children right here
Felbrigg Corridor, close to Cromer
One other Nationwide Belief property in Norfolk, this historic home has influences from world wide together with the Chinese language Bed room and objects picked up by its aristocratic house owners on their Grand Tour of Europe.
There’s an I Spy path for youths as they appear spherical Felbrigg Corridor as effectively, in addition to an opportunity to find out about eating etiquette and recognizing lions on emblems all through the home.
One of many largest Nationwide Belief properties, the library alone homes 5,000 books, the oldest of which dates again to 1509.
Houghton Corridor, close to King’s Lynn
Grand Houghton Corridor was constructed by Robert Walpole within the 18th century, and match for the nation’s strongest politician – the state rooms are as lavishly grand as you’d count on, designed to impress his company whereas permitting the household to bask in luxurious after they visited from London.
As a bonus, you may also go to the Soldier Museum, the biggest non-public assortment of mannequin troopers on this planet.
If the rain does ease up, seize the possibility to go out into the grounds and gardens that are dwelling to common sculpture exhibitions, together with well-known names like Anish Kapoor, together with white fallow deer.
Sandringham Property
Set amid 600 acres of grounds and lake, the King’s nation retreat has loads for households to find, together with an opportunity to go to the bottom ground flats at Sandringham, left as they’d have been throughout Edwardian occasions.
After recognizing the household portraits (together with just a few which shall be very acquainted), you’ll be able to discover the royal collections within the museum too.
Open from April to October, when the royal household isn’t in residence, there’s additionally a quiz for youths to try to typically additional household pleasant occasions throughout the yr.
Holkham Corridor
There’s much more to the Holkham Property than the Corridor – a nature reserve, big open seashore, deer park, farmland… the listing goes on. Even the seashore at Wells-next-the-Sea is a part of the property.
However on a wet day in Norfolk with children, there’s loads to find inside the home itself. Constructed within the 18th century for the Earl of Leicester, it has been picked as one of many 10 most opulent palaces, homes and castles in England right this moment.
From Roman statues to Outdated Masters, bedrooms which have hosted Queens to the previous kitchens, what is going to make most children’ jaws drop is the truth that kids reside at Holkham Corridor. The Corridor isn’t open daily so do verify earlier than visiting.
Discover a historic Norfolk home
Away from the grandeur of the halls and palaces of Norfolk, you’ll be able to step inside some equally fascinating historic homes on a a lot smaller scale. The 16th century Elizabethan Home in Nice Yarmouth was dwelling to rich retailers, and has hyperlinks to Oliver Cromwell.
Or Historical Home in Thetford is over 500 years previous, and you’ll wander by means of recreated rooms from its historical past, in addition to discovering extra about a few of its inhabitants – human and animal!
Stranger’s Corridor in Norwich is older nonetheless: there was a constructing right here since no less than the 13th century, with a number of the metropolis’s main residents dwelling in it for the reason that 14th century. You may discover the Nice Corridor and the bedchambers displaying life within the 17th century, plus different rooms themed round Georgian and Victorian historical past.
For extra issues to do in Norwich with children, take a look at my prime picks
Norwich Citadel
One among Norfolk’s most essential museums is about in Norwich Citadel; you’ll be able to nonetheless climb the Norman steps of the staircase to the highest of the hold, in addition to exploring the shows and art work within the assortment.
With galleries telling the story of Boudicca’s revolt towards the Romans, of Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, plus Historical Egyptians, it’s a implausible spot to go to with primary-school-aged kids – and an excellent thought for a wet day in Norfolk.
There’s additionally work happening to create a brand new medieval gallery in partnership with the British Museum, and restore a number of the fortress hold – elements of the museum will be open throughout the redevelopment works, though the fortress itself stays shut.
Museum of Norwich on the Bridewell
Norwich was as soon as England’s second metropolis, and the Museum of Norwich on the Bridewell tells the story of Norwich’s historical past, together with the economic heritage – not least a 19th century hand loom on show – in addition to on a regular basis life as you step inside a recreated early 20th century chemist’s store .
Set in a former jail, you’ll be able to nonetheless go to the Undercroft (for ages 8+ solely) in addition to be taught the tales of a number of the Bridewell’s inhabitants – together with Peter the Wildman, a German boy dropped at Britain by King George I.
Lynn Museum, King’s Lynn
With a welcome roar from Horace the tiger, Lynn Museum is designed to attraction to children from the second you stroll in. And there’s loads extra to entertain within the galleries, for those who’re on the lookout for concepts for a wet day on the North Norfolk coast.
The collections cowl centuries of historical past, from Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings to rich medieval finds, and tales of the Civil Warfare.
Maybe one of the vital fascinating elements, particularly for those who’re visiting with barely older children, is studying about Seahenge, the Bronze Age timber circle found on Holme Seaside and preserved for over 4,000 years within the sand.
Cromer Museum
Cromer Museum is the place to return in case your children are fascinated by fossils, mammoths and prehistoric tales – good for those who’ve been exploring the Deep Historical past Coast on a sunnier day.
The Geology Gallery is filled with fossils present in Norfolk, and you’ll be taught extra concerning the West Runton Mammoth, in addition to seeing the forged of the cranium of a Mosasaur, a marine reptile which might have swum within the seas overlaying what’s now Norfolk over 80 million years in the past.
There are additionally displays on Cromer’s maritime previous, together with fishing and its time as a well-liked Victorian seaside resort.
RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, Cromer
If you happen to’re on the lookout for free issues to do in Norfolk within the rain with children, the bizarre Henry Blogg Museum in Cromer is unquestionably value a go to.
Celebrating essentially the most embellished lifeboatman in RNLI historical past, Henry Blogg served for a powerful 53 years on Cromer’s lifeboats, serving to to save lots of 873 lives.
The household pleasant museum shares extra about his story, in addition to the historical past of Cromer’s lifeboats, from the primary one in 1805, with fashions, medals, previous films and loads of possibilities to get fingers on.
Gressenhall Farm and workhouse, Dereham
If you would like a little bit of all the things, Gressenhall Farm has loads to entertain children – because the title suggests, it’s nonetheless a working farm, and you may also be taught extra about farmhouse life throughout your go to.
One of many highlights although is seeing the Museum of Norfolk Life with over 2,000 objects donated by folks in Norfolk to indicate how life has modified over the previous 200 years, together with a circus caravan and tales of the Ladies’s Land Military.
Set in an previous workhouse, you may also be taught extra about those that as soon as lived right here, with an app to information you round.
Time and Tide, Nice Yarmouth
Set in a transformed Victorian herring curing works, Time and Tide in Nice Yarmouth tells the city’s story, and you’ll see inside a fisherman’s dwelling in addition to wandering by means of a Victorian ‘Row’ throughout your go to.
For one thing extra interactive, there’s an opportunity to get behind the wheel of a ship, just about go to the Fifties quayside and plenty of tales of wreck and rescue at sea to thrill guests.
There are additionally kids’s actions, free audio guides and loads of video games, puzzles and extra enjoyable for youths.
Caister Citadel Motor Museum, Caister-on-Sea
For teenagers who love vehicles (to not point out grownup followers!), this Norfolk household attraction is unbeatable with one of many largest motor collections within the nation.
The shows vary from basic and classic to sports activities vehicles, in addition to bikes, plus some very uncommon veteran motors – one courting again to 1893.
You may even spot steam vehicles and electrical automobiles at Caister Citadel Motor Museum, in addition to taking a wander to the 15th century Caister Citadel tower.
Sealife Sanctuary Hunstanton
Dwelling to Norfolk’s solely seal rescue centre that’s open to the general public, Hunstanton’s Sea Life Centre has one thing additional on prime of the standard sights of an aquarium.
You may as well see penguins and a colony of Inca terns throughout your go to, whereas the Ocean tank homes over 30 species of fish plus Inexperienced Sea Turtle Ernie, together with 187,500 litres of seawater.
Even higher, children can get fingers on with some creatures, helped by the Rainforest Rangers, see life on a tropical reef and meet a pair of cheeky otters. There’s a reduction for those who prebook on-line and it’s good for those who’re on the lookout for concepts of what to do in Norfolk within the rain with children.
Rise up to 40% off weekday visits, excluding faculty holidays, as a part of the Midweek Insanity deal till mid October – click on right here to e book
Sealife Nice Yarmouth
Proper on the seafront in Nice Yarmouth, there are some fabulous marine creatures to find within the aquarium – the ocean tunnel winds by means of an enormous tank holding 1 / 4 of 1,000,000 litres of seawater, the place the inhabitants swim across the misplaced metropolis of Atlantis.
Sealife Nice Yarmouth can be dwelling to African Dwarf Crocodiles, and allows you to uncover extra of the world of jellyfish within the Jelly Invaders show, in addition to watching the aquarium’s penguins.
It’s a straightforward one to succeed in in case your authentic plans of exploring the Norfolk Broads have been rained off too. There’s a reduction for those who prebook on-line.
Rise up to 40% off weekday visits, excluding faculty holidays, as a part of the Midweek Insanity deal till mid October – click on right here to e book
North Norfolk railway (the Poppy Line)
Working from Sheringham to Holt, the ‘Poppy Line’ heritage steam railway makes a enjoyable solution to get from A to B, in addition to a barely extra sheltered solution to sightsee on a wet day.
There are particular occasions throughout the yr, together with Santa Specials, whereas the North Norfolk railway trains run from April to October, taking about 20 minutes to chuff their manner from one station to the opposite.
Wells & Walsingham Gentle Railway
This slender gauge steam railway runs between the seafront at Wells inland to Walsingham – and youngsters below 4 journey free.
Closed throughout the winter months, the Wells & Walsingham Gentle Railway runs a spherical journey to Wighton from Wells which lasts round half-hour, without having to prebook, for one more enjoyable wet day exercise in Norfolk for households.
Bressingham Steam Expertise
There’s extra household enjoyable for mini transport followers at Bressingham Steam Expertise – you’ll be able to take a experience on a steam practice, with 4 railways winding by means of the gardens, in addition to visiting the steam locomotive sheds.
Adults will benefit from the assortment from Dad’s Military, whereas if the rain isn’t too unhealthy, children shouldn’t miss an opportunity to experience on the steam-powered gallopers – the carousel dates again to the 19th century.
Wroxham Miniature Worlds, close to Norwich
You may see a number of the largest mannequin railways on this planet on everlasting show at this household attraction – the truth is, it’s the largest indoor modelling attraction within the UK, overlaying over 10,000 sq. ft.
In addition to the mannequin trains, there’s a metropolis product of Lego bricks, mannequin boats, a classic penny arcade and toy assortment plus an opportunity to drive trains and check out a flight or practice simulator.
Children aged below 5 go free as effectively.
Hippodrome Circus, Nice Yarmouth
The historic Hippodrome in Nice Yarmouth is Britain’s solely surviving complete circus constructing, with over 100 years of expertise in internet hosting the nation’s most thrilling circus performances. The place higher to cheer everybody up on a dark day!?
With spectacular shows by acrobats, aerial performers, jugglers, stuntmen, dancers, illusionists, and comedians, children of all ages are assured to be mesmerised all through your complete present.
The circus area isn’t too large, so that you don’t have to fret about getting unhealthy seats and being removed from the motion.
There are common exhibits happening virtually constantly all year long, so be sure to verify the schedule. Matinee and night performances can be found for many exhibits, making a visit to the circus an excellent wet afternoon or night exercise.
Windmill Journey Golf, Nice Yarmouth
Rain needn’t cease play at Windmill Journey Golf in Nice Yarmouth – the massive 12-hole loopy golf expertise is all indoors, housed within the historic Windmill Theatre constructing.
In addition to having fun with Britain’s first indoor journey golf course, there’s a group of cinema and theatre memorabilia to find as effectively, taking you again by means of over a century of the constructing’s historical past.
Dwelling to one of many nation’s first electrical image homes, the constructing may as soon as maintain over 1,000 folks, earlier than a later proprietor fitted sails to the entrance and it was reborn because the Windmill Theatre. Even for mini golf aficionados, there actually is nowhere else fairly like this!
Peter Coke Shell Gallery, Sheringham
If you happen to’ve deliberate a time out within the seaside city of Sheringham however get caught out by the rain, search shelter on the uncommon Peter Coke Shell Gallery.
The free gallery is about near the seafront on the West Cliff and homes over 100 wonderful shell artworks by actor Peter Coke, with intricate creations starting from castles to mannequin backyard scenes, and flower preparations, all made fully out of shells.
And if the climate does clear up later within the day, you’ll be able to head all the way down to close by Sheringham Seaside and check out making some shell and pebble creations of your personal.
The small Fishermen’s Lifeboat Museum (additionally free) sits within the connecting constructing to the Shell Museum, supplying you with two rainy-day Norfolk sights in a single.
Sticky Earth Cafe, Cromer
Cromer’s Sticky Earth Café is a must-visit in Norfolk for youths who love getting artistic. Not solely does the cosy family-run cafe serve an excellent menu of drinks and candy treats, however in addition they have a spread of arty actions for the entire household to take pleasure in.
The cafe’s hottest exercise is pottery portray, with plates, bowls, and animal collectible figurines out there to brighten. When you’ve completed portray, the cafe will glaze and fireplace your vibrant creation so you may have a enjoyable souvenir to take dwelling with you.
You may as well have a go at canvas portray, deco-patching, t-shirt printing, and jewelry making. There’s no scarcity of issues to maintain children entertained!
Dad and mom can both take part with the actions or sit and luxuriate in a espresso and slice of cake whereas the little artists are arduous at work.
Excessive Altitude Trampoline Park, Norwich
A go to to a trampoline park is a good way to spend a wet day in Norfolk with children who have to burn off some power.
Excessive Altitude in Norwich is dwelling to an enormous trampoline courtroom the place children of all ages can bounce round, check out tips, and dive onto big airbags. Plus there’s a mushy play space and devoted trampoline classes for below 4s for those who’re frightened about security for little ones.
The park additionally has basketball hoops, a dodgeball courtroom, and an enormous inflatable assault course with spinning tops, climbing areas, and super-fast slides for youths to take pleasure in.
And if that feels like enjoyable and also you need to have a go your self, adults are additionally welcome to hitch in all of the actions. Or you’ll be able to watch the youngsters from the cafe.
Pensthorpe’s Hootz Home Indoor Play, Fakenham
Whereas Pensthorpe Nature Reserve is a lovely place to go to on a sunny day in Norfolk, the woodland walks and luxurious wetlands aren’t significantly moist climate pleasant. However getting caught in a sudden downpour is probably not the top of the world.
Pensthorpe’s indoor children’ play space, Hootz Home, is likely one of the greatest within the county, with rope bridges, tree-top towers, winding slides, and mushy play tools for tots. The play space is nature-themed, so you’ll be able to faux that you simply’re nonetheless exterior having fun with the reserve.
Hootz Home is included within the regular Pensthorpe ticket value. It additionally has its personal cafe, so you’ll be able to escape the drizzle with a espresso and sausage roll when you look forward to the rain to clear once more.
Funkys, Norwich
Curler skating at Funkys is one other implausible rainy-day exercise in Norwich for households.
The indoor leisure venue has a big wood curler skating rink, with each day skating classes and a weekly retro curler disco with DJs and lightweight exhibits.
In addition to skating, youthful children may benefit from the venue’s big three-storey journey play space, with tunnels, slides, zip wires, cargo nets, ball pits, and extra. The play space is appropriate for youngsters 2-10 years previous.
The Surprise Wooden, Watton
If you happen to’re on the lookout for an indoor play space in Norfolk that’s a bit completely different from the standard mushy play, The Surprise Wooden in Watton is a good choice.
Designed for youths aged eight and below, this journey play is impressed by woodland, with cottages to play in in addition to netting to crawl by means of and the compulsory ball pit. There are additionally some enjoyable messy play classes and humanities and crafts to take pleasure in.
It’s solely a brief drive from Thetford Forest for those who’d been planning some out of doors adventures however want another for a wet day in Norfolk with children.
Attempt an Escape Room in Norfolk
Trying to find clues and fixing interactive puzzles in a themed escape room is a enjoyable and distinctive solution to spend a wet day in Norfolk with children and youths. Plus, it’s an excellent alternative to work on your loved ones’s teamwork expertise.
There are many nice escape rooms all throughout Norfolk, together with Escape Hunt and Cryptic Escape in Norwich, Locked In Lynn in King’s Lynn, the Nice Yarmouth Escape Rooms, and the Fakenham Escape Rooms, to call just some.
If you happen to’re staying close to the Norfolk Suffolk border and on the lookout for extra wet day actions, take a look at my decide of the very best issues to do in Norfolk within the rain with children
Disclosure: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks – any purchases you make are unaffected however I’ll obtain a small fee
Sandringham/Sheringham Station/Bressingham Steam Expertise/trampoline courtesy of Depositphotos, Windmill Journey Golf courtesy Picfair, all different pictures copyright MummyTravels
