Sculthorpe Moor Reserve
Turf Moor Road, Sculthorpe, NR21 9GN
2 miles / 5 minute drive
Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, owned by the Hawk and Owl Trust contains a patchwork of habitats including wet woodland, hazel coppice, reed / sedge beds, open water and wet meadow. It is a haven for many beautiful, rare and exciting species and the perfect place for a spot of bird watching or a peaceful walk. Birds and other wildlife can be seen from the hides, the pond shimmers with the metallic colours of dragonfly wings in the summer, a quiet visitor may catch a glimpse of a water vole swimming along the drainage ditches and majestic marsh harriers can be seen soaring over the reed bed. Many of the native species of Birds of Prey can be viewed throughout the year and with its easy boardwalk paths provides excellent access for all.
This is a smaller reserve of only 45 acres which makes it very accessible and easy to explore.
Langham Glass
Fakenham, NR21 8ET
2 miles / 5 minute drive
Learn about and experience the magic of glass making at the Langham Glass visitor centre, which is open all year round. Not only do you enjoy a fascinating talk and demonstration but you can also have a go at glass blowing yourself. There is also a lovely shop and café. This is a fascinating experience which is fun for all ages and there are also half day and day glass making packages available.
Pensthorpe Nature Park
Pensthorpe Rd, Fakenham NR21 0LN
4 miles / 8 minute drive
Pensthorpe is a modern day nature reserve with a focus on inspiring the next generation to enjoy wildlife and the great outdoors. With its diverse attractions and activities, it offers a great day out for families, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and garden lovers. Explore 700 acres of woodland walks, nature trails, lakes and a variety of habitats teaming with wildlife including wetlands, woodlands, farmland and grassland. Enjoy the tranquillity of five stunning gardens, encounter Pensthorpe’s hugely popular Flamingo flock and cute ducks that will feed out of the palm of your hand and hop on the behind-the-scenes Pensthorpe Explorer* to discover the secret side of the Wensum Valley.
For children there is the Hootz outdoor adventure play area and WildRootz the award winning indoor play area. During the school holidays hands-on activities such as wildlife spotting, pond dipping, den building and nature-inspired crafts enable visitors to get closer to nature.
Hindringham Hall
Hindringham, NR21 0QA
8 miles / 14 minute drive
Hindringnham Hall is a lovely little moated manor house straight out of a story book with its medieval moat and fishponds, walled vegetable garden and formal borders wrapped around a brick and flint Tudor Hall.
The current owners have developed the gardens over the past 25 years and open them and their cafe up to visitors twice a week between April and October.
Houghton Hall
Houghton, PE31 6UE
10 miles / 20 minute drive
One of the finest Palladian Houses in this country. Built in the 1720s, for Sir Robert Walpole, Britain’s First Prime Minister, it is a showcase of the work of architects James Gibbs and Colen Campbell. The Hall is currently the home of the 7th Marquess of Cholmondeley and his family.
Situated in traditional parkland, Houghton is home to a spectacular herd of white fallow and other exotic deer. Displayed in the grounds is an impressive collection of contemporary sculptures by world-renowned artists including works by James Turrell, Richard Long, Stephen Cox, Anya Gallaccio, Stephen Cox, Jeppe Hein, Rachel Whiteread, Phillip King and Henry Moore.
Holkham Hall
Wells-next- the-Sea, NR23 1AB
12 miles / 20 minute drive
Holkham is a special place where a stunning coastal landscape meets one of England’s great agricultural estates, at the heart of which stands Holkham Hall – an elegant 18th century Palladian style house. The Hall and Park are open to the public and include the Holkham Stories Experience, café and gift shop. The Walled Garden is worth a visit and can be accessed on the Buggy Tour from the Ticket Office. The sweeping park that surrounds the hall is home to a large herd of Fallow Deer that roam freely. You can walk through the park and lake where a nature trail and quiz features 28 stops explaining interesting facts or you can take the Tractor Trailer Tour to learn about the farming heritage of Holkham. There is also a woodland adventure play area.
Blakeney Seal Trips
Morston Norfolk
16 miles /25 minute drive
Blakeney Point is home to England’s largest Grey Seal colony and many summer breeding birds. The best way to get close and personal to the wildlife on Blakeney Point, is to book a trip on one of the locally operated ferry trips departing from Morston Quay. The seal colony, to be found off Blakeney Point, is a sight to be seen. The colony of up to 500 common and grey seals can be viewed at very close range. These popular boat trips mainly operate from early spring to late autumn, seven days a week, with a limited service in winter months, depending on tides. Trips leave from either Blakeney Harbour or Morston Quay. The trips last from one hour to two hours, if landing on Blakeney Point Nature Reserve. The Reserve, owned by the National Trust, is a haven for many wild and rare birds, a must for the avid birdwatcher.
