Some suggestions for Places to Visit
Wroxham Barns
Tunstead Road Hoveton, Wroxham, Tel: 01603 783762
The beautiful converted barns are home to interesting crafts, tempting shops and welcoming tea-rooms. Why not visit the Junior Farm or Children's Funfair? Both are perfect for children, but loved by all ages. From pottery to stained glass, from quilts to traditionally pressed cider you are sure to find something to catch your eye at Wroxham Barns.
Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens
Pensthorpe, Fakenham, Tel: 01328 851465
Set in 500 acres of beautiful countryside with miles of nature trails to explore through ancient fen meadows, woodland and a superb series of lakes. Pensthorpe is home to a fine collection of native waterfowl and endangered species from around the world. Dozens of migratory bird species can be seen during the winter and summer months and the specially created hides help you get closer to nature.
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
University of East Anglia Earlham Road, Norwich, Tel: 01603 593199
The SCVA is an inspirational public art gallery and museum, at the University of East Anglia. The Sainsbury Collection is primarily shown in a gallery known as the Living Area, where modern European art - including works by Henry Moore, Picasso and Degas - is interspersed with works from across the globe, grouped by geographical region.
Bure Valley Railway
Aylsham Station Norwich Road, Aylsham, Tel: 01263 733858
Norfolk's longest narrow gauge heritage railway through 9 miles of beautiful Norfolk countryside between Aylsham and Wroxham. Family fares, children under five travel free. Combine a steam train ride from Aylsham with a cruise on the Norfolk Broads, advance booking required.
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
School Road, South Walsham, Tel: 01603 270449
The Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden comprises 73 hectares (180 acres) of beautiful ancient woodland, water gardens and a private broad at South Walsham in the heart of the Norfolk Broads. There are over three miles of wonderful woodland walks - all easy walking with superb views across South Walsham Inner Broad.
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
Filby, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 3DR. Tel 01493 369477
Wander through the landscaped gardens at Thrigby Hall and see many rare species, including the Sumatrau tigers, Red Pandas, Gibbons; and the largest collection of crocodiles in the country.
Some suggestions for Things to Do
Nature & Conservation
Enjoy bird watching at the RSPB’s Surlingham Church Marsh and Strumpshaw Fen or learn about the Norfolk Broads at How Hill nature reserve, the Broadland Conservation Centre at Ranworth and the Ted Ellis Trust’s Wheatfen Broad.
Walking/Cycling/Riding Routes
Broadland, South Norfolk and the Waveney Valley are perfect destinations for those who enjoy walking, riding and cycling. The surrounding countryside remains peaceful and unspoilt, providing a serene setting in which to relax and explore at your own pace.
For those wanting a leisurely stroll, there are numerous circular walks of 4-6 miles. More challenging long distance footpaths include The Angles’ Way (78 miles), Boudica’s Way (38 miles),
Wherryman’s Way (a 35 mile route accessible on foot, by cycle, train or river bus which follows the River Yare, Norwich-Great Yarmouth and includes ten circular village walks enroute - tel. 01603 222774), Tas Valley (26 miles Norwich-Attleborough), Marriott’s Way (21 miles Norwich-Aylsham), and Kett’s Country (21 miles Norwich-Wymondham).
There is a good choice of designated long distance and circular cycle and bridal routes. Several bike hire centres in the area will deliver to accommodation within 10 miles of their bases and
Broadland Cycle Hire has electrical cycles for less able and disabled cyclists.
The Bittern Line (reputedly one of the country’s prettiest - tel 01603 222143) offers guided walks from appointed stations along its route. Huff & Puff (tel. 01263 732935) combines an easy 5 miles of cycling (mostly traffic free), with a trip on the North Norfolk Railway.
Routes are available from
Tourist Information Centres or from
www.countrysideaccess.norfolk.gov.uk.