Originally published 2018
Pensthorpe Natural Park is one of the most amazing spaces in Norfolk, just 40 minutes from Norwich. It is a truly modern nature reserve, with over 700 acres of woodland walks, nature trails, lakes and a variety of habitats teaming with wildlife including wetlands, woodlands, farmland and grassland. In places it is a colourful wilderness alive with flowers; in others its a tranquil clearing in the shadow of majestic trees. And almost everywhere – ducks. Very friendly ducks.
With the aim of inspiring the next generation to take care of nature, the focus of the park is not just on education, but on making the outdoors fun and engaging. This year is their 30th birthday, and the park is celebrating by offering all visitors 30% off admission, and extra activities on the day! We’re celebrating with them, so here are 30 reasons we love Pensthorpe!
We mean this feathered fanfare who just walked out the restaurant to say hello!
Check some of them out here
An amazing antidote to busy roads and chatter of the city centre
Such as these fellas here
Photo: Familes at Pensthorpe Natural Park. By Steve Adams
Get completely surrounded by nature!
Spot a massive stag, birds in trees, and a deceptively realistic foxglove…
Photo: Some of the scupltures dotted around Pensthorpe Natural Park. By Steve Adams
No filter necessary.
Photo: Pensthorpe
There are designated paths marked on their park map
Wildlife spotting and Instabait alike…
Photo: Pensthorpe
Plenty of photo opportunities both in the water and on land!
There is so much to touch, hear, smell and see…
We mean the ducks’.
There’s loads of benches and grassy places, if you’ve brought your own sandwiches!
You can find special dispensers just for duck food, which is only 20p a a bag!
Designed by Julie Toll, the Wave Garden has gained international recognition by winning 7 gold and 2 silver medals at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.
In fact you should visit in every season, it’s stunning!
Collect the stamps as you explore the park!
Photo: Pensthorpe Flamingos
Or have a conference there and pretend you’re in Italy…
They run regular courses, and we could think of nowhere more idyllic to learn wildlife photography!
Lovely ducks!
The trust works on ‘actively saving species’, such as red squirrels, corncrakes, turtledoves and cranes.
Featuring 11m high slide. Gasp.
An area designed with children in mind, that combines play with leaning about wildlife
Photo: Familes at Pensthorpe Natural Park. By Steve Adams
Decorative rooster shaped salt and pepper shakers DO exist, and we love them.
Read all about it here!
Find out more about the work of the Pensthorpe Trust.
All aboard the Pensthorpe Explorer…
Ross snow ducks!
