Coast’s Choice: Norfolk
We’re now heading to East Anglia in the final stage of our Coast’s Choice tour of England, starting with Norfolk – a county famous for its national parks and seaside resorts.
Even though the typical beach holiday season is over, there are still plenty of things to see and do in this delightful part of the country; here are some of the Coast team’s favourite Norfolk tourist attractions.
Banham Zoo
From giraffes and cheetahs to kangaroos and snow leopards, an exotic variety of creatures inhabit Banham Zoo. Visitors can find out more about their habits and behaviour at a series of educational animal presentations and even get up close to some of the zoo’s residents – the Lemur Adventure and Birds of Prey Display are not to be missed!
There are plenty of activities to keep young visitors entertained including an outdoor
adventure playground, while special events for older animal lovers including twilight tours and photography workshops.
Banham Zoo is open daily from 9.30am, tickets cost £12.95 for adults and £8.95 for children. For more information click here.
Nearest caravan site: 0.5 miles
Gooderstone Water Gardens
Described as ‘a unique attraction for all garden lovers’, Gooderstone Water Gardens is six acres of the most tranquil surroundings that Norfolk has to offer. Whether you want to admire the colourful flower borders, tread the grass paths, enjoy the natural trout stream or take in the views from one of its 13 bridges, there is plenty of beautiful plant life for naturalists to enjoy.
The gardens were created by retired farmer Billy Knights and his wife in the early 70s and have been painstakingly restored to their original glory by their daughter Coral over the past ten years.
In addition to taking a stroll around the gardens, visitors are invited to enjoy a refreshing beverage at Gooderstone’s tea room, where regular plant sales are also held.
Open daily from 10.00am – 5.30pm (dusk in the winter), entry to Gooderstone Water Gardens costs £6.00 for adults and £2.00 for children.
Nearest caravan site: 4.6 miles
Nelson Museum
Admiral Lord Nelson is perhaps Norfolk’s most famous ancestor and this Great Yarmouth museum pays tribute to his heroics and legacy.
Situated in a Grade II listed Georgian merchant house, the museum catalogues Nelson’s childhood, career, battles and ultimate tragic death. It leaves no stone unturned in its explanation of this war hero – from his terrible injuries to his complex love life!
Its collection of artefacts features more than 2,000 items including letters by Nelson, paintings by artists such as Samuel Drummond and scores of tribute memorabilia that has been produced in the centuries since Nelson’s death.
Nelson Museum is open daily between February and November. Admission is priced at £3.50 for adults and £2.50 for children – click here to find out more.
Nearest caravan site: 1.2 miles
Thetford Priory
The Cluniac Priory of Our Lady of Thetford, our Thetford Priory as it is better known, is the remains of one of East Anglia’s most important monasteries. Created in the 12th century, its statue of the Virgin Mary became a popular point for people to make pilgrimages to from all over the country.
Today, visitors can still view much of the church and cloister lower walls, party of the priors’ lodging and the magnificent – and almost intact – gatehouse dating back to the 14th century.
This English Heritage site open all year round, check the website for timings. Entry is free to all.
Nearest caravan site: 8.5 miles
Yarmouth Stadium
When you’ve finished building sandcastles on the beach or eating ice cream on the pier, why not spend an adrenaline-fuelled evening at Great Yarmouth’s exciting greyhound and motor racing stadium.
Its varied calendar includes greyhound track action every Monday, Wednesday and Saturday evenings, whilst the venue also welcomes regular petrol based entertainment. Among the highlights are stock cars, four-wheel stunt shows, classic Hot Rods and Banger racing!
Times and entry prices vary according to the date and event you wish to attend – further information is available here.
Nearest caravan site: 0.6 miles
Contact Coast for a competitive quotation on your touring caravan insurance or motorhome insurance before you set off on holiday this year. Call our sales team free of charge on 0800 614 849 or click here for an online caravan quotation.