top tips when visiting Norfolk Woods
- activities
- family-friendly
- food and drink
- holidays
Norfolk Woods Resort & Spa is the perfect escape for family holidays, outdoor adventures and making memories that will last a lifetime.
To ensure you make the most of your time at Norfolk Woods we have put together this blog full of all the useful tips about things to do and the local area. Whether you are heading here as a family, a couple, or a group of friends there will be something suited to you below. If you have any other questions about the resort before you visit, make sure to check out our Norfolk Woods FAQ page.
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what to do before checking in?
On the day of check in you can’t get into your accommodation till 4pm but there is so much to see and do in the area that you should visit somewhere before you get to the resort and make a day of it. The Castle Acre Priory is just 15 minutes away from the resort and is a great experience if you want to learn a little about the history of the local area. It is one of the largest and most preserved monastic sites in England and dates back to 1090. There is so much to see here that you can easily spend a few hours exploring.
what are the top things in the area?
Although there is plenty to keep you busy on the resort it is nice to know about different things to do in the local area. All of the things listed below are no more than a half hours’ drive away, so they make the perfect additions to your time on holiday.
1. ExTREEme Adventure
17 min drive from resort
Enjoy plenty of outdoor fun with a trip to ExTREEme Adventure. Located in the oldest continuous cover forest in the British Isles, you can enjoy a range of outdoor adventure activities here. With quad bike trekking through the woods on Suzuki ATV quad bikes where you are led by an experienced guide. You can complete an hour-long safari through the trails of the woodland. Or take part in the army style assault course with obstacles like a 7-foot-high wall to tackle.
2. Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
17 min drive from resort
Located in 170 acres of woodland, grassland and lakes, Watatunga Wildlife Reserve is a great day out for all. They are dedicated to the conservation of various endangered animals like deer, antelope, and birds. At the wildlife reserve you can book onto expert-led safari tours where you can explore the reserve and see all the animals along the way. The tour season runs from April – October each year so make sure to check availability and times before you go.
3. Church Farm – Stow Bardolph
21 min drive from resort
For families with young children a visit to Church Farm would be a memorable addition to your holiday. With so many animals to see around the farm like donkeys, alpacas, shire horses, pigs, goats, sheep, chickens, rabbits and so much more. You can explore the park and learn all about these farm animals along the way as well as getting the chance to get up close to them with the animal encounters that are on throughout the day. As well as tractor rides, adventure playgrounds and more for all the family to enjoy.
4. Sandringham Estate
21 min drive from resort
The stunning country house in Sandringham has generations of history that links back to the British Monarch. Sandringham Estate is a 20,000-acre estate that is open to the public to explore and learn more about the impressive history. From Sandringham House where Charles III, George VI and George V all used as a royal residence to the 60-acres of gardens that you can explore. With ancient trees, lakes, rock gardens and more there are endless things to see whilst you are in Sandringham Estate.
5. Norfolk Lavender
31 min drive from resort
Norfolk Lavender was founded in 1932 and has around 100 acres of lavender fields along with an oil distillery, a gift shop, animal farm and restaurant. It is definitely a must visit for all if you are in the area and fancy seeing something as impressive as the lavender fields. Whilst you are there you can enjoy a bite to eat at The Lavender Lounge, have a tour of the fields and see plenty of animals at the gardens. And of course, you will have to buy your own lavender plant from their national collection of lavenders.
closest shops for essentials?
Our accommodation on the resort is self-catering so you will be able to make use of the kitchen during your stay by making your own meals together. So, with that being said it will be handy to know about the closest shops if you are needing some essentials.
- Premier – 4 min drive from resort
- Asda – 10 min drive from resort
- Waitrose & Partners – 11 min drive from resort
- Tesco Superstore – 11 min drive from resort
- Sainsbury’s – 17 min drive from resort
where to eat out?
With the holiday lodges being self-catering you will probably find yourself cooking meals yourself quite a lot, but it is nice knowing about some nearby restaurants if you are wanting to enjoy a meal out during the holiday.
1. The Carpenters Arms East Winch
6 min drive from resort
Just a short drive up the road from the resort, The Carpenters Arms is a country style pub serving cask ales, delicious food, and a welcoming atmosphere. They are open from Wednesday to Sunday and serve food from 12pm – 8.30pm and 8pm on Sundays. The food you can expect to see is anything from soup and pate to gammon steak, fish and chips or a classic Sunday roast. With it being a short drive from the resort it makes a great end to any day out.
2. The Crown Inn
8 min drive from resort
With a bar, restaurant, and beer garden, The Crown Inn is a great place to go if you are wanting some delicious pub food or a carvery on a Sunday. The Crown Inn is a grade II listed building and acquired an ale license in the 18th century and has been serving drinks ever since. They have a lunch and dinner menu along with a carvery menu on Sundays so you will find something for everyone to enjoy here.
3. Middlestons Steakhouse & Grill
9 min drive from resort
Known for being the original Middletons, this steakhouse and grill is the perfect place to go if you are after prime cuts of meat, grills, burgers, fresh fish and more. Open 7 days a week and under 10 minutes’ drive away from the resort it’s a great choice during your holiday in Norfolk. As well as their usual menus they have fixed price menus with 2 courses for £12.95 or 3 courses for £14.95 from Monday to Saturday.
4. The Ostrich Pub
12 min drive from resort
If you are looking for a cosy restaurant with exposed brick walls, wooden floors and a log-burning stove then look no further than The Ostrich Pub. Here you will find upmarket pub food like fish and chips, poke bowls, burgers, loaded chips and a range of delicious puddings. It’s a unique and welcoming atmosphere with a beer garden that is perfect for the warmer months. They also have different events on throughout the year so it’s one to look into whilst you’re in the area.
5. Mem’s Kitchen
23 min drive from resort
Mem’s Kitchen is a family run restaurant that serves freshly cooked Mediterranean food, homemade cakes, healthy lunch boxes and breakfasts. There is so much on offer here from chicken skewers, garlic mushrooms, lamb chops, burgers, pastas, seafood and plenty of vegetarian options too. It is definitely somewhere that is worth the visit if you are after a quick lunch option or a evening meal in King’s Lynn.
best beaches in the area?
A beach day is always a good idea, and you will be surprised with how many good ones are a short drive away from Norfolk Woods. We have done some research and found two of the best beaches in the area if you are looking to plan a beach day into your time on holiday.
Heacham Beach
34 min drive from resort
You will find Heacham Beach on the west coast of Norfolk, it is spread across two beaches, South and North Heacham Beach. The south beach is a bit more rugged and empty which makes it great for walking and fishing. The north beach is a promenade beach, and you can spend more time here as a proper beach day. Whether that is walking along the promenade or sitting on the sand by the sea.
Brancaster Beach
39 min drive from resort
Known for being one of the best beaches in North Norfolk, Brancaster Beach is a huge stretch of golden sand and makes the perfect place for a beach day. There are designated zones along the beach that are suitable for activities like kite surfing, land boards etc. The shipwreck of SS Vina remains near the Brancaster Staithe Harbour and can be seen during low tides. There is a beach kiosk at the car park offering a range of snacks.