With school holidays well underway and Easter on our doorstep, have you run out of ideas of what to do, where to go and places to visit this weekend? We live and work in the heart of Norfolk and Suffolk. We know the counties like the back of our hands and the perfect places to visit with kids this Easter.
So, to help you make the most of this holiday weekend, we’ve listed our favourite family-friendly places to visit over Easter.
Kid-friendly places to visit this Easter
As it’s going to be a warmer, drier, sunnier weekend than recent weather, let’s start with not only one of our favourites but also an award winner.
Gorleston Beach
Recently named the ‘Best Beach in the UK’ by Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice Awards, Gorleston Beach, which is in Gorleston-on-Sea and just south of Great Yarmouth, is a stunning sandy beach that stretches for miles.
It’s a beach that really does have something for everyone. There are grassy cliffs, a trim trail and cliff top walks, scenic sandy beach to stroll down, pitch-and-putt, bowling greens, tennis and basketball courts, children’s playground, benches and seating areas, some of which are undercover, a model yacht pond and children’s splashpad, a picturesque promenade, shops, cafes, amusements and to cap it all, the town centre is just five minutes away.
RSPB Snettisham, Blakeney
We just have to tell you about RSPB Snettisham near King’s Lynn. Not only is it a beautiful nature reserve, but it is also featured in David Attenborough’s Wild Isles series currently being shown on BBC1.
With fabulous panoramic views over its salt marsh, vast mudflats and saline lagoons – known as The Wash – you also get to marvel at the antics of thousands of wading birds flying in and out, including the Avocet, the Knot, the Pink-Footed Goose and Shelducks.
Plus, there are three walking trails, one of which is a two-kilometre trail. Cyclists are welcome on parts of the trial and there are also a variety of boating activities to enjoy.
Southwold Pier
There aren’t many places left that have their own pier, but Southwold in Suffolk is one of them. Extending 190 metres into the North Sea, this beautiful pier is enjoying renewed popularity with residents and visitors.
The pier offers families an amazing range of activities and attractions, including the Wacky Walk of Mirrors, The Arcade with an array of traditional and more modern fun games, and an Under the Pier Show that displays some of the craziest and silliest inventions ever!
Southwold Pier artfully combines the peace and tranquillity of breathtaking sea views and fishing off the end of the pier with a fun-filled family day out. Plus, there is a good variety of delicious food and excellent shopping.
The village of Thorpeness
No one coming to Suffolk should miss seeing the gorgeous village of Thorpeness, with its mock Tudor houses and the picturesque lake, or ‘meare’.
Of particular note, and an icon of Thorpeness, is the House in the Clouds, a rather unusual yet stunning water tower with a boarded house sitting on top. It gives the appearance that the house is floating up into the sky! Oh, and it’s available to hire for the holidays.
You should also get down to the Meare, a combination of small islands, all of which were named by J. M. Barrie – he wrote Peter Pan – including Wendy’s House and the Pirate’s Lair. Visitors are able to hire one of the many boats and sail out into the Meare, drifting through fabulous fairy tale settings.
The city of Norwich
You might think it’s odd we’re recommending a visit to a city with the kids in the Easter holidays, but when it comes to Norwich, we really would say go. Steeped in history, there are a plethora of fascinating places to visit, such as medieval Norwich Cathedral, the imposing gates of St Ethelbert’s and Erpingham, the old Saxon marketplace in the Tombland area, the Museum of Norwich, which includes the recreated old pharmacy and exhibits from the once popular textile industry in Norfolk.
In addition to all this, there are streets full of fabulous shops, cafes and restaurants, beautiful parks, walks, trails and tours, as well as cinemas and bowling alleys.
Easter-themed fun activities
As it’s Easter weekend, there really are so many Easter-themed activities you can get involved in. Here is a selection to tempt you.
Easter egg hunts – everybody loves a good Easter egg hunt! We’re spoilt for choice across Norfolk and Suffolk. Banham Zoo is putting on a Giant Easter Egg Hunt at the zoo. RSPB Strumpshaw Fen is holding a Great Dino Easter Egg Hunt, locating dinosaur eggs around the reserve. Why not get another dinosaur adventure with Dippy and friends at ROARR! Help them find the missing eggs hidden around the park.
Easter Eggspress – Bure Valley Railway is hosting an Easter Eggspress on Norfolk’s longest gauge steam railway over the holidays. Plus, every child gets a free Easter egg when they complete the Easter Trail.
Easter Trails – Chantry Place is putting on an Easter Trail where visitors need to collect letters by following posters, which will spell out an Easter-themed word and the chance to win a prize, including Easter eggs. Wells & Walsingham Light Railway is also doing a White Rabbit Easter Trail; get a quiz sheet and hop aboard the train to spot Alice in Wonderland characters along the railway route.
Easter river trips – Broads Tours is hosting Easter Special Boat Trips where
children can take part in a Nature Quiz and hunt for clues on the boat and win an Easter egg.
There really is so much to do and see with the kids this Easter throughout Norfolk and Suffolk. So, what are you waiting for… time to get planning for the best Easter weekend ever!
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