The following websites provide a wealth of information about what to do in the local area...
Wells-Next-the-Sea website: http://www.wells-guide.co.uk/
Little Walsingham website: http://www.walsinghamvillage.org/
North Norfolk guide: http://www.northnorfolkguide.co.uk/
...and some of our personal favourite days out (from the distinctly biased perspective of an outdoor-loving family with two 8 year olds!)
1. Wells beach. We've been all over the North Norfolk coast, and we keep coming back to Wells beach time and time again. The expanse of golden sand is perfect for sandcastles (even when the tide is in) and the edge of the channel is ideal for paddling and fishing. Add to that the picturesque backdrop of the multi-coloured beach huts, and the excellent cafe run by the Holkham estate, and this beach really does have it all.
2. Pensthorpe Nature Reserve. Wonderful example of wildlife conservation, this former location of the BBC's "Springwatch" caters for everyone from the birdwatching enthusiast to the casual nature lover. http://www.pensthorpe.com/
3. Bewilderwood. As their own website proclaims, "a huge, award winning forest of family fun and outdoor adventure. Treehouses, zip wires, jungle bridges, Crocklebogs, Twiggles and Boggles, storytelling, boat trips, marsh walks and really yummy food!". A little bit further afield but definitely worth the drive. http://www.bewilderwood.co.uk/
4. Hunstanton. This is where we head if it rains. First we burn off a bit of energy at the Oasis leisure pool or Farmer Fred's play barn http://www.farmerfredsplaybarnnorfolk.co.uk/ at Norfolk Lavender http://www.norfolk-lavender.co.uk/. Then we have an "eat in" fish & chip lunch at the aptly named Fishers http://fishersofhunstanton.com/, followed by spending all our loose change in the penny arcade (one of the few I've been to where you can actually win a prize!)
5. Holkham Hall. This makes the list for pure value for money - £2.50 parking charge gets you into the estate which includes acres of woodland and cycle trails, a lake and a woodland adventure playground. There is also the hall, museum and boat trips on the lake. Picnics are allowed and there is a very good cafe. There will usually be extra activities for children in school holidays, check out their website to see what's on. http://www.holkham.co.uk/index.html
