Winter in Norfolk
Winter is a great time to get out and about in Norfolk - enjoy wildlife watching along the coast or inland; take a brisk stroll in the frosty Norfolk countryside, or just head to one of Norfolk's market towns or Norwich, a UK Top 10 shopping destination, for some seasonal cheer and shopping!
Winter wildlife watching
Winter is the season to visit if you're a serious twitcher - it’s a perfect time to see birds and wildlife across the county and Norfolk is famous in particular for its winter waders and migrants. With thrushes arriving from across the North Sea, and the return of wild geese and swans, you’ll be sure to see a winter wildlife wonderland.
The Wash is England's largest tidal estuary and one of the country's most important winter feeding areas for waders and wildfowl. At RSPB Snettisham you'll be spellbound as you watch tens of thousands of pink-footed geese from Iceland leave their night time roost site and head inland to feed. This is also the place to witness the spectacular movement of thousands of wading birds pushed off their feeding grounds at high tide.
WWT Welney in West Norfolk, and Holkham National Nature Reserve on the North Norfolk coast, are also key sites to witness hundreds or thousands of wild geese and swans as they settle down for the night.
The Norfolk coast and Broads are great places for waders and wintering birds of prey, including merlin, peregrine and hen harrier, and you can see them best at dusk at places such as RSPB Titchwell Marsh or NWT Hickling Broad. If you're lucky you may see Norfolk's resident flock of common cranes at Hickling Broad too.
The countryside is also blessed with migratory visitors. At the reserve at Pensthorpe, it's a good time to see many native species of waterfowl including Golden Eye, Gadwell, Goosander, Shoveller and Pintail. It's a great opportunity to see Europe's smallest duck, the European Teal and you may even catch a glimpse of one of the UK's most endangered owls, the Long Eared Owl, as they come together in winter for communal roosts.
WWT Welney and Pensthorpe also have regular Winter Feed events, where you can watch thousands of swans, ducks and waterbirds being fed by the warden. You won’t get cold though, as you can watch the spectacle from the warmth and comfort of a viewing gallery, with added nature commentary!
Throughout Norfolk you may be able to see wintering waxwings, which have come over from Scandinavia to take advantage of a bumper berry crop - they've even regulars in inner city Norwich!
Don't forget to pack your binoculars!
Find out more about birdwatching & wildlife in Norfolk
A winter walk
Winter is a wonderful time to get out and about in the beautiful Norfolk coast and countryside.
Pull on your walking boots and take a brisk walk past snowy landscapes and crisp hedgerows in the crackling frosty winter. Get exploring some of Norfolk’s 2400 miles of public rights of way and long-distance walks, or try a shorter circular walk, that can take in country lanes, bridleways and footpaths. They are perfect for inexperienced walkers and a great way to experience the Norfolk countryside close up.
It’s easy to leave the car behind when exploring Norfolk’s coast and countryside. Take the Bittern Line train from Norwich to Sheringham, hop off at a station and do a Railway Ramble; or carry on to Cromer or Sheringham, and walk part of the Norfolk Coast Path, with the help of the Coasthopper Bus. The Bittern Line Ranger ticket is a great way to explore the north and west coast, combining the Norwich-Cromer/Sheringham train and Coasthopper bus tickets, and allows you to hop-on and hop-off along the Coasthopper route.
Or head out east on the Wherry Line train, and explore one of the circular walks on the Norwich to Great Yarmouth Wherryman's Way.
Find out more about walking in Norfolk
Discover Norfolk walks on Norfolk County Council's Countryside Access website
Seasonal celebrations
Norfolk is the perfect destination to visit for the Christmas season, with a fantastic selection of special Christmas events to raise the spirits and put the county in the festive mood. From the UK's largest Christmas show the Thursford Spectacular, to NORWICHRISTMAS celebrations, there's something for everyone. And don't forget the speciality festive shopping, Christmas Tree Festivals, historic Christmas markets and traditional pantomimes which all add to Norfolk's seasonal mix and add some festive glitz to your short break or day out.
Then there are the wonderful Santa Specials on the county's heritage railways - take a trip through stunning winter scenery whilst enjoying a festive drink or mince pie. The Bure Valley Railway, North Norfolk Railway (Poppy Line) and Mid-Norfolk Railway all run special services, and Broads Tours offer special Santa Cruises on the Norfolk Broads.
Find out more about Christmas in Norfolk
What's on in Norfolk?
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A fun packed day based around the River Wensum & environmental activities
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The funny and heartwarming tale of a brave little mouse and a very snappy crocodile.?
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A weekend of special evening events at museums and other heritage venues across Norfolk
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