Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (c) Norfolk Tourism

Days out if it rains

While Norfolk has many beautiful sunny days, and is one of the sunniest and driest counties in the UK, we can't promise there won't be the odd shower or two at times. But if the weather does take a turn, then you will find plenty of things to keep you entertained until the rain clears. There are loads of great activities to be enjoyed indoors making Norfolk a great place to visit all year round.

Jump to: History & Heritage // Amazing crafts & discoveries // Arts & Culture

History and Heritage

Do you know the incredible story of how the Norfolk Broads were formed or who built the magnificent castle in Norwich? Perhaps you've always been curious about the great hero, Lord Nelson or just wanted to discover who made Colman's Mustard taste so good! The answer to all the questions and much more lies within Norfolk's wonderful museums.

Many of these are housed in magnificent heritage buildings such as Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery where you see collections of Anglo-Saxon treasures and take a guided tour round the ancient dungeons to uncover the secrets held within the walls, or go up to the battlements and pretend to defend the castle! Colman's Mustard Shop & Museum is found in the historic Royal Arcade shopping centre - its Victorian shop and museum tells the story of Colman's mustard milling from its small beginnings at Bawburgh Mill over 200 years ago.

In the historic market town of Swaffham, visit Swaffham Museum to learn all about the famous Egyptologist, Howard Carter, and the mysterious tomb of King Tutankhamun. If you're in Great Yarmouth, a must visit for all the family is Time and Tide - a fantastic hands on museum on the history of Great Yarmouth. Experience the sights and smells of the old herring industry, hear gripping tales of wreck and rescue on the high seas, wander down the Vistorian 'Row' houses to see the inhabitants and much more.

For an explosion of colour, light and sound visit the Thursford Collection to see their incredible fairground collection including an 19th Century carousel. See the Mighty Wurlizter and other organs, visit the shops and admire the steam collection. Thursford is definitely a whole day of fun and amazement!

Find out more about Norfolk's museums

Browse heritage attractions in Norfolk

Amazing crafts & discoveries

Norfolk is home to many skilled craftsmen and if you visit Langham Glass you will see first hand the ancient art of glass blowing. Take a tour around the centre to see all the processes involved and how they make many wonderful objects from wine glasses to animals.

To see more amazing crafts, visit Wroxham Barns where you can see a woodturner in action, pottery being moulded and stained glass being painted, along with a range of other shops selling unique Norfolk goods such as honey and cider.

To unravel more mysteries visit the Inspire Discovery Centre. Housed in one of Norwich's medieval churches, Inspire aims to do exactly as the names suggests - inspire interest into the incredible world of science and technology, and enables visitors to get involved with interactive exhibits. Great fun for children and adults!

Find Craft centres in Norfolk

Workshops and rainy day fun at Norwich Puppet Theatre

Arts & Culture

If you're passionate about art then Norfolk has some wonderful galleries for you to while away many hours in. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (SCVA) is sure to inspire your imagination as you browse the varied collections spanning over 5,000 years of human creativity. There are works from artists including Henry More and Francis Bacon, and other artists all over the world. There is also a lovely Gallery Café and a shop, special exhibitions which change every few months, and a lively events programme featuring a range of creative activities for all ages.

Norwich Puppet Theatre and Norwich Arts Centre both run half term activities for children - ideal when it's wet! - from puppet making to starring in your own comic or short film.