Things to do in Norfolk if it rains
Norfolk is the combined sunniest/driest county in the country, but we occasionally get a little precipitation from other places as it’s passing over to go somewhere else. So, what to do when we get some liquid sunshine? Here’s some of our favourite things to do…
Don't worry... rain DOESN'T stop play when you visit Norfolk!
Lots going on in our museums!
Norfolk has just BRILLIANT museums, and they’re all over the county. In King’s Lynn you can see Seahenge. In Great Yarmouth you can discover Nelson and the fishing industry. At Gressenhall you can learn about our agricultural heritage. The history of Norwich can be discovered at the Bridewell and you can see mummies (Egyptian ones, not those that go with daddies), a Snapdragon, a polar bear and more at the Castle. In Cromer you can see the bones of a mammoth. And that’s just for starters!
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
A great day out any time, but there’s also the recent addition of Dinomite, an indoor attraction with climbing nets, bridge, massive slides and ball pools as well as café.
Sealife Centre... sorry, Centres!
We have TWO in Norfolk, at Great Yarmouth and Hunstanton. You can stay dry from the rain as you watch amazing underwater life, from sharks to turtles, while learning lots more about our fishy friends.
Historic houses - our very own Downton Abbeys
We’ve got a bundle of these, all packed with artefacts, paintings, history and amazing stories. Our favourite is why there’s a roundabout by the obelisk at the approach to Holkham Hall. Carriage passengers, arriving as guests, would only see out of the sides of their transport so wouldn’t be able to see what was coming up. Putting in a roundabout ensured they’d see the splendour and magnificence of the hall before they arrived. Simples! We’ve also got the National Trust’s Felbrigg, Blickling and Oxborough Halls.
Life's a Hootz at Pensthorpe
Hootz House is an award-winning indoor play area, great for kids of all ages, including big kids that are young at heart! There’s also a soft play area especially for the really little ones.
Stormin' Norman architecture at Norwich Cathedral
There’s lots to do on a rainy day in Norwich, but we recommend this fabulous Norman confection. There are regular guided tours. And once you’ve marvelled at its ecclesiastical elegance, head through the cloisters to the Refectory restaurant.
Stay on track with our heritage railways
All aboard! Norfolk has some great heritage railways, and what a great way to see the beautiful Norfolk countryside and, on the north Norfolk Poppy Line, the lovely coast too.
Take a trip to Sainsburys... no, not that one
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, at the University of East Anglia, is a world-class building designed by Norman Foster to house the collection of Robert and Lisa Sainsbury. Discover modern European art interspersed with works from across the globe and objects that span 5,000 years of human creativity. There are also special exhibitions and a lively events programme featuring a range of creative activities for all ages. You might recognise it from the Avengers films - it doubled as their upstate New York HQ.
There's other great art to see in Norfolk. Here's a list of the top ten pieces that are open to the public...
Imagine you're in the Amazon...
Whatever the weather cheeky little monkeys can have a ball playing in the soft play centre Jungle Tumbles at Amazona. It’s Brazilliant!
Learn more about the unique Broads...
We know we’ve already done museums, but the Museum of the Broads at Stalham Staithe deserves a particular mention because it’s where you can discover that the Norfolk Broads are actually MAN-MADE! Yes, really! There are also displays, films and a playboat.
Shelter with a special show
If it's Summer or Christmas, and other school holidays, there are likely to be shows on at Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre, the last end-of-pier theatre in the world, and at Great Yarmouth's historic Hippodrome.
