Local Area Information

Seals at Blakeney Point

Whistle Stop is surrounded by things to do. Not only are there cycle routes and country walks on your doorstep, there are also huge attractions just a short drive away. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

Blickling Hall

To sum up Blickling Hall, this is a house that has superb grounds to walk around, a stunning lake that looks onto the house, the most amazing garden I have seen, a fantastic and historical house to browse at your leisure, and good food at either the pub or the cafes.

The park and grounds at Blickling Hall are vast. Acres of paths and woodlands for your pure enjoyment in whatever form that may take for you personally. You can

walk around the estate parkland with easy-to-follow colour coded signs. Dogs are very welcome in the park and the courtyard, but not in the house or the formal gardens.
cycle around purpose built tracks. You can hire bicycles from the estate and more information on this can be found on the National Trust website.
while away the hours having a picnic, or just amble around at your leisure.
even fish in the most idyllic surroundings on the lake in front of the house. It's open to all ages and abilities, from June, 7am-dusk. Call the ranger on 01263 731 944 for more details.

Felbrigg Hall

The rolling landscape park with a lake, 211 hectares (520 acres) of woods and waymarked trails is a great place to explore nature and wildlife on this bountiful estate. With buggy friendly surfaces on main visitor routes, families can enjoy a great day out.

The Estate is now owned and run by the National Trust and maintained for the pleasure of visitors. To help children discover the history of the Hall, story boxes have been placed in many places throughout the rooms.

Sheringham Park

Landscape park and woodland garden with miles of stunning coastal views. Wander through Sheringham Park and you'll discover why it became the personal favourite of its designer, Humphry Repton.

Spend a day here exploring 1000 acres of varying habitat including woodland, parkland and cliff top. Look out for wildlife, three species of deer can be seen alongside a wide variety of birds and butterflies.

Pop into the courtyard café for a range of hot and cold drinks

Pensthorpe Natural Park

Multiple WINNER of Norfolk's Best Large Attraction, Pensthorpe Natural Park is perfect as a full day out for families, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and garden lovers. Located along the river Wensum, in the heart of North Norfolk, you can explore 700 acres of woodland walks and lakes; four stunning gardens, including the Millennium Garden designed by renowned plantsman Piet Oudolf; WildRootz - a huge outdoor adventure playground and; Hootz House, an award winning indoor play area, which is 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!

East Ruston Old Vicarage

An exotic garden in an exposed location just a few miles from the north Norfolk coast, East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden is the creation of Alan Gray and Graham Robson. At 32 acres in size it is one of the largest gardens of the late 20th century, and one of the finest privately owned gardens in England. Garden highlights include a sunken garden, topiary, water features, wildflower meadows, a walled garden, and a Mediterranean garden.

The Norfolk Broads

The Broads is famous for its abundance of scenic day trip destinations just waiting to be explored. With nature reserves, gardens of stately homes, quaint towns and villages and a short (but beautiful) stretch of coastline there's definitely plenty of choice.

Inland there are beauty spots such as Hickling Broad, Ranworth Broad, How Hill and Carlton Marshes to name just a few. You're guaranteed to see some amazing wildlife including some national favourites and maybe some exotic migrants too! Pay a visit to one of the idyllic East Anglian towns or villages en route to refuel and indulge in a spot of shopping, some of our favourites are Beccles, Bungay, Wroxham and the fine city of Norwich itself.

Horsey Windpump

This five storey windpump was built in 1912 to pump water out from the surrounding land so that it could be used for agriculture. It was operational until 1943, when it was hit by lightning. The National trust took ownership of Horsey Windpump in 1948 and restored it. It is now open to visitors on certain days in season. You can climb the floors of the pump and see the workings, with steep steps taking you up to the top for a great view back over Horsey!

Bure Valley Railway Aylsham

Bure Valley Railway is Norfolk's longest narrow gauge steam railway and runs between the market town of Aylsham and the bustling Broads town of Wroxham, and is within easy reach of Norwich and the coast. The nine mile line runs through the picturesque Bure Valley countryside, with a combined train and cruise on the Norfolk Broads available.

The railway's facilities include an 80-seater Café at Aylsham Station which can provide everything from a cup of tea to a full meal, souvenir shops and free car and coach parking at both Aylsham and Wroxham Stations. All trains have special wheelchair accessible coaches which allow wheelchair and able bodied passengers to travel together. Disabled toilet facilities are available at both Aylsham and Wroxham. Trains operate on a daily basis.

Norwich Castle

Located in the centre of the city, Norwich Castle is undoubtedly one of the most popular visitor attractions in Norwich and one of the city’s most famous landmarks.

Norwich Castle, one of the finest examples of a traditional Norman castle keep, was built as a royal palace by the Normans 900 years ago and later used as a prison for around 500 years. Today, it offers visitors a rich and varied selection of interesting exhibits and art collections. It’s a perfect place to bring children, with first class facilities and many educational opportunities.

Norwich Cathedral

The most complete Norman Cathedral in England and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe, Norwich Cathedral is one of England’s finest Cathedrals.

After you have unearthed over 900 years of history and explored the awe-inspiring Cathedral building, discover the largest Cathedral Close and monastic Cloisters in the land, view fascinating exhibitions, enjoy a light lunch or coffee and cake in the Refectory café and experience the tranquillity of the Herb and Japanese Gardens.

Seal spotting at Blakeney

Blakeney Point is home to England's largest Grey Seal colony and many summer breeding birds. The best way to get close and personal to the wildlife on Blakeney Point, is to book a trip on one of the locally operated ferry trips departing from Morston Quay. Please note: it is not possible to walk to see the seals on Blakeney Point. The seal trips (by boat) offer an exciting experience combined with the chance to learn more about the seals. Horsey beach is a great spot during Winter.

Holt Georgian Town

Holt's fine 18th century Georgian buildings make the town one of the most attractive in north Norfolk. The town is home to many art galleries, antique and book shops and places to eat located along the high street and tucked away in hidden, charming courtyards and alleyways. Bakers and Larners department store and Byfords are two landmark establishments in the town.

The kids will absolutely love it here in Norfolk, if they don't fancy eating ice-cream on one of the lovely local beaches, they can find adventure in one of the many attractions Norfolk has to offer. Here are a few examples:

Wizard Maze, Metton

There is so much to offer at the Maze, including a maize maze, jumping pillow, tractor train ride around the maze, go-karts, children's climbing frame, zip wire and new for this year, Michael the Pony and the pygmy goats.....enjoy a full fun day out!

Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure

Come and unleash your adventure in the UK’s best all-inclusive dinosaur themed adventure park. With over 25 attractions, set in 85 acres of Jurassic woodland, it reallly is a full family day out! Based in Lenwade - just off the main A1067 road between Norwich and Fakenham.

Hilltop Outdoor Centre, Sheringham

Set in 26 Acres of picturesque woodlands overlooking the coast, Hilltop offers modern & comfortable facilities for guests and provides an array of exciting Adventure Activities such as Climbing Walls, High Ropes Courses, Zip Wires & Archery – Along with the new Air Jump; the 1st activity of its kind in England!
Hilltop offers a caring, family environment for visitors.

Amazona Zoo

Amazona is a Brazliant zoo and it’s a fun visit for the whole family! They are located on the north Norfolk coast in Cromer, home to over 200 birds and animals from tropical South America. During your time at the unique zoo you will see everything from monkeys, pumas, peccaries, otters to owls, macaws, parrots, capuchins and snakes and much more! They have a brand new aquarium and a new interactive ‘Amizone’ educational area.
Jungle Tumbles is their indoor play area for the under 12’s. Rainforest Springs, an exciting outdoor adventure play park with jumping pillows and a picnic area – plus they have a café and a giftshop too!

Cromer Pier

Cromer Pier is the archetypal British Pier. It remains the quiet relaxing pier it was designed for in the Victorian seaside town of Cromer on the North Norfolk coast with;

variety shows at the Pavilion Theatre,
a café and bar where you can enjoy a drink whilst admiring the wonderful views,
an RNLI lifeboat station
lots of entertainment with crabbing and fishing
strolling along and soaking up the seaside atmosphere

Redwings Horse Sanctuary, Aylsham

Situated in idyllic Norfolk countryside, Redwings Aylsham is home to almost 90 residents including real-life Black Beauty Maya, donkey duo Wiggins and Wacko, and Redwings’ notorious herd of Shetlands, "The Gangsters". In February 2019 we were awarded a special accolade from Visit England for our 'outstanding welcome' and in April 2019 we were voted the Muddy Stilettos Best Family Attraction in Norfolk so we do hope you will feel very much at home with us!

Redwings Aylsham is welcoming visitors every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday (closed on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays), 10am to 4pm.

BeWILDerwood Norfolk

BeWILDerwood is an award winning wild and imaginative outdoor adventure park. With magical treehouses and hints of intriguing characters, BeWILDerwood brings a curious difference to The Broads.

The concept, put quite simply, is one of child’s play. The vision: to enhance an already striking natural playground and encourage children and their families to enjoy traditional, imaginative and healthy outdoor play together.

A day at BeWILDerwood, means endless hours spent together with family and friends, exploring and engaging in the wild Norfolk landscape. Building dens with bracken and sticks, taking lazy boat rides across Scaaaary Lake, dressing up and joining in with the enchanting daily story telling; crossing Jungle Bridges and visiting Treehouses, whizzing down Wobbly Wires and getting befuddled in the marvelous Muddle Maze; snaking through the peaceful pathways and revealing treacherous trails - this is a world with more than a little sprinkling of fairy dust.

The Poppy Line - North Norfolk Railway, Sheringham

The Poppy Line, which runs from Sheringham to Holt on the North Norfolk coast, is one of the 5 great heritage lines in the UK, so if you’re wondering what to do for a day in Norfolk, then here’s your answer! It’s almost a four-in-one offer!

Visit the Victorian seaside town of Sheringham
Take a trip on the steam train
Disembark at Weybourne and have a walk up to Sheringham Park and the Gazebo or even the beach
Disembark at Holt (buses run in July and August to take you into Holt) and visit the Georgian town for a bite to eat

JR's Stomp, Dine, Strike

JR's Stomp, Dine, Strike does what it says on the tin - literally - with a day out packed with rolling, sliding and tucking in!

Start with Stomp: the indoor play centre with tunnels, slides, ladders and hidey-holes for kids under 148cm to run riot inside of, while the parents look on with a cup of coffee in hand. It’s a great way to have them blow off some steam and make a few friends in the process.

Before you strike it lucky, Dine is their all-American diner with lots of lip-smacking treats from across the Atlantic, including the ‘best burgers this side of Brooklyn!’ Once those have been demolished you’ll be more than ready to bowl the day away at Strike. With its cosy design and funky lane illuminations, it’s the best way to spend some SPARE time.

Stomp: an indoor play area
Dine: yummy American diner
Strike: bowling alley

Wroxham Barns

There’s so much to see and so much to do for a fun day out with family, relaxing with friends or to indulge in some retail therapy. Meet the talented makers in the Craft studios, browse the shops offering gifts, toys, clothing, homewares, food & drink and more. Take a break in the award-winning Restaurant for breakfast, snacks, lunch or traditional Afternoon Tea or the Farmyard Café with tray service for families on the go with seating inside and out. Have a go at crafting at Made By You. Visit Junior Farm with a daily programme of activities and indoor play for little ones. There’s a full programme of fun events throughout the year to enjoy on Junior Farm and don’t miss the Funpark (seasonal).

Norfolk has undeniably some of the most beautiful beaches in the UK!

It's official! Keep Britain Tidy has awarded Blue Flags for Sheringham, Cromer, Mundesley, Sea Palling, East Runton and West Runton, and a seaside award for Wells-next-the-Sea.

The Blue Flag is an environmental award given to beach operators who make special effort to manage their coastal water environmental and beaches.

To attain the Blue Flag, we have to fulfil a number of criteria covering environmental information and education, environmental management, safety and services and water quality. It is awarded annually and is valid for one year during the bathing season, May to September.

Cromer Beach

Sheringham Beach

Mundesley Beach

Sea Palling Beach

East Runton Beach

Wells Next the Sea Beach