At Tapping House, we are incredibly proud to operate in such a spectacular, vibrant county. Our staff, volunteers and the families we care for all enjoy the stunning landscapes and rich history that make our region so special.
If you’re planning a weekend out with the family or perhaps visiting the East of England for the first time, you’re spoilt for choice of places to see and things to do. For unforgettable things to do around Norfolk, check out our guide to five of our favourite local days out.
Step Back in Time at the Sandringham Estate
No list of things to do around Norfolk would be complete without mentioning the much-loved country retreat of Their Majesties King Charles III and Queen Camilla. The Sandringham Estate offers a magnificent day out for visitors of all ages.
You can explore the beautifully preserved rooms of Sandringham House, wander through the spectacular gardens, or enjoy a peaceful dog walk through the expansive Royal Parkland.
The Estate also boasts a brilliant visitor centre, a charming café that serves local produce and an excellent children’s woodland play area.
Relax on Norfolk’s Breathtaking Norfolk Beaches
Norfolk is famous for its sweeping and unspoilt coastlines. Whether you prefer building sandcastles, walking the dog, or enjoying fish and chips on the promenade, hitting the coast is one of the most popular things to do around Norfolk.
Holkham Beach offers vast, stunning expanses of golden sand backed by fragrant pine woods. Just down the road, Wells-next-the-Sea is a charming fishing village and its beach is renowned for its long row of picturesque, colourful beach huts.
If you prefer a classic seaside resort, head to Hunstanton (famously known as ‘Sunny Hunny’) to admire its unique striped cliffs. After you’ve enjoyed the beach, why not pop into our Hunstanton Tapping House charity shop to browse for some cracking holiday reads or vintage treasures?
Ride the Historic Bure Valley Railway
For a nostalgic and magical day out, the Bure Valley Railway is an absolute must. This narrow-gauge heritage railway runs between the historic market town of Aylsham and Wroxham, the bustling heart of the Norfolk Broads.
The steam and diesel trains journey through nine miles of picturesque countryside, winding alongside the River Bure and stopping at rural village stations. It is a wonderful way to see the county from a completely different perspective, and it is fully accessible, making it a wonderful trip for multi-generational families looking for relaxing things to do around Norfolk.
Explore the Magnificent Blickling Estate
Managed by the National Trust, the Blickling Estate is a jaw-dropping Jacobean mansion surrounded by ancient yew hedges and a glorious, sparkling lake. History enthusiasts will be fascinated to know that the estate is believed to be the birthplace of Anne Boleyn.
Beyond the house, the sprawling 4,600-acre estate offers miles of waymarked walking and cycling trails through woodland and parkland. With a fantastic second-hand bookshop and a café on-site, it’s easy to spend an entire day soaking up the splendour of this historic gem.
To check seasonal opening times and plan your visit, take a look at the National Trust’s Blickling Estate website.
Discover Hidden Treasures in Local Market Towns
While Norfolk’s grand estates and beaches often steal the spotlight, exploring our historic market towns is one of the most rewarding things to do around Norfolk. Towns like King’s Lynn, Fakenham, Swaffham and Downham Market are packed with beautiful architecture, independent cafés and vibrant local markets.
They are also home to our Tapping House charity shops!
Spend a Sunday strolling through one of Norfolk’s market towns, grabbing a coffee and hunting for sustainable bargains in our stores. Most importantly, every purchase you make directly funds the expert palliative and compassionate care we provide to local families in their greatest time of need.
Support Your Local Community
As you enjoy the brilliant attractions our county has to offer, we hope you will keep the local community in your heart and consider stopping by one of our charity shops.
If you’d like to find out where exactly each of our charity shops are, you can view our map.