Things to do this Half Term in Norfolk
Wait, wasn’t it the Summer Holidays only five minutes ago?
If this school holiday has snuck up on you as well, it can be a struggle to come up with things to do this half term.
To help you out this October, we have pulled together a guide of our favourite things to keep the little ones entertained and engaged in Norfolk.
Woodland Adventures
Getting outdoors, even when the weather isn’t great, can be good for the whole family. Improving your mood and physical health and even reducing stress are just some of the benefits of being in nature. October is the perfect month for visiting your local woodland; seeing the change of seasons, discovering flora and fauna and taking a jump in a puddle are all good for mind and body.
Forestry England have created Zog Activity Trails across a number of sites where you can enjoy fun activities and learn more about caring for forests and woodland. You can find the trail at High Lodge in Thetford Forest and along with play areas dotted around the forest and beautiful walks for everyone, you will be sure to want to spend the whole day venturing around the woods.
Sheringham Park is a beautiful landscape park and woodland garden, open from dawn to dusk throughout the half term. With so much to explore from stunning coastal views, woodland habitats and open parkland, there is so much for the little ones to explore. This half term, they can hunt for spiders with a trail dedicated to our eight-legged friends. Trail sheets are available at the welcome kiosk. If trails aren’t your thing, why not take a look at the National Trust’s Sunday Funday: A Nature Activity for Every Weekend of the Year which is packed with ideas for a variety of adventures and opportunities to learn something new.
If you just want to grab your bikes and get outside, Bacton Wood near North Walsham is truly spectacular this time of year. With good accessibility and no parking charges, the coloured trails are a great way to wile away a few hours while enjoying some stunning natural beauty. There are coloured trails to suit everyone, with many wide enough for cyclists of any age.
Turn into a pumpkin
Now we can’t talk about October Half Term without mentioning Halloween and there are plenty of pumpkin related activities to get the kids involved with this school holiday.
BeWILDerwood, the forest of family fun and outdoor adventure, are holding their annual Glorious Glowing Lantern Parade from the 19th to the 31st October. The inspiration for this adventure park came from a series of books by author and creator, Tom Blofeld. You can discover enchanting tales of treehouses, Wobbly Wires, Slippery Slopes, Crocklebogs, Twiggles and Boggles throughout the park. For Halloween, the creators invite you to a new story which you can enjoy through mysterious paths, lit with a magical light extravaganza. The tale begins with guests making their own lanterns and then unfolds through the woodland.
Adding to the spooky atmosphere this half term, discover the not-so-creepy crawlies at Holkham Hall. Visit the property near Wells to find a whole host of activities including meeting Bert’s Amazing Creatures which includes reptiles and tarantulas. If these weird and wonderful creatures aren’t really your bag, there is also the opportunity to carve a pumpkin, weave a spiderweb or discover spellbinding stories. This October, grab a map and explore the estate with so many seasonal activities alongside their usual nature trails and ropes courses, you’ll be sure to have a fun-packed day.
Pumpkin picking with kids is a great autumn tradition. As the leaves change colour and the air turns crisp, families flock to pumpkin patches across the country. These charming farms offer a delightful experience for children, combining fun and learning. Kids eagerly search for the perfect pumpkin, examining size, shape, and colour. The adventure fosters a sense of wonder, connecting children to nature and celebrating the spirit of Halloween while creating lasting family memories. The fun doesn’t need to end when you leave the farm, have creative fun with carving, decorating and lighting your pumpkins and you can even get baking with the leftover pumpkin. There are so many places in Norfolk to find that perfect pumpkin but we love White House Farm in Sprowston and Algy’s Farm Shop in Bintree.
Not-so-scary fun
Go Indoors
Sometimes you need to account for the unpredictability of the weather in October especially when the kids are crawling the walls. There are plenty of activities of indoor adventures you can have across Norfolk this October. From a trip to the cinema to enjoying the view from an historic steam train, you’ll find something to make sure they are saying ‘wow’ even while the weather isn’t working with you.
Room on the Broom, the iconic book from the creator’s of The Gruffalo comes to life this half term with showings at Cinema City on Tuesday 24th and Wednesday 25th October. The funny story tells the story of a witch and her cat happily flying over forests, rivers and mountains until a stormy wind blows away the witch's hat, bow and wand. The film is only 30 minutes long but take the time to enjoy the beautiful 17th-century building with vaulted ceilings, stone arches and antique panelled rooms with a visit to the kitchen and bar who provide a kids menu; all adding to the spooky theme for the day.
Half Term may be a great time to discover tales of Norwich’s history with a visit to the Castle Museum. Though the restoration of the castle is still taking place, make time to visit some of the permanent exhibitions including the Boudica and Romans Gallery and Natural History gallery. During the last week of October, there will also be the opportunity to take part in activities inspired by themes of light and shade brought forward by their new exhibition Norwich Works, the Industrial Photography of Walter and Rita Nurnberg.
Who doesn’t love steam train? Sitting in the beautiful compartments, enjoying stunning views of the Norfolk countryside, climb aboard the North Norfolk Railway which goes between Sheringham and Holt. Travel in style (and warmth) aboard a piece of history and make plans to find fossils at the beach at Sheringham or take a trip to Doodle Pots Ceramic Café at Holt to let their creativity free. It might be a bit chilly for an ice cream but this is the perfect opportunity for a hot chocolate while you warm up your toes warm at Harris & James.
Whatever your plans this October Half Term, we hope it will be filled with fun and adventure.