Rainy Day Fun in Norfolk

One of the driest and sunniest counties in the country, Norfolk does still have its fair share of rainy days. When the weather is wet, gloomy and cold, there is still plenty of fun to be had in Norfolk and here is our pick of the best……...

UEA Sportspark

The UEA Sportspark is a multi-purpose sports facility that is located on the campus of the University of East Anglia and is a great place to spend a rainy day. Open to the public, there’s no need to be a member, simply pay and play. Their indoor arenas and facilities include: a 10-metre-high climbing wall with bouldering cave, 5 x glass-backed squash courts, martial arts studio and 2 large indoor arenas which can accommodate many different sports. There is also an Olympic sized swimming pool, fitness centre and Sportscafe, offering a good selection of hot and cold food and drink throughout the day.

Sportspark, University of East Anglia, Norwich Research Park, Norwich, Norfolk, NR4 7TJ

www.sportspark.co.uk

Pensthorpe’s Hootz House Indoor Play

Hootz House indoor play at Pensthorpe is designed for the whole family, whatever the weather. There are rope bridges, tree towers, winding slides and soft play equipment for toddlers and under 5s. Hootz House serves sandwiches, snacks and drinks, and there is a larger selection of food available in the Courtyard Café. Pensthorpe gift shop is brimming with beautiful and unusual gifts as well as a vast array of locally produced food, drink and handmade crafts.

Pensthorpe Natural Park, Pensthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0LN

www.pensthorpe.com

Norwich Cathedral

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

This awe-inspiring building offers guided tours, hosts fascinating exhibitions and has a delightful Refectory serving light lunches, coffee, cake and other snacks. In recent years the Cathedral has become renowned for its pair of breeding peregrine falcons, who make the Cathedral spire their home during the summer months. First appearing in 2009, the Cathedral working together with the Hawk and Owl Trust, has set up a nesting platform as well as two webcams. There is also an observation point within the Cathedral Close which allows visitors a close-up view of the nest. Breeding has been very successful, with chicks fledging every summer since 2012.

Entry to Norwich Cathedral is free, but donations are most welcome.

Norwich Cathedral, The Close, Norwich. Norfolk, NR1 4DH

www.cathedral.org.uk

Norwich Castle

The magnificent castle in Norwich is well worth a visit and a great place to go on a rainy day. Built more than 900 years ago by the Normans as a Royal Palace, this popular Norfolk landmark appeals to all ages. Visit the castle’s museum and art gallery, go on a tour of the dungeons and enjoy some lunch in the castle’s café.

Norwich Castle, Castle Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3JU

www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle

Wroxham Miniature Worlds

Wroxham Miniature Worlds is the largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK and has some of the largest model railways in the world on permanent public display. Enjoy many zones including model railways in various scales, a whole city made from LegoTM bricks, slot car and model boat displays, vintage penny arcade, interactive flight simulators, train simulators and a large range of toys from across the decades. There is also a café and gift shop.

Wroxham Miniature Worlds, Station Business Park, Horning Road West, Hoveton, Norfolk, NR12 8QJ

www.wroxhamminiatureworlds.co.uk

North Norfolk Railway

Ride the 10.5-mile round trip by steam train through a beautiful area of North Norfolk, come rain or shine. Also known as the Poppy Line, board the train at Sheringham Station and discover the picturesque North Norfolk coast from the comfort of a steam train. The journey will take you to places of interest including Kelling Heath and Sheringham Park and you will be able to view the North Norfolk coastline from the comfort of your seat. Stopping at various historic stations, you can disembark and explore these pretty destinations; Holt, Weybourne and of course Sheringham itself.

Visit the museum, learn about the railway’s history, see the signal box and children can enjoy the activity carriage. Dogs and bicycles are welcome on the trains, but there is a nominal charge. Buffet facilities are available on some trains. The North Norfolk Railway hop - on, hop - off day Rover Tickets give you unlimited travel on the day of your visit.

North Norfolk Railway PLC, Station Approach, Sheringham Station, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8RA

www.nnrailway.co.uk

RAF Air Defence Radar Museum

The Radar Museum in Horning, Norfolk is a visitor attraction that is suitable for the whole family and an ideal place to visit on a rainy day.

Learn about the early development of radar and the role of RAF Neatishead in the Cold War, the history of Air Intercept, sit in a Jaguar and Tornado cockpit and view the vast array of artefacts that the museum houses.

This deceptively spacious museum has both indoor and outdoor exhibits, a café, a museum shop, and offers free talks. With extremely knowledgeable museum volunteers, RAF Radar Museum is a fascinating and memorable place to visit.

RAF Air Defence Radar Museum, Near RRH Neatishead, Horning, Norfolk, NR12 8YB

www.radarmuseum.co.uk

Sticky Earth Cafe

Sticky Earth Cafe is in its 16th year and is somewhere you can have a go at a variety of activities, in a relaxed, friendly and spacious setting whilst enjoying a cup of something hot.

Fun for all the family, and no artistic talent required, Sticky Earth Cafe is the perfect way to spend the morning, afternoon or rainy day. Select from a range of activities including pottery painting, decopatch, t-shirt printing, canvas painting and foot and hand printing.

15 Church Street, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9ES

www.stickyearthcafe.co.uk

Peter Coke Shell Gallery

If you are looking for somewhere to shelter on a rainy day in Sheringham, you might like to visit the Peter Coke Shell Gallery. Here you will find a beautiful display of over 100 stunning shell-art creations made by the actor Peter Coke (1913 to 2008). This seaside gallery houses flower arrangements, intricate gardens, castles and much more, all made from shells that have been collected from all over the world.

Run by volunteers, the Shell Gallery’s admission is free, but voluntary contributions are kindly invited to cover operating costs.

Peter Coke Shell Gallery, West Cliff, Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8JT

Hippodrome Circus

Great Yarmouth’s Hippodrome Circus is Britain’s only surviving total Circus Building and was built in 1903 by the legendary circus showman, George Gilbert.

With water shows, a summer spectacular and Christmas specials, the Hippodrome Circus is a great rainy-day destination for the whole family. Please note the circus does not offer shows daily - visit their website for show dates and times.

Hippodrome Circus, St. Georges Road, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 2EU

www.hippodromecircus.co.uk

High Altitude

Enjoy a fun, safe, healthy and inclusive time at High Altitude in Norwich, whatever your age or ability. Trampolining is fun and good exercise; High Altitude is an ideal rainy-day destination. Their café offers a good range of food and hot and cold drinks.

High Altitude, 91 Whiffler Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR3 2AW

www.highaltitudepk.co.uk

Henry Blogg Museum

Cromer’s Henry Blogg Museum celebrates the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history. Henry served for 53 years on Cromer’s lifeboats and with the assistance of his crew, carried out 387 rescues, saving over 873 lives. He was awarded many honours that include three Gold and four Silver Medals from the RNLI, the George Cross for general war service and a British Empire Medal. Henry Blogg remains the most decorated person in RNLI history.

The Henry Blogg Museum was founded to commemorate Cromer’s homegrown legend and there is a lot of interesting and interactive information to see. Situated at the end of Cromer’s promenade, the museum is an ideal place to visit on a rainy morning or afternoon and the Rocket House Café above the museum is also worth a visit!  

Admission to the museum is free, but donations are most welcome.

Henry Blogg Museum, The Rocket House, The Gangway, Cromer, Norfolk, NR27 9ET

www.rnli.org/find-my-nearest/museums/henry-blogg-museum

Roarr Dinosaur Adventure

The indoor play area at Roarr Dinosaur Adventure is an ideal destination on a rainy day. Suitable for all ages, with an under 5s area, you can climb nets and bridges, play in ball pools and slither down the three massive slides. With a large café offering hot and cold meals, snacks and freshly ground coffee; there is something for the whole family at Roarr Dinosaur Adventure.

Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure, Lenwade, Norfolk, NR9 5JW

www.roarrdinosauradventure.co.uk

Sealife Centres

Norfolk has two Sea Life Centres, one in Hunstanton and one in Great Yarmouth. Escape the rain as you meet creatures of the deep and learn about the world’s underwater life, from seals, to sharks to turtles. With interactive fun, talks and feeding opportunities, these two Sea Life Centres in Norfolk offer a great day out for the whole family, come rain or shine.

Sea Life Great Yarmouth, Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR30 3AH

www.visitsealife.com/great-yarmouth

Sea Life Hunstanton, Southern Promenade, Hunstanton, Norfolk, PE36 5BH

www.visitsealife.com/hunstanton