Planning a family getaway to North Norfolk? There’s so much to keep little explorers entertained, from sandy beaches and crabbing adventures to wildlife parks, woodland play areas and, of course, plenty of ice cream stops.
At Flock Cottage, we’re lucky to be surrounded by some wonderful family days out. From crabbing at Brancaster Staithe and sandy toes at Old Hunstanton to woodland adventures at Sandringham and pizza and ice cream at Drove Orchards, there’s plenty to enjoy without spending all day in the car.
One of the things we love most about this part of Norfolk is the variety. You can spend the morning exploring the coast, enjoy an afternoon spotting wildlife or discovering somewhere new, then head back to the cottage to relax and recharge. With the freedom of self-catering, you can take each day at your own pace and make the most of your time together.
Whether you’re visiting during the school holidays, half term or simply escaping for a few days, here are some of our favourite ideas for family days out near Flock Cottage. And if your four-legged family members are coming too, there are plenty of lovely walks and dog-friendly places to explore – just remember to check individual attraction rules before you visit.
Build sandcastles on North Norfolk's beautiful beaches
Old Hunstanton Beach is a lovely place to start. With its colourful beach huts, striped cliffs and open sandy shoreline, it's perfect for a family beach day. Take a bucket and spade, pack a picnic and see who can build the biggest sandcastle.
A little further along the coast, Holkham Beach offers vast stretches of sand backed by dunes and pinewoods. It's a wonderful place for a walk, a kite on a breezy day or a game of beach football. The landscape feels wonderfully wild, so stick to marked paths through the dunes and follow local wildlife guidance.
Wells-next-the-Sea is another family favourite, with its famous colourful beach huts and beautiful sandy beach. You can spend hours playing on the sand before heading into town for a wander around the harbour and a well-earned seaside treat.
Our tip? Bring spare clothes and wellies. Even on a sunny day, a little puddle jumping is often part of the adventure!
Looking for the perfect beach day? From wide sandy beaches to quieter stretches of coastline, take a look at our guide to the best beaches near Hunstanton for a little inspiration.
Go crabbing at Brancaster Staithe
If there's one classic Norfolk holiday activity that children love, it's crabbing!
Head to Brancaster Staithe harbour when the tide is suitable and you'll often find families gathered along the harbour edge, lowering crab lines and waiting patiently for a little pincered visitor to appear.
All you need is a bucket, a crabbing line and some bait, although local shops may have supplies if you haven't brought your own. It's a simple, inexpensive way to keep children entertained, and the excitement of seeing what's on the end of the line never seems to wear off.
Always check the tide times before visiting, keep children well back from the water's edge and supervise them closely around the harbour. Handle crabs gently, keep them in seawater for only a short time and return them carefully to where they were found.
It's one of those wonderfully old-fashioned seaside activities that can turn an ordinary afternoon into a holiday highlight.
Meet the animals at Snettisham Park
For children who love animals, Snettisham Park offers a lovely opportunity to get closer to Norfolk's countryside.
The working farm is known for its deer safari, where visitors can learn about the herd and see the animals in their surroundings. Depending on the season and activities available, there may also be farmyard animals and opportunities to learn more about life on a farm.
It's a lovely choice for curious little animal lovers and a different way to experience the countryside beyond the beaches.
Check the farm's website before travelling, as activities and opening arrangements can change seasonally. In particular, the park has announced a temporary closure from 2 November 2026 until spring 2027 while it transitions to new management.
Make a day of it with our picnic basket hire
Planning a beach day or a countryside adventure? Make it extra special with our picnic basket hire. Perfect for a family lunch on the beach, a quiet spot in the sunshine or a little something to enjoy along the way. Simply add one to your stay and let us take care of the rest!
Discover something extraordinary at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
For a family day out with a difference, take a look at Watatunga Wildlife Reserve near Watlington.
This unique reserve is home to a fascinating collection of rare and endangered deer, antelope and other wildlife. Rather than a traditional zoo experience, visits offer the opportunity to discover these animals in a spacious, naturalistic environment.
It's a wonderful option for older children who are interested in wildlife, conservation and seeing animals they might not encounter elsewhere in Norfolk.
Visits are organised experiences, so check the reserve's website for current tour options, age suitability and booking requirements before setting off.
Let them burn off some energy at Farmer Fred's Adventure Play Barn
Sometimes children simply need somewhere to run, climb and play — especially when the weather isn't quite right for the beach.
Farmer Fred's Adventure Play Barn is a great option to look into for a family play session. It's designed to give children the chance to let off steam while grown-ups enjoy a little breathing space.
Indoor play is particularly useful on rainy days or when you need a break from exploring outdoors. It's also worth considering if you're travelling with children of different ages, as everyone can need something a little different from a day out.
Check the current opening times, age ranges and booking arrangements before visiting.
Explore Sandringham's woodland and play area
Sandringham Estate is a lovely choice for families who enjoy being outdoors.
The Royal Parkland offers waymarked walking trails, woodland scenery and a natural play area where children can climb, explore and burn off energy. There's plenty of space to enjoy a family walk without needing to follow a strict plan.
You can pack a picnic, follow one of the trails and make a day of exploring the grounds. The Courtyard also offers places to stop for refreshments when everyone needs a break.
The Royal Parkland is open to visitors throughout the year, although parking charges apply. The House and Gardens have seasonal opening arrangements, so check the estate's website if you want to visit those as well.
Enjoy a sweet treat and a play at Drove Orchards
A visit to Drove Orchards near Thornham is a lovely way to combine a little exploring with something delicious.
Known for its independent businesses and local produce, Drove Orchards is a great place to stop for a relaxed family outing. Depending on what's open, you can browse the shops, enjoy something to eat and treat the children to ice cream.
The orchard is also home to the popular Eric's Fish and Chips and Eric's Pizza, making it a handy place to plan a casual lunch or early evening meal. There's a playground too, giving little ones a chance to play while the grown-ups take a breather.
It's an especially useful stop to keep in mind after a morning exploring the beaches around Thornham and Holme-next-the-Sea.
Check individual businesses and the playground's opening arrangements before your visit, particularly outside the main holiday season.
Visit Norfolk Lavender in Heacham
For something a little different, head to Norfolk Lavender in Heacham.
Although the lavender fields are at their most colourful during the summer flowering season, the attraction offers more than just rows of purple flowers. Depending on the time of year, families can browse the farm shop, discover lavender products and enjoy refreshments.
It's a lovely stop to combine with a visit to Hunstanton or the nearby beaches. Children can explore the surroundings while grown-ups browse the shop and pick up something local to take home.
If you're visiting specifically to see the lavender in flower, check the seasonal flowering information first. The experience changes considerably throughout the year.
Enjoy the arcades and traditional seaside fun in Hunstanton
Sometimes you can't beat a traditional British seaside day, and Hunstanton has plenty to keep families entertained.
After a walk along the promenade or some time on the beach, head into town to explore the amusements and arcades. From games and prize machines to the simple fun of spending holiday pocket money, it's an easy way to keep children entertained.
Hunstanton is also a handy place to pick up fish and chips, enjoy an ice cream or browse the shops before heading back to the cottage.
It's particularly useful to have up your sleeve when the weather is changeable. You can combine a short beach walk with a little indoor entertainment and adapt the day depending on what the Norfolk weather brings.
Discover Wells-next-the-Sea
Wells-next-the-Sea is well worth a place on your family holiday itinerary.
Start with a wander around the harbour, where you can watch the boats and enjoy the atmosphere of this traditional coastal town. Then head towards the beach, famous for its colourful beach huts and wide sandy shoreline.
For children who enjoy exploring, the nearby pinewoods offer another way to experience the landscape. You can turn your visit into a longer walk or simply enjoy a relaxed afternoon moving between the beach, harbour and town.
There are cafés, shops and places to stop for refreshments, making Wells a lovely destination for a full family day out.
Spend a day spotting wildlife and exploring nature
North Norfolk is a wonderful place to introduce children to the natural world.
From birds flying over the marshes to seals resting along the coast and deer grazing in the countryside, there's always something to look out for. You don't need to plan an elaborate activity to make the most of it.
Bring binoculars, choose a coastal or countryside walk and see what you can spot together. You could make a simple wildlife checklist for the children, looking for different birds, shells, animal tracks and interesting plants along the way.
Remember to keep a respectful distance from wildlife, follow local signs and leave natural habitats undisturbed.
What if it rains?
Even in Norfolk, the weather doesn't always go to plan. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to keep everyone entertained.
Here are a few ideas to save for a rainy day:
Farmer Fred's Adventure Play Barn: a chance for children to climb, play and burn off energy indoors.
SEA LIFE Hunstanton: discover marine life and learn about the seal sanctuary.
Hunstanton arcades: traditional seaside entertainment for a change of pace.
RAORR! Dinosaur Adventure: a dinosaur-themed adventure park near Lenwade, further inland, with attractions and play for children who love prehistoric creatures.
Before setting off, check opening times, age suitability and any advance booking requirements. Some attractions operate seasonally, while others offer different activities during school holidays.
Discover seals and sea life at SEA LIFE Hunstanton
If your children love animals, a visit to SEA LIFE Hunstanton is a brilliant option.
Home to a variety of marine creatures and a seal sanctuary, it's an opportunity to discover more about the underwater world and see animals up close. It's also a handy option when the weather isn't quite right for a full day outdoors.
You can learn about marine life, watch feeding sessions when available and discover more about the work involved in caring for rescued seals.
It's worth checking the attraction's website before visiting for current opening times, ticket prices and daily activities.
Get close to nature at Pensthorpe Natural Park
For families who enjoy the great outdoors, Pensthorpe Natural Park offers a wonderful mix of wildlife, walking trails and play.
The park is known for its wetland habitats and birdlife, making it an interesting visit for curious children and adults alike. Follow the nature trails, look out for birds on the lakes and enjoy the chance to learn about the wildlife that calls Norfolk home.
There's also outdoor adventure play and indoor play at Hootz House, giving children the opportunity to burn off some energy whatever the weather.
We think places like this are a lovely way to introduce children to nature without making it feel like a lesson. Take your time, bring binoculars if you have them and see what you can spot along the way.
Step aboard a traditional steam train
There's something rather magical about a steam train, and the North Norfolk Railway offers a lovely way to experience the countryside at a slower pace.
Known as the Poppy Line, the heritage railway runs between Sheringham and Holt, travelling through the North Norfolk countryside. Children can enjoy the excitement of boarding a traditional train, watching the scenery pass by and imagining what journeys might have been like generations ago.
It's a lovely change of pace from a beach day and can be combined with a visit to Sheringham or a wander around Holt.
Special events and themed train days take place throughout the year, so check the railway's calendar when planning your visit.
Let imaginations run wild at Holkham
Holkham is about much more than its beautiful beach. The estate offers a variety of activities that can turn a simple day out into a proper family adventure.
Explore the parkland, discover the Walled Garden or visit Holkham Stories to learn more about the estate's history and landscape. Depending on the season and what's open, families can also enjoy cycling, boating and the Holkham ropes course.
There is plenty of space to explore, and you can make the day as relaxed or as active as you like. Pack a picnic, choose a trail and leave time for a stop at one of the cafés.
Do check which attractions are open during your visit, as activities and opening times vary throughout the year.
Go fossil hunting and explore the Deep History Coast
For children who love discovering hidden treasures, North Norfolk's coastline offers a chance to look for fossils and learn about the area's remarkable prehistoric past.
The stretch of coast known as the Deep History Coast is famous for its geological discoveries. Places such as West Runton and the beaches around Cromer and Sheringham offer opportunities to explore the shoreline and learn about the ancient landscapes beneath your feet.
You never know what might catch your eye while beachcombing, although fossil finds are never guaranteed. Keep an eye on the tide, follow local guidance and leave significant finds where they are unless official guidance advises otherwise.
For a little extra adventure, turn your walk into a family treasure hunt. Who can find the most interesting pebble, spot the first seabird or discover a shell with an unusual pattern?
It's a simple way to keep little legs moving while making memories along the coast.
Make time for the little things
Some of our favourite holiday memories don't need tickets or a timetable. Sometimes the simplest days turn out to be the best. North Norfolk's beaches offer plenty of room for children to run, play, paddle and let their imaginations run wild.
A morning walk along the beach, searching for interesting shells, watching birds fly over the marshes or finding a quiet spot for a picnic can be just as memorable as a big themed day out.
North Norfolk is particularly lovely for families who enjoy being outdoors. The landscape changes as you travel along the coast, from wide sandy beaches and pinewoods to salt marshes, open fields and peaceful village lanes.
Bring a pair of binoculars, see what wildlife you can spot and let the children set the pace now and again. You might discover that an hour spent exploring a beach or following a woodland path becomes the highlight of your holiday.
Sometimes the simplest days make the best holiday memories. North Norfolk's wide sandy beaches offer plenty of room for children to run, paddle, build sandcastles and let their imaginations take over.
Bringing your four-legged family member? We love welcoming dogs to Flock Cottage. We have a few little ground rules to make sure everyone has a comfortable stay. Explore our guide to Dog-Friendly rambles in Norfolk.
Why make Flock Cottage your family base
After a busy day exploring, it's lovely to have somewhere comfortable to come back to. Flock Cottage is a two-bedroom holiday cottage in the peaceful village of Ringstead, with the North Norfolk coast just a short drive away.
With space for families, a fully enclosed garden and a dog-friendly welcome, it's a lovely base for exploring everything the area has to offer. And with so many different places to discover, you might find one visit simply isn't enough!
Fancy exploring a little closer to home? Ringstead is a lovely village to discover, with countryside walks, local charm and the coast just a short drive away. Read our guide to discovering Ringstead, North Norfolk.
A Cottage That Makes Family Holidays Easier
Where you stay matters just as much as what you do and at Flock Cottage Ringstead, we’ve tried to think carefully about the details that make travelling with children smoother so that you don’t have to bring half the house with you.
So what do we provide?
Cotbed, matress, knitted blanket and 4 tog quilt.
Convertible highchair- Turns into a table and chair
Bed rails.
Wooden toys, puzzle,reading books, activity & colouring books.
Children’s dinnerware- silicone BPA free plate & bowl plus weaning cutlery, bib.
A rocker for infants.
Sleep suits- 1.5 tog.
Night light.
Behind the cottage there’s also a large green space and play park which is perfect for an early-morning run around or some pre-dinner energy burning.
Discover Flock Cottage in Ringstead and start planning your own North Norfolk adventures.