The British Isles is the perfect place for a child friendly holiday. It's small and perfectly formed and it was made for family explorations. We start our series off with the undiscovered beauty of Norfolk.
On the east side of the UK, protruding out into the North sea is the county of Norfolk - the fourth biggest in England. Famous for its Broads (man-made inland water ways) and long stretches of unspoilt beaches there is plenty for you and your family to discover and explore. High energy activities or a more gentler approach, it's all on offer.
1. Seal watching. Norfolk is home to Englands largest grey seal colony. When you're visiting one of the many gorgeous beaches, in between dodging the waves get the children to keep their eyes peeled for these lovely creatures. Pack some binoculars to bring them closer to you - as cute as they may look please keep your distance, wild animals can be dangerous.
2. Crabbing at Cromer. Whenever we head off on a family holiday we have to find the local crabbing spot. Use your beach bucket and get yourself a crab line and head to Cromer - it's famous for its crabbing, it's fun, free and out in the fresh air. Rumour as it that the Cromer crabs are quite partial to squid and mackerel, let us know how many you catch.
3. Pond Dipping at Selbrigg Pond. Very close to our friends at Wood Farm, Selbrigg Pond is a wonderous walk, spot swans, birds, butterflies and insects as you meander over fields and through woodland. Get the children reliving the Wind in the Willows story as you hunt for otters and toads. Pack a picnic and enjoy all that this fabulous place as to offer.
4. Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Giving horses, donkeys, mules and ponies a new lease of life. Children can walk around the sanctuary and see the wonderful work that these lovely volunteers do. From shetlands to shires, the children will love meeting the residents at Redwings. This is free entry but please consider a donation so the work to re-home vulnerable horses can continue.
5. Visit the beach. Nothing screams family friendly fun more than a trip to the beach. Pack a picnic - sand sandwiches are a firm favourite, grab some buckets and spades and let the beach do the rest. Cromer has a pier, Holkham has pine trees, Great Yarmouth is the place for amusements and pleasure beaches and on Horsey beach you will find seals. In Norfolk there is a beach to suit any mood.
6. Burgh Castle. Step back in the time of knights and dames with a visit to this fort which was built in 3 AD. The children will love the open space whilst the grown ups can reacquaint themselves with our torrid past. There is always interest for the Berney Arms windmill, which can be seen across the River Yare, from both adults and children.
7. Fossil hunting. We cant guarantee you will find another 600,000 mammoth like the one that was uncovered at West Runton beach but we will guarantee that your children will love looking for one. More common finds are sea urchins, sponges, hyaena dung - much to our childrens amusement and if you're lucky a mammoth tooth. This activity isn't just for children, it's a real family affair.
8. Walking. There are plenty of family friendly walking routes in and around Norfolk, whether you opt for a country park, picnic and a stroll - Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is a great choice, for a forest amble head to the ancient Foxley Wood or you can have a full on back pack and a map experience. What is certain is the fresh air and space will work wonders for your well being and rid some of that lockdown energy.
