Words: Natalie Douglas

Follow your nose

Norfolk Lavender in Heacham is a heady midsummer dream. From late June, the lavender fields buzz with bees and shimmer in the heat, creating the perfect backdrop for a wander or a family day out. The fields are set to open to the public again this summer – this is weather dependent, so keep an eye on the site’s social media channels for updates. And a real treat there for little ones? Farmer Fred’s Adventure Play Barn, where children can burn off energy while the grown-ups browse lavender lotions and sip iced tea. 

Step back in time

For a glimpse into the distant past, explore Warham Camp, a well-preserved Iron Age hill fort, just inland from Wells-next-the-Sea. Its circular earthworks rise gently from the surrounding farmland and in summer, the chalk grassland bursts into life with wildflowers and fluttering chalk hill blue butterflies, a delicate species that thrives here. Climb to the top and imagine a time when this spot stood watch over the valleys below. Today, it’s a peaceful place for a picnic or a dog walk, but history still feels close.

Hop on board

For a journey back in time, board the North Norfolk Railway, aka the Poppy Line, a heritage railway linking Sheringham and Holt. It’s more than a train ride; it’s a passage through Victorian stations, tree-lined tracks, and glimpses of the North Sea. Kids will be wide-eyed, adults a little nostalgic, and everyone gets to see Norfolk at a gentler pace. 

Get the bug bug

For children (and brave adults), The Bug Parc near Lenwade offers a different kind of wild experience. It’s home to giant insects, exotic reptiles, a new butterfly house, and hands-on encounters that make you see the world’s smallest creatures with new respect. It’s weird, it’s educational and it sparks endless questions. 

Go alfresco

Thirsty from all that exploring? Stop in at The Brisley Bell, a country pub that gets summer just right. Its garden is a flower-filled haven, the food is locally sourced, the cider cold, and the mood blissfully unhurried.

Keep it natural

Tucked away just outside Holt, Natural Surroundings is part wildlife haven, part garden centre, and part best-kept secret. Their annual Wildflower Festival on 28 and 29 June is a highlight of the summer calendar; think native wildflowers in full bloom, peaceful walks through the wildlife gardens, a ‘Really Wild Flower Show’ and homemade cakes in the cafe. It’s the kind of place you stumble across once and keep going back to every summer. Bonus points if you spot a kingfisher down by the River Glaven. 

Make a royal appointment

Head west to the royal estate of Sandringham, which comes into its own in summer. The woodlands stretch out in dappled green, with two waymarked nature trails, one 1.5 miles long and the other 2.5 miles, inviting walkers to slow down and soak up the sounds of birdsong and rustling leaves. 

Go on safari

For a close encounter with some of North Norfolk’s most majestic residents, join one of Holkham’s Deer and Wildlife Safaris, running on select dates in May and June, and again later in the season. Guided by experts, you’ll learn how to tell a doe from a buck, uncover fascinating facts about the deer herd’s behaviour, and, in early summer, catch a glimpse of wobbly-legged fawns finding their feet. As the tractor trailer trundles through the parkland, keep your eyes peeled for life on the lake and even raptors circling overhead. 

Flock to the farm

For a hands-on day that brings farming and nature together, head to Open Farm Sunday at Deepdale Farm, in Burnham Deepdale, on 1 June. This family-friendly event opens the gates to a working farm on the coast, offering a chance to explore where food comes from and how farming can work hand-in-hand with the environment. Climb into a combine, investigate owl pellets or try your hand at green woodworking. With local wildlife groups, conservation organisations and food stories around every corner, it’s a brilliant way to connect with the land, the people who care for it, and the wildlife that calls it home. 

Be a rock star

Of course, summer in North Norfolk always circles back to the coast. Crabbing at Wells or Blakeney, rock pooling at low tide at West Runton, these are rituals, not just activities. Bacon on string, squeals of delight, and the careful release of scuttling creatures back into the sea. There’s something beautifully timeless about it all. When enjoying the coast, always be aware of an incoming tide and local hazards. Seek reliable local knowledge if you are at all unsure. 

Check with venues for timings and any ticket prices.