All summer long
8th July 2025
Holkham Hall © Fisheye Images
From world-famous artworks in Cromer to a lesson in maritime history in Wells-next-the-Sea, these events run through the duration of the season, so no need to worry you’ve missed the boat, says Harriet Cooper
Head back to the 1950s at Holkham
This summer, Holkham is celebrating being open to the public for 75 years. After opening its doors in 1950, Holkham has been welcoming visitors ever since and as a nod to that bygone era, until 29 September there’ll be music, film, ceramics and radio from the 50s in a special in-hall exhibition (open select dates) and even Lady Glenconner’s coming out ball gown! Little ones, meanwhile, can pick up a spot the difference sheet and see all the ways the state rooms have evolved over the years.
Combine history with contemporary art at Wolterton
Wolterton Hall, one of Norfolk’s finest 18th-century Palladian stately homes, has opened its doors to the public for the first time in a generation, with the owners also launching a contemporary arts and culture programme. The inaugural exhibition ‘Sea State’ showcases new work by Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson (until 7 December), plus Dutch collective De Onkruidenier are artists-in-residence over the summer. Read more about Wolterton here
Diaries at the ready! Click here for our guide to some of the leading cultural events and activities taking place in Norfolk this summer and beyond
Walk through the ages in King’s Lynn
King’s Lynn is layered with history, so how better to learn about its rich past than on a guided walk? Taking place seven days a week during their peak season (until 28 September), the two-hour excursions are led by experienced guides who will bring the town’s 1000 years alive. Discover historic buildings, hidden courtyards and the Great Ouse river, while learning how King’s Lynn grew from being a small settlement to a thriving port town.
See the bigger picture in Cromer
Art comes to the seaside again with the return of The Bigger Picture. For 2025, Cromer Artspace is working with the National Galleries of Scotland, with 20 life-size reproductions from the galleries’ collections on display in the town and on the seafront, including Sir Edwin Landseer’s ‘The Monarch of the Glen’ and ‘Skating on Duddingston Loch’ by Sir Henry Raeburn. If you’re unable to visit in person, discover the exhibition on free arts app Bloomberg Connects.
Time-travel in the seaside town of Sheringham
Head to Sheringham Museum for an exhibition celebrating the seaside resort over the past 50 years. ‘T’wixt Sea and Pine’(until 1 November) takes the visitor through five decades with displays covering everything from the town’s businesses and seafront murals to its annual events.
Get back to nature at RSPB Titchwell Marsh
RSPB Titchwell Marsh is always a good idea, especially in summer. Follow the Sammy the Swallow trail (which begins at the start of the school summer holidays); before setting off, hire a backpack which contains all the kit you’ll need to spot the nature reserve’s insects, birds and plants. Alternatively, why not try your hand at pond dipping (nesting birds permitting) or hit the beach for fun activities on the sand.
Experience maritime history at Wells-next-the-Sea
2025 is the 10th year of former Wells lifeboat and Dunkirk Little Ship Lucy Lavers being afloat in Wells-next-the-Sea after the charity Rescue Wooden Boats restored her. Climb aboard for your own slice of maritime history on a 1.5-hour heritage tour. As you go through the tidal creek and into the harbour mouth, the skipper will regale you with tales about the boat, the area’s fishing heritage and the local RNLI.
Follow Pensthorpe’s new sculpture trail
Don’t miss Pensthorpe’s seasonal sculpture trail, with eight artists showing their work until 30 September. The installations have been specially selected for their affinity with the natural world and include pieces made from glass, metal and willow. Little ones might prefer Pensthorpe’s ‘poop-ular’ Poo Trail, which runs until the beginning of September and promises to unlock plenty of quirky facts.
For all specific dates, timings and prices, please check individual websites
