things to see and do
LOCAL
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Norfolk offers a wide range of attractions to cater for all tastes and ages, including the beautiful North Norfolk Coast with its award winning beaches, the relaxing Norfolk Broads and the bustling City of Norwich. All of these are within easy reach of the Red Barn. However, there are some days when you don't want to venture too far so here are a few suggestions of local attractions and activities within just a few miles of the Red Barn.
Foulsham Village
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This one's right on the doorstep! The village of Foulsham dates back to at least the 11th century and its church to the 14th century. A number of properties in the village date from the 16th and 17th centuries although the "Great Fire of Foulsham" destroyed many of the old buildings in 1770. Others survived and there remains, to this day, a rich variety of buildings in the village. A great way to discover the village and its surroundings is to try the four mile scenic walk around the lanes and fields of this historic village. Details of the walk are available at the Barn.
Pensthorpe Natural Park
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Head about 6 miles north west and you'll reach Pensthorpe Natural Park. Covering 700 acres, the park boasts nature trails, woodland walks, gardens, indoor play area, outdoor adventure area, cafe and shop. At the park, you can observe a multitude of birds, including Grey-Crowned Cranes, Avocets and Flamingos.
Foxley Wood
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Just a couple of miles from the Red Barn is Foxley Wood, a nature reserve. At 300 acres, it is the largest ancient woodland and coppice in Norfolk. In early spring, the floor of the wood is carpeted with an impressive display of bluebells and the wood is also home to a variety of common woodland birds, including green and great spotted woodpeckers, nuthatch, treecreeper, marsh tit and jay. Common summer visitors include blackcap, garden warbler, chiffchaff, and willow warbler. Declining species such as turtle dove, grasshopper warbler, and spotted flycatcher may also be seen.
Shopping
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Foulsham is within 7 miles of Fakenham and Dereham, both typical Norfolk market towns. Holt offers shoppers a good range of independent shops, cafes, bars and restaurants. For a more comprehensive shopping experience, the City of Norwich should not be missed.
Reepham Market Town
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About 5 miles east of Foulsham lies the attractive, small market town of Reepham. The market place is surrounded by attractive buildings including a selection of small, independent shops. At the former station, you can grab drink and a bite to eat at the tea rooms or take a walk or cycle along the Marriott's Way, a 26 mile stretch of former railway line. Marriott's Way passes through many interesting landscapes and wildlife rich habitats.
Thursford
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Home to the world famous Christmas Spectacular, Santa’s Magical Journey and the world’s largest collection of steam engines and organs, Thursford is located less than 7 miles to the North of the Red Barn
Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
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Sculthorpe Moor is a 45 acre nature reserve, near Fakenham, run by the Hawk and Owl Trust. Here you can spot a variety of birds including tawny owls, barn owls, kingfisher, buzzard and bullfinch to name but a few.
Royal Norwich Golf Course
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The new Royal Norwich Golf Course at Weston Longville boasts a modern 18 hole course, a 6 hole academy course, state of the art practice facilities and modernised clubhouse. Just over 10 minutes away by car, the Red Barn is ideally situated to accommodate visitors to this prestigious course.
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A LITTLE FURTHER
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The North Norfolk Coast is just over 11 miles from the Red Barn and can be reached in less than 30 minutes by car. The City of Norwich is 16 miles to the South East of the Red Barn and can be reached in a similar time. Venture just beyond Norwich and you will find yourself in the beautiful Norfolk Broads National Park.
The Coast
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North Norfolk has 45 miles of coastline with beautiful award-winning beaches, set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. The Red Barn is within easy reach of the charming villages of the North Norfolk coast, such as Wells-next-the-Sea, Cley, Blakeney, Holkham, Hunstanton, Cromer, Sheringham and Burnham Market.
Whether catching Cromer crabs from it's Victorian pier, seal watching at Blakeney Point, walking the Coastal Path or riding the Wells Harbour Railway, there is plenty to see and do along the North Norfolk Coast.
The City of Norwich
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The City of Norwich has plenty to offer the visitor. You can still see evidence of its medieval past, including remains of the ancient city walls and a wealth of historic buildings. Overlooking the city is the impressive Castle, dating back to circa 1067. More modern attractions include the Forum, Riverside development, and two shopping malls. Norwich also boasts some of the most attractive streets in the country including many cobbled streets, alleys and lanes. For shoppers, Norwich offers a mix of high street names and individual boutiques, as well as the largest permanent open air market in England. The city's main attractions are within easy reach of each other and this makes Norwich an ideal destination, as it is easy to explore on foot.
The Norfolk Broads
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Just beyond the City of Norwich lie the Norfolk Broads, a Natural Park with over 125 miles of navigable waterways. The Broads offer visitors plenty of charming villages, woodlands and waterways to explore on foot, by cycle or, of course, by boat.
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Attractions around the Broads include Wroxham Barns, Bure Valley Railway, Marriott's Way Cycle Route, Horsey Wind Pump and many independent galleries
