We had a weekend break last year, with our caravan, to Searles Leisure Resort, Hunstanton in Norfolk. We discovered, whilst we were there, that there’s plenty of family-friendly things to do there and in the local area. Here is my list of – 15 Things To Do in and Near Hunstanton, Norfolk – Family friendly
….In no Particular order
In Hunstanton itself
1. Sea Life Centre
Owned by Merlin entertainments this sea life centre is also a seal rescue centre. As well as seals they have black tip reef sharks, green sea turtles, cownose rays and much more. Rainforest encounter is their new up-close experience. They even offer premium experiences and sleepovers. Entrance is free with a valid Merlin annual pass. They have various pricing options throughout the year. Currently, 1 adult and 1 toddler can visit for £15.00.
2. Seal Boat Excursions
I really wanted to do this as it sounds lots of fun but sadly we ran out of time. They have two amphibious sea vessels called the wash monsters. The tours go out to sea from the central beach at Hunstanton to find the seal population and to offer great views. You can go on a coastal tour or a seal tour. There are currently over 3,000 seals in the wash. A 1-hour seal safari costs £17.00 for an adult and £8.50 for a child under 14.
3. Soft Play at Searles Leisure
It’s not the biggest of soft plays however you don’t have to be staying on site to use it. Sidney’s indoor playzone is £3.50 per child if you are not staying at Searles leisure. This is limited to 90 minutes at peak time. You can purchase food and drink and they often have craft sessions set up. The Oasis sports and leisure centre also has a small soft play area.
4. Hunstanton Land Train
The land train runs from Searles leisure and into Hunstanton. It stops at 4 different stops/areas within Searles. In Hunstanton, it stops by the shops, up at the lighthouse and by the green which is also the seafront area. A round trip is £2.20, 2 stops £1.40 and one-stop 80p.
5. Beaches
If you head to the end of town in Hunstanton, near the lighthouse, there is a really big pay and display car park. At the bottom end of this, you will find access to the beach. There are cliffs around here, however, the walk down is not too steep. It is not good for buggies etc. though. The beach here is really beautiful and we had a lovely time throwing stones in the water and exploring alongside the cliffs.
The beach down by the Lighthouse
Down in the main part of town, the beach and also the beach near Searles leisure are much flatter for access. Although we didn’t like the beaches as much as in the centre. You do, however, have more facilities such as toilets, cafes, rides, amusements etc.
6. Fairground – Rainbow park
There is a large car park next to Rainbow park, again this is pay and display. Rainbow Park has quite a large fairground and there are plenty of rides for young and old.
The fairground is open from February half term until October time. Most rides are £2-3 per person. You pay cash for each ride, no tokens are needed. They have many traditional rides such as a ghost train, merry go round, fun house. There are also quite a few thrill rides.
15 Things To Do in and Near Hunstanton, Norfolk – Family friendly
7. Amusements
Hunstanton pier family amusements are the biggest amusement arcade in Hunstanton. It stands at the edge of The Green. It is open nearly all year round. It’s a great place to pass some time when the weather turns. There are 3 levels of fun with a bowling alley, amusement arcade and a café.
8. Alive Leisure – Oasis Pool
Be warned as the pool at Alive leisure is not open all year round. It is closed for most of December. An adult standard swim costs £5.65 and it’s £4.35 for a child. Under 5s are free. There is a slide and a small splash/play area for the little ones.
9. Blackbeards Adventure Golf
Blackbeards looks a really fun themed adventure golf. You can even purchase a family ticket for £17.00 online in advance. A single adult would pay £5.50 and a child under 10 is £4.00.
Within 10-15 miles of Hunstanton
10. Sandringham Estate
We were able to park for free at Sandringham and use their large adventure playground also for free. You are also able to walk around some of the estate again for free. There are 243 hectares available for visitors to enjoy. There are two waymarked Nature Trails, one 1½ miles long and the other 2½ miles long, and there are many other woodland paths to explore.
You can pay to visit Sandringham house and it’s gardens. They recommend that visitors allow at least 4 hours for exploring the house and it’s gardens. They are open from the end of March up until nearly the end of October. For up to date opening times and prices please follow this link. For a ticket to the house, museum and gardens it costs £16.50 for an adult and £8.00 for a child aged 5-15. Under 5’s are free and a family ticket is £41.00.
11. Norfolk Lavender
I can just image the smell right now of Norfolk Lavender. Obviously, the lavender won’t be full of purple gorgeous smelling flowers all year round, however, there is plenty to keep you busy. There is a café on site plus a gift shop. You can even book on a tour. For kids, there is an animal garden and play park. This is not open all year round and is dependant on the weather so it’s an idea to give them a ring before leaving home. It costs £4.50 for an adult to visit and £3.50 for a child. A family ticket is £14.00. It is free to visit the other parts of Norfolk lavender.
12. Heacham Beach
There’s not much here other than a few holiday parks and a lovely stretch of golden sand. That is the draw. The sand is much better quality than that at Hunstanton. The sea is lovely and shallow here. There’s amusements, a café, fish bar and beach huts at one end to hire. The south side also has a café, shop and toilets.
13. Castle rising castle
Owned by English Heritage this now ruined castle was built in the 12th Century. Castle rising is one of the best examples of a 12th Century castle in the country. We had a lovely time exploring. You can climb some stairs and see the different floors of the castle. The castle is surrounded by a series of ramparts which add to the enchantment of the castle. Castle rising castle is free to visit with a valid English Heritage pass. It is open for most of the year. An adult non gift aid ticket is £4.50 and a child is £3.00. A family ticket is £14.00. You can read more about it in my review here – Castle Rising Castle, Norfolk – One of The Finest 12th Century Castles
14. Farmer Fred’s adventure play barn
Located near Norfolk Lavender you will find Farmer Fred’s adventure play barn. As well as a large soft play area aimed at kids aged 4-12 years old there is also an area for 0-4 years old. There is also a café on site. The soft play centre is open most of the year. 0-5 months old and adults are free. 1-3 years old are £5.95 and 4 years plus £6.95 at peak times of the year. Off-peak its £3.95 and £4.95.
15. Snettisham Park
Snettisham park is a family friendly working farm. With activities such as animal feeding, deer safari, bottle feeding lambs and pony rides. They also have various trails and walks around the farm. There is a tea room on site. The park is open for most of the year. A farm and safari combined ticket is £14.00 for adults, £11.00 for children and under 2’s go free. A family ticket is £45.00.
All prices are current as of December 2017. Please check their websites for up to date opening times and prices.
I hope you enjoyed my round-up post. What do you enjoy doing the most in the area? Please comment below.
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