Visit norfolk’s nature reserves and wildlife parks
Norfolk is full of natural wonders, from the famous red cliffs and pristine beaches of the coast to the waterways and wetlands of the countryside, not to mention the wildlife. Many of these areas are protected in order to preserve the natural beauty, so these nature reserves, parks and gardens make for excellent days out.
With a breath of fresh always on hand by the sea, it’s a good idea to look at options for outdoor activities when planning for your holidays. The good thing is Norfolk has an abundance of nature reserves which can be easily visited from Haven holiday parks. We’ve listed our top five Norfolk nature reserves below to help you find the best beauty spots in this underrated county. Make sure you check online before you make your trip as information does change and not all nature reserves are always open to the public.
1. RSPB Snettisham Nature Reserve
RSPB Snettisham provides one of the best forms of all-year round entertainment that the natural world can offer - bird watching. Made up of a vast expanse of saltmarsh, tidal mudflats, saline lagoons and shingle beach, this nature reserve has a total of three wildlife observation hides including two that are suited to all weather and are wheelchair accessible. These hides give panoramic views across the marsh, lagoons and mudflats that make up The Wash. Walking, cycling and jogging enthusiasts will appreciate the three popular trails that run through the reserve and boating activities are also available on the water.
RSPB Snettisham Nature Reserve is perhaps best known for the Snettisham Spectacular. This phenomenon in which tens of thousands of wading birds are thrown into the air from the mudflats by the rapidly incoming tide is quite the treat for birdwatching enthusiasts. Also called the 'whirling wader spectacle', the best swarms are seen from late summer onwards and are a sight, and a sound, that you’re unlikely to forget. Please check the RSPB website for a guide to the dates and times you can see the spectacle for yourself.
2. Pensthorpe Natural Park
Located in the heart of the Wensum Valley, Pensthorpe Natural Park is a goldmine for anyone who is looking for a Norfolk nature reserve to take the whole family. This 700-acre woodland area has many activities for the kids including interactive trails and eco-play areas and friendly little ducks to feed!
There are lots of fun trails to explore and for over 30 years Pensthorpe Natural Park has held lots of events such as talks and a bird and wildlife fair to help inspire the next generation of conservationists and wildlife lovers. Pensthorpe Natural Park makes for a brilliant day out and is enjoyable no matter the weather - there are plenty of places to seek shelter and benches for rests amongst the beautiful gardens, sculpture trail, courtyard cafe and shop.
3. Blakeney Nature Reserve
This is a National Trust favourite on the coast near Morston and easily makes our list of the best Norfolk nature reserves to visit this summer. Home to England’s largest grey seal colony, Blakeney is perhaps best known for its wildlife spotting boat trips, but it also offers stunning coastal walks aplenty.
Head to Morston Quay for the seal trips but make sure to reserve online at least a day in advance as they are popular. The trips are good value for a family and depart in a three-hour window before high tide as the estuary becomes mudflats at low tide. The quay is also the location of the car park, from which you can enjoy glorious views across the estuary and of the old lifeboat house on the spit as you walk along the coast path looking for birdlife as you go.
4. Dersingham Bog and the Sandringham Estate
The idea of visiting a bog on your holiday might not immediately appeal – but trust us, this is no ordinary bog. Across the road from the rigid, orderly beauty of Sandringham Estate, Dersingham Bog is quite the contrast with its wild, untamed mire, heath and woodland stretching over 150 hectares. There is a peaceful circular walk that is usually free of people and for wheelchair users, there is an easy access path which leads from the Wolverton car park to a stunning viewpoint.
Don’t get bogged down exploring Dersingham alone, for there is also the 600-acre Royal Park of Sandringham Estate to visit while you’re there. There are two waymarked trails running through woodlands which you are free to explore. The house itself, museum, St Mary Magdalene Church, and pristine gardens are also well worth a visit, being open to the public from March to October each year.
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Important information
*New holiday homes from £29,995 – UPDATED 29 August 2024
*Holiday home price is based on a new 3-bedroom ABI Horizon holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 29 August 2024, price is available at selected parks Blue Dolphin, Craig Tara, Cleethorpes Beach, Caister, Combe Haven, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggerston, Orchards, and Quay West. Price can be withdrawn at any time.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Pre-owned holiday homes from £14,995 – UPDATED 31 JULY 2024 *Holiday home price is based on a pre-owned holiday home and includes siting, connections and standard accessories.
Price excludes 2024 site fees, running costs and add-ons requested at point of sale. Subject to status and availability.
As at 31 July 2024, price is available at Blue Dolphin, Caister, Cleethorpes Beach, Combe Haven, Craig Tara, Far Grange, Greenacres, Golden Sands, Haggeston, Orchards, Quay West, Skegness and Wild Duck.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.
Let2offset - make no site fee payments until 2031
Let2offset is a contractual lettings product that offers eligible owners a guaranteed letting income at a preferential rate (calculated each year) in exchange for a stipulated number of letting breaks. It also allows eligible owners to pay their site fees and receive their letting income in 12 equal monthly instalments; the monthly site fee amount charged by Haven will be after deduction of the letting income.
‘Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031’ is available at 33 Haven parks excluding Burnham, Cardigan View, Far Grange, Garreg Wen, Lydstep Beach, Riviere Sands and Seaview. The letting income received will vary by make, model and location. The monthly site fee payment does not include running costs e.g. utilities, rates & insurance.
“Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” is applicable to new and existing customer purchases of new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed or equivalent or superior grade holiday home purchases made through Haven where customers have also signed up to Haven’s Let2offset contract. It is not applicable to private sales and cannot be used in conjunction with our free Site Fee promotion. It is available across 40% of eligible Parks and applies when letting a new Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home (or equivalent or superior grade for 15 weeks.
An example of how “Make no site fee payments when using Let2offset until 2031” operates under Let2offset is the purchase of an Atlas Sahara 3 Bed holiday home at Primrose Valley with a monthly site fee of £585.00 (includes purchasing discount of £45) and monthly letting income of £803.67. The monthly difference equates to £218.67, which will be credited to the owner's account. Both letting income and site fees are subject to yearly pricing reviews and the monthly site fee costs and letting income shown in the example are based on 2024 figures.
Modelled assumptions on expected annual site fee and letting income charges over the 7-year lettable life of the Atlas Sahara 3 Bed indicate that under Let2offset it is anticipated that these customers will continue to receive a monthly credit during this period, however, this is not guaranteed. The modelled assumptions are based on the historical performance of Haven over the past 5 years of trading.
Images are shown for representational purposes. Access to holiday home is subject to park opening times.
Park cannot be used as a permanent residence. Haven Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 01968698) and is a FCA appointed representative of Bourne Leisure Limited (t/a Haven). Bourne Leisure Ltd is registered in England (No. 04011660) and is authorised and regulated by the FCA (Financial Services Register No. 312847) as a credit broker and insurance distributor. Registered office: One Park Lane, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, HP2 4YL. We may receive commission from the finance provider if you enter into an agreement with them.