things to do on rainy days
1. Underwater adventure. In Hunstanton at the Sea Life Sanctuary, you can stay dry while enjoying underwater life. Marvel at magnificent sharks, ogle at an octopus, see sea turtles and peer at the penguins and piranhas.
2. Magnificent museums. North Norfolk has fantastic museums providing an insight into the area’s past and heritage. At Cromer Museum, you can see the bones from a 600,000 year old mammoth that were discovered at nearby West Runton beach on the Deep History Coast.
The lifeboat museums in Cromer let you find out about the area’s maritime heritage. Explore the Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History, and the Shirehall Museum in Walsingham reveals the history of this place of pilgrimage. And take a look in one of the country's smallest museums, the Maritime Museum in Mundesley. Despite its size, the museum is packed with exhibits from ship wheels to illustrations, telling the story of 200 years of the town’s maritime history.
3. Monkey around: Put your waterproofs on and take a look at the South American animals at Amazona Zoo in Cromer. And if gets too wet, there is a super indoor play area, Jungle Tumbles, for children to enjoy as well as a café.
4. Historic houses and buildings. Discover the history and heritage of north Norfolk by heading to one of the many stately historic houses. With paintings, artefacts and museums, it’s a fascinating day for all ages. Take your pick from Holkham Hall, Houghton Hall & Gardens and the National Trust’s Blicking Hall and Felbrigg Hall. Head to Creake Abbey and explore the remains of a 13th century abbey church, then go indoors to the café food hall and courtyard shops where you can see locally made jewellery and artwork as well as home décor. Check seasonal opening times before you go.
5. Off the beaten track: North Norfolk has some fantastic heritage railways that journey through the beautiful scenery. Take the Poppy Line between Sheringham and Holt and enjoy great views of the coast and countryside. You can reach the Poppy Line from the main rail network - by taking the Bittern Line to Sheringham. The narrow-gauge Bure Valley Railway runs through the heart of the Broads National Park between Aylsham and Wroxham.
Hop onto the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway and take a four mile journey on the longest 10-and-a-quarter-inch narrow gauge steam railway in the world. The Wells Harbour Light Railway is another narrow gauge railway that runs from Wells town to the beach, where you'll find the famous pinewoods and beach huts. Finally, just one mile from Reepham is Whitwell station where you can enjoy train rides, museum and a café.
