Two girls in summer clothes run in the shallows of the sea.

Family holidays

With our big sandy beaches, outdoor activities aplenty and an expansive range of award-winning family attractions, it’s no wonder North Norfolk is a popular and much-loved holiday destination for families.

Our idyllic location is just perfect for a family holiday. Situated next to Wells-next-the-Sea beach – with its miles of sweeping sands, sand dunes, rows of brightly coloured beach huts and backed by historic pine woods – beach day memories are waiting to be made. You can hire one of our beach huts, or simply take a bucket and spade, spending just a few hours or staying put from sunrise to sunset. A long day is perfectly rounded off with fish and chips from Wells-next-the-Sea. Will you opt for French’s or Plattens? We love both equally!

Our park also backs onto the Holkham National Nature Reserve – one of the most important reserves in the country. Home to many native and migratory birds, including the country’s largest colony of Spoonbills, it’s the ideal spot to while away a few hours getting up close and personal with nature. Children love bird-spotting more than you would give them credit for, often learning to identify species quickly and with great enthusiasm!

Wells town is brimming with excitement for children – young ones will enjoy the vintage amusements, older children will relish a wood-fired pizza and a spot of shopping, and everyone will devour the gelato and ice creams available from our boutique and more traditional offerings – there’s something for everyone.

Tiring out children is always a good thing, and Holkham’s High Ropes Course is a thrill not to be missed. You can also bring your bikes and make the most of Holkham’s Park’s cycleways, or if a bike rack is simply too much hassle, why not hire bikes from Holkham’s Cycle Hire Hut. Electric bikes are available too if you’d prefer an easier ride. Holkham also always has lots going on event wise, particularly during school holidays. From small craft activities and nature trails to outdoor cinema, theatre and headlining festivals, you’re sure to find an event to float your boat from their events calendar.

And talking of boats, why not get out on the water. From paddleboarding to surfing, seal boat trips to a skippered sail with the Coastal Exploration Company, you can get as wet as you like or stay dry – the choice is yours! 

As well as Holkham, which recently won Large Visitor Attraction of the Year, North Norfolk is lucky to have a large range of amazing family attractions, from Wroxham Barns and Pensthorpe to Roarr! and Amazona Zoo. Find out more on Visit North Norfolk’s website.

Why not join the many families who come back to North Norfolk year-on-year as their favourite place to create special moments and capture memories to treasure.