A couple in casual clothing walk, with their dog along a grassy path, smiling.

Things to do in North Norfolk in Spring 2025

December 17, 2024 | Holiday tips | 13 minute read

Spring is a wonderful time of year to stay at Pinewoods Holiday Park and to visit Norfolk. The area isn’t as busy as the peak summer months, so you can avoid the crowds, and there’s so much to enjoy here in Wells-next-the-Sea and across North Norfolk. Here, we’ve shared all of our favourite things to do in Wells town, plus options for days out and activities that are a bus or car ride away. So if you’re planning your North Norfolk holiday in Spring 2025, have a read about what you can look forward to!

If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, Pinewoods’ caravan holiday homes, luxury lodges and touring field for caravans, campervans and motorhomes are open from 15th March and can be booked here.

A couple walk along sandy Wells Beach, with the beach huts in the background.

Things to do in Wells-next-the-Sea

Pinewoods Holiday Park is in Wells-next-the-Sea, a charming and popular harbour town in North Norfolk with plenty to do. Pinewoods is nestled between Wells Beach, the Holkham National Nature Reserve and Wells town, with the main street just under 1 mile from reception.

With a town, beach and nature reserve on your doorstep, there’s so much to enjoy in Wells-next-the-Sea during the Spring. Here’s what you could get up to.

Walks on Wells beach

One of the best things about Wells is the beach! Wells Beach is lined with candy-coloured beach huts and a backdrop of pine trees, and it’s also known for its expanse of sand and warm pools left as the tide goes out which are perfect for paddling. You might even see the odd seal, sticking his or her head out of the water. Walk further and you’ll get to Holkham Beach, often named as one of the best beaches in the country.

Wells Beach is just a short stroll away from Pinewoods, and you can enjoy a wander along the sands or within the pine trees, with views toward the water from certain parts of the path.

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

Shopping on Staithe Street

Staithe Street, the quayside and the surrounding lanes are full of lovely independent shops to browse. Nomad and the Bowerbird, Ocotillo and Bringing the Outside In are a few of our favourites for treating yourself or buying gifts, while Alexandra Howell Deli is a super spot for picking up a few picnic items to enjoy on The Buttlands. There are a number of small galleries, shops selling locally-made artisan goodies, butchers, greengrocers and bakers. 

Wells Maltings has an exciting programme of events and cinema screenings, as well as live performances, so be sure to stop by and see what’s on during your stay.

A man and woman look at a recipe book in a colourful shop.

Photo taken in Nomad and the Bowerbird.

Alpaca trekking

If you’re looking for something a little different, why not try alpaca trekking?! Enjoy a walk along the coastal paths and bridleways around Wells-next-the-Sea with a friendly group of alpacas – that’s surely something worth writing home about!

Book and find out more on their website.

Two pairs of brown walking boots sit on the decking.

Wildlife and bird watching

If you are more interested in the native Norfolk wildlife, then staying at Pinewoods might just be perfect for you. We’re nestled right next to the Holkham National Nature Reserve – England’s largest national nature reserve. With a variety of habitats – sand dunes, grazing marsh, pine woods and scrub, saltmarsh and foreshore – the reserve is home to a whole host of flora and fauna. 

During the Spring, you may spot spoonbills, marsh harriers, lapwings, blackcaps, coltsfoot, as well as peacock, brimstone and green hairstreak butterflies.

Stay up to date with the Holkham Conservation team by following them on Instagram.

Kayaking and sailing trips

Perhaps you’d like to take to the water? As the chills of winter leave the air and the warmer days begin, springtime is a great time to while away a few hours on the water.

Wells Paddle Sports reopens in June and offers kayaks and paddleboard hire with sessions supervised by a qualified Paddle UK instructor. 

Or if you’d prefer to sit back rather than steer yourself, enjoy a one hour ride aboard the Wells Ferry with Wells Harbour Tours, or a longer sail with the Coastal Exploration Company.

A couple sit at a table and chairs with a glass of white wine each, overlooking a lake. They are laughing.

Relax at Pinewoods

If, simply, you want a relaxing break this Spring, then we can do that too! Pinewoods is a peaceful holiday park, and as the daylight hours lengthen, you can enjoy sitting back on the decking of our caravan holiday homes and luxury lodges while you take in the sights and sounds.

The Pinewoods Store stocks a variety of food and drinks (including vegan and vegetarian options), so there’s no need to leave the site if you don’t want to!

Take a look at our accommodation.

A selection of small, tapas style dishes on a wooden table alongside a cocktail and glass of wine.

A selection of small plates available at lunchtimes at The Victoria, Holkham.

Tuck in!

Wells-next-the-Sea is home to some fabulous cafés, restaurants and pubs whether you’re looking for breakfast pastries, fish and chips on the quayside, or a fancy three course meal! 

Our team put together a list of their favourite foodie spots in Wells and nearby, so have a read and get inspired.

Things to do in North Norfolk 

Visit Holkham Hall

Nearby Holkham Hall and its Walled Garden and surrounding parkland reopens in late March, and offers a wonderful day out. The Palladian-style Hall and its stunning state rooms are well worth an explore, while a stroll around the six-acre Walled Garden will be a delight during the Spring months as the flowers begin to bloom. 

From Pinewoods, you can walk or cycle if you’re feeling active, or travel by bus, all of which will get you a discount on attraction tickets through Holkham’s collaboration with Good Journey.

The Hall is open Mondays, Thursdays and Sundays only, while the Walled Garden and parkland can be enjoyed daily from late March to October.

Holkham Walled Garden

Enjoy the Spring flowers

As well as Holkham’s Walled Garden, there are a number of places to enjoy the springtime blooms in North Norfolk. 

Daffodils can be found in abundance at Hindringham Hall (~9 miles away from Pinewoods), Pensthorpe (~13 miles away) and Castle Acre Priory (~23 miles away). 

Blankets of bluebells are best spotted at Walsingham Abbey’s grounds (~7 miles), Thursfood Wood (~10 miles) and the National Trust’s Blickling Hall (~22 miles).

The places listed all make for lovely days out and places to explore!

Go and see the seals

Seals can sometimes be spotted at Wells Beach, but did you know that the home of England’s largest grey seal colony is just a few miles away? You can visit Blakeney National Nature Reserve and enjoy a walk and the fabulous scenery. Alternatively, take a boat ride out from Morston Quay for the best views of the seals on Blakeney Point. 

These are operated by a number of businesses which you can browse below. We recommend booking in advance:

A group of seals lie on a sand and pebble beach.

Visit local villages and towns

Norfolk is a county full of picturesque villages and towns which can be enjoyed come rain or shine.

If you enjoy a mooch around lovely independent shops, head to Holt or Burnham Market. If you’re into the past, Walsingham is steeped in history and famous for its religious shrines. Cley, Blakeney, Stiffkey and Brancaster are all well-loved coastal villages, each perfect for a walk and a pub lunch!

A couple in casual clothing walk, with their dog along a grassy path, smiling.

Events in Spring 2025

Easter events at Holkham

If you’re visiting during the school holidays, Holkham’s Easter event offers crafts, storytelling and outdoor fun for children, alongside cycle hire and a high ropes course!

Their Easter Market is a popular food, drink and craft fair welcoming over 60 artisan producers from across the county. 

Visit holkham.co.uk/whats-on to find out more. 

Festivals

Norfolk and Norwich Festival

Between 9th and 25th May 2024, enjoy the Norfolk and Norwich Festival. With live music, comedy, literature and circus performances across the city and county, there’s something for everyone! See what’s on at nnfestival.org.uk/whats-on

Sheringham Viking Festival 

Looking for something a bit different?! The Sheringham Viking Festival – Saturday 26th April 2025 – celebrates the seaside town’s past with a reenactment, parade and a boat burning!

Two teenage girls eat ice cream on Wells Beach.

FAQs

Is Spring a good time to visit North Norfolk?

It is indeed! During the Spring months, you can enjoy a North Norfolk holiday that’s less crowded than during the height of summer. The beautiful scenery is coming alive again in the Spring – you can’t beat a sunny day. 

Why is North Norfolk so popular?

Because it’s the best place in the UK! That’s what we think anyway. With stunning beaches and coastline, picturesque villages and market towns to explore, a great foodie scene, rolling countryside, family-friendly attractions and historic houses, there’s so much to explore.

What is the weather like during the Spring in North Norfolk?

The climate in Norfolk is generally dry and mild. In fact, we’re in the driest region in the UK! While we’d still recommend bringing a brolly or raincoat, statistics say you won’t need them as much as elsewhere in the country.

While we can’t guarantee sunshine, there is plenty to enjoy indoors and outside in North Norfolk, so you can make the most of the county whatever the weather.

Can you see seals in Norfolk during Spring?

You can! Enjoy a boat trip from Morston Quay to Blakeney Point to see England’s largest grey seal colony.

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