If you fancy some day trips away from the beach, then here’s some of our favourite things to do in the area around The Beach House at Bacton.
Bacton Woods
Escape the summer heat with a shaded walk in this 276-acre woodland. Excellent for families and dogs, with free parking and marked trails. Simple woodland, no other facilities, and paths can be muddy at times.
BeWILDerwood
Experience the extraordinary at BeWILDerwood! Inspired by the magical stories of local author Tom Blofeld, this mystical realm is filled with unique creatures and breathtaking adventures. Picture the most incredible wonky treehouses imaginable, high amongst the trees, alongside exhilarating slides, extra-long zip wires, mind-boggling mazes, and so much more!
Cromer
Enjoy a relaxed afternoon exploring the town’s quaint shops and cafes, or take a stroll along the historic pier where, for a unique experience, try your hand at crabbing. Cromer also offers beautiful beaches perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the sea breeze.
RAF Air Defence Radar Museum
Discover the captivating world of RADAR at this museum! Friendly, knowledgeable staff guide you through hands-on displays – even sit in fighter cockpits! – and exhibits covering WWII radar and an original Cold War ops room. With a welcoming atmosphere, cafe, gift shop, and free parking, plus a ticket that grants a year’s re-entry, this tucked-away gem is a must-visit.
Blickling Estate
The Blickling Estate is about a 30 minute drive from the Beach House at Bacton. It has pretty much all the usual features that you would expect of a large National Trust estate – a big car park, a couple of cafés, and a house with grounds and gardens. Also on site are a couple of concessionary shops including a very large second hand bookshop.
East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden
This famous local gem is just a 15 minute drive from Bacton. It’s a must see for keen gardeners. There is a small cafe and plant shop but the main attraction is the series of subdivided gardens and themed areas. Its not open all the time so check their website in advance.
The Broads
The Beach House can make a good base for exploring the Broads National Park. Swimming, sailing, rowing, and paddleboarding are among the activities available. The surrounding area features wildlife and notable towns.
Wroxham
This is a good place to pause if you are passing through, perhaps for lunch or to do a sport at shopping at the locally famous Roy’s. Wroxham is also on of the main boat hire locations around the Broads area.
Norwich
Norwich offers a blend of attractions, shopping, food and drink in a compact city centre. Explore quaint back streets (with a lot of cobbles!) and discover its unique atmosphere. Historic highlights include the magnificent cathedrals, churches, and castle museum, providing a rich glimpse into the city’s heritage.
Walking is ideal for experiencing Norwich’s lanes and ambiance. For easy access, especially by car, the fast and efficient park and ride service is highly recommended.
Horsey Beach
You can, on occasion, find lone seals on the beaches in Bacton, however if you want to improve your chances, Horsey Beach is the best place to go. There is small car park at Horsey Gap. For guidance on responsible viewing we recommend that you visit the Friends of Horsey Seals web site.
Sea Palling
Sea Palling is famed for its wide, sandy beach and unique offshore reefs. These reefs, built for coastal defense, create calm, safe bathing waters. There are also a few traditional amusement arcades and places to get food.
There is a large pay and display car park which can get very busy in peak season.
Happisburgh Lighthouse
The lighthouse at Happisburgh (pron. Hays-boro) is a pretty red and white building and regularly conducts visitor days. Nearby is a new pay and display carpark with a children’s play area and toilets from which you can walk up to see the lighthouse or take a tour around the small village.
Alby Crafts & Gardens
This site hosts a small collective of craft businesses, including a pottery supplier and pottery workshop, an art gallery, and gift shops all of which are arranged in a pair of courtyards. Enjoy a cafe/restaurant on-site, and explore the gardens (entry fee applies). Peacocks freely roam the grounds, adding to the charm.
Mundesley
From The Beach House at Bacton, it is a stretching, but rewarding, walk up the beach to the next village of Mundesley. Here you will find more sandy beach, pretty colourful beach huts and a cliff top pub serving lunch. Further into the village there is a village green, some shops, fish and chips and a car park.
Felbrigg Hall, Gardens & Estate
Another popular National Trust property, with a wide range of things to see and do. There are is a café, a second hand bookshops, and a house with extensive woods and gardens beyond.
Norfolk Motorcyle Museum
If you are into bikes and bike “stuff” then this small museum in North Walsham is a gem of a find and is definitely worth a visit.