While Norfolk’s beaches are among my favourites for a sunny day, I’ve spent enough rainy days in the county to know you’ll have just as much fun in Norfolk in the rain with kids.
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From some quirky museums to a royal home, animal attractions and plenty more indoor family fun, there’s lots to discover across the county, including a string of rainy day attractions in Norwich.
So whether you’re visiting Norfolk in winter, or dodging the showers in mid summer, here are my tips on the best things to do in Norfolk in the rain with kids.
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Norwich cathedral
Dating back to the 11th century, there are more than a few things to tempt families to Norwich cathedral over the area’s other historic churches – for starters, the cathedral has its own cat.
Budge the cathedral cat – who strolled in during the Good Friday service and has now settled in as official feline resident – can often be spotted prowling around, or when we visited, sitting on a side altar for some paw washing and relaxing.
There’s also a labyrinth to walk through in the cloisters, winding through the grass (worth a quick dash around with a raincoat on), while the cathedral runs regular family trails, such as the dinosaur-themed one with little models dotted around the building when we visited. It’s also free to enter.
Grimes Graves, Thetford
Norfolk is home to the only Neolithic flint mine that’s open to visitors – keep your eyes open, and you’ll see flint used in buildings across the county, as well as coming in very handy for the area’s prehistoric inhabitants.
Mined just outside Thetford, at Grimes Graves you can still see evidence of 400 pits: a series of bumps and dents in the landscape looking like a giant orange peel covered in grass.
The mines themselves date back over 5,000 years, and as well as learning more about the history of the area at a small exhibition, you can head 30 feet under the ground by ladder into one shaft to see the black flint.
Only children aged 7+ are allowed in the mine, and it’s closed during the winter months.
Blickling Estate, near Aylsham
The birthplace of Anne Boleyn, Blickling Hall was later home to the Earls of Buckingham, and there are plenty of fascinating things to see inside the historic house.
As well as the usual stately home furnishings, you can spot some distinctly unusual items on display from Jacobean and Georgian times – including early weighing scales, where you could sit down as you checked your weight, and Chinese pagodas in glass cases designed to work as earthquake detectors, with a small bell ringing at a tremor.
Once you’ve wandered through the old rooms, including the huge library, you can also head into the farmyard as well as the small RAF Oulton museum, focused on the Bomber Command squadrons billeted here during the Second World War.
Read my review of a day out at Blickling Hall with kids here
Oxburgh Hall, near King’s Lynn
This wonderful moated house was once at the heart of history – the Catholic Bedingfield family who owned Oxburgh Hall kept the future Elizabeth I under house arrest and were among the first supporters of Mary I.
Items on show include scissors which are said to have belonged to Mary Queen of Scots, while you can also spot decorative leather wallpaper and the usual opulent furniture and portraits.
The house has been tucked away under scaffolding for years as part of a major £6 million restoration but has been unveiled since 2022, with some of the new finds also on display.
Read my review of a day out at Oxburgh Hall with kids here
Felbrigg Hall, near Cromer
Another National Trust property in Norfolk, this historic house has influences from around the world including the Chinese Bedroom and items picked up by its aristocratic owners on their Grand Tour of Europe.
There’s an I Spy trail for kids as they look round Felbrigg Hall as well, as well as a chance to learn about dining etiquette and spotting lions on emblems throughout the house.
One of the largest National Trust properties, the library alone houses 5,000 books, the oldest of which dates back to 1509.
Houghton Hall, near King’s Lynn
Grand Houghton Hall was built by Robert Walpole in the 18th century, and fit for the country’s most powerful politician – the state rooms are as lavishly grand as you’d expect, designed to impress his guests while allowing the family to indulge in luxury when they visited from London.
As a bonus, you can also visit the Soldier Museum, the largest private collection of model soldiers in the world.
If the rain does ease up, seize the chance to head out into the grounds and gardens which are home to regular sculpture exhibitions, including famous names like Anish Kapoor, along with white fallow deer.
Sandringham Estate
Set amid 600 acres of grounds and lake, the King’s country retreat has plenty for families to discover, including a chance to visit the ground floor apartments at Sandringham, left as they would have been during Edwardian times.
After spotting the family portraits (including a few which will be very familiar), you can explore the royal collections in the museum too.
Open from April to October, when the royal family isn’t in residence, there’s also a quiz for kids to try and often extra family friendly events during the year.
Holkham Hall
There’s far more to the Holkham Estate than the Hall – a nature reserve, huge open beach, deer park, farmland… the list goes on. Even the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea is part of the estate.
But on a rainy day in Norfolk with kids, there’s plenty to discover inside the house itself. Built in the 18th century for the Earl of Leicester, it has been picked as one of the 10 most magnificent palaces, houses and castles in England today.
From Roman statues to Old Masters, bedrooms which have hosted Queens to the old kitchens, what will make most kids’ jaws drop is the fact that children live at Holkham Hall. The Hall isn’t open every day so do check before visiting.
Explore a historic Norfolk house
Away from the grandeur of the halls and palaces of Norfolk, you can step inside some equally fascinating historic houses on a much smaller scale. The 16th century Elizabethan House in Great Yarmouth was home to wealthy merchants, and has links to Oliver Cromwell.
Or Ancient House in Thetford is over 500 years old, and you can wander through recreated rooms from its history, as well as discovering more about some of its inhabitants – human and animal!
Stranger’s Hall in Norwich is older still: there has been a building here since at least the 13th century, with some of the city’s leading citizens living in it since the 14th century. You can explore the Great Hall and the bedchambers showing life in the 17th century, plus other rooms themed around Georgian and Victorian history.
For more things to do in Norwich with kids, check out my top picks
Norwich Castle
One of Norfolk’s most important museums is set in Norwich Castle; you can still climb the Norman steps of the staircase to the top of the keep, as well as exploring the displays and artwork in the collection.
With galleries telling the story of Boudicca’s revolt against the Romans, of Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, plus Ancient Egyptians, it’s a fantastic spot to visit with primary-school-aged children – and a great idea for a rainy day in Norfolk.
There’s also work going on to create a new medieval gallery in partnership with the British Museum, and restore some of the castle keep – parts of the museum will be open during the redevelopment works, although the castle itself remains shut.
Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Norwich was once England’s second city, and the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell tells the tale of Norwich’s history, including the industrial heritage – not least a 19th century hand loom on display – as well as everyday life as you step inside a recreated early 20th century chemist’s shop .
Set in a former prison, you can still visit the Undercroft (for ages 8+ only) as well as learn the tales of some of the Bridewell’s inhabitants – including Peter the Wildman, a German boy brought to Britain by King George I.
Lynn Museum, King’s Lynn
With a welcome roar from Horace the tiger, Lynn Museum is designed to appeal to kids from the moment you walk in. And there’s plenty more to entertain in the galleries, if you’re looking for ideas for a rainy day on the North Norfolk coast.
The collections cover centuries of history, from Romans, Anglo-Saxons and Vikings to wealthy medieval finds, and tales of the Civil War.
Perhaps one of the most fascinating parts, especially if you’re visiting with slightly older kids, is learning about Seahenge, the Bronze Age timber circle discovered on Holme Beach and preserved for over 4,000 years in the sand.
Cromer Museum
Cromer Museum is the place to come if your kids are fascinated by fossils, mammoths and prehistoric tales – perfect if you’ve been exploring the Deep History Coast on a sunnier day.
The Geology Gallery is packed with fossils found in Norfolk, and you can learn more about the West Runton Mammoth, as well as seeing the cast of the skull of a Mosasaur, a marine reptile which would have swum in the seas covering what’s now Norfolk over 80 million years ago.
There are also exhibits on Cromer’s maritime past, including fishing and its time as a popular Victorian seaside resort.
RNLI Henry Blogg Museum, Cromer
If you’re looking for free things to do in Norfolk in the rain with kids, the unusual Henry Blogg Museum in Cromer is definitely worth a visit.
Celebrating the most decorated lifeboatman in RNLI history, Henry Blogg served for an impressive 53 years on Cromer’s lifeboats, helping to save 873 lives.
The family friendly museum shares more about his story, as well as the history of Cromer’s lifeboats, from the first one in 1805, with models, medals, old movies and plenty of chances to get hands on.
Gressenhall Farm and workhouse, Dereham
If you want a bit of everything, Gressenhall Farm has plenty to entertain kids – as the name suggests, it’s still a working farm, and you can also learn more about farmhouse life during your visit.
One of the highlights though is seeing the Museum of Norfolk Life with over 2,000 objects donated by people in Norfolk to show how life has changed over the past 200 years, including a circus caravan and tales of the Women’s Land Army.
Set in an old workhouse, you can also learn more about those who once lived here, with an app to guide you around.
Time and Tide, Great Yarmouth
Set in a converted Victorian herring curing works, Time and Tide in Great Yarmouth tells the town’s story, and you can see inside a fisherman’s home as well as wandering through a Victorian ‘Row’ during your visit.
For something more interactive, there’s a chance to get behind the wheel of a ship, virtually visit the 1950s quayside and lots of tales of wreck and rescue at sea to thrill visitors.
There are also children’s activities, free audio guides and plenty of games, puzzles and more fun for kids.
Caister Castle Motor Museum, Caister-on-Sea
For kids who love cars (not to mention adult fans!), this Norfolk family attraction is unbeatable with one of the largest motor collections in the country.
The displays range from classic and vintage to sports cars, as well as bikes, plus some very rare veteran motors – one dating back to 1893.
You can even spot steam cars and electric vehicles at Caister Castle Motor Museum, as well as taking a wander to the 15th century Caister Castle tower.
Sealife Sanctuary Hunstanton
Home to Norfolk’s only seal rescue centre that’s open to the public, Hunstanton’s Sea Life Centre has something extra on top of the usual attractions of an aquarium.
You can also see penguins and a colony of Inca terns during your visit, while the Ocean tank houses over 30 species of fish plus Green Sea Turtle Ernie, along with 187,500 litres of seawater.
Even better, kids can get hands on with some creatures, helped by the Rainforest Rangers, see life on a tropical reef and meet a pair of cheeky otters. There’s a discount if you prebook online and it’s perfect if you’re looking for ideas of what to do in Norfolk in the rain with kids.
Get up to 40% off weekday visits, excluding school holidays, as part of the Midweek Madness deal until mid October – click here to book
Sealife Great Yarmouth
Right on the seafront in Great Yarmouth, there are some fabulous marine creatures to discover in the aquarium – the ocean tunnel winds through a huge tank holding a quarter of a million litres of seawater, where the inhabitants swim around the lost city of Atlantis.
Sealife Great Yarmouth is also home to African Dwarf Crocodiles, and lets you discover more of the world of jellyfish in the Jelly Invaders display, as well as watching the aquarium’s penguins.
It’s an easy one to reach if your original plans of exploring the Norfolk Broads have been rained off too. There’s a discount if you prebook online.
Get up to 40% off weekday visits, excluding school holidays, as part of the Midweek Madness deal until mid October – click here to book
North Norfolk railway (the Poppy Line)
Running from Sheringham to Holt, the ‘Poppy Line’ heritage steam railway makes a fun way to get from A to B, as well as a slightly more sheltered way to sightsee on a rainy day.
There are special events during the year, including Santa Specials, while the North Norfolk railway trains run from April to October, taking about 20 minutes to chuff their way from one station to the other.
Wells & Walsingham Light Railway
This narrow gauge steam railway runs between the seafront at Wells inland to Walsingham – and children under four travel free.
Closed during the winter months, the Wells & Walsingham Light Railway runs a round trip to Wighton from Wells which lasts around 30 minutes, with no need to prebook, for another fun rainy day activity in Norfolk for families.
Bressingham Steam Experience
There’s more family fun for mini transport fans at Bressingham Steam Experience – you can take a ride on a steam train, with four railways winding through the gardens, as well as visiting the steam locomotive sheds.
Adults will enjoy the collection from Dad’s Army, while if the rain isn’t too bad, kids shouldn’t miss a chance to ride on the steam-powered gallopers – the carousel dates back to the 19th century.
Wroxham Miniature Worlds, near Norwich
You can see some of the largest model railways in the world on permanent display at this family attraction – in fact, it’s the largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK, covering over 10,000 square feet.
As well as the model trains, there’s a city made of Lego bricks, model boats, a vintage penny arcade and toy collection plus a chance to drive trains and test out a flight or train simulator.
Kids aged under five go free as well.
Hippodrome Circus, Great Yarmouth
The historic Hippodrome in Great Yarmouth is Britain’s only surviving total circus building, with over 100 years of experience in hosting the country’s most thrilling circus performances. Where better to cheer everyone up on a gloomy day!?
With spectacular displays by acrobats, aerial performers, jugglers, stuntmen, dancers, illusionists, and comedians, kids of all ages are guaranteed to be mesmerised throughout the entire show.
The circus arena isn’t too big, so you don’t have to worry about getting bad seats and being far from the action.
There are regular shows taking place almost continuously throughout the year, so make sure to check the schedule. Matinee and evening performances are available for most shows, making a trip to the circus a great rainy afternoon or evening activity.
Windmill Adventure Golf, Great Yarmouth
Rain needn’t stop play at Windmill Adventure Golf in Great Yarmouth – the huge 12-hole crazy golf experience is all indoors, housed in the historic Windmill Theatre building.
As well as enjoying Britain’s first indoor adventure golf course, there’s a collection of cinema and theatre memorabilia to discover as well, taking you back through over a century of the building’s history.
Home to one of the country’s first electric picture houses, the building could once hold over 1,000 people, before a later owner fitted sails to the front and it was reborn as the Windmill Theatre. Even for mini golf aficionados, there really is nowhere else quite like this!
Peter Coke Shell Gallery, Sheringham
If you’ve planned a day out in the seaside town of Sheringham but get caught out by the rain, seek shelter at the unusual Peter Coke Shell Gallery.
The free gallery is set close to the seafront on the West Cliff and houses over 100 amazing shell artworks by actor Peter Coke, with intricate creations ranging from castles to model garden scenes, and flower arrangements, all made completely out of shells.
And if the weather does clear up later in the day, you can head down to nearby Sheringham Beach and try making some shell and pebble creations of your own.
The small Fishermen’s Lifeboat Museum (also free) sits in the connecting building to the Shell Museum, giving you two rainy-day Norfolk attractions in one.
Sticky Earth Cafe, Cromer
Cromer’s Sticky Earth Café is a must-visit in Norfolk for kids who love getting creative. Not only does the cosy family-run cafe serve a great menu of drinks and sweet treats, but they also have a range of arty activities for the whole family to enjoy.
The cafe’s most popular activity is pottery painting, with plates, bowls, and animal figurines available to decorate. Once you’ve finished painting, the cafe will glaze and fire your colourful creation so you have a fun keepsake to take home with you.
You can also have a go at canvas painting, deco-patching, t-shirt printing, and jewellery making. There’s no shortage of things to keep kids entertained!
Parents can either join in with the activities or sit and enjoy a coffee and slice of cake while the little artists are hard at work.
High Altitude Trampoline Park, Norwich
A visit to a trampoline park is a great way to spend a rainy day in Norfolk with kids who need to burn off some energy.
High Altitude in Norwich is home to a huge trampoline court where kids of all ages can bounce around, try out tricks, and dive onto giant airbags. Plus there’s a soft play area and dedicated trampoline sessions for under 4s if you’re worried about safety for little ones.
The park also has basketball hoops, a dodgeball court, and a huge inflatable assault course with spinning tops, climbing areas, and super-fast slides for kids to enjoy.
And if that sounds like fun and you want to have a go yourself, adults are also welcome to join in all the activities. Or you can watch the kids from the cafe.
Pensthorpe’s Hootz House Indoor Play, Fakenham
While Pensthorpe Nature Reserve is a beautiful place to visit on a sunny day in Norfolk, the woodland walks and lush wetlands aren’t particularly wet weather friendly. But getting caught in a sudden downpour may not be the end of the world.
Pensthorpe’s indoor kids’ play area, Hootz House, is one of the best in the county, with rope bridges, tree-top towers, winding slides, and soft play equipment for tots. The play area is nature-themed, so you can pretend that you’re still outside enjoying the reserve.
Hootz House is included in the normal Pensthorpe ticket price. It also has its own cafe, so you can escape the drizzle with a coffee and sausage roll while you wait for the rain to clear again.
Funkys, Norwich
Roller skating at Funkys is another fantastic rainy-day activity in Norwich for families.
The indoor entertainment venue has a large wooden roller skating rink, with daily skating sessions and a weekly retro roller disco with DJs and light shows.
As well as skating, younger kids can also enjoy the venue’s huge three-storey adventure play area, with tunnels, slides, zip wires, cargo nets, ball pits, and more. The play area is suitable for children 2-10 years old.
The Wonder Wood, Watton
If you’re looking for an indoor play area in Norfolk that’s a bit different from the usual soft play, The Wonder Wood in Watton is a great option.
Designed for kids aged eight and under, this adventure play is inspired by woodland, with cottages to play in as well as netting to crawl through and the obligatory ball pit. There are also some fun messy play sessions and arts and crafts to enjoy.
It’s only a short drive from Thetford Forest if you’d been planning some outdoor adventures but need an alternative for a rainy day in Norfolk with kids.
Try an Escape Room in Norfolk
Searching for clues and solving interactive puzzles in a themed escape room is a fun and unique way to spend a rainy day in Norfolk with kids and teens. Plus, it’s a great opportunity to work on your family’s teamwork skills.
There are plenty of great escape rooms all across Norfolk, including Escape Hunt and Cryptic Escape in Norwich, Locked In Lynn in King’s Lynn, the Great Yarmouth Escape Rooms, and the Fakenham Escape Rooms, to name just a few.
If you’re staying near the Norfolk Suffolk border and looking for more rainy day activities, check out my pick of the best things to do in Norfolk in the rain with kids
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission
Sandringham/Sheringham Station/Bressingham Steam Experience/trampoline courtesy of Depositphotos, Windmill Adventure Golf courtesy Picfair, all other images copyright MummyTravels
