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Best day trips from Norwich

Norwich is a city full of history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture, but there’s so much more to explore if you’re prepared to venture a little further. Here’s a few of our favourite days out, all just a short trip from campus.

A coastal townscape with a beach featuring people walking along the shore and wooden groynes extending into the sea. The calm water reflects the sunny, partly cloudy sky. Buildings with colourful facades line the background along the coastline.

Norwich is perfectly situated for exciting day trips to nearby attractions that offer a refreshing change of scenery and new experiences. From lush forest to breathtaking coastlines, here are some of the best day trips from Norwich that will make your student experience at Norwich even more memorable.

1. Cromer

A coastal scene featuring a long pier extending over the water, a sandy beach with people walking, and buildings with red-tiled roofs on the left. The sky is clear and blue, and the sea appears calm.

For a classic British seaside experience make sure you head to Cromer, a charming coastal town found on the north Norfolk coast. Famous for its beaches and historic pier, Cromer offers plenty of attractions to keep you entertained for the day. Take a stroll along the promenade, or bring your bucket and spade or a book if you’re a fan of a day on the sand. If you’re feeling adventurous you could even take a bracing dip in the Sea, though that may be best saved for the summer months.

2. Norfolk Broads

Escape the city and immerse yourself in the beauty of the Norfolk Broads, a network of rivers and lakes that stretch across the countryside. Just a short drive from Norwich, this picturesque region is a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Rent a boat or canoe and spend the day cruising along the tranquil waterways, or explore the quaint riverside villages on foot or by bicycle. Keep an eye out for rare wildlife and colourful wildflowers as you soak up the peaceful atmosphere of this unique landscape.

3. Thetford Forest

A person wearing a pink jacket is zip-lining through a forest. They appear to be smiling or laughing while holding onto the zip-line harness with both hands. The background shows tall trees and a forest floor covered in leaves.

Thetford Forest is a beautiful region of nearly 19,000 acres found on the edge of Norfolk. If you’re an outdoorsy type, hire a bike and race through the forest trail routes, or simply take a hike among the trees. If you’re feeling adventurous there’s also Go Ape Thetford Forest (pictured). This forest adventure allows you to explore the area from the tops of the trees; you’ll fly down zip wires, leap off Tarzan swings and navigate obstacles, crossings and rope bridges. There’s also live music held in Thetford Forest every so often; one of the most atmospheric venues in Norfolk.

4. Blickling Estate

Step into the past with a visit to Blickling Estate, a magnificent Jacobean mansion surrounded by stunning gardens and parkland. Blickling offers a glimpse into the lives of the aristocracy through the ages, and delving into the opulent rooms of the mansion is well worth your time. Blickling’s real beauty, however, is in its magnificent natural surroundings. Take a stroll through the beautifully landscaped gardens, and wander along the tranquil lakeside paths. With plenty of walking trails and picnic spots to enjoy, Blickling Estate is the perfect destination for a relaxing day in the countryside.

5. Great Yarmouth

A horse-drawn carriage carrying passengers drives along a seaside promenade with shops, a ferris wheel, and Victorian-style buildings in the background. Pedestrians and cyclists are also visible on the path, and cars are parked along the street.

For a day of traditional seaside fun head to Great Yarmouth, a bustling town located on the Norfolk coast. With its beaches, amusement arcades and traditional seaside attractions, Great Yarmouth has something for everyone. Take a ride on the vintage Pleasure Beach rollercoaster, walk along the historic seafront promenade or trek across the wild sand dunes. And with student discounts available for many of the town’s attractions, it’s a budget-friendly day out that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

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  • A coastal townscape with a beach featuring people walking along the shore and wooden groynes extending into the sea. The calm water reflects the sunny, partly cloudy sky. Buildings with colourful facades line the background along the coastline.
  • A coastal townscape with a beach featuring people walking along the shore and wooden groynes extending into the sea. The calm water reflects the sunny, partly cloudy sky. Buildings with colourful facades line the background along the coastline.
  • A coastal scene featuring a long pier extending over the water, a sandy beach with people walking, and buildings with red-tiled roofs on the left. The sky is clear and blue, and the sea appears calm.
  • A person wearing a pink jacket is zip-lining through a forest. They appear to be smiling or laughing while holding onto the zip-line harness with both hands. The background shows tall trees and a forest floor covered in leaves.
  • A horse-drawn carriage carrying passengers drives along a seaside promenade with shops, a ferris wheel, and Victorian-style buildings in the background. Pedestrians and cyclists are also visible on the path, and cars are parked along the street.

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