Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-to-the-water">Take to the water</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/susan-weber-GrH7aQZEVDM-unsplash-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50247" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/susan-weber-GrH7aQZEVDM-unsplash-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/susan-weber-GrH7aQZEVDM-unsplash-copy-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/susan-weber-GrH7aQZEVDM-unsplash-copy-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>A dawn or sunset paddle is surely the most magical way to soak up some of those extra hours of daylight. Explore the creeks and salt marshes of our stunning coastline by <a href="https://www.norfolkpaddleboards.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">paddleboard</a>, <a href="https://thecanoeman.com/guided-trails">canoe</a>, <a href="https://thecanoeman.com/guided-trails" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sailing boat</a>, <a href="https://glidesurfschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surfing</a> and <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/norfolk-watersports/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">more</a>. Or, if you&#8217;re resolved that you&#8217;ll end up in the water anyway, a <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/splash-the-best-outdoor-swimming-spots-in-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild swim</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-active">Get active</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="806" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/amauri-mejia-GvF7RkA-E9Q-unsplash-806x1000.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50261" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/amauri-mejia-GvF7RkA-E9Q-unsplash-806x1000.jpg 806w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/amauri-mejia-GvF7RkA-E9Q-unsplash-645x800.jpg 645w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/amauri-mejia-GvF7RkA-E9Q-unsplash-768x952.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/amauri-mejia-GvF7RkA-E9Q-unsplash.jpg 1000w" sizes="(max-width: 806px) 100vw, 806px" /></figure>



<p>It&#8217;s tough being stuck in a sweaty old gym at the best of times let alone when the weather improves, so why not take your exercise alfresco to make the most of it? From <a href="https://www.safyfitness.co.uk">circuits</a> to <a href="http://www.pickleballoxon.org.uk/norfolk-pickleball-clubs/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bootcamps</a> to a spot of <a href="https://www.wildyoganorfolk.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">wild yoga</a>, fresh-air fitness even beckons spin-class devotees who can get their cycling fix with a <a href="https://www.safyfitness.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">scenic bike ride</a>. If those don&#8217;t tickle your pickle (ball), there&#8217;s plenty of bat and ball fun to be had locally whether <a href="https://heywoodsports.com/tennis" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">tennis</a>, <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/best-fitness-classes-activities-gym-alternatives-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">hockey</a> or the Clooney approved <a href="http://www.pickleballoxon.org.uk/norfolk-pickleball-clubs/">pickleball</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-some-coastal-calm">Find some coastal calm</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Old-Hunstanton-Beach-Huts-credit-Gary-Pearson.jpg" alt="Old Hunstanton Beach Huts credit Gary Pearson" class="wp-image-39419" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Old-Hunstanton-Beach-Huts-credit-Gary-Pearson.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Old-Hunstanton-Beach-Huts-credit-Gary-Pearson-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Old-Hunstanton-Beach-Huts-credit-Gary-Pearson-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/02/Old-Hunstanton-Beach-Huts-credit-Gary-Pearson-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Old Hunstanton Beach Huts  / Credit <a href="https://www.facebook.com/GaryPearsonPhotography/?locale=en_GB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Gary Pearson</a></figcaption></figure>



<p>The beach is always a good idea and what better way to start or end the day than with a lovely seaside stroll along the Norfolk coastline followed by a bacon sarnie or fish and chips on the seafront? <a href="https://www.norfolk-norwich.com/news/overstrand-to-cromer-coastal-walk.php" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overstrand to Cromer</a> is a gentle two miler along the cliff tops with <a href="https://no1cromer.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">No1 Cromer</a> or <a href="https://www.maryjanes.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mary Janes</a> providing delicious dinner alfresco. Or reward yourself with fresh Brancaster Staithe oysters at <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/little-black-book/directory/wells-crab-house-wells-next-the-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wells Crab House</a> after completing the <a href="https://griffmonster-walks.blogspot.com/2011/10/holham-to-wells-circular-walk.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wells-next-the-Sea to Holkham</a> circular walk (9 miles). More <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/best-coastal-beach-walks-norfolk/">coastal walks here</a> and my rundown of the <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-summer-beaches-in-norfolk/">best beaches here</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-dine-alfresco">Dine alfresco</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/lee-myungseong-y1XXWct5rBo-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50271" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/lee-myungseong-y1XXWct5rBo-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/lee-myungseong-y1XXWct5rBo-unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/lee-myungseong-y1XXWct5rBo-unsplash-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Is it too early to brush off the barbie you ask? Never! Whether you&#8217;re grilling in your garden or packing up the Prosecco and Scotch eggs for a picnic in <a href="http://friendsofeatonpark.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Eaton Park</a>, <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/santon-downham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thetford Forest</a> or any of <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-picnic-spots-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">these pretty picnic spots</a>, dinner outside is an easy win for making the most of the longer evening. And for when you are too busy sipping on a spritzer to cook, keep an eye on <a href="https://www.instagram.com/junkyardmarketnorwich/?hl=en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Junkyard Market</a>, <a href="https://www.ffolkes.org.uk/food-drink">Ffolkes Street Feast</a> and <a href="https://thegrovecromer.co.uk/sundown/">Sundown at The Grove</a> for some sensational street food &#8211; bring on the balmy summer nights!</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-forage-for-a-feast">Forage for a feast</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/annie-spratt-p7h0wkbtAQ0-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50282" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/annie-spratt-p7h0wkbtAQ0-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/annie-spratt-p7h0wkbtAQ0-unsplash-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/annie-spratt-p7h0wkbtAQ0-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Go one step further than just merely eating outside and forage for your ingredients first with these guided courses (no poisonous mushrooms on our watch don&#8217;t worry!). Choose from courses in <a href="https://www.foragingcoursecompany.co.uk/foraging-course-holkham-norfolk">Holkham</a>, <a href="https://www.foragingcoursecompany.co.uk/foraging-course-norfolk-hunstanton">Hunstanton</a> and <a href="https://www.foragingcoursecompany.co.uk/foraging-course-norfolk">Holt Country Park</a> where you&#8217;ll learn foraging best practices, what to and what not to pick and how to cook your spoils.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-take-in-some-art">Take in some art</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/Untitled-design-2.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50276" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/Untitled-design-2.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/Untitled-design-2-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/Untitled-design-2-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>We love a sculpture park at Muddy and there are a few on our doorstep worth revisiting or checking out if you&#8217;ve never had a gander before. The sculpture park at the <a href="https://www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk/sculpture-park/">Sainsbury Centre</a> never fails to amaze, among the big hitters are pieces by Henry Moore, Anthony Caro and Lynn Chadwick. Meanwhile <a href="https://pensthorpe.com/things-to-do/family-fun/sculpture-trail/">Pensthorpe</a> makes you work for it as several sculptures are hidden within the 700-acre reserve (particular favourite and potentially the hardest to spot is Claudia Petley&#8217;s little Tawny Owl). And for something new, pop along to Houghton Hall from <strong>Sun 4 May </strong>to see the first major exhibition by <a href="https://www.houghtonhall.com/whats-on/stephen-cox-exhibition" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sculptor Stephen Cox</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-the-bluebells">Find the bluebells</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="665" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/04/web-bluebells-4-Hugh-Mothersole_Fotor-e1555842876810.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-23538" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/04/web-bluebells-4-Hugh-Mothersole_Fotor-e1555842876810.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/04/web-bluebells-4-Hugh-Mothersole_Fotor-e1555842876810-300x200.jpg 300w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/04/web-bluebells-4-Hugh-Mothersole_Fotor-e1555842876810-720x479.jpg 720w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2020/04/web-bluebells-4-Hugh-Mothersole_Fotor-e1555842876810-768x511.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Move over <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/daffodils-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">daffodils</a>, it&#8217;s *almost* the bluebells time to shine and they will soon be out in full force. From the seriously ancient stretch of woodland at <a href="https://www.norfolkwildlifetrust.org.uk/wildlife-in-norfolk/nature-reserves/reserves/lower-wood,-ashwellthorpe#TabsReserveTabs_TabAbout" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lower Wood</a> in Ashwellthorpe to the gorgeous spread at <a href="https://www.walsinghamabbey.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Walsingham Abbey</a>, take an uplifting forest walk to see them in action. Been to these already? Discover more Norfolk bluebell spots <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/walks-near-me/best-bluebell-walks-in-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-get-creative-yourself">Get creative yourself</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="667" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/tetiana-shyshkina-yn7R3DLA-ik-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50285" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/tetiana-shyshkina-yn7R3DLA-ik-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/tetiana-shyshkina-yn7R3DLA-ik-unsplash-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/tetiana-shyshkina-yn7R3DLA-ik-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Capture those extra hours of daylight, and no I am not talking about through your camera roll. As the countryside is blooming it provides a great opportunity to settle yourself down in your garden or a <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/best-local-parks-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pretty park</a> and draw. No experience or skills necessary just let loose and enjoy. However if you don&#8217;t know your way around a paint brush, <a href="https://www.norfolkcreativearts.co.uk/product-category/painting-art-courses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norfolk Creative Arts</a> run some lovely courses. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-find-some-zen">Find some zen</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/355299026_785940339850781_8630008669628005481_n.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50306" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/355299026_785940339850781_8630008669628005481_n.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/355299026_785940339850781_8630008669628005481_n-800x800.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/355299026_785940339850781_8630008669628005481_n-400x400.jpg 400w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/355299026_785940339850781_8630008669628005481_n-768x768.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/355299026_785940339850781_8630008669628005481_n-500x500.jpg 500w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Fair weather Wim Hoffers assemble! Now is the time to take the plunge with a little outdoor spa action. Norfolk has some amazing alfresco options to choose from like the <a href="https://wainford.co.uk/secret-sauna/">secret spa</a> in Wainford, <a href="https://saunainthewoods.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sauna in the Woods</a> in Rackheath and <a href="https://norfolkbound.co.uk/Woodland-Spa">this</a> Scandinavian beauty in the grounds of Little Massingham Manor. The perfect way to spend a couple of hours. For more outdoor spa inspiration, check out my round-up <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing-lifestyle/best-saunas-ice-baths-contrast-therapy-cold-hot-wim-hof-in-norfolk/">here</a>. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-saddle-up-the-horses">Saddle up the horses</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="563" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/yudi-susilo-XJudkkbdIJo-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-50288" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/yudi-susilo-XJudkkbdIJo-unsplash.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/yudi-susilo-XJudkkbdIJo-unsplash-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/04/yudi-susilo-XJudkkbdIJo-unsplash-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Whether you&#8217;re a regular rider looking for a canter along the coast or a complete beginner after a gentle hack, an evening on horseback is an evening well spent. Though there are a lot of riding schools, <a href="https://www.lakesideridingcentre.com">Lakeside Riding Centre</a> in North Walsham, <a href="https://hottotrotschoolofequitation.co.uk">Hot To Trot School of Equitation</a> in Bunwell and <a href="https://pakefieldridingschool.co.uk/beach-riding/">Pakefield Riding School</a> across the border into Suffolk (shhh) accept both students wanting to ride regularly and one-offs. Giddy up. </p>


Let’s go outside! 10 ways to embrace the longer, lighter days

You may also like