Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-head-to-the-forest">Head to the forest</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="750" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/forest.jpeg" alt="Thetford Forest " class="wp-image-59370" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/forest.jpeg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/forest-800x600.jpeg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2024/11/forest-768x576.jpeg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>An escape to <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/thetford-forest">Thetford Forest</a> is always a good idea, but it&#8217;s even better on a hot day. The 18,730 hectare woodland has something for everyone (including plenty of shady spots). For peaceful picnicking we love <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/lynford-arboretum" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lynford Arboretum</a>, there&#8217;s three gentle walking trails here too if you need to work up an appetite. If the kids are in tow, head to <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge/activities" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">High Lodge</a>, where there&#8217;s <em>so</em> much keep them entertained (<a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge/adventure-golf-high-lodge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">adventure golf</a>, <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge/archery-high-lodge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">archery</a>, <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge/go-ape-forest-segway-high-lodge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">segways</a>, <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/high-lodge/go-ape-tree-top-challenge-high-lodge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Go Ape</a>) while you chill in the shade. And if you&#8217;re still too hot, head to <a href="https://www.forestryengland.uk/santon-downham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Santon Downham</a> for a pre-picnic dip in the Little Ouse, a shallow chalk steam which welcomes wild swimmers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-catch-a-movie">Catch a movie</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/12/2025/01/ph_15651707385d4a9c3205938.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-63050" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/ph_15651707385d4a9c3205938.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/ph_15651707385d4a9c3205938-800x450.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/01/ph_15651707385d4a9c3205938-768x432.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Air-con and ice cream on tap? A cinema trip is another winner on a hot day and luckily we have <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/arts-culture-things-to-do/skip-to-the-flicks-the-best-indie-cinemas-in-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cute indies</a> in abundance in Norfolk. One of our favourites is <a href="https://www.picturehouses.com/cinema/cinema-city-picturehouse?filter=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cinema City</a> in Norwich. The 16th Century beauty, on St Andrews Street, is home to three screens, a gorgeous courtyard, swish bar and kitchen for stocking up on movie provisions (chilled glass of vino anyone?). Showing a mix of mainstream, art house and foreign movies, as well as live screenings from London’s West End and some cinematic classics, it’s deffo THE place to be for hot cinephiles in the city.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-go-underground">Go underground</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/grimes-graves-ttsad-pit-copy.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68280" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/grimes-graves-ttsad-pit-copy.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/grimes-graves-ttsad-pit-copy-800x480.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/grimes-graves-ttsad-pit-copy-768x461.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>If you haven&#8217;t visited <a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/grimes-graves-prehistoric-flint-mine/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Grimes Graves</a> yet (shame on you), make a beeline for it in the heatwave. Found on the Norfolk Suffolk border, near Brandon, the lunar looking landscape above is captivating enough, but deep beneath the surface is a series of prehistoric flint mines ready for exploring, and cool in all senses of the word. Dating back to about 2650 BC, visitors are able to descend 9 metres down into the mine where film projections immerse you in the lives of the people who lived and worked there. Fascinating stuff.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-visit-a-heritage-site">Visit a heritage site</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/12/2025/06/52680083751_2eb667c28e_b.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68275" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/52680083751_2eb667c28e_b.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/52680083751_2eb667c28e_b-800x534.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/52680083751_2eb667c28e_b-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Heritage buildings in all their marbled glory were built to keep cool and are a good shout when you are trying to beat the heat. <a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/visit/the-hall/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holkham Hall</a> is a firm Muddy favourite, the impressive 50ft dome ceiling, pillars and statues in The Marble Hall never fail to disappoint. Featuring the largest private collection of Roman statues, and work by the celebrated landscape artist, Claude Lorrain, and over 10,000 rare books, there&#8217;s plenty to keep you occupied (plus the bedrooms are pure interiors heaven!). Once you are all cultured out, <a href="https://www.holkham.co.uk/visit/holkham-beach-nature-reserve/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holkham Beach</a> is nearby for a pretty sunset and cool coastal walk. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ogle-some-art">Ogle some art</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1080" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-16.00.50.png" alt="" class="wp-image-68267" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-16.00.50.png 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-16.00.50-800x576.png 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-16.00.50-1000x720.png 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Screenshot-2025-06-17-at-16.00.50-768x553.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Hunting air-con? Galleries are always a good shout and right now there are two top tier sea-related exhibits happening which are sure to chill you out. First up <a href="https://wolterton.co.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wolterton Hall</a>, which is hosting an amazing new exhibit in its iconic Marble Hall which features new work from none other than Maggi Hambling and Ro Robertson. <em><a href="https://wolterton.co.uk/art-and-culture/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea State</a></em> focuses on both artists shared longstanding, deeply personal connection to the coast, and is the first time they will exhibit together. On until<strong> Sun 7 Dec</strong>. And over in Norwich, the Sainsbury Centre&#8217;s <em><a href="https://www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk/whats-on/can-the-seas-survive-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Can The Seas Survive Us?</a></em> season rages on with a series of interlinked exhibits (<em><a href="https://www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk/whats-on/darwin-in-paradise-camp-yuki-kihara/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darwin in Paradise Camp</a></em>, <em><a href="https://www.sainsburycentre.ac.uk/whats-on/a-world-of-water/">A World of Water</a></em> and <em><a href="https://sainsburycentre.ac.uk/whats-on/sea-inside/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sea Inside</a></em>), each exploring the future of our oceans. Until <strong>Sun 3 Aug</strong>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-set-sail">Set sail</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1500" height="1000" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/jeremy-bishop-A0wvBW-Hjbs-unsplash.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68458" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/jeremy-bishop-A0wvBW-Hjbs-unsplash.jpg 1500w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/jeremy-bishop-A0wvBW-Hjbs-unsplash-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/jeremy-bishop-A0wvBW-Hjbs-unsplash-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/jeremy-bishop-A0wvBW-Hjbs-unsplash-768x512.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px" /></figure>



<p>Water is always a winner in the heat and in Norfolk we&#8217;re never far away from some, and ways to enjoy it. From a leisurely <a href="https://www.northnorfolkpaddleboards.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">SUP</a> taking in the North Norfolk Coast to battling the <a href="https://glidesurfschool.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surf</a> in Cromer to a simple <a href="https://nbyc.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sail</a> along the Broads, there are plenty of ways to <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/norfolk-watersports/">take to the water</a>. Muddy personally will be sitting back and relaxing with a book while someone else does all the rowing. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-keep-your-cool-at-a-cathedral">Keep your cool at a cathedral</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="600" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/aerial-view-norwich-cathedral-canva.jpg" alt="Aerial view of Norwich Cathedral" class="wp-image-46742" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/aerial-view-norwich-cathedral-canva.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/aerial-view-norwich-cathedral-canva-800x480.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/aerial-view-norwich-cathedral-canva-768x461.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/12/aerial-view-norwich-cathedral-canva-875x525.jpg 875w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>When in Norwich a visit to the cathedral is a must, even more so when temps are soaring. The monastic <a href="https://cathedral.org.uk/cathedral-highlights/cloister/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cloisters</a> (uh hum, the largest in the country) provide shade and act as a wind tunnel on a breezy sunny day, while inside the <a href="https://cathedral.org.uk/cathedral-highlights/roof-bosses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Roof Bosses</a> (intricate stone carvings which decorate the ceiling), treasured <a href="https://cathedral.org.uk/cathedral-highlights/despenser-reredos/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">medieval altarpiece</a> and <a href="https://cathedral.org.uk/cathedral-highlights/a-unique-font/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">font</a> with its sticky backstory, are enough to keep you occupied (and cool). Plus the <a href="https://cathedral.org.uk/cathedral-highlights/mclean-windows/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">McLean stained glass windows</a> always look a treat in the sunshine. Not only is there no charge to visit (woohoo), if you time it right you could also enjoy a free one-hour tour.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hit-the-beach">Hit the beach</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="676" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Reading-book-beach-sea1-500x500-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-68461" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Reading-book-beach-sea1-500x500-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Reading-book-beach-sea1-500x500-1-800x541.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2025/06/Reading-book-beach-sea1-500x500-1-768x519.jpg 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Think everyone will be at the beach? There&#8217;s enough Norfolk coastline to go round, here&#8217;s our pick of the <a href="https://norfolk.muddystilettos.co.uk/things-to-do/day-trips/quiet-beaches-norfolk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quietest beaches</a> in the county perfect for days when you need to keep your cool. Among them, <a href="https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/destination/holme-next-the-sea">Holme-next-the-sea</a>, ridiculously unspoilt and without many amenities (so bring provisions) this gorgeous sandy beach is often deserted so you may end up having it to yourself. Bliss.</p>


Beat the heat! Where to keep your cool in the heatwave

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