May Half Term Activities in Norfolk 2026 – Things to Do in the School Holidays
May Half Term Activities in Norfolk 2026 – Things to Do in the School Holidays
🎉 May Half Term in Norfolk 2026
With long evenings, blooming gardens and spring animals in full swing, **May Half Term (Monday 25 – Friday 29 May 2026)** is one of the best times to explore Norfolk with kids. From splash parks to steam trains, and from beach rides to bug-hunting trails, there’s something new to discover every day of the break.
Whether you’re staying local or visiting on holiday, we’ve rounded up the best indoor and outdoor adventures across the county – including attractions with exclusive NSTA offers, grouped by theme to help you plan the perfect week.
Animal Adventures | Outdoor Play & Nature | Indoor Fun | Coastal Fun | Heritage Days Out | Steam & River Rides | FAQs
🐾 Animal Adventures & Wild Encounters
From tigers to tarantulas, these attractions will bring you closer to the animal kingdom – perfect for young wildlife lovers.
🐅 Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
📍 8 miles from Great Yarmouth
This beautiful garden zoo is home to snow leopards, red pandas, crocodiles and more – but the highlight? Treetop walkways where you can peer down into tiger territory.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
🎯 Plan your visit: Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
🐴 Redwings Horse Sanctuary – Caldecott & Aylsham
📍 Caldecott (6 miles from Gorleston) & Aylsham (15 miles from Norwich) Enjoy a gentle, feel-good visit at these two peaceful sanctuaries. Both offer free entry, walking trails, and pony encounters.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Redwings Horse Sanctuary
🎯 Plan your visit: Redwings Horse Sanctuary
🦎 The Bug Parc
📍 Lenwade – 12 miles from Norwich
Hold exotic bugs, meet tarantulas, and explore indoor and outdoor zones. Ideal for brave kids aged 6+.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here The Bug Parc
🎯 Plan your visit: The Bug Parc
🐠 SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
📍 Great Yarmouth – 21 miles from Norwich
Sharks, seahorses and jellyfish await at this brilliant aquarium. A firm favourite for under 10s and their grown-ups.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
🎯 Plan your visit: SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
🦒 Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
📍 Watlington – 8 miles from King’s Lynn
Explore a different kind of wildlife experience on a guided safari-style tour through this peaceful conservation reserve, home to rare deer, antelope and bird species.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
🎯 Plan your visit: Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
🌳 Outdoor Play & Nature Escapes
Norfolk is packed with wild adventures and natural escapes – perfect for letting off steam during the May Half Term.
🦖 Roarr!
📍 Lenwade – 12 miles from Norwich
A full-on family day out with dinosaur trails, zip wires, adventure play, and the Dippy Splash Zone – which reopens for May Half Term as the weather warms up. Great for under 10s and packed with spring energy.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Roarr!
🎯 Plan your visit: Roarr!
🧚 BeWILDerwood Norfolk
📍 Hoveton – 10 miles from Norwich
Climb sky-high treehouses, glide on wobbly zip wires, and join in magical stories and crafts in this enchanted woodland.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here BeWILDerwood Norfolk
🎯 Plan your visit: BeWILDerwood Norfolk
🌿 Pensthorpe
📍 Near Fakenham – 25 miles from Norwich
Explore gardens, nature trails, wildlife hides, and epic outdoor play. A perfect mix of peace and play for all ages.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Pensthorpe
🎯 Plan your visit: Pensthorpe
🛶 Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden
📍 South Walsham – 11 miles from Norwich
Over 130 acres of tranquil woodland and broadside nature, with family-friendly boat trips and bird hides to explore.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden
🎯 Plan your visit: Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden
🌸 Hoveton Hall Estate
📍 Hoveton – 10 miles from Norwich
Beautiful gardens, woodland trails and open spaces for children to explore – with seasonal blooms and quiet corners.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Hoveton Hall Estate
🎯 Plan your visit: Hoveton Hall Estate
🌳 Go Ape Thetford
📍 6 miles from Thetford
Take to the trees for high ropes, forest challenges and outdoor adventure in Thetford Forest. A great choice for older children, teens and brave grown-ups.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Go Ape Thetford
🎯 Plan your visit: Go Ape Thetford
🌾 Holkham
📍 3 miles from Wells-next-the-Sea
Explore wide open parkland, woodland trails, cycle routes and nature-filled family walks, with Holkham Beach nearby for a full North Norfolk day out.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Holkham
🎯 Plan your visit: Holkham
🌽 Wroxham Barns
📍 10 miles from Norwich
Meet animals, enjoy junior farm fun, explore play areas and browse craft studios and shops. A relaxed family day out close to the Broads.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Wroxham Barns
🎯 Plan your visit: Wroxham Barns
☔ Indoor Fun & Rainy Day Heroes
If the weather turns during the May Half Term, Norfolk still has you covered with brilliant indoor attractions full of hands-on fun, history, and creativity.
🏰 Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
📍 Norwich city centre
Explore dungeons, dragons, Roman coins, natural history and interactive exhibitions. The castle often runs special activities for children during school holidays.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
🎯 Plan your visit: Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
🎮 Wroxham Miniature Worlds
📍 Wroxham – 9 miles from Norwich
From model railways to LEGO cities and retro arcade machines, this is a magical indoor escape that fascinates both kids and adults.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Wroxham Miniature Worlds
🎯 Plan your visit: Wroxham Miniature Worlds
✈️ City of Norwich Aviation Museum
📍 Norwich Airport – 5 miles from city centre
Climb into aircraft cockpits, see the Vulcan bomber, and learn about Norfolk’s aviation heritage at this hands-on museum.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here City of Norwich Aviation Museum
🎯 Plan your visit: City of Norwich Aviation Museum
🧵 Langham Glass
📍 Fakenham – 27 miles from Norwich
Watch live glassblowing demonstrations, explore the gift shop and enjoy a calming creative experience indoors.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Langham Glass
🎯 Plan your visit: Langham Glass
🧳 Shoebox Experiences
📍 Norwich city centre
Step into a miniature world of immersive storytelling and recreated historic rooms – a totally unique experience in the heart of the city.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Shoebox Experiences
🎯 Plan your visit: Shoebox Experiences
🏖️ Coastal Fun & Seaside Classics
Make the most of Norfolk’s coastline this May Half Term with beachside rides, aquariums, and classic seaside fun.
🎡 Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
📍 Great Yarmouth – 21 miles from Norwich Rides, arcades, candyfloss and classic fairground thrills by the sea. A proper British seaside day out for the whole family.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here
🎯 Plan your visit: Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
🐷 Hirsty’s Family Fun Park
📍 Hemsby – 8 miles from Great Yarmouth
Hirsty’s reopens its outdoor adventure park just in time for the May Half Term, with pedal go-karts, pig races and spring-themed obstacle zones for little legs.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Hirsty’s Family Fun Park
🎯 Plan your visit: Hirsty’s Family Fun Park
🐠 SEA LIFE Hunstanton
📍 Hunstanton – 16 miles from King’s Lynn
Meet seals, rays and otters at this well-loved coastal aquarium. Indoors and perfect for a mixed weather day by the sea.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here SEA LIFE Hunstanton
🎯 Plan your visit: SEA LIFE Hunstanton
🐒 Amazona Zoo
📍 Cromer – 24 miles from Norwich
A South American-themed zoo with jaguars, monkeys, tapirs and a huge indoor soft play area – perfect for unpredictable May weather.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Amazona Zoo
🎯 Plan your visit: Amazona Zoo
🎠 The Waterside
📍 8 miles from Great Yarmouth
Enjoy classic family fun by the coast, with food, drink, entertainment and seaside facilities close to Hemsby beach. Ideal for a relaxed holiday-style day out.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here The Waterside
🎯 Plan your visit: The Waterside
🏇 Great Yarmouth Racecourse
📍 21 miles from Norwich
For something a little different, enjoy a lively day at the races with food, atmosphere and plenty of space. Selected fixtures can work well for families.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Great Yarmouth Racecourse
🎯 Plan your visit: Great Yarmouth Racecourse
🏛️ Heritage & History Days Out
Norfolk’s rich history comes to life with castles, museums, and interactive heritage attractions – perfect for curious kids during the May Half Term.
⚓ Time & Tide Museum
📍 Great Yarmouth
Step into a recreated Victorian street, learn about the town’s maritime past, and get hands-on with interactive exhibits and trails.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Time & Tide Museum
🎯 Plan your visit: Time & Tide Museum
🏺 Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
📍 Norwich city centre
Uncover the city’s past through textiles, trade, printing and rebellion in this creatively curated museum in the heart of the Lanes.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
🎯 Plan your visit: Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
🕯️ Elizabethan House Museum
📍 Great Yarmouth
Step back into Tudor and Victorian times in this beautifully preserved home. Kids can try out chores and dress-up activities.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Elizabethan House Museum
🎯 Plan your visit: Elizabethan House Museum
🏰 Norfolk Museums
📍 Across Norfolk
Explore castles, historic houses, coastal museums, archaeology, rural life and family trails across Norfolk. Highlights include Norwich Castle, Time & Tide Museum, Elizabethan House, Ancient House, Cromer Museum, Lynn Museum, Strangers’ Hall, Tolhouse Gaol, Museum of Norwich and Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here
🎯 Plan your visit: Norfolk Museums
🚜 Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse
📍 19 miles from Norwich
Explore rural history, traditional farm life and the story of the workhouse at one of Norfolk’s best family heritage days out, with animals and outdoor space too.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse
🎯 Plan your visit: Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse
🌬️ Bircham Windmill
📍 14 miles from King’s Lynn
Climb the historic windmill, discover traditional milling heritage and enjoy a slower-paced family visit with countryside charm, tearoom treats and space to explore.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Bircham Windmill
🎯 Plan your visit: Bircham Windmill
🚂 Steam, Scenic & River Rides
Slow down and soak up Norfolk’s scenery this May Half Term with family-friendly railways and relaxing boat trips across the Broads and coast.
🚂 Bure Valley Railway
📍 Aylsham to Wroxham – 14 miles from Norwich
Enjoy a nostalgic steam train ride through the Norfolk countryside, with family activity packs and optional walks or bike rides along the Bure Valley Trail.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Bure Valley Railway
🎯 Plan your visit: Bure Valley Railway
🌊 Broads Tours
📍 Wroxham – 9 miles from Norwich
May is the perfect time to enjoy the Broads from the water – hop aboard a family-friendly cruise and watch the reeds, waterlilies and nesting birds bring the rivers to life.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Broads Tours
🎯 Plan your visit: Broads Tours
🚃 North Norfolk Railway
📍 Sheringham – 27 miles from Norwich
Known as the Poppy Line, this heritage railway runs from the coast through stunning countryside — and sometimes features costumed days and vintage carriages.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here North Norfolk Railway
🎯 Plan your visit: North Norfolk Railway
🚜 Thursford Steam Museum
📍 Thursford – 24 miles from Fakenham
Home to the world’s largest collection of steam engines and fairground rides – a magical place to mix history with old-fashioned fun.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Thursford Steam Museum
🎯 Plan your visit: Thursford Steam Museum
🚂 Bressingham Steam Museum
📍 Near Diss – 20 miles from Thetford
Ride steam trains through gardens, visit the Dad’s Army exhibition, and explore working locomotives – a full day out for train enthusiasts of all ages.
🎯 Offers and discounts: check for NSTA offers here Bressingham Steam Museum
🎯 Plan your visit: Bressingham Steam Museum
❓ May Half Term in Norfolk – FAQs
What’s on in Norfolk during May Half Term 2026?
You’ll find family events, outdoor trails, and school holiday activities at many of Norfolk’s top attractions. Look out for seasonal reopenings like splash parks and boat trips.
Where can we go if it rains during May Half Term?
Norfolk has brilliant indoor options including Norwich Castle Museum, Wroxham Miniature Worlds, and SEA LIFE aquariums in Yarmouth and Hunstanton.
What are the best free things to do with kids?
Redwings Horse Sanctuaries are free to visit and great for animal lovers. Many libraries and museums run free May Half Term craft sessions.
Do any attractions offer discounts or vouchers?
Yes! Check the NSTA attraction pages for up-to-date vouchers, discounts and school holiday deals before you book.
Plan Your May Half Term in Norfolk
Whether you’re exploring the Broads by boat, meeting a red panda, riding a rollercoaster, or ducking into a museum on a rainy day, Norfolk has everything you need for a fantastic May Half Term 2026.
Make the most of the May school holidays with a mix of indoor and outdoor adventures across the county. From family attractions and nature trails to seaside days and steam trains, there’s something to suit all ages, interests and budgets.
- 🎟️ Visit our Norfolk Attractions page to search by type, location or age group
- 💸 Find exclusive NSTA offers and discounts on each attraction listing
- 🧭 Use our guides and maps to group attractions and plan the perfect day out
- 📸 Don’t forget to tag us in your May Half Term adventures – we love to see your photos!
Looking for things to do in Suffolk? Check out our companion post: May Half Term in Suffolk 2026
Last updated: May 2026
For up-to-date visitor info, opening times and discounts, check attraction websites. Don’t forget to sign up for the latest NSTA vouchers – exclusive discounts on Norfolk & Suffolk attractions.
View and Download Your
Great Days Out Vouchers.
* Voucher savings based on a family of six using the available vouchers as at April 2026. Vouchers are updated regularly throughout the year and so please check back for latest offers.
More Great Stories…
More Great Stories…
May Half Term Activities in Norfolk 2026 – Things to Do in the School Holidays
Top things to do in Norfolk during the May school holidays 2026 - from outdoor adventures and coastal rides to rainy-day fun and NSTA attraction discounts.
May Half Term Activities in Suffolk 2026 – Things to Do in the School Holidays
Discover the best May Half Term activities in Suffolk – zoos, farms, beaches & family fun. Includes NSTA member offers and school holiday highlights.
101 Things to Do in Suffolk: Family Adventures, Nature Walks & Seaside Fun
Discover 101 of the best things to do in Suffolk – from family-friendly attractions and coastal adventures to hidden gems, wildlife parks and historic sites. Perfect for planning your next day out.
Best Things to Do in Norwich: A Guide to Top Attractions for All Ages
Discover the best things to do in Norwich – from historic castles and cathedrals to riverside walks, family fun, local food, and hidden gems. Plan your perfect day out in Norfolk’s fine city.
Looking for more inspiration?
Looking for more inspiration?
Looking for the perfect way to plan your next adventure? Whether you’re searching for indoor fun, outdoor escapades, or activities tailored to specific areas, we’ve got you covered. Explore ideas for awesome Spring activities, exciting days out for teens and young adults, or fun-filled options for little explorers, adventurers, and even the tiniest visitors. Check out the Events Guide for the latest local must see and do events! Whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone—just click below to find your perfect day out!
Looking for the perfect way to plan your next adventure? Whether you’re searching for indoor fun, outdoor escapades, or activities tailored to specific areas, we’ve got you covered. Explore ideas for awesome Spring activities, exciting days out for teens and young adults, or fun-filled options for little explorers, adventurers, and even the tiniest visitors. Check out the Events Guide for the latest local must see and do events! Whatever your interests, there’s something for everyone—just click below to find your perfect day out!