Discover the Wild Wonders of Norfolk: A Guide to the County’s Diverse Animal Attractions
Attractions | Coastal Pubs | Cosy | Country Pubs | Countryside | Family | Outdoor Activities | Pub | Pub Accommodation | Walking | Posted 2024.06.05
Norfolk is a beautiful county, with open countryside and stunning coastlines, but did you know that it’s also home to an abundance of wildlife? The county is home to numerous zoos, wildlife reserves and sea centres dedicated to the conservation of global animal species.
In this blog, we’ll explore four fantastic locations where you can observe a wide range of wildlife, from local seals and tropical birds to red pandas and snow leopards. We’ve also got recommendations of a range of pubs with accommodation nearby, ensuring you have a cosy place to enjoy a delicious meal and a peaceful night’s sleep after a day of wildlife spotting.
Banham Zoo
Set in over 50 acres of parkland and gardens, Banham Zoological Gardens is a conservation hub for endangered species of animals from around the world. At Banham Zoo, visitors of all ages can learn about a diverse range of animals including the Amur Tiger, Red Panda, Grevy’s Zebra, and Black-Footed Penguin.
Part of a charity dedicated to conservation, Banham Zoo not only offers a fun day out, but an opportunity to learn more about the conservation of some of the world’s most endangered species. Take part in daily feeding talks and ‘Amazing Animals’ displays to learn more about the habitats, lifespan and conservation efforts behind protecting some of these fascinating creatures. The zoo features a ‘Tropical House’, where you’ll be transported to South America, with free-flying birds and exotic plants, a ‘Farm Barn’ where you can meet some of the zoos domestic animals, and ‘Tiger Territory’ where you can get up close and personal to the zoos three Amur tigers.
Two pubs nearby offering accommodation for your visit to Banham Zoo are The Old Ram Coaching Inn and The Georgian Townhouse. The Old Ram Inn found in the village of Tivestshall is a 20-minute drive from the zoo and offers comfortable accommodation. Whilst a little further away from the zoo is The Georgian Townhouse, in Norwich, a lovely pub to stay in when visiting Banham Zoo. The pub’s optimal location means you can explore the beautiful city of Norwich and the Norfolk countryside.
Hunstanton Sea Life Centre
Hunstanton SEA LIFE Sanctuary is one of Norfolk’s premier seal sanctuaries and a marine aquarium. Highlights of the centre include the otter enclosure, the playful penguins, and an array of other fascinating marine animals. At the seal hospital, you can witness the newest arrivals, juveniles in the nursery ward, and see the dedicated animal care team in action.
The Wash and surrounding areas along the Norfolk coast is home to two species of seal, Common Seals and Grey Seals. The population of Common Seals here alone has the greatest density than anywhere else in the country. Since opening the Seal Hospital in 1989, the team have rescued and rehabilitated over 750 seals. In the past year alone, SEA LIFE Hunstanton has rescued more than 50 seals from Norfolk and neighboring counties. At the outside seal enclosure, visitors can enjoy an underwater view of the resident seals and learn about their stories during daily seal feeding presentations.
The Penguin Beach brings you up close to Humboldt Penguins. You can learn to waddle alongside them on the penguin trail, watch them glide underwater, and see them dive into their deep-dive pool.
In the Otter River area, you can see Asian short-clawed otters splash about and snack on their favourite treats!
Step into the rainforest at Amazonia Rivers, home to exotic fish, amphibians, and reptiles. Get a close look of the Piranhas with ruby-red bellies and see the menacing smile of a Cuvier’s Dwarf Caiman just snapping distance away.
In the heart of Ringstead, just a short drive from Hunstanton, is the historic country pub, The Gin Trap Inn. This charming inn is made up of cosy interiors, including a dining and bar area adorned with wooden beams, bookshelves, and an inviting open fireplace. As well as beautifully appointed bedrooms upstairs. If that doesn’t take your fancy, what about The Hoste, in the historic market town of Burnham. This pub not only offers great accommodation, but it is also home to a spa. After a day of exploring the SEA LIFE Centre, enjoy a relaxing treatment, followed by a delicious dinner and a restful night’s sleep.
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
For a family adventure that caters to all ages, consider a self-drive safari tour at the multi-award-winning Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. The 170-acre reserve is home to one of the U.K.’s largest collection of endangered deer and antelope. Watatunga Wildlife Reserve offers three guided safari tours a day between April and October – hop into your own electric buggy and get up close and personal with the wonderful wildlife that live at Watatunga.
Guided by an expert in a separate electric vehicle, guides use a radio system to tell you about the birds and animals you see on your visit. Each trip will be different, depending on the animals’ behaviour, influenced by the weather and season. Your safari tour guide will bring the reserve to life and tell entertaining stories of our reserve’s rare inhabitants.
Watatunga provides a great opportunity to explore stunning scenery and see the animals in what is as close to their natural environment, grazing on the rich grasslands, drinking at the lakeside or even concealing themselves amidst the ferns and the woodland floor.
The Dabbling Duck and The Crown Inn are two pubs offering accommodation close to Watatunga Wildlife Reserve. The Dabbling Duck has some gorgeous interiors, including the beautifully decorated bedrooms and the pub’s open dining room adorned with tall book cases. The Crown Inn is a traditional pub featuring wooden beams, cosy nooks, and low ceilings. Guests can warm up by the fire and enjoy a delicious home cooked meal before heading upstairs to one of the quaint bedrooms.
Thrigby Hall Wildlife
Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, found next to Great Yarmouth, is made up of a 250-year-old landscaped garden, a play area, and a wide selection of Asian mammals, birds and reptiles including tigers, crocodiles and storks.
Animals to keep an eye out for at Thrigby Hall Wildlife include Snow Leopards, rare tigers, gibbons, deer otters, crocodiles in a swamp house, avaries and waterfowl.
Explore the park using the unique network of walk ways. You can follow the bridges across the lake, climb the Jubilee Tree Walk to get magnificent views of the park and venture into the Tiger Tunnel.
There is also the Tiger Tree Walk which takes you directly over the enclosure and the Tiger Machan Viewing Platform where you can be inches away from the magnificent Sumatran Tigers. Walk through the tree tops with the Gibbons and follow the walk way around the trees over the Leopard enclosures. Discover Cats Cloisters, explore the Pool Garden and enjoy the Aviaries.
In the heart of Great Yarmouth’s town centre is The Troll Cart, the perfect base for your visit to Thrigby Hall Wildlife. Located in a British coastal town, this pub also allows you to enjoy seaside attractions like the arcade and the beach as well as the zoo. For a countryside retreat, consider staying at The Swan in Loddon. This sophisticated and classic British pub offers a serene setting and a delightful atmosphere for a relaxing stay.