1 / 20
🐅Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
A delightful, family-run wildlife garden set in 6 acres of landscaped grounds, home to a fascinating collection of animals from around the world. Highlights include Amur tigers, snow leopards, lynx, gibbons, and a walk-through aviary. The reptile house features pythons, venomous snakes, and iguanas, while the monkey islands and bird of prey displays captivate children.
- Animal encounters and feeding talks (check times on arrival)
- Adventure playground with slides and climbing frames
- Picnic areas and on-site café serving hot & cold snacks
- Gift shop and free parking
Best for families with children aged 2-12, but suitable for all ages. Allow 2-3 hours. The reptile house and indoor viewing areas offer shelter on cooler days, but the park is primarily outdoors. Pushchair and wheelchair accessible; well-behaved dogs on leads welcome.
Travel tips
Plan for 2-3 hours minimum
Allow at least 2-3 hours to explore the gardens properly without rushing between animal enclosures and attractions.
Check feeding talk and encounter times on arrival
Animal feeding talks and encounters run at set times. Ask staff for a schedule when you arrive to plan your route accordingly.
Bring layers and waterproof jackets
Most of the park is outdoors. Dress children in layers as Norfolk weather can change quickly, and bring waterproofs.
Pushchairs are accessible but terrain varies
The gardens are pushchair-friendly overall, but some pathways may be uneven. A sturdy pushchair or trolley is recommended.
Use the reptile house for shelter
The reptile house and indoor viewing areas provide shelter on cooler or rainy days without leaving the park.
Pack a picnic or use the café
Bring a packed lunch to use in the picnic areas and save money, or grab snacks from the on-site café.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
You'll cover considerable ground exploring 6 acres of landscaped grounds. Comfortable footwear is essential for everyone.
Visit on a weekday if possible
Weekdays tend to be quieter than weekends, making it easier to watch animal feeding talks and encounters without large crowds.
The adventure playground suits older children
The adventure playground with slides and climbing frames is best for children aged 4+. Younger toddlers may find it challenging.
Bring sun protection in summer
The park has limited shade. Pack sunscreen, hats, and water bottles for sunny days, especially for young children.
Free parking is available on-site
There's no parking charge, which helps keep visit costs down for larger families.
Suitable from age 2 onwards
The gardens are best enjoyed by children aged 2-12, though older kids and toddlers can still have a good visit.
Arrive early to avoid afternoon crowds
Morning visits often mean shorter queues for animal encounters and a more relaxed experience for families with young children.
Dogs on leads are welcome
If you're bringing a family pet, keep it on a lead throughout the visit for their safety and the animals' welfare.
Gift shop offers souvenir opportunities
Save time by setting expectations about the gift shop in advance to avoid lengthy negotiations near the exit.
Reviews
No reviews yet. Be the first to share your experience!
Sign in to leave a review
Nearby places
Time and Tide Museum
4.9 miTime and Tide Museum is housed in a beautifully restored Victorian herring curing works, offering an atmospheric journey into Great Yarmouth's maritime and social history. Families can explore recreated Victorian streets, a traditional fishing boat, and interactive exhibits that bring the past to life. Highlights for kids include: - Dressing up in Victorian costumes - Exploring a real fishing trawler - Hands-on activities and trails - A chance to see a colossal herring gutting machine Facilities: baby-changing, café, gift shop, and accessible toilets. The museum is mostly under cover, making it a perfect rainy-day destination. Recommended for ages 4 and up, but toddlers will enjoy the sights and dressing-up area.
SEA LIFE Great Yarmouth
5.1 miSEA LIFE Great Yarmouth is an aquarium located on the seafront, offering an underwater journey through themed zones. Highlights include the Ocean Tunnel, where visitors walk through a 360-degree acrylic tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and tropical fish; the Seal Hospital, which rehabilitates rescued seal pups; and the Rockpool experience where children can touch starfish and crabs. The attraction features over 30 displays, including a giant pacific octopus, seahorses, and otter feeding talks. Families will appreciate the interactive touch pools, daily talks and feeding demonstrations, and the 'Aqua Theatre' sometimes hosting puppet shows. Facilities include baby-changing rooms, highchairs in the cafe, and wheelchair access. The venue is spread over two floors with lifts. It's compact enough for a 1-2 hour visit, ideal for young children. Best suited for ages 2-12, but older kids can enjoy learning about conservation.
Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach
5.3 miGreat Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is a traditional seaside amusement park located on the South Beach Promenade. It offers a mix of modern thrill rides and classic family attractions, including a wooden roller coaster, the 'Roller Coaster' (one of the oldest in the UK), and a dedicated children's area with gentle rides. The park is free to enter, with pay-as-you-go or wristband options available. - Highlights for families: Kiddie rides (ages 2–8) like the teacups and mini coaster, alongside high-thrill rides for older kids and adults. - Facilities: On-site refreshment kiosks, picnic areas, and nearby beach access. Baby changing and toilets are available. - Practical tips: Arrive early to avoid queues; buy wristbands online for best value. Open March–October, weather-dependent. Rain may close some rides, so check forecast.
Fritton Lake Country Park
10.9 miA stunning country park set in the Waveney Valley on the Norfolk/Suffolk border, offering a wide range of outdoor activities for families. Highlights include a large lake for kayaking, paddleboarding, and fishing; woodland and meadow walks; a children's adventure playground; and cycling trails. Facilities include a café, picnic areas, and ample parking. The park is part of the Somerleyton Estate and is open daily. - Outdoor adventure: water sports (kayak, paddleboard, rowboat hire), bike hire, fishing - Play areas: adventure playground suitable for ages 3-12 - Walking trails: easy to moderate routes through woods and along the lake - Café serving hot drinks, snacks, and light meals - Dog-friendly (on leads) - Seasonal events like open water swimming and outdoor cinema
Bewilderwood
10.9 miBewilderwood is a magical treehouse adventure park set in a 50-acre woodland near Hoveton, Norfolk. It features treetop climbing, giant slides, zip lines, boat rides, and marshland walks. The park is themed around the story of the Boggles and Twiggles, creating an immersive experience for children. - Highlights: Sky Maze, Treehouse Village, Toboggan Run, and the Wobbly Wires. - Suitable for children aged 2–12, with plenty of activities for toddlers (e.g., Little Sprouts area) and older kids (e.g., high ropes). - Facilities: on-site café serving hot food and snacks, picnic areas, baby-changing stations, and accessible paths. - Practical tips: arrive early to avoid queues, wear sturdy shoes and waterproofs, and book online for best prices.