Spring is a wonderful time to explore Norfolk, as colourful blossoms appear, gardens come to life and returning birds bring fresh activity to the coastline. With beautiful nature reserves, country parks and gardens within easy reach, Heacham Manor makes an ideal base for a spring break surrounded by the best of the county’s landscapes and wildlife.
Follow our suggested Norfolk nature trail and discover some of the inspiring places you could visit during your stay.
Heacham Manor is the perfect base to explore Norfolk’s coast and country with a wealth of nature destinations on our doorstep. Start with a guided tour of Wild Ken Hill, the site of BBC’s Springwatch in recent years, where the team is rewilding the landscape with ponies, cattle, pigs and beavers. Guided tours run from Easter with the opportunity to see wildlife and habitats across the site.
From here, head to RSPB Snettisham and tuck yourself away in one of the hides with views across The Wash to catch the last of the whirling waders before they head north to Arctic climes. The migratory birds are returning from Africa for the breeding season and you can often see wheatears, sand martins, avocets, oystercatchers and ringed plovers which nest on the reserve.
For a slightly more exotic experience, just outside King’s Lynn in Watlington, Watatunga nature reserve is home to endangered deer, antelope and birds which can be spotted from a self-driven buggy on its wild safari – there’s even a resident Great bustard, which was officially declared extinct in 1832!
For a colourful spring day out, look out for the return of Norfolk Tulips, when a field of vibrant blooms is opened to visitors in support of The Norfolk Hospice Tapping House. Dates and ticket availability vary, so check the Norfolk Tulips website when planning your visit.
Alternatively, explore the beautiful gardens at Sandringham. Set within the Royal Estate, the gardens feature an impressive collection of trees and plants, informal areas, lakes and carefully maintained displays that change with the seasons. Check the Sandringham Estate website for current opening dates and visitor information.
More recent, yet no less mature, Pensthorpe’s five gardens are worth a drive to Fakenham. Established on the site of a former quarry, today the site is an incredible reserve with wetland, woodland, and a meadow. The Millennium Garden, which was created by Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf in a prairie style, is world-renowned and the newer areas also host a series of stunning sculptures and contemporary artwork. A day spent touring Pensthorpe’s trails is a wonderful sensory experience and there’s the bonus of a plethora of resident wildlife to spy too.
Holkham’s Walled Garden is another rewarding stop for garden lovers. Its carefully restored spaces combine formal planting and ornamental displays with productive areas that reflect the garden’s original purpose. Located within the wider Holkham Estate, it can be enjoyed as part of a full day exploring the park, attractions and surrounding landscape. Check the Holkham website for seasonal opening information before visiting.
Make Heacham Manor your base for exploring the coast, countryside, wildlife reserves and gardens of Norfolk. After a day of discovery, return to comfortable accommodation, delicious dining and the peaceful surroundings of the Manor.
Check our latest availability and start planning your stay at Heacham Manor.
