Winter activities

Whilst some of Norfolk's many attractions are seasonal, guests at White Lodge Farm Cottages will find that there are still plenty of things to see and do in Norfolk in the winter months.

Some favourites offer the same all year round interest, like the Dinosaur Adventure Park and Banham Zoo - don't miss the two rare Amur (Siberian) tiger cubs born at the zoo in October 2008.

Some have special events inspired by the season - the reindeer at Melsop Farm Park, the Santa Specials on the The Mid Norfolk Railway, the pantomime at Norwich Theatre Royal and Santa’s Magical Journey into Christmas at Thursford.

And others are on offer simply because it's winter - ice skating at the Forum in Norwich and Sandringham, and the over-wintering migratory birds at Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens - to name just a few.

Then there's the craft shows, carol concerts, celebrations and events, many of which you'll find in our Events Guide.

Of course, just like any other time of year, not everything is open every day 24/7 and you'll want to check before a special visit to avoid disappointment (you may even need to book), but there's certainly plenty to keep people of all ages and interests occupied before returning to the comfort of your centrally heated cottage and your log burner whilst staying at White Lodge Farm.

Listed here are over 50 of the suggestions that come to mind (but this is by no means everything that's open in the winter. - just look around at the rest of the website for more ideas.

1. Africa Alive - Plenty of wildlife, including 'big cats' - Daily except December 25 & 26
2. Aylsham Fun Barns
3. Banham Zoo - More wild life, heavy horses and farm animals - Daily except December 25 & 26
4. Blickling Hall (National Trust)
5. Bressingham Steam Museum Trust and Gardens
6. City of Norwich Aviation Museum - November to March - Wednesdays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays
7. Dinosaur Adventure Park - Not just dinosaurs, also farm animals and play area - Daily except December 25 & 26
8. Dragon Hall - A beautifully restored medieval merchant's hall
9. EcoTech Centre - Visit the wind turbines (an excellent view too
10. Elveden Estate - Lots of seasonal gifts and goodies

11. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden - Winter walks
12. Felbrigg Hall (National Trust) - Look out for the craft fayres as well
13. Funtime Factory, Wymondham
14. Gooderstone Water Gardens and Nature Trail
15. Great Walsingham Barns
16. Holkham Hall and Estate
17. Holt- for Christmas Shopping
18. Imperial War Museum, Duxford- One of the finest collections of tanks, military vehicles and naval exhibits in the country
19. Inspire Discovery Centre - 'Hands on' science exhibition
20. Langham Glass - See the ancient craft of glass making - a craft that has changed little in the past three hundred years
21. Melsop Farm Park - Plenty of farm animals and reindeer (if not elsewhere on seasonal duties!)
22. Monsters Ltd, Diss - Where little monsters go to play
23. Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery- Collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history of national importance - Daily except December 25 & 26, January 1
24. Norwich- for a superb range of Janaury sales shopping

25. Norwich Puppet Theatre
26. Norwich Theatre Royal - Tickets still available for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs - December 14, 16 - 31 (except 18 & 25), January 2 - 18 (except 5, 6, 12 & 13)
27. Oxburgh Hall (National Trust)
28. Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens - Lots of over-wintering birds (remember this from Springwatch?) - Daily except 25 & 26 December
29. Peter Beals Roses
30. Playbarn - A fun packed indoor and outdoor centre especially designed for children aged 7 or under - Daily except Mondays (open in Norfolk school holidays) and Saturdays and closed December 25 and 26 and January 1
31. Poppy Line - Mince pie and sherry specials
32. Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum - The story of Norfolk's soldiers and their families in shaping three centuries of global history - Daily except Sundays, Mondays and December 23 - January 3
33. Sandringham Ice Skating- Long walks in wonderful woodland and skating on a real-ice rink
34. SeaLife Great Yarmouth - Close views of everything from humble starfish to mighty sharks and giant sea turtles - Daily except December 25
35. Sheringham Park (National Trust) - Spectacular landscape park and woodland garden (one of the finest examples of Humphry Repton's design legacy)
36. Snettisham Park
37. Southern Comfort Mississippi Paddle Boat
38. Strangers Hall - One of the oldest and most fascinating buildings in Norwich
39. The Bittern Line
40. The King of Hearts - Two medieval halls with an art gallery, bistro and craft shop
41. The Mid Norfolk Railway
- Santa Specials
42. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
43. Thetford Forest – High Lodge
44. Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens
45. Time and Tide, Museum of Great Yarmouth Life- Great Yarmouth's fascinating history, its rich maritime and fishing heritage - Daily except December 25 & 26, January 1
46. World Horse Welfare (ILPH)
47. Wroxham Barns - Roses and plants, junior farm and craft shops
48. Yarmouth Hippodrome - Circus magic with the spirit of Christmas
.

Some contact details

• Africa Alive! 01502 740291
• Banham Zoo 01953 887771
• Broads Tours River trips from Wroxham 01603 782207
• Pensthorpe Nature Reserve and Gardens 01328 851465
• Melsop Farm Park 01953 851943
• Park Farm, Snettisham 01485 542425
• Sea Life Yarmouth 01493 330631
• Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens 01493 369477
• Great Yarmouth Sea Life Sanctuary 0871 423 2110

Guests say ...

"Melsop was a real hit with us all - so lovely to get so close to all the animals and loved the informality. The indoor play area was great."
    -L,C,R&H H

"Thrigby Hall is one of our favourite animal parks - well laid out and so easy for little ones to get around without loads of walking and tired legs. The girls especially enjoyed the Tiger Trail."
    -The L Family

"Banham Zoo is a great way to spend a showery day. Good soft indoor play area for under fives. Check out feeding times as you arrive."
    -WB

"Melsop Farm Park was a huge hit with our three-year old twins. A great environment to touch lots of animals."
    -G,R, C&C

"Our five year old and two and a half year old really loved Banham Zoo and Africa Alive."
    -S&M S

"What a pleasure to enjoy the frosty mornings through to the wonderful evenings watching the barn owl hunt."
    -The D Family and the E Family

"Banham Zoo: A good day out well suited for pushchairs. Ther tigers were the star of the day."
    -K, D&J T

"Pensthorpe: A good day out - lots of birds to see and plenty of walking available. Great cafe with good food."
    -JJ&S