For the Entertainment Seekers: A Guide to the Norfolk Area
For those planning a wedding within Norfolk who are dubious about what the area has to offer in terms of entertainment, do not be deceived by its pastoral charm: the area is anything but lacking venues for your amusement. The Norfolk area offers a rich and nuanced history, but today it is also a draw for foodies, thrill seekers, and the eclectic family alike.
The most picturesque town within Norfolk must be awarded to Bury St Edmunds. With findings dating as far back to 633 AD, with the founding of a monastery by Sigebert, the quintessential English town is a treasure trove for history buff or the trained antique collector. Be sure to stop into Harriets Tea Room for a proper high-tea in a nostalgic venue featuring plush furniture, and subtle details that validate the tea-rooms authenticity. After tea, wander through High Street, drifting in and out of the eclectic array of novelty shops that line the street. Wishing to pass more than just a few hours in this idyllic town? Look no further than Tuddenham Mill, the intimate boutique hotel and restaurant that has been a favourite of the area for many years.
Albeit Bury St. Edmunds is anything but lacking in quintessential English charm, it may be rather disappointing for those seeking something a bit more thrilling as the center-point of the post-nuptial festivities. In this case, Cambridge offers a plethora of venues to keep anyone amused. While most would, quite rightly, label Cambridge as a stodgy, albeit, venerated university city, the bustling student community has sustained a pub culture that caters to students and outsiders alike. To make the most of your night start with a meal at The Old Bicycle Shop — formerly Britain’s oldest bike shop, the building now features a modern restaurant and bar. Cosy up with after dinner drinks at Hidden Rooms, an intimate cocktail bar featuring curtain booths and a “sunken garden.” For live music, look no further than the popular student hang at Portland Arms where you’ll find the latest local bands and first-class bar service. Of course, after the festivities are over, one must find a place to sleep. The Edwardian style estate, Harry’s Bed and Breakfast, has been a long time local favorite for its convenience in terms of proximity to the city center and its charming aesthetic appeal.
Of course, sometimes families, especially those with members younger than 12, require entertainment that is a bit more catered to the needs of the latter. Luckily, the Norfolk area, outside of offering pristine countryside and nature-centered activities that all members of a family, both young and old, relish, has also seen the proliferation of business in the entertainment industry in the recent years. Take Xtreme360, one of the largest trampoline park in Norfolk — an attraction catered to all ages. If soaring over a sea of trampolines is too deadbeat for your libertine tastes, do what all thrill-seekers do and register for a skydiving session. Should the real thing be a bit out of your comfort zone, try the next best option: the synthesized experience. iFLY UK offers indoor skydiving courses, the nearest located West of Cambridge in Milton Keynes.
Should other members of the family not share the same ardour for the extreme, the zoo always proves to be the best democratiser. The nearest and most popular choice is Banham Zoo, about 40 minutes away from Hockwold. This award winning zoo, has carried on a legacy since its inception in 1968, and is now home to 2,000 animals including the beloved red panda. You can visit its main site at www.banhamzoo.co.uk to purchase tickets in advance. Should you still have energy after spending a few hours at the zoo, the Norfolk Botanical garden, just a short drive away, makes for a wonderful addition to follow the visit to the zoo. If Norfolk is known for anything, it is the areas saturation of natural beauty and the hommage that it pays to that beauty in venues such as the botanical garden. Should you and your party want to make an entire day dedicated to the outdoors, a leisurely stroll through Holkham National Nature Reserve along the seaside, or horse spotting at Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary, is sure to satisfy the nature enthusiast.
Whether young or old, thrill seeker or antique hunter, nature lover or bar frequenter, Norfolk is never short of venues that cater to each individual’s fancy. Should you wish to pursue events at your own leisure, more activities can be found at: https://www.dayoutwiththekids.co.uk as well as https://www.explorenorfolkuk.co.uk/things-to-do-in-norfolk.html . We wish you very all the best for your post-wedding festivities.
THE OLD ENGLISH WHISKY COMPANY
St George’s is the home to The English Whisky Co. The beautiful distillery was designed and built by the Nelstrop family for the specific purpose of producing the very finest English Single Malt Whisky.
WEST STOW ANGLO SAXON VILLAGE
One of England’s great archaeological sites, West Stow has extensive indoor galleries and a stunning recreation of an Anglo-Saxon village surrounded by 125 acres of unspoilt countryside.
Visitors to West Stow can explore history and nature, watch a film, dress up as an Anglo-Saxon or say hello to the rare breed pigs and chickens.
NORFOLK YOGA CENTRE
Our studio offers a friendly and peaceful space where you can begin, re-start, continue or deepen your yoga journey.
Our mission is simple, to offer inspiring and uplifting Iyengar yoga to challenge your perceptions of who you are and what you can achieve.
HIGH LODGE NORFOLK
If you are looking for a stylish destination for an activity break, a place to escape and unwind or somewhere special for a celebratory or corporate event, then look no further than High Lodge – conveniently located too, within easy reach of Southwold, Aldeburgh and Constable Country.
HIGH LODGE ACTIVITY CENTRE
Enjoy a forest adventure at High Lodge Thetford Forest. Unwind with beautiful forest trails or try the excitement of our bike trails, Go Ape and adventure play.
GO APE
Looking to discover some seriously adventurous things to do outdoors? We offer outdoor experiences and activities across 33 locations UK wide.
From zip wires, to super-springy trampoline nets in the trees, to off-road Segways, we have an adventure for everyone.
BANHAM ZOO
Award winning family attraction and one of the most exciting wildlife attractions in the country, with over 2000 animals from around the world and set in 50 acres.
LOOK OUT ARCHERY
Lookout Archery provides a complete archery experience for beginners to intermediate archers. Archery will be on site for weekends and during school holidays through out the year.
MID NORFOLK SHOOTING GROUND – CLAY PIDGEON SHOOTING
Set in over 50 acres of rolling Norfolk woodland, Mid Norfolk Shooting Ground has everything you want in one place including: floodlit Skeet and DTL ranges, a Sporting layout, a warm and welcoming Clubhouse, a well-stocked gun shop and a café to enjoy a cuppa and a bite to eat after you’ve finished shooting.
ANGLIA KARTING
If you’re looking for some adrenaline-pumping action for your next friends and family event, whether it be a birthday, stag do or anniversary, Anglia Indoor Kart Racing has just the event for you.
WILDTRACKS OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Take a trip to our activity park in Newmarket this weekend with your friends, family or colleagues for a fun and adventurous day out! Our 60-acre site is host to go karting, motocross, battlefield live, archery and so many other exciting activities.
SKIRMISH PAINTBALL GAMES
We’re Paintball Norwich. We have a huge range of ground-breaking paintball gamezones and state of the art facilities. We cater for any size paintball group as well as occasion. Talk to us, Paintball Norwich, today and we can talk you through our amazing range of paintball packages and help you organise the best day of your life!
COMBAT PAINTBALL THETFORD
East Anglia’s No1 Paintball Venue. Great facilities, latest equipment and we pride ourselves on the highest levels of customer care.
AQUA SANA SPA – CENTRE PARCS
Being in nature boosts our outlook. It lifts our spirits and helps us unwind. Our spas in the forest have their own unique character. Wherever you go you’ll be warmly welcomed and leave feeling radiant and revitalised.
Aqua Sana the perfect spa escape in the forest.
https://www.aquasana.co.uk/spa-locations/elveden-forest/about.html
CAMBRIDGESHIRE GOLF CLUB
The Golf course and Golf Club is situated just off junction 29 of the A14 at Bar Hill and is only 5 miles north of Cambridge.
Our tree lined well established golf course offers a challenge to golfers of all levels with water hazards on several holes, but careful use of the description plaques on each hole enables all golfers to enjoy their game without the risk of losing many balls!
DUNSTON HALL GOLF CLUB
All 9 of our Championship golf courses feature lush, rolling, tree-lined fairways and subtle undulating greens, that present a challenge to even the most seasoned of golfer. As well as fantastic golf courses, our four-star resorts offer comprehensive off-course facilities, including bars & restaurants, health clubs & spas and ample practice facilities.
LINKS GOLF CLUB, NEWMARKET
Links Golf Club, Newmarket is one of the most renowned golf courses in the area and the venue of choice for many County and Regional events.
THETFORD GOLF CLUB
Founded in 1912, Thetford Golf Club is a classic James Braid designed heathland course and reputed to be one of the finest courses in East Anglia. Individuals, groups, visitors, golf societies and corporate clients will all discover a genuinely warm welcome, excellent golf facilities and fine hospitality.
NORFOLK WINE SCHOOL
We’re a local business providing fun, informative wine tastings, wine courses and food and wine workshops in Norfolk.
http://www.norfolkwineschool.com/content.php?pagetitle=Corporate+Events
SCUDAMORES – CAMBRIDGE PUNTING
Scudamore’s Punting Cambridge first introduced pleasure punting to the city in the early 20th century.
Remaining true to Jack Scudamore’s original vision, we work to ensure that the River Cam can be enjoyed by all, offering traditional boating services to residents and visitors alike.
We pride ourselves on our warm welcome, unrivalled service and have designed our services around you. Treat yourself to one of our award-winning Cambridge tours or explore the river yourself on one of our punts, kayaks or Canadian canoes.
LET’S GO PUNTING
“Let’s Go Punting!” are a small, independent Punting Company, specialising in Private and Shared Chauffeured River Tours of Cambridge. Punting is ‘the ideal way’ to see the riparian colleges in both comfort & style. Their standard 50 minute return tours cover the length of the college backs between Magdalene College and Silver Street Bridge.
CAMBRIDGE PUNT COMPANY
Punting in Cambridge is the ultimate way to enjoy the sights, with the River Cam passing through the very heart of Cambridge’s University campus affording unique views of the most famous Colleges. Our chauffeured punting tours begin opposite Magdalane College Gardens and commence up through St John’s College, Trinity College, Trinity Hall, Clare College, Kings’ and Queens’ Colleges.
CAMBRIDGE CHAUFFEUR PUNTS
Cambridge Chauffeur Punts was founded in 1993. Since then they have built up to a fleet of 30 Punts, some of which are double punts, designed for taking groups such as school parties and conference groups of up to 140 people. Customers can choose from taking a tour with a chauffeur guide or punting themselves. They operate on upper river, towards Granchester and along the middle river which passes the famous college Backs.
