Norfolk is packed with family-friendly attractions, and staying at Church Farm Barns in Lingwood gives you easy access to some of the best. Whether your children prefer outdoor adventures, animal encounters, or castles, there is plenty to fill a week-long holiday or a long weekend.
BeWILDerwood
BeWILDerwood is a magical forest park near Hoveton, about 30 minutes north of Lingwood. It is designed for families with children of all ages and built around the story of a marsh boggle called Swampy.
The park features treehouses, zip lines, slides, rope bridges, and a sky maze set in a real forest. There is a dedicated Toddlewood area for younger children with mini zip wires and a toddler-sized maze. Storytelling sessions run throughout the day on an outdoor stage.
BeWILDerwood runs seasonal events including Easter trails and Twiggle Tots sessions (May to September) for preschoolers. It is a full-day attraction that works well in most weather — the forest canopy provides natural shelter. Book in advance during school holidays.
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure in Lenwade is the UK's largest dinosaur-themed adventure park. It has indoor and outdoor play areas, a Dippy's Splash Zone water park (seasonal), high ropes, a dinosaur trail through woodland, and a Neanderthal Walk. It suits children roughly aged 2 to 12 and has enough variety for a full day. Around 25 minutes from Lingwood.
Norwich Castle & Museums
Norwich Castle has undergone a major restoration and is one of the most accessible castles in the UK. Children can explore the battlements, visit the medieval gallery created in partnership with the British Museum, and see the royal apartments. The castle also hosts regular family workshops and holiday activities.
The Forum in Norwich city centre often has free exhibitions, and Strangers' Hall is a medieval merchant's house with rooms set out from different periods — children tend to enjoy the Tudor kitchen.
Redwings Horse Sanctuary
Redwings has two visitor centres in Norfolk — one at Caldecott near Fritton and one at Aylsham. Entry is free and children can meet rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, and mules. There are play areas and seasonal events. It is a gentle, low-key day out that suits younger children particularly well.
On the Water
Hiring a day boat on the Broads is a memorable family activity. Companies at Wroxham and Brundall offer easy-to-handle motor boats that do not require a licence. Children love steering (with supervision) and spotting herons, ducks, and the occasional otter along the riverbanks.
Broads Tours at Wroxham run family-friendly passenger trips with commentary, lasting about an hour. These are a good option if you want to be on the water without the responsibility of driving a boat yourself.
Beaches
Great Yarmouth has traditional seaside amusements and a sandy beach (about 25 minutes east). For quieter beaches, Sea Palling has a wide sandy stretch backed by dunes, and Winterton-on-Sea is home to a grey seal colony in autumn and winter. Both are about 30 minutes from Lingwood.
Staying at Church Farm Barns
Our family room sleeps up to 3 guests with a double and single bed, and the self-catering barns sleep up to 4 or 6 guests across 2 or 3 bedrooms. The property has a garden, outdoor furniture, and a seasonal communal hot tub (April to October). Free parking and free WiFi make family logistics straightforward.
