Looking for Free Days Out and Things To Do in west Norfolk? From ancient ruins to fascinating museums, we have you covered!
Take a look below and discover some of the fantastic free events, attractions and activities on offer in west Norfolk. Don’t forget to check out our Explore West Norfolk list of curated walks and check out our Walking and Cycling pages for short, long and circular walking and cycling routes.
Attractions
West Norfolk is home to many fantastic indoor and outdoor attractions that offer free entry to visitors. This includes history museums, nature reserves and art galleries. Take a look below:
The Walks is a 17 hectare park full of beautifully well-tendered gardens, perfect picnic spots and modern amenities. The open space is free to explore and has two play areas, a parkour unit and a multi-use games area.
Entry to Lynn Museum is free from 1st October – 31st March. Step back in time as you walk through Seahenge, the astonishing Bronze Age timber circle that is the museum’s stunning centrepiece, and learn about the people who meticulously crafted these mysterious timbers.
GroundWork shows the work of contemporary artists who care about how we see the world. Many exhibitions at GroundWork Gallery are free to view.
Captain Fawcett invites you to stroll through his world renowned ‘Marvellous Barbershop Museum’, his personal homage to tonsorial art, housed in the rather splendid Emporium in King’s Lynn. Entry to the museum is free.
At West Acre Gardens, view and choose from a vibrant selection of unique and interesting plants grown in their lovely nursery. Take a tour through the stunning display gardens and browse their wide range of perennials, alpines, shrubs and grasses and more on sale.
Sandringham Royal Parkland and Courtyard offers a range of free facilities including walking trails and children’s play area. Please be aware that carparking charges apply.
The earthworks and ruins of Castle Acre Castle are free to explore.
Free admission to the main site and farm shop at Norfolk Lavender in Heacham.
There are some things money can’t buy – like the spectacular sunsets at Hunstanton Beach! It’s free to enjoy the only west-facing resort on the east coast. Carparking charges may apply.
Hunstanton Heritage Centre celebrates the history of the seaside resort including the arrival of St. Edmund. Admission to Hunstanton Heritage centre is free but donations are always very welcome.
A fantastic reserve that is part of NWT’s Gaywood Valley Living Landscape. You are welcome to roam NWT Roydon Common for free.
A fantastic reserve that is a part of NWT’s Gaywood Valley Living Landscape. You are welcome to roam NWT Grimston Warren for free.
The historic monastic ruins of Creake Abbey are free to explore. The site is now home to independent shops, a Cafe and Food Hall, and a monthly Farmers Market.
Holkham National Nature Reserve is considered one of the most extensive, diverse and dramatic nature reserves on a coastline. Carparking charges may apply.
Discover Downham Heritage Centre is run by Downham Market and District Heritage Society. The centre shows how Downham’s local trades, communities and location helped shape it and how we can still see these stories from the past today.
Downham Market is one of Norfolk’s oldest market towns, once a thriving hub of agricultural industry.
Activities
During your visit, don’t forget to take part in all of the many fun and free activities found on our Guides and Publications page.
Steeped in maritime history, you can take a journey of discovery amongst the fine merchants’ houses and along cobbled lanes which stretch down to the River Great Ouse on the free King’s Lynn Maritime Trail.
Learn about the story and legend of St. Edmund, Hunstanton’s most famous visitor, on the free self-guided Hunstanton Wolf Trail.
The Borough Council of King’s Lynn and West Norfolk manage over 80 play areas across west Norfolk, catering from age groups ranging from 4 to 14 years old. All of their play areas are safety inspected on a weekly and monthly basis. Please be aware that dogs are not permitted in any of their play areas.
Parkrun is a free community event for walkers, runners and volunteers. They offer a collection of 5-kilometre events that take place every Saturday morning at 9:00am in King’s Lynn, Sandringham, Hunstanton and Downham Market. Please be aware that you need to register in advance.
Please note that the information provided on this webpage was accurate on the date and time it was updated [31/03/2025]. Details may have changed after this time and date.
