Pensthorpe – A place for all
Mum and dad don’t often venture out with us on our adventure days, something to do with screeching children running wild in sweaty ball pits doesn’t appeal to them ! I can’t understand why ? 😉 Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park though is the exception. Whether your a couple, family, nature lover or twitcher you will be hard pressed to find a more perfect and enchanting place to visit in Norfolk
Back to Nature
The park is not your traditional family attraction there’s not a mechanical ride or neon sign in sight, instead the colour comes from the natural surroundings, the borders the lake and the fabulous millennium garden with its Monet inspired bridge. Even the play park seems to seamlessly grow out of the environment.
Play-Time
Tandem swings, zip wires, tube slides, tunnels huge sandpit, musical instruments and even a river for paddling, makes this my favourite park in Norfolk. I’m even going to have a go at building my own little river in the garden…..With dads help of course.
The indoor area Hootz-house is styled in the same way, like an undercover tree house with brightly coloured mushrooms to bound on and even a bat or two thrown in for good measure .
The trail takes you all round the reserve, through the wave garden, past the various ponds and towards the Crane and Flamingo area.
We noticed there were some welcome additions to the trail this year and had fun leap frogging, playing Pensthorpes version of noughts and crosses, giant pick up sticks and of course building dens.
Food Glorious Food
The cakes at the cafe are gorgeous and there’s lots of gluten free options . The food is also really scrummy but prices are reflective of its restaurant quality. On the lawn there’s a little snack shack for teas coffees and ice creams but watch out for wasps at this time of the year , they are unavoidable at a beauty spot like this.
Gift shop of dreams
Mum loves the shop, lots and lots of gorgeous local artists and creatives work on show to buy and browse. There’s also a large kids area with gifts and keepsakes for all purses. Don’t forget you also get a lovely badge to take home if you complete the trail.
Become a member
If you live close by, like many of the larger attractions a yearly pass is well worth it, we enjoy Pensthorpe In February just as much as July and it’s such a great place to let of some steam in a gloriously natural setting . A real Norfolk feather in the Hat !
For more information about becoming an annual member, ticket prices and opening hours please head to the website. Hopefully we will see you there ill, let you know how the river turns out in my garden make sure your following my Instagram page for updates.
Have Fun Crumblers!
* We were gifted tickets so I could write this review but as always my word are my own.