Norfolk is the perfect destination for holidays and Fakenham Fairways is perfectly situated to explore the entire area. We have a feast of activities and attractions here in North Norfolk, from walking and cycling to shopping and sightseeing. There are plenty of things to do in Norfolk for all ages, making it the ideal location for families, couples and those travelling with their dog!
Seaside and Coast
The beautiful North Norfolk coast is very close to Fakenham Fairways. There are 45 miles of stunning coast with Wells-next-the-Sea, famed for its row of colourful beach huts and backdrop of sand dunes only a 15 minute drive away or for those looking for more action you could cycle there via the National Cycle Route 1 (half a mile from us). The local bus to Wells connects with the ‘coast hopper’ bus service from King’s Lynn to Cromer.
Nature and Environment
North Norfolk and the Wash Estuary are well known for their wealth of wildlife. Designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a costal SSSI there are many important habitats for wildlife and the region is renowned as a birdwatcher’s paradise, with bird watchers are seldom disappointed. The ferry crossing to Blakeney Point, with its colonies of seals and sea birds, is a short drive away. The North Norfolk coastal path is a great way to experience the natural environment.
More Info: Bean’s Boat Trips, Bishop’s Boats.
Pensthorpe Natural Park, the host of BBC’s Spring watch, is only a short drive away from Fakenham Fairways. Pensthorpe combines a host of different habitats providing home for a large variety of species and giving visitors the opportunity to get really close to some of Britain’s most endangered species. Children can use up some energy on the fantastic Wild Rootz adventure play area, build dens or become detectives on the Bug Walk & Stamp Trail. Visit the wonderful gift shop or refuel in their lovely Cafe.
More info: Pensthorpe Natural Park
Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve is on our doorstep. It was created by the Hawk and Owl Trust to protect and enhance the very special habitat in the Wensum Valley of Norfolk. It includes the valley’s only example of saw sedge wetland, and has breeding marsh harriers, water rails and kingfishers as well as barn owls. Otters use its waterways and the fen is home to many species of dragonfly, butterfly and flowering plants.
More info: Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
History and Culture
There is plenty of history and culture within striking distance of our campsite.
You can visit the Sandringham Estate, a house and gardens set in 8,000 acres where the Queen and other members of the Royal Family regularly spend Christmas, or Holkham Hall situated in a deer park, is just down the road and considered one of Britain’s most majestic stately homes. Historic Norwich is only 26 miles and less than an hour away.
Binham Priory is among the most complete and impressive monastic ruins in Norfolk.
More info: Binham Priory
Thursford is famous for its Thursford Christmas Spectacular. The ultimate Christmas musical experience is simply one of the most exciting Christmas Spectacular shows ever. It is the most popular Christmas show of all time in England and is a blend of exciting Christmas entertainment, with
Christmas songs, carols, dazzling dancers, beautiful costumes, outstanding
music and singing from a cast of over one hundred. At other times of the year it is an Aladdin’s cave of mechanical organs and majestic old road engines. Old farm buildings, with a touch of Charles Dickens’ England, house shops, a licensed restaurant and an ice cream parlor.
More info: Thursford
Family and Adventure
Just 8 miles south of Fakenham Fairways is Extreeme Adventure providing hours of adrenaline rushing fun swinging, climbing and jumping through a course of high ropes built in some of the tallest trees in Eastern England. They also offer quad bike trekking or you can try your hand at real tree climbing or an army-style assault course.
More info: Extreeme Adventure
You can visit the Dinosaur Adventure Park where you can meet the giants from the past, take part in a Scavenger Hunt, Track T-Rex, ride on our Raptor Racers, dig for fossils and follow the Dinosaur Trail.
More info: Dinosaur Adventure Park
Take a ride on The Wells and Walsingham Light Railway the longest 10¼ inch narrow gauge steam railway in the world.
More info: The Wells and Walsingham Light Railway
Walks
There are two circular walks within easy reach of the campsite. The walks are around Fakenham and along the banks of the River Wensum (one route is 2 miles and the other is about 3½ miles). The walks take in Fakenham Town Market Place, which is surrounded by mainly eighteenth century buildings. Several Victorian shop fronts can also be seen there and also in Norwich Street. The path alongside the river is about a mile long, and is very attractive, passing through meadows and farmland, with many hedges and mature trees.
More info: Norfolk County Council Norfolk Trails
For slightly longer coastal walks there is an excellent network of walking trails along the coast. Wells-next-the-Sea is a good place to pick up the The Norfolk Coast Path, which runs from Hunstanton to Cromer along the North Norfolk coast.
More info: Britain Express Peddar’s Way and Norfolk Coast Path
Cycling
Our campsite is a stones throw away from the National Cycle Network Route 1.
There is a 12 mile (20km) ride to Wells-next-the-Sea. Just half a mile up the road you can pick up the NCN route 1. This is a pleasant, fairly flat route. The route follows a mixture of quiet country roads and off road cycle paths before finishing at the harbour of this quintessential Norfolk coastal town.
Highlights on the route include Walsingham Abbey and the coastal views as you approach Wells.
More info: GPS Cycle & Walking Routes Fakenham to Wells-next-the-Sea
If you fancy something more energetic, NCN Route 1 can take you all the way to Norwich!
Food and Drink
Barsham Ales are brewed 3 fields away from Fakenham Fairways making it our closest brewery. The beers can be sampled in Fakenham Fairways Coffee Stop, treat yourself to a Bitter Old Bustard, a Golden Close IPA or a Norfolk Topper.
Also available at the Coffee Stop are a selection of Moongazer ales brewed 5 miles away at Hindringham. You can treat yourself to Moongazer Golden, Amber or Ruby ale and for larger drinkers we have Stubblestag and Dewhopper.