Things to do in East Anglia, England: The Best Nature & Wildlife Areas

Sculthorpe Moor is a nature reserve managed by national wildlife charity, The Hawk and Owl Trust. The rare fen habitat is managed for wild birds of prey and the eco-systems on which they depend. With over a mile of easy access boardwalk and hides this reserve is a great place to observe nature with every member of the family. Open from 8am every day. Only closed Christmas Day

WE ONLY OFFER PRIVATE PRE-BOOKED VIEWINGS PLEASE IGNORE OUR OPENING TIMES SHOWN BELOW ( we cannot edit the shown times ) Please call or email to arrange your booking . A chance get up close and personal with probably some of the tamest beautiful owls that you are likely to have the privelidge to meet. Well supervised these owls can be handled by all age groups. Enjoy a close up way of understanding a little more of the everyday lives of these beautiful birds and the conservation needs to help them continue their plight for survival. Situated in beautiful north norfolk we are available for all your outside and home venues.

This small lake is said to be haunted by a young soldier during the Napoleonic War, who crossed it to meet his beloved, but met his icy death in its bone-chilling waters instead.

Discover dramatic landscapes, raw natural beauty and a rare quality of light. Where big, bright skies meet endless horizons and dreamlike landscapes. A place where time stands still. Real peace, open space – it’s a place unlike anywhere else... The Broads National Park.

Windswept tidelines, a maze of creeks and saltings, miles of dunes and sandspits, shady pinewoods, green pastures and grazing marshes, the mix of habitats and the blend of wildlife confirm Holkham National Nature Reserve as a unique place.

Holkham is a beautiful place rich in wildlife, history and heritage, with lots of things to do for all ages. With a stately home at its centre, Holkham encompasses a National Nature Reserve, a beach, a walled garden, and acres upon acres of parkland that is roamed by its resident fallow deer. Visit the Holkham Stories Experience to truly discover the history the estate and come away enlightened with one or two interesting facts up your sleeve. Children will enjoy our Woodland Adventure Play Area and ropes course, and all will be able to explore more of the grounds with cycle and boat hire available most of the year. Holkham hosts a number of events throughout the year; visit our website for full information on our visitor attractions and events.

Wild, remote and exposed, Orford Ness contains the ruined remnants of a disturbing past. Ranked among the most important shingle features in the world, rare and fragile wildlife thrives where weapons, including atomic bombs, were once tested and perfected.

Pensthorpe Natural Park aims to inspire every generation by offering something for the whole family - from young children through to grandparents and everything in between. Pensthorpe offers a variety of activities and experiences that bring you closer to nature and allows you to explore the 700 acre reserve as a family. There are fascinating conservation projects you can discover including red squirrels, corncrakes, cranes and turtle doves; 5 stunning gardens, some of which are designed by renowned landscape designers and are home to a secret sculpture trail and; unique to Pensthorpe, 4 varied habitats including wetlands, woodlands, grasslands and farmland which each attract their own intriguing species. After exploring the further reaches of the reserve families can enjoy the award winning outdoor and indoor adventure play areas, WildRootz and Hootz House. There is enough here to keep everyone active and on a journey of discovery together for a whole day.

Redwings Caldecott is Redwings Horse Sanctuary's largest visitor centre, home to almost 120 rescued horses, ponies, donkeys and mules. Here you can meet mini but mighty Shetland pony Sampson, plus a whole herd of more than 30 donkeys and mules – including adorable donkey Esther and Muffin the Mule! Visitors can enjoy walking tours and horse care demonstrations, followed by hot drinks and tasty snacks from the Nosebag Cafe. There is also an on-site gift shop offering a range of souvenirs, proceeds of which go to support the hundreds of equines in the charity's care nationwide. While visiting Redwings Caldecott, you might like to support the work of the charity by adopting one of its friendly residents, either for yourself or as a thoughtful gift for a friend or loved one. A year's adoption costs just £15! Redwings Caldecott is open every Friday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday, 10am to 4pm. Entry is FREE and dogs on leads are welcome too!