Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse
Step back in time at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, exploring a recreated workhouse, village, and rare breeds farm. Fun for all ages!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
More activities and buzz
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse
Best Time
More activities and buzz
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, exploring a recreated workhouse, village, and rare breeds farm. Fun for all ages!
"A fantastic day out with lots to see, do, and learn for the whole family!"
🎯 Allow Plenty of Time
You'll need at least half a day, ideally a full day, to see everything! :clock1:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak times. :admission_tickets:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Immersive Workhouse Museum
Workhouse Building
Step back into Victorian times and experience life in a workhouse. Interactive exhibits and hands-on activities make history engaging for all ages.
The Working Farm & Rare Breeds
Farm Area
Meet rare-breed animals, learn about traditional farming, and enjoy informative tractor trailer rides. A hit with families and animal lovers.
The Village Street
Village Row
Wander through a recreated village with shops, a pub, school, and cottage. It's like stepping onto a historical film set.
Adventure Playground
Play Area
A fantastic space for kids to burn energy with swings, slides, and climbing structures. Perfect for a break between historical explorations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Allow Ample Time for Exploration
Engage with Knowledgeable Staff & Volunteers
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Allow Plenty of Time
You'll need at least half a day, ideally a full day, to see everything! :clock1:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak times. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking across varied terrain, from historical buildings to farm paths. :athletic_shoe:
🍎 Check for Special Events
They host seasonal events like Apple Day with extra activities and food. 
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Allow Plenty of Time
You'll need at least half a day, ideally a full day, to see everything! :clock1:
🎟️ Book Tickets Online
Consider booking tickets in advance, especially during peak times. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
Lots of walking across varied terrain, from historical buildings to farm paths. :athletic_shoe:
🍎 Check for Special Events
They host seasonal events like Apple Day with extra activities and food.
🥪 Pack a Picnic or Enjoy Cafe
Cafe offers good food, but a picnic is also a great option for families. +1 :sandwich:
📸 Capture the History
Plenty of photo opportunities in the workhouse, village, and farm settings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse as a fantastic, family-friendly day out with a wealth of history and activities. The interactive workhouse museum, charming village street, and engaging farm with rare breeds are frequently highlighted as major draws. While some find the ticket price a bit high, most agree the experience is well worth the cost due to the extensive offerings and knowledgeable staff. +3
"Great day out, you really need to allow at least half a day to see everything.
Loved the village street old store, post office pub and cottage. The grounds are beautifully maintained and the workhouse had engaging exhibits.
The farm and tractor ride were informative and great for youngsters (and the young at heart!)
We had a fabulous ploughman's lunch in the cafe. The staff were all really friendly and knowledgeable, we really enjoyed our day and highly recommend this place."
C
"Absolutely fascinating place. It is wonderful that these facilities have survived to this day and now we can learn more about workhouses and expand our knowledge about British history.
We were very lucky to come just before an excursion started. I’m not sure how regular excursions are but I undoubtedly advise you to attend one if you have a chance. Caroline was our guide. She was very knowledgeable and very passionate about this place and its history.
There is a cosy welcoming cafe, a good place to relax and recharge before continuing to explore this place. There is a farm you can visit. A children’s playground as well inside the facilities.
Tickets are a bit pricey but it is worth a visit."
Luba Parsons
"This is a fantastic day out. Lots to see, do and learn. The farm is lovely and the people on the farm are super knowledgeable and happy to interact with the kids. The lakeside walk is a must and this is where you will find the 'stamps'. The playground was a big hit and the cafe serves delicious food."
Vikki Bourner
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse is located in Gressenhall, near Dereham, Norfolk (NR20 4DR). It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended for ease of access.
Yes, there is a car park available for visitors. It's usually free or included with admission, making it convenient for those arriving by car.
Public transport options to Gressenhall are infrequent. While buses may serve nearby Dereham, it's advisable to check local bus timetables in advance or consider a taxi for the final leg of the journey. Driving is the most straightforward option.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse website for the most up-to-date information on opening times before your visit.
Absolutely! Gressenhall is a fantastic destination for a full day out, offering a diverse range of attractions that can easily fill 6-8 hours. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can be a bit pricey, but many visitors feel it's worth the cost for the extensive experience offered. Check their official website for current admission fees and any potential discounts.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets upon arrival. However, booking online in advance might be recommended during busy periods or for special events to guarantee entry.
Information on discounts for seniors, students, or families is usually available on their website. Keep an eye out for special offers or group rates.
Yes, it's very family-friendly! Children will love the farm animals, the adventure playground, and the interactive elements in the workhouse and village. +2
While not always mandatory, booking a time slot online can be a good idea, especially during peak seasons or for popular events, to ensure a smooth entry.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the Workhouse Museum, a recreated village street with shops and a school, a working farm with rare breeds, an adventure playground, and beautiful grounds. +1
Yes, there's a working farm featuring rare breeds of animals. Visitors can see pigs, cattle, sheep, and more, and often interact with them.
The Workhouse Museum is highly engaging and interactive, offering a glimpse into Victorian life. It features hands-on exhibits, dressing-up opportunities, and historical displays. +1
Yes, there's a fantastic adventure playground that's a big hit with children, providing a great space for them to play and burn off energy.
Photography is generally allowed for personal use. It's a very picturesque location with many historical and natural elements perfect for capturing memories.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there's a cafe on-site that serves a range of food, including lunches and refreshments. Many visitors praise their ploughman's lunch. +1
Bringing a picnic is a great option, especially for families. There are likely designated areas where you can enjoy your own packed lunch.
The cafe typically offers light meals, snacks, and drinks. Visitors have mentioned enjoying lunches like ploughman's, and it's a good spot to recharge. +1
While specific menus can change, most cafes at attractions aim to cater to various dietary needs. It's advisable to check with the cafe staff upon arrival for current options.
Prices are generally considered reasonable for an attraction cafe, offering good value for the quality and convenience. +1
📸 📸 Photography
The recreated village street, the historical workhouse interiors, the charming farm animals, and the picturesque gardens offer numerous photo opportunities.
Drone usage is typically restricted at heritage sites to protect the environment and other visitors. It's best to check Gressenhall's specific policy on drones before flying.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, professional photography or filming may require prior permission. Always be mindful of other visitors.
A versatile camera, whether a DSLR or a good smartphone, will work well. Consider a lens that can handle both close-ups of animals and wider shots of the historical buildings and landscapes.
Absolutely! The interactive exhibits in the workhouse, the farm animals, and the village street provide fun and memorable backdrops for family photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many reviewers mention that children love the hands-on aspects of the museum, like dressing up and playing with old toys. The farm animals are also a guaranteed hit. Packing a picnic or enjoying the cafe's offerings are good options for refueling between activities.
📚 History Enthusiasts
Beyond the main attractions, the Museum of Norfolk Life elements within the site offer further context on the region's past. The site's preservation efforts are commendable, allowing for an authentic and immersive historical exploration.
🚶♀️ Couples and Adults
For a unique experience, consider visiting during one of their special events, which can offer a more adult-oriented or themed experience, such as historical reenactments or seasonal festivals. The informative nature of the site ensures there's always something new to learn and discuss.
+1Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Time: The Workhouse Experience
Many visitors highlight the engaging exhibits and the knowledgeable volunteers who are often present to share stories and answer questions. The experience is not just about observing but about feeling the history. It's a powerful reminder of social history and the evolution of welfare systems in Britain. The attention to detail in recreating the environment ensures an immersive experience that stays with visitors long after they leave.
For those interested in social history, the Workhouse Museum provides a deep dive into a significant aspect of British heritage. It’s a place where learning is an adventure, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse.
Life on the Land: The Farm and Village
The village street is another highlight, meticulously recreating a slice of rural life from bygone eras. It features various buildings such as an old shop, post office, pub, and schoolroom, allowing visitors to wander through and imagine daily life. This area is incredibly photogenic and offers a charming glimpse into community history.
Together, the farm and village create a comprehensive picture of life in the Norfolk countryside. The combination of historical buildings, agricultural heritage, and animal encounters makes for a rich and varied experience that appeals to a wide range of interests, from history buffs to families with young children.
Family Fun and Play
Beyond the playground, many of the exhibits are designed with children in mind. The Workhouse Museum's interactive elements, such as dressing up and hands-on activities, are particularly popular. The farm animals also provide endless fascination for kids, offering opportunities for close encounters and learning about different species.
Special events throughout the year, like Apple Day or seasonal festivals, often include activities specifically tailored for families, such as craft sessions, storytelling, and Bounce & Rhyme sessions. These events add an extra layer of excitement and make Gressenhall a destination that families will want to revisit.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit