Pensthorpe Natural Park
A 700-acre nature reserve and conservation park in Norfolk, featuring diverse wildlife, stunning gardens, and engaging play areas for families.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Flowers blooming, wildlife active
Pensthorpe Natural Park
Best Time
Flowers blooming, wildlife active
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 700-acre nature reserve and conservation park in Norfolk, featuring diverse wildlife, stunning gardens, and engaging play areas for families.
"This is such a beautiful place. Highly recommend to go. It has amazing birds both caged and wildlife."
🎯 Bring Bird Feed!
Buy bird feed for both water and land animals; they are friendly and love to be fed! :seedling:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 700 acres, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Wildlife Encounters
Various enclosures and free-roaming areas
Marvel at flamingos, cranes, red squirrels, and otters. Many animals are friendly and allow close encounters.
Wild Rootz Outdoor Play
Adventure play area
An incredible wooden play area with a 30ft tunnel slide and eco-friendly activities for all ages.
Millennium Garden
Formal gardens
A beautifully maintained garden showcasing a stunning array of flowers and plants, especially vibrant in summer.
Hoots Indoor Play
Indoor play area
A fantastic indoor play space perfect for younger children, offering a fun escape on any day.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Plan for a Full Day Adventure
Pack for All Weathers & Needs
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bring Bird Feed!
Buy bird feed for both water and land animals; they are friendly and love to be fed! :seedling:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 700 acres, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Food at the cafe is nice but can be expensive. Consider bringing your own lunch to save money. :sandwich:
📸 Capture the Wildlife
The animals are very friendly and allow for close-up photos. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bring Bird Feed!
Buy bird feed for both water and land animals; they are friendly and love to be fed! :seedling:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking across 700 acres, so comfortable footwear is a must. :athletic_shoe:
🧺 Pack a Picnic
Food at the cafe is nice but can be expensive. Consider bringing your own lunch to save money. :sandwich:
📸 Capture the Wildlife
The animals are very friendly and allow for close-up photos. Don't forget your camera! :camerawithflash:
⏳ Allow a Full Day
There's so much to see and do, you'll need a full day to explore everything. :clock1:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Pensthorpe Natural Park is widely praised as a beautiful and engaging destination for all ages, offering a fantastic blend of wildlife encounters, extensive gardens, and excellent play areas. Visitors consistently highlight the friendly animals and the sheer amount to see and do, making it a place where you can easily spend a full day. While some find the food a bit pricey, the overall experience is considered great value.
"This is such a beautiful place. Highly recommend to go. It has amazing birds both caged and wildlife. We did the tour around the area which so great as we learn lot about the park and history. The ducks are so beautiful, healthy and very friendly. Make sure you always buy bird feed for water and land. Playground area is amazing my daughter enjoy so much she didn't want to leave, there is also a indoor play area. We had food at cafe very friendly staff and helpful and there is two sections of building if want to inside as outside we had annoying wasps!!! At cafe you order your food and give you buzzer which will go off but they will come to you with food. We definitely come back again as we enjoy the atmosphere of the place"
Layla Aspinall
"Great place to spend a good amount of time enjoying wildlife and gardens. The Flamingos and Cranes or particular interest. Plenty for little ones to do with a quality outdoor and indoor play area. Not the cheapest location but delivers value as you can easily spend several hours there."
James 47298
"Thoroughly enjoyed our Father's Day out. First time visiting this place. I don't usually visit places like this, but it was amazing; every time you turn around, you see something different. Nature at its finest. Friendly staff. Food was nice but expensive. Maybe bring your own lunch if you're with a group or family? Otherwise, we had a great day. Thank you!"
Kurtis
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Pensthorpe Natural Park is located in Fakenham, Norfolk (NR21 0LN). It's accessible by car, with ample parking available. Public transport options are limited, so driving is generally recommended. 
Yes, Pensthorpe is a great option for a day trip from Norwich. The drive typically takes around 45-60 minutes, making it a manageable journey for a full day of exploration.
There is ample parking available at Pensthorpe Natural Park, which is convenient for visitors arriving by car.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
While specific prices can vary, reviews suggest Pensthorpe is not the cheapest attraction but offers good value for a full day out. It's advisable to check their official website for the most current admission fees.
It's generally recommended to check the official Pensthorpe Natural Park website for information on purchasing tickets in advance, which can sometimes save time or money.
Information on discounts, such as for families, seniors, or group bookings, is best found on the official Pensthorpe Natural Park website.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's essential to consult the official Pensthorpe Natural Park website for the most up-to-date information on opening and closing times before your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Pensthorpe is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including flamingos, cranes, red squirrels, otters, and various bird species. Many animals are free-roaming and friendly. +1
Absolutely! Pensthorpe boasts both an incredible outdoor 'Wild Rootz' play area with a 30ft slide and an indoor 'Hoots' play area, ensuring fun for kids of all ages. +2
The park offers various walking trails through its 700-acre reserve, including woodland paths and garden routes, allowing you to explore the diverse habitats and enjoy the scenery.
Many of the main paths at Pensthorpe are accessible, making it suitable for strollers and wheelchairs. However, some natural trails might be more challenging.
Generally, pets are not permitted within the main park areas of Pensthorpe Natural Park to protect the wildlife. Please check their official policy for any exceptions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Pensthorpe has a cafe that offers food and drinks. Visitors can order at the counter and receive a buzzer for table service.
Reviews indicate that the food at the cafe can be on the expensive side. Many visitors recommend bringing your own picnic to save costs.
While specific menus can change, cafes at attractions like Pensthorpe typically offer a range of options, including vegetarian choices. It's best to inquire directly or check their menu online.
📸 📸 Photography
The Millennium Garden offers beautiful floral displays, while the wildlife enclosures provide excellent opportunities for capturing birds and animals. The natural landscapes also make for stunning shots.
Yes, many of the animals at Pensthorpe are very friendly and allow visitors to get quite close, making for fantastic photographic opportunities.
The natural light and accessible viewing areas make it easy to take great photos with a smartphone. Just be mindful of other visitors and the wildlife.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Don't miss Hoots indoor play for younger children or when you need a break from the elements. 🚶♀️ Nature Enthusiasts & Photographers
+1 The friendly animals are a major draw, allowing for unique, close-up shots that are hard to find elsewhere. 💰 Budget-Conscious Visitors
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Wildlife at Pensthorpe
The park is also home to red squirrels, which can sometimes be spotted darting through the trees, and playful otters in their aquatic environment. Many of the animals are accustomed to human presence and are remarkably friendly, allowing for incredible up-close encounters and photographic opportunities. Beyond the main enclosures, the park's natural landscapes encourage wildlife spotting. The various trails wind through woodlands and gardens, offering chances to observe local fauna in a more natural setting. Remember to bring binoculars if you have them, and consider purchasing bird feed from the park to enhance your interactions with the friendly ducks and other birds.
Family Fun: Play Areas and Activities
It's a brilliant wooden structure featuring a thrilling 30ft tunnel slide, climbing frames, and other eco-friendly activities designed to let kids burn off energy and have a blast. +1For younger children or on days when the weather isn't cooperating, 'Hoots' indoor play area provides a safe and stimulating environment.
+1 Some visitors have also noted the availability of messy play sessions, adding another layer of sensory fun for the little ones, often at no extra charge. The combination of these play facilities ensures that children of all ages can enjoy their visit to the fullest. Gardens and Natural Beauty
Walking through these gardens offers a tranquil experience, with carefully curated landscapes that appeal to nature lovers and photographers alike. Beyond the formal gardens, the park's natural trails invite exploration through woodlands and alongside lakes.
These paths provide opportunities to appreciate the changing seasons, from the fresh growth of spring to the rich colours of autumn foliage. The overall atmosphere is one of peace and immersion in nature, making it a refreshing escape from the everyday. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit