50 things on the Norfolk Coast

Girl jumping over waves

50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ on the Norfolk Coast... Skimming stones, hunting for bugs, flying kites and catching crabs. For thrills on and off the water, we've got everything you’ll need for an excellent adventure. With help from kids all over the country, we've put together the ultimate list of 50 things to do before you’re 11 ¾ and here we have some handy tips of what you can enjoy and where. From organised events to those you can enjoy on your own as a family, we've all the space you’ll ever need so let the adventure begin...

Blakeney Quay

Blakeney Quay over looks the saltmarshes of Blakeney National Nature Reserve. It is a great spot for crabbing with many families lining the quayside throughout weekends and holidays. It is also perfect for bird watching and our nearby family friendly Friary Hills is a top spot for bug hunting.

Blakeney Quay
Blakeney Quay
Blakeney Quay

Terrific Tuesdays

During the school holidays from February to October our staff will be on hand to assist, but if you fancy just turning up and giving it a go you will need, bacon, a crabbing line, and a bucket to fill with seawater. We think that the best months for Crabbing are April - October.

Parking charges apply but are free for National Trust members and there are toilets nearby (not National Trust). The area is liable to tidal flooding so please take care.

Brancaster Beach

Brancaster Beach is four miles of golden sand, perfect for family days out. There’s so much to do on the beach – build sand castles (tick the ‘make some wild art’ 50 Thing), fly a kite, go for a walk barefoot, check out the crazy creatures in a rock pool, catch a fish with a net, skim a stone, jump over waves….

Beaches can be a great place for kite flying
A family flying a kite on a beach
Beaches can be a great place for kite flying

Wild Wednesdays and 50 things Thursdays

At Brancaster Beach on Wednesday and Thursdays throughout the school holidays we have our Learning and Engagement team down on the beach to help you get the most out of your visit and to tick off your 50 things. We will be on hand with buckets, spades and kites to borrow, and share their top tips for a fun day. For dates and more information please see the link at the bottom of this page.

Parking (not National Trust), charges apply, even for National Trust members. There are toilets available and a small kiosk (not National Trust) selling refreshments and beach toys. The road is liable to tidal flooding; do not attempt to drive through flood water.

Man holding a crab in front of boy over pockpool

Top tips for playing safe at the coast 

Our coastline is a great place to explore with plenty to see and do but caution needs to be taken to enjoy it safely and responsibly. Here are our top tips for playing safe at the coast.