Seal Spotting In Norfolk Guide
There are many seals along the Norfolk coast and this is a key area for them breeding in the UK. It is really important that you pay attention to them and follow the rules when going to watch them.
Keep back from them and keep your children back. They are big animals and can be aggressive if you get too close to them.
If you have a dog with you keep it on a lead at all times. Again seals can be aggressive so keep dogs well back.
I have been seal spotting in Norfolk a couple of times and find them fascinating. You do occasionally spot the odd one swimming in the sea in places like Winterton on Sea.
Best Places To Spot Seals In Norfolk
Here are my top 3 places!
1 – Horsey Gap
Horsey Gap is a section of beach that is accessible from most of Norfolk and if you want to see seals this is the place to go. There is a car park (paid) by the beach and it is a short walk over the dues to the beach. Depending on the time of year depends on what you will see.
When we went, in the summer, there were a number of seals swimming in the sea and there were not far out at all. They seemed to be playing and having fun with each other oblivious to the people watching them.
There was only 1 seal out of the water sitting on the beach. In the winter when they have young there are usually a lot more of them on the beach. There is a viewing spot for this that is a right turn as you head out of the car park. The beach is closed off in parts to protect the young pups.
2 – Blakney Seal Cruises
If you are further round to the north coast then Blakney is a great place for a seal spotting trip. Blakney is on an estuary so you have to get a boat out to where the seals live out on Blankey point.
From the boat, you can see the full seal colony without getting too close to them. You will also see seals swimming around and playing in the water.
The cruises usually last around an hour and you get to see lots of seals. This is a great way to see them in a really natural environment. While in Blakeney you can pop into the excellent 2 Magpies bakery or do some crabbing if the tide is in (we’ve rated it as the top place for crabbing in Norfolk – See here).
3 – Sea Life Center, Hunstanton
The Sea Life Center in Hunstanton has a seal rescue centre inside. They have rescued and released over 750 seals. These can be from injured animals to pups that have been abandoned. They have a number of recovery bays and a seal pool where they can swim before being released.
When we went they had a number of seal pups in and they were absolutely adorable. These are grey and common seal pups that they are bringing up before releasing them.
Here is a video of them rescuing a seal pup
If you want to get really up close then you can book a seal feeding experience where you work with the staff to feed the seals their daily fish.
If you are heading to Norfolk then seal spotting is a great thing to do for all ages. If you are looking for a holiday in Norfolk we cover the best Norfolk lodge breaks on our site.
Seal Watching FAQs
From our experience, the best place to see seals in Norfolk is at Horsey Gap. They are there all year round.
You can usualy see baby seasl in Norfolk from Novemebr to Febuary. The best spots for this are Horsey Gap and Blakney Point.
If you’re planning a trip to the Lake District, you’re in for a treat. With its stunning scenery, charming towns and villages, and exciting attractions and activities, it has something for everyone. But if you think you’ve seen it all, think again! In this article, we’ll show you 10 things to do in the Lake District that you may not have thought of. While Lake Windermere and Ullswater are must-see attractions, there are plenty of other lakes and bodies of water in the Lake District that are worth exploring. For example, have you heard of Buttermere? This tranquil lake is surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in the Lake District and is the perfect place for a peaceful stroll. Buttermere is one of my favourite places to visit when I’m in the lakes, along with Tarn Hows. These are beautiful spots and not as busy as the main attractions. Or how about Coniston Water? This picturesque lake is a haven for water sports enthusiasts, with opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding, and more. If you’re a history buff, you’ll be pleased to know that the Lake District is home to some fascinating historic sites. For example, did you know that Cumbria was once home to the largest Roman civilian settlement in the north of England? Today, you can visit the remains of this settlement at the Ravenglass Roman Bath House. Water Adventures The Lake District is known for its stunning lakes and beautiful scenery, and what better way to experience it than by getting out on the water? Here are some water adventures you might not have thought of: Paddleboarding on the Lakes Paddleboarding is a fun and unique way to explore the lakes. You can rent a paddleboard from Derwentwater Marina in Keswick or hire one from a number of other places around the area. Lake Windermere is a popular spot for paddleboarding, but if you’re looking for something a bit quieter, Ullswater and Coniston Water are also great options. Try – Hire a paddleboard on Coniston water here. Kayaking Excursions Kayaking is another great way to see the lakes and get some exercise at the same time. There are plenty of places to rent kayaks around the area, including Ullswater and Coniston Water. You can also take a guided kayaking excursion if you want to learn more about the area and its wildlife. Try – Kayaking excursions at Brockhole here.* *From my experience Brockhole does get really busy in the summer holidays. It’s a great place for a family day out, I’d just advise you to get there early. Wild Swimming Spots If you’re feeling brave, why not try some wild swimming? There are plenty of spots around the lakes where you can take a dip, but make sure you do your research first to make sure it’s safe. Some popular spots include Buttermere and Grasmere, but there are plenty of other hidden gems to discover. No matter what water adventure you choose, make sure you stay safe and follow any rules or regulations in place. And don’t forget to take in the stunning scenery around you! Before you go check the Lake District National Park guide to where you can swing and safety measures here. Want to stay by a lake? See our Lake District fishing lodges here. Cultural Experiences If you’re looking for a cultural experience in the Lake District, you won’t be disappointed. From literary landmarks to historical sites, there’s something for everyone. Here are a few sub-sections to help you plan your cultural itinerary: Literary Landmarks The Lake District has long been a source of inspiration for writers, and there are plenty of literary landmarks to explore. Visit Dove Cottage in Grasmere, where William Wordsworth wrote some of his most famous poems. You can also visit the World of Beatrix Potter in Bowness*, where you can learn about the life and work of the beloved children’s author. For more literary inspiration, head to Keswick, where you’ll find the Theatre by the Lake, which hosts a variety of plays, readings, and talks throughout the year. *This is great for young children, I have been quite a few times! If it’s the summer holidays or May half term then try to pre book as it gets very busy. Artistic Inspirations The Lake District has also inspired many artists over the years, and there are plenty of galleries and museums to explore. Visit the Castlerigg Stone Circle in Keswick, which dates back to the Neolithic era and is said to have inspired many artists and writers over the years. This is an English Heritage site and is chargeable. You can also visit the John Ruskin Museum in Coniston, which celebrates the life and work of the famous artist and social reformer. Historical Sites If you’re interested in history, there are plenty of sites to explore in the Lake District. Visit Lowther Castle in Penrith, which dates back to the 12th century and is now a popular tourist attraction. You can also visit the ruins of the Old Dungeon Ghyll Hotel in Langdale, which was destroyed by fire in 2018. For a glimpse into local history, head to Bridge House in Ambleside, which dates back to the 17th century and is one of the most photographed buildings in the Lake District. This always fascinated me as a child! Photo credit: Visitlakedistrict Whether you’re interested in literature, art, or history, the Lake District has plenty to offer. Don’t miss the chance to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site and experience the unique culture and countryside of this beautiful part of the UK. Unique Attractions If you’re looking for something a little different to do in the Lake District, there are plenty of unique attractions to explore. Here are a few ideas to get you started: Brockhole on Windermere Brockhole on Windermere is a stunning country house that has been transformed into a visitor centre. It’s a great place to visit if you’re interested in learning about the history of the Lake District, as well as the local flora and fauna. There are plenty of activities to keep you busy, including treetop adventures, mini golf, and boat hire. You can also enjoy a bite to eat at the café or pick up some souvenirs at the gift shop. If you have active kids aged around 9 to 15 then they will love the tree-top nets. Suspended between multiple trees they can go around them bouncing until your hearts content! Stargazing Spots The Lake District is known for its stunning scenery, and what better way to appreciate it than by stargazing? There are plenty of places in the Lake District where you can see the stars, but some of the best spots include Aira Force, Ennerdale Water, and Buttermere. Make sure you bring a blanket and a hot drink to keep warm while you take in the beauty of the night sky. The Drunken Duck The Drunken Duck is a quirky pub that’s well worth a visit. It’s located in the heart of the Lake District and offers a warm welcome to visitors. The pub has a great selection of real ales and delicious food, including locally sourced ingredients. It’s also a great place to stay if you’re looking for accommodation in the area. The rooms are cosy and comfortable, and the pub itself has a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, or just good food and drink, the Lake District has something for everyone. Make sure you check out these unique attractions during your visit. Local Delights When visiting the Lake District, there are a few local delights that you don’t want to miss out on. From tasty treats to relaxing afternoon tea spots and scenic bike rides, here are some hidden gems to add to your itinerary. Grasmere Gingerbread Grasmere Gingerbread is a delicious treat that you can only find in the Lake District. This unique gingerbread has been handmade in the village of Grasmere since 1854 and is made from a secret recipe that has been passed down through generations. It’s a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth! Afternoon Tea Spots The Lake District is known for its picturesque scenery and what better way to enjoy it than with a relaxing afternoon tea? There are plenty of spots to choose from, but some of our favourites include the Lakeside Hotel and Spa in Newby Bridge, The Forest Side in Grasmere, and The Ryebeck in Bowness-on-Windermere. Bike Hire Services One of the best ways to explore the Lake District is by bike. There are plenty of bike hire services available, including the popular Lake District Bikes in Windermere. They offer a range of bikes to suit all ages and abilities, including electric bikes for those who want to take it easy. Easy Walks If you’re looking for a gentle stroll, there are plenty of easy walks to choose from in the Lake District. Some of the most popular include the Tarn Hows Circular Walk, the Aira Force and Gowbarrow Trail, and the Keswick Railway Path. These walks offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside and are suitable for all ages and abilities. So, whether you’re a foodie, a nature lover, or an adventure seeker, the Lake District has something for everyone. Don’t miss out on these local delights during your visit! Off the Beaten Track When you think of the Lake District, you might picture crowded tourist hotspots like Windermere or Keswick. However, there are plenty of hidden gems to discover if you’re willing to venture off the beaten track. Here are some suggestions for unique experiences in the Lake District. Hidden Hiking Trails If you want to escape the crowds and discover some of the Lake District’s hidden beauty, there are plenty of lesser-known hiking trails to explore. For example, Tarn Hows is a picturesque lake surrounded by woodland and mountains, and there are several trails that offer stunning views of the area. Great Langdale is another area with plenty of hiking opportunities, including the challenging climb up to Crinkle Crags. Secluded Swimming Spots If you’re looking for a peaceful place to take a dip, there are plenty of secluded swimming spots in the Lake District. Buttermere is a beautiful lake with crystal-clear water and several quiet bays where you can swim in privacy. Stair also has some lovely spots for wild swimming, including a waterfall and a series of pools. Charming Towns While the Lake District is known for its natural beauty, there are also some charming towns and villages that are worth exploring. Keswick and Ambleside can be quite busy, but there are other towns that offer a more peaceful experience. For example, Eskdale is a small village in the western part of the Lake District that is surrounded by mountains and has plenty of walking trails. The Duddon Valley is another picturesque area with several small villages and traditional pubs. Whether you’re looking for a challenging hike, a peaceful swim, or a charming town to explore, the Lake District has plenty to offer beyond the usual tourist hotspots. Take a chance on some of these hidden gems and discover the privacy and beauty of the Lake District for yourself. Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Email
If you are looking for fishing information please click here. I have recently stayed at Brayton Park Lodges and we had a great time there (me, my wife, and our children ages 6 and 9). The setting is absolutely stunning with breathtaking views of the hills of the north lakes in a beautiful park-like setting. Disclaimer: I’ve visited Brayton Park twice, staying in a Wordsworth Lodge and then the Lawson Lodge. We paid s is my independent review. I am booked to go to the Lawson Lodge again. I have paid for all these trips, none have been gifted. Brayton Park Lodges, Fly Over Video Key Information Facilities About The Site View On Map In The Area Site Map Questions Key Information – Brayton Park Lodges 18 Lodges on site + more being added Suitable for families Suitable for couples 7 Miles to nearest beach – Allonby Selected lodges have hot tubs Fishing on site or private peg (Lawson only) Bar/ Restaurant on site Pets are not allowed Like the look so far? Why not share it with your friends? Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email On Site Facilities Restaurant on site Lake on site In lodge Wifi Parking by lodge Disabled access lodges Cycle trails nearby Cafe on site Golf course on site What You Will Find At Brayton Park Lodges Brayton Park lodges are at a high level of luxury. When we arrived we were amazed at home large the lodges were after staying at other lodge parks. These are high-class lodges with everything you could need. We booked a Wellington and got number 2 at random. This was probably one of the best locations with views over the grass down to the lake. The living area was spacious, our lodge had dining for 6, a sofa and 2 armchairs and a good sized well fitted kitchen. It had 3 bedrooms including the ensuite master. What we really liked was the main bathroom had a door out to where the hot tub was. This was very handy for changing and getting dry. To the side of the lodge, there was a large grassed area that was great for the kids to play on. The lodges all have large grassed mounds between them that adds to the feeling of privacy. As soon as you arrive at Brayton Park you settle into the relaxing surroundings. The drive past the lake on arrival is a beautiful site and all the grounds are well maintained. There is an onsite bar and restaurant that offers food to your lodge. We had this a couple of times and the food was excellent, with a good choice of foods and some tasty desserts. There is also a farm shop on site that sells a range of meat, some good looking pastries and some nice looking bread and cakes. This was not open during our visit but if you check out the Brayton Park Facebook page you will see the pictures of the amazing looking food. There is a 9 hole golf course by the bar and clubhouse and this seems popular. You could turn up and pay and play at the course. What Else Will You Find On Site Carp fishing at Brayton Park We mainly booked these lodges as we were looking for a luxury lodge with a hot tub in the North Lakes for a holiday, the carp fishing was just a bonus extra. I struggled to find out much information on the lakes and the fish before we went other than the carp we were around 10lb and there were a couple of bigger ones. During the first week in a Wordsworth lodge, we (me and my children) fished the lake for 4 half-day sessions around what else we were doing during the trip. Here is one of the 4 double takes we had! There is one lodge that is right on the lake with its own private peg. This was not the lodge we had booked so you have to take your gear to the bottom end of the lake as fishing is only from the tree-covered bank of the lake. This was a bit of a pain! Whilst there I got chatting with 2 of the 3 members that fish the lake and found out a lot of information. I put it in bullet points here for easy reading! The lake is 7 acres and was dug out by monks at a monastery around the 14th-16 century. At the first peg, you get to, slightly to the right there are still steps in the water from that time (You can’t see them but can feel them with a lead). The carp are on average 6-8lb, they are all wild commons that have bred in the lake. There is a couple in the 13lb – 14lb range. There is a big lily bed that comes up in the summer making the first peg almost unfishable. I went in the spring and you could see it starting to come up. The lake is very shallow in parts and some areas, even out in the middle, are around 2-3 feet deep. On the warm spring days, we could see the carp basking in these shallow areas and catching well from them. The only fish in the lake are common carp and crucians, apart from an occasional natural hybrid there are no other fish or coarse fish at all. In our best session, we had 11 carp in just under 3 hours from 2 rods. That morning they were going for it on one of the shallow spots! What you need to take Here’s a guide to what I took and would take again Bank sticks or a pod are fine. (If you are in the lakeside lodge then you’ll need a pod as it’s a decked peg). Solid bags with 14mm wafters worked well for me, another visitor was doing well on corn and a method feeder. I just used bags and no extra freebies as I was fishing at 12ish wraps with no spod. If you are there when it’s warmer I think boilies and a throwing stick would work well for bating up. Shorter rods if you have them. I fished with 12-foot carp rods, with all the trees a 9-foot or 10-foot rod or swing tip would be better. A decent side padded unhooking mat, I’m not sure if the fish are caught that often as even after letting them tire before landing they were still feisty on the mat! Usual tackle for that size fish. The Lawson Lodge – Private Peg Here is the peg from the lakeside lodge – I spent a week at the Lawson Lodge in May and had a great week catching carp. The peg above is massive and the outdoor space was amazing. The hot tub overlooks the peg and the lake and you can see carp jumping all day. We fished quite a lot during our stay, mainly in the mornings and evenings. Over the week we managed to catch 86 carp with numerous double takes. They were all the standard Brayton Park wild carp, long and lean and between 6 and 8lb. I fished with PVA bags which worked perfectly. If you are planning to fish during your stay the Lawson Lodge is highly recommend. Brayton Park golf course The course is a 9-hole 2,323-yard course that looks well-kept. At the time of writing it is £10 for 9 holes or £15 for unlimited rounds. The payment was made via an honesty box in the car park. Food and drink were available to all residents and non-residents in the clubhouse. Brayton Park is well-ranked in our golf lodge break guide. It is perfect for a luxury break for a casual golfer. There is a dress code that you would expect with no tracksuits, football shirts etc allowed. You are expected to wear a shirt on the course but the code seems quite relaxed. Here is a fly over of the course Restaurant The on-site restaurant is in the golf clubhouse where you get your keys. They have a good choice of locally sourced food and we found it to be very nice. They also have a separate menu for in-lodge dining that you can ring up and order to your lodge. It is best to pre-order as it can be busy at times. How To Find The Lodges What Is In The Local Area The site is around a mile from the village of Aspatria which makes it feel nice and secluded. In Aspatria, you will find a couple of pubs, petrol station and co-op among other shops. The nearest big town is Penrith which is a further drive away. Distances To Nearest Facilities 5 minute drive to nearest shop/ supermarket 5 minute drive to nearest pub/restaurant (not on site) 11 minute drive to nearest beach – Allonby – Shingle beach Nearest golf course is on site Brayton Park Site Map *Site map was taken from the source and is subject to change, check the website for the most up to date information. The lodges seem to be selected at random when you book. The ones overlooking the lake are more desirable. The Lawson is the only lodge with private fishing. The front 3 Darwin lodges have a view of the golf course. All lodges seem to have a view over to the mountains of the north lakes in the distance. Facebook Twitter WhatsApp Email Instagram
The south west is one of our favourite places to go on holiday. It has such a wide variety of activities on offer. We particularly like visiting its gorgeous pebble beaches along the south coast of Devon and Dorset. Our children love trying to find fossils. Its one of our favourite things to do. Its not always easy, but the Jurassic coastline is one of the best places on the UK for fossil hunting. We’ve put together some useful fossil hunting tips and hints, to help you and your family have a great day out! UK Fossil hunting hints. Get the most out of your day on the beach Choose a beach Being an island nation the UK has a huge coastline. In fact, the total length is in excess of 8,000 miles. This creates the perfect environment for fossil hunting, especially on the many beaches. The Uk is not really famed for its glorious sandy beaches like in some warmer climates and to be honest, sand isn’t really the ideal place to find fossils. Nevertheless, the UK has some stunning pebbled beaches, especially along the south coast. The perfect place to look for old dinosaurs and creatures that once roamed the earth. The Jurassic coast is named as such because of its abundance of fossils. The cliff faces and pebbled beaches are just the place to head to. Stretching from the southern coastline of Cornwall, Devon, and Dorset, there are many beaches to choose from. Here’s our list of the best beaches around the UK for fossil hunting. Lyme Regis Seaton Bude Charmouth Dunraven Bay Porthgain Helmsdale Understand the rules and laws This maybe something that you havent considered. Afterall fossil hunting is supposed to be a low cost and fun day out for all the family. In general fossil hunting in the UK is considered acceptable and fine. There are certain protected wildlife areas where fossil hunting is prohibited, this is usually to help protect the environment. It would be best to check the local area for signs prohibiting fossil hunting. If you do find fossils, especially in cliff and rock faces, it is essential to be mindful of causing damage to the surrounding area. Trying to remove a large fossil without the correct equipment could result in damage from falling rocks. In some areas, the fossils could be on land belonging to somebody. Legally the fossils will belong to the landowner, so it is best to find out beforehand. Take a fossil hunting kit To make the experience a little more exciting, especially for children, it is a great idea to make a fossil hunting kit. It is possible to find ready-made kits online, however, it can be relatively inexpensive to create your own. It is a good idea to keep your fossil hunting kit inside a small box or bag. Safety goggles Small rock hammer Chisel Marker pen and notebook Clear zip lock bags Fossils are often found inside rocks and pebbles. Care should be taken when trying to break into and split rocks, especially around young children. Safety first Heading to the beach is always a great day out. If you’re by yourself, in a small group of friends, or with the family, a day fossil hunting on any of the beaches around the UK makes for a wonderful experience. Care should be taken around the coast. It can be all too tempting to head around unknown coastlines and wander beneath unfamiliar cliffs. Coastal tides can change very quickly, cutting you off from safety. Likewise, some cliffs around the coasts can suffer from rock falls, especially if recent weather has been poor. Always check tide times and make sure you adhere to any safety signs. Be patient Probably our most hated fossil-hunting tip, especially with children, is to be patient Fossils can often turn up when least expected, but they can also take hours to find just one; which can seem disappointing. Setting expectations early can also help. It is highly unlikely you’ll discover a previously unidentified dinosaur and many fossils can be small. Nevertheless, those that are patient and know how and where to look, often have the most success. Fossil hunting tips – what could you find? Hunting around the UKs beaches may uncover the following types of fossils; Pyrite fossils Belemnites fossils Ichthyosaur fossils Fossil sea shell Fossil sea urchin Previous Next
Me and family head down for a trip to Legoland a couple of times a year. It is one of my favourite places to visit in the UK. Unfortunately, we are a 3-hour drive away otherwise I think we’d go even more often. We’ve now spent over 25 days in the theme park so I thought I would share my top tips for having a great day in the park. My Top 5 Tips For A Day At Legoland I’ve put a guide to places to eat under the top 5 tips. For these tips, I am expecting you have the Legoland app for queue times. It does not work until you are actually in the park but is essential for planning your day. If you haven’t already – download it now and familiarise yourself with the park map. 1 – Plan Your Day The Legoland park is big and having a good plan of what you want to go on will really help. Check the height restrictions for the rides to avoid any disappointment. Avoid running back and forth looking for short queues! I often find when a queue looks short on the app unless you are really close by, it will be longer by the time you get there! It does not update in real-time so you could add another 15 minutes compared to what the app says, especially for a big ride. If you want to go on the busier rides, like Ninjago or Flight of the Sky Lion, then head to one of those first or last. If you want to get the most out of the day go to a queue of one of the busiest rides 10 minutes before the park closes. The queues are usually shorter at this time and it maximises your time in the park. I always want to be the first one in and the last one out! 2 – Buy A Ride And Reserve I know this won’t be a hugely popular tip as you’ve already paid to get into the park. If you are going in the peak summer months then the reserve and ride will make your day a lot easier. The cheapest one allows you to queue virtually rather than stand around. In the summer holidays when its hot this really helps you to have a better day out. We would usually buy one in the summer months but not if it is out of season as the queues are manageable with some planning. My Reserve And Ride Tips Make sure you are always in a virtual queue no matter what you are doing! Queue up for rides that aren’t on the system whist queuing virtually for something else. Have a plan, as soon as your QR code is scanned get in the queue for the next ride, even before you’ve got on the ride. Use it for the bigger queues, if anything is 15 minutes you may as well queue for that while virtually queuing for other bigger queues. These tips will help you get the most out of the reserve and ride. On busy days you can often find reserve and ride queues have a 10-15 minute wait when you get to them so join that queue before your time. If you’re too early you just have to wait at the side until its your time. 3 – Have An Early Or Late Lunch All the food places are packed from 11.50-1.50 from my experience in the pack. Grabbing your lunch outside these times will help maximise your ride times rather than spending an hour for lunch. If you are still planning I think its easiest to take a picnic and just eat that watching a show at the lighthouse at lunchtime. If you want a grab-and-go then head to the Costa just down from mini land where you can grab sandwiches and salads. These sell out so grab them if your going past in the morning. 4 – See A Show Or Movie It’s not just rides at Legoland and breaking up the waiting around to catch one of the shows at the lighthouse or the 4D cinema. At the lighthouse, there is usually a Lego Friend show and the pirates of skeleton bay show. The Pirates of Skeleton Bay is the best show, no trip to Legoland is complete without seeing it! You’ll soon be singing “Yo ho yo ho, it’s the pirates of skeleton bay”. 5- Go To The Shop In The Middle Of The Day There is a large shop near the entrance and a smaller one in Lego City. the entrance shop is usually packed at the end of the day. If you want to have a look around the middle of the day is the best. If you are at Viking River Falls or the 4D Cinema then it’s a short walk to the entrance.
Lodge Breaks Near Legoland, Chessington & Thorpe Park HEAD BACK TO YOUR LODGE AND SINK INTO A HOT TUB AFTER A LONG DAY AT THE THEME PARK! Lodges Hi, if you’re thinking of a lodge break near one of these theme parks then we have you covered. I, Simon the author, have been to stay near Legoland over 20 times, I’ve been to Chessington 10 times and I’m soon heading to Thorpe Park now my kids are tall enough for the larger rides. I absolutely love a trip to Legoland. We have decided to group these 3 together as they are very close to each other and easlilty accessible from lodge parks. Our Top Lodges Near Legoland, Chessington & Thorpe Park 1 -Windsor Garden Lodge – Windsor Distance to Theme parks Legoland – 5 minutes Chessington – 42 minutes Thorpe Park – 28 minutes This is the ultimate lodge stay near Legoland and the other parks are accessible. The only downside is it’s just 1 lodge so you need it to be free to book the time you want to go! The lodge has won awards from booking.com for its excellent reviews. It is a 2-bed lodge with 1 double and one room with bunk beds. It is ideally suited to younger children and perfect for your first trip to Legoland. Here is the super cool bunk bed! Its location is excellent for visiting Windsor castle and the historic town. If that wasn’t enough there is a petting farm on site to keep the kids entertained. Check availability on booking.com What You will Find at Windsor Garden Lodge 1 x 2 bedroom lodge No hot tub Lodges are family friendly with large grounds to play in Like this lodge? Why not share it with your friends! Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Email 2 – Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat – Farnham Distance to Theme parks Legoland – 26 miles – 40 minutes Chessington – 28 miles – 41 minutes Thorpe Park – 29 miles – 43 minutes As you can see from the times Tilford Lodges is well-placed to get to the theme parks. There are no other lodge sites that we can find that are closer to them. I have personally done the drive to Legoland and Chessington from Tilford woods. I would advise allowing an hour for traffic, other than on Sundays. The drive is really simple, 1 tip I have is if you are going to Legoland – follow Google maps and not the sign posts – you will get there a lot quicker usually! What You will Find at Tilford Woods Lodges 1 to 3 bedroom lodges Selected lodges have covered hot tubs There is a pub next door to the lodges, by the entrance There is a golf course next to the lodges Lodges are family friendly, there is a play area at the pub Like this lodge? Why not share it with your friends! Facebook Twitter Pinterest WhatsApp Email My Recent Stay At Tilford Woods Disclaimer: I paid for my stay at Tilford and did not receive any extra benefits or discounts. This review is of my opinions on the lodges and my break. We went down to Tilford Woods Lodges as a family of 4 during the October half term. We planned to visit the Legolands brick or treat event and a similar event at Chessington. October is usually a great time to visit as the weather is still okay and the theme parks are usually a little quieter than in the peak summer holidays. We stayed from Monday to Friday in a 2-bed lodge without a hot tub. The lodge pack is quite compact with a high density of lodges on the site. They are wooden built and have a rustic look. We had a lodge in the far back corner which was nice and quiet, the park did not feel busy at any point. The lodges have a traditional log cabin feel inside – The lodge was nice inside and good for a base to go to the theme parks. I would not choose it for a holiday lodge if you were planning to spend days there as there are better more relaxing places for those kinds of stays! Our lodge did not have a hot tub but some of them do, if we were to go again I would book one with a hot tub to relax in the evening. We found that Farnham was only 15 minutes away where there was a Pizza Express, Zizzi’s and other restaurants. It is a nice-looking town and has a good choice of places to eat. We did not eat at the pub that was on site but did have a play in the play area. For the day trips, we went to Legoland on Tuesday,m Chessington on Wednesday and back to Legoland on Thursday. You can also get to Elstree studios in under an hour to the world of Harry Potter. This is well worth a visit and we have been previously but did not go on this trip. THe trip was great and we were happy with the lodges for the price we paid. If you were only going for 1 or 2 night, out of season esepeclly, it may be better to stay in the Legoland or Chessington hotel and be on site. We have also done this a couple of times when making shoirt trips and it adds to the experience. The lodges are best located for hitting multiple parks in a short tirp, in my opinion. Our Latest Lodge Reviews Reviews Lodge Stays Near Legoland, Chessington & Thorpe Park Simon Grainger Posted on October 18, 2022 Norfolk Seal Spotting In Norfolk Guide Simon Grainger Posted on June 30, 2022 Norfolk Holkham Hall Review: A Fun Family Day Out In North Norfolk Simon Grainger Posted on June 27, 2022 Devon The best seaside towns to visit on the Jurassic Coast Matthew Fox Posted on June 25, 2022 Shropshire Colehurst Lake Cabins: A Relaxing Break With On-Site Fishing Simon Grainger Posted on June 18, 2022 Devon A day out at Woodlands Family Theme Park in Devon Matthew Fox Posted on June 13, 2022 Holiday Blog Holiday Packing Hacks: Packing Tips For UK Holidays Simon Grainger Posted on June 9, 2022 Holiday Blog Crabbing Tips: How And Where To Go Crabbing Simon Grainger Posted on May 25, 2022 Norfolk Is Norfolk A Good Place For A Holiday? Simon Grainger Posted on May 24, 2022 Norfolk Crabbing Spots In Norfolk Simon Grainger Posted on May 23, 2022 Holiday Blog Alton Towers: Lodges Breaks Nearby Simon Grainger Posted on May 3, 2022 Reviews Swanborough Lodges: Luxury Modern Lodges In Sussex Simon Grainger Posted on April 12, 2022 Reviews Wigmore Lakes Lodges: Hot Tubs & Fishing In Shropshire Simon Grainger Posted on April 7, 2022 Suffolk High Lodge Leisure – Lodge Review: Great All Round Fishing + Hot Tubs! Simon Grainger Posted on February 14, 2022 Lake District Brayton Park Luxury Lodges: Wild Carp Fishing – Hot Tubs & Stunning Views Simon Grainger Posted on February 14, 2022 Find Us On Social Media To See The Latest Lodge Reviews Instagram
There are many seals along the Norfolk coast and this is a key area for them breeding in the UK. It is really important that you pay attention to them and follow the rules when going to watch them. Keep back from them and keep your children back. They are big animals and can be aggressive if you get too close to them. If you have a dog with you keep it on a lead at all times. Again seals can be aggressive so keep dogs well back. I have been seal spotting in Norfolk a couple of times and find them fascinating. You do occasionally spot the odd one swimming in the sea in places like Winterton on Sea. Best Places To Spot Seals In Norfolk Here are my top 3 places! 1 – Horsey Gap Horsey Gap is a section of beach that is accessible from most of Norfolk and if you want to see seals this is the place to go. There is a car park (paid) by the beach and it is a short walk over the dues to the beach. Depending on the time of year depends on what you will see. When we went, in the summer, there were a number of seals swimming in the sea and there were not far out at all. They seemed to be playing and having fun with each other oblivious to the people watching them. There was only 1 seal out of the water sitting on the beach. In the winter when they have young there are usually a lot more of them on the beach. There is a viewing spot for this that is a right turn as you head out of the car park. The beach is closed off in parts to protect the young pups. 2 – Blakney Seal Cruises If you are further round to the north coast then Blakney is a great place for a seal spotting trip. Blakney is on an estuary so you have to get a boat out to where the seals live out on Blankey point. From the boat, you can see the full seal colony without getting too close to them. You will also see seals swimming around and playing in the water. The cruises usually last around an hour and you get to see lots of seals. This is a great way to see them in a really natural environment. While in Blakeney you can pop into the excellent 2 Magpies bakery or do some crabbing if the tide is in (we’ve rated it as the top place for crabbing in Norfolk – See here). 3 – Sea Life Center, Hunstanton The Sea Life Center in Hunstanton has a seal rescue centre inside. They have rescued and released over 750 seals. These can be from injured animals to pups that have been abandoned. They have a number of recovery bays and a seal pool where they can swim before being released. When we went they had a number of seal pups in and they were absolutely adorable. These are grey and common seal pups that they are bringing up before releasing them. Here is a video of them rescuing a seal pup If you want to get really up close then you can book a seal feeding experience where you work with the staff to feed the seals their daily fish. If you are heading to Norfolk then seal spotting is a great thing to do for all ages. If you are looking for a holiday in Norfolk we cover the best Norfolk lodge breaks on our site. Seal Watching FAQs Where is the best place to see seals in Norfolk? From our experience, the best place to see seals in Norfolk is at Horsey Gap. They are there all year round. When can you see baby seals in Norfolk? You can usualy see baby seasl in Norfolk from Novemebr to Febuary. The best spots for this are Horsey Gap and Blakney Point. Other Things To Do In Norfolk
