Best Places to Enjoy the Sun in Norfolk This May
As the days grow longer and warmer, many of us are looking for things to do in Norfolk when it’s sunny. With May 2025 bringing welcome sunshine and a couple of bank holiday weekends, it’s the perfect time to explore Norfolk’s outdoor delights – from family-friendly beer gardens and scenic pub patios to forest adventures and waterside picnic spots. This guide highlights some of the best places across Norfolk to soak up the sun, with a focus on affordability, spontaneity, and fun for all ages. Pack your sunglasses and let’s dive in!
Sunny Beer Gardens and Family-Friendly Pubs
Nothing says “British summer” quite like a relaxed afternoon in a pub garden. Norfolk has plenty of family-friendly beer gardens where you can enjoy a pint (or a lemonade for the little ones) under blue skies. Here are three welcoming pubs – in the city, village, and countryside – known for great outdoor spaces and warm hospitality:
The Last Pub Standing (Norwich City Centre)
In the heart of Norwich’s historic quarter, The Last Pub Standing remains a firm favourite for sunny afternoons, city stroll stop-offs, and lively evenings. While many once flocked here for the fantastic Caribbean flavours served up by Norwich Soul Kitchen, the talented chef has since moved on. Happily, the pub has launched a brand new menu for 2025, and it’s genuinely brilliant, with something for everyone.
The atmosphere at The Last Pub is as welcoming and inclusive as ever. Alongside relaxed food and drink service, they now host a packed calendar of community events: think music nights, Dungeons & Dragons sessions, chess clubs, and quiz nights compered by the legendary Danger Dave. It’s a proper social hub, and families, students, and visitors alike are warmly welcomed.
Food-wise, the new menu focuses on hearty small plates, stacked burgers, and pub classics with creative twists. We particularly commend the size (and flavour) of the new small plates as they’re perfect for sharing or mixing and matching. Highlights include the crispy chilli beef (absolutely outstanding) and a range of child-friendly options like their substantial cheese and ham croquettes, ideal for little ones or grown-ups alike. Top value too, as seven quid each for 5 for 25.
Besides the big-flavour small plates, Wagyu steaks, stacked burgers, and crispy ciabattas rule the menu. Add Sunday roasts, a buzzing sun-trap beer garden, live DJs, quizzes, and a family-friendly vibe and you’ll understand what makes The Last Pub Standing a must for sunny Norwich days.
Crown Point Tavern (Trowse)
Just outside Norwich in the sloped village of Trowse, the Crown Point Tavern offers a charming country-pub experience minutes from the city. Run by enthusiastic young owners who lovingly renovated it, this lovely little pub has a beautifully designed interior and a spacious courtyard out the back covered in grape vines – not to mention, Edmund, the fab pub cat. On a warm day, grab a seat in the large beer garden/courtyard – there’s plenty of space for families, and it’s safely enclosed for kids to roam. The Crown Point serves up classic pub fare with some creative twists courtesy of the Blues NR3 team, and we cannot rave enough about the quality of the roasts here!
Throw in Taco Tuesdays and Wings & Wagyu Wednesdays alongside their cocktails and quality local beers, and you’ve got a top-notch venue for a sunny evening. It’s typically closed Monday and Tuesday, so plan accordingly. With Whitlingham Country Park lakes nearby, it makes a great duo: a lakeside walk or a visit to the outdoor Norfolk Snowsports ski slope, followed by refreshments in this sun-soaked beer garden. Booking a table for meals on sunny weekends or bank holidays is wise, as it’s become a popular spot for both locals and day-trippers. They regularly have BBQs too on bank holiday weekends.
The Gin Trap Inn (Ringstead)
If you’re headed toward North Norfolk’s coast, The Gin Trap Inn in Ringstead is a must-visit country pub – one that pairs history and hospitality. This 17th-century coaching inn has been serving locals and travellers since 1668, and today it’s famous for its top-notch food and expansive garden. Despite its pedigree (the inn’s restaurant holds 3 AA Rosettes for culinary excellence, the vibe remains warm and family-friendly, welcoming families with children and dogs throughout the pub and garden. On a sunny May afternoon, you can relax in their large pub garden, which offers a variety of outdoor seating areas, building raised decking and places for the kids to run around without disturbing others – perfect for spreading out with toddlers or lounging with a gin and tonic in hand.
Speaking of gin, The Gin Trap lives up to its name with an extensive gin menu (ask the bar staff for local Norfolk gin recommendations!). The food here is seasonal, locally sourced, and a real highlight – think fresh North Sea seafood, farm-fresh produce, and pub classics elevated to a gourmet level. They serve lunch and dinner daily (12pm–9pm Monday–Saturday, and until 6pm Sundays).
As of late April 2025, the inn is open seven days a week to capitalise on the spring/summer season, so you can even pop by on a Monday or Tuesday now. Given its popularity, it’s wise to reserve a table if you plan to dine, especially on weekends. However, if you’re being spontaneous and just want a drink, you can usually find a spot in the sun at the rear. Dogs are allowed in the bar and garden (just not in the main dining room), so your furry friend can laze under the table. For an added adventure, the village of Ringstead makes a lovely wander – and the coast at Old Hunstanton is just a couple of miles away if you want to pair this with a beach sunset (check out our guide to Norfolk’s best beaches for more coastal ideas!). Overall, The Gin Trap Inn combines heritage, great food, and a sun-trap garden, making it a perfect late-spring outing.
Outdoor Adventures in Norfolk’s Great Outdoors
Sunshine in Norfolk isn’t just for sitting around – let’s face it, we need to make the most of the warm rays in the UK sometimes. It’s also great for stretching your legs and finding some free days out in nature. If you’re craving a bit of active fun or a peaceful walk under leafy canopies, Norfolk’s forests and trails have you covered. Two fantastic (and family-friendly) options in the Breckland area south-west of Norwich are High Lodge in Thetford Forest and nearby Lynford Arboretum.
High Lodge, Thetford Forest
For an action-packed day out in the woods, High Lodge in Thetford Forest is hard to beat. High Lodge is a large recreational site set in the heart of Thetford Forest, offering extensive play areas, walking trails and cycling trails for all ages. Essentially, you can play, run, climb or cycle your way around High Lodge and experience nature at its finest. There are multiple waymarked trails through the forest, ranging from easy one-kilometre loops for little legs, to longer 5+ km trails if you’re feeling energetic. Kids will love the adventure playgrounds dotted among the trees. There are giant slides, climbing frames, and even wooden play sculptures like the Gruffalo hiding in the woods.
If you’re a cyclist, bring your bikes (or rent them on-site) to enjoy the family cycling paths or tackle the thrilling single-track mountain bike routes. For a bird’s-eye view of the forest, Go Ape at High Lodge offers a treetop ropes course and zip-lines – a hit with older kids and adults craving a bit of adrenaline. High Lodge is open daily (roughly 9am to 7pm in spring/summer with last entry around 6pm) and there’s a café serving ice creams, snacks and coffees to keep you fueled. Do note that there’s an on-site parking fee (around £3.20 for the first hour, up to about £12 for a full day) – it’s a better value if you’re staying several hours, which you likely will because there’s so much to do. One tip for bank holiday weekends: High Lodge can get busy, so consider arriving early (the “early bird” parking rate before 11am is a bit cheaper and beat the crowds. Pack a picnic to save a little more, and enjoy a full day of forest fun. Whether you’re building dens, spotting wildlife (keep an eye out for butterflies and deer), or whizzing down a zip line, High Lodge delivers an adventurous sunny day out.
Lynford Arboretum (near Mundford)
If you prefer your outdoor time a little quieter and cheaper, head to Lynford Arboretum, which offers a tranquil free day out in Norfolk’s countryside. Part of Thetford Forest but with a different vibe, Lynford Arboretum is an informal botanical tree garden with beautiful woodland trails and a picturesque lake. The best part: entry and parking are completely free here, making it ideal for a spontaneous outing when the sun shines and you don’t want to spend a fortune. There is ample free parking at the Lynford Stag picnic site or Lynford Lake car park, right across the road from the arboretum. From there, you can meander along easy paths through groves of exotic trees, native pines, and blooming shrubs.
In May, you might catch the rhododendrons and azaleas flowering, adding splashes of colour to the greenery. The trails are mostly flat and not challenging, so great for little kids or anyone just wanting a gentle stroll (do bring sturdy shoes, as some paths can be muddy or uneven if there’s been rain). You’ll find ponds and a small lake where ducks and swans paddle, and plenty of benches and open glades for a picnic. It’s not unusual to see families with dogs (on leads) and folks of all ages simply enjoying the peace among the trees.
Lynford Arboretum also has some interesting features like the Lynford Stag (a pair of huge wooden sculptures of red deer) and informative signboards about the forestry history. Facilities are basic but useful: there are toilets on site, and The Shepherd’s Baa is a great little cafe onsite with drinks and food. This spot is perfect for an affordable, slow-paced day out for the kids. And because it’s free, Lynford Arboretum is a popular choice for families seeking free days out in Norfolk that don’t feel like a compromise – it’s genuinely a lovely place to spend a sunny afternoon.
Waterside Escapes and Riverside Fun
Sunshine + water = happy days, especially in Norfolk, where rivers and broads are prevalent. You don’t have to drive to the coast to enjoy a splash or a paddle. Here are a few waterside escapes perfect for sunny days, from city-based activities to idyllic village picnic spots. These ideas are affordable and spontaneous – bring a picnic blanket, maybe a towel, and enjoy Norfolk’s riversides.
Paddleboarding and Riverside Sauna in Norwich
For a uniquely Norfolk take on watersports, how about paddleboarding in the heart of Norwich? Norfolk Paddle Boards, based at the Red Lion Bishopgate pub, offers Norfolk paddle boarding experiences right on the River Wensum in Norwich. This means you can be gliding on calm river waters with the spire of Norwich Cathedral in the background – a fantastic urban-meets-nature activity. The Red Lion pub has a private slipway on the river, and Norfolk Paddle Boards provides hire boards, lessons for beginners, and guided paddle sessions for groups.
Even if you’re brand new to stand-up paddleboarding, friendly instructors like Lee will get you standing up and paddling in no time (a typical beginner lesson is about £45 for a couple of hours. More experienced paddlers can simply rent a board or even launch their own – the pub is accommodating to those with their own kit. One of the joys of this spot is that before or after your paddle, you have the lovely Red Lion pub at your disposal: it has a riverside beer garden right by the water’s edge, perfect for spectators or for you to relax post-paddle. The Red Lion serves food all day from 10am (including a tasty brunch menu) so you could start with brunch, paddle in the midday sun, and then reward yourself with a cold drink and a snack while watching the ducks float by.
If you’re feeling particularly adventurous (or maybe if a breeze clouded the sun for a moment), check out the Lion’s Den Riverside Sauna located at the same venue. This is a wood-fired outdoor sauna set up beside the river, a new addition that became a hit over the winter months. You can book a session in the sauna to sweat it out and then (if you dare) jump into the river for a refreshing wild swim cooldown! Even in May’s warmer weather, the riverside sauna is a fun way to relax your muscles after paddling – think of it as a Nordic spa experience with an English twist. The combination of paddleboarding and sauna at one location is pretty unique to Norwich, making it a memorable thing to do in Norfolk when it’s sunny (and even when it’s not so sunny). Norfolk Paddle Boards operates on a bookings-first basis, so it’s best to reserve a slot online or by phone especially for weekends or bank holidays. Don’t forget sunscreen – the spring sun reflecting off the water can surprise you. Whether you’re a local seeing your city from a new angle or a visitor wanting something different from the usual tourist trail, a paddling session on the Wensum is a fantastic way to celebrate a sunny day.
Bawburgh Mill Picnic and Paddling (near Norwich)
Sometimes the simplest days out are the most satisfying. In the village of Bawburgh, just west of Norwich, there’s a little riverside spot by an old mill that’s perfect for a picnic and a paddle. Bawburgh is home to the River Yare (here more of a stream), which winds under an ancient mill bridge and past a grassy common. On warm days, local families often head to the Bawburgh Mill pond area to let the kids splash in the shallow water and enjoy a picnic on the grass. The water by the ford and under the brick bridge is generally shallow enough for children to wade (with supervision, of course), and even adults can take off their shoes and enjoy the cool water on their ankles. In fact, Bawburgh Mill is a known wild swimming and dipping spot – there are even community swim meets like the monthly “Mental Health Swims” where people gather at Bawburgh Mill Pond for a friendly swim or paddle. You don’t have to join an event to appreciate it, though.
There’s no cost to visit; you can park considerately on the lane, at the village hall (5 minute walk) or ample space at the pub opposite if grabbing a drink or a bite to eat. The setting is idyllic: ducks pottering about, willow trees drooping over the river, and the handsome King’s Head pub overlooking the scene. This pub (an award-winning gastropub and inn) is handy if you fancy a pint or an ice cream – and they sometimes offer takeaway cups so you can sip by the river. They’ve gone a little pricey of late, but it’s still a great, high-quality fallback if the weather suddenly changes, as you can duck inside for a meal.
On a sunny afternoon, though, most people will be spread out on picnic blankets near the water, watching their children sail homemade toy boats or play “Pooh sticks” from the footbridge. Dogs love this spot too for a quick dip. Because it’s a small area, it can get a bit busy on bank holidays, but it rarely feels too crowded to enjoy. One thing to note: there are no formal facilities (no toilets except if you use the pub’s, and no changing rooms), so come prepared for a bit of wildness. That’s part of the charm – it feels like a secret little oasis. Bawburgh is a wonderful choice for a spontaneous sunny-day outing where the only expense might be an ice cream or pint at the pub. And if you decide to stay into the early evening, catching the sunset by the mill with a picnic tea is hard to beat for sheer tranquillity.
Caen Meadow, Wroxham
Heading to the Norfolk Broads for some sun? Skip the tourist queues for boat hire in Wroxham and pitch up just a few minutes from Wroxham’s main drag at Caen Meadow – a delightful, sloped riverside meadow that’s perfect for a paddle and picnic. Caen Meadow is a grassy open space alongside the River Bure, on the edge of Wroxham (near Wroxham Church). It’s a pretty little spot, overlooked by grand riverside houses where the river runs shallow and slow enough at the edges that kids can splash and paddle safely. You can spread out a blanket on the grass under the shade of trees or in full sun – there’s plenty of room. The meadow is freely accessible to all, and you can often park for free on the long road bordering the meadow or by the church.
There are no on-site facilities (bring your own picnic and drinks), but Wroxham’s shops aren’t far if you need supplies – perhaps grab some fish and chips or bakery treats from Wroxham and bring them here for a scenic lunch. What’s lovely about Caen Meadow is that it offers a peaceful retreat right next to one of Norfolk’s busiest Broads settlements. You might hear the occasional whistle of the Bure Valley Railway steam train in the distance, or the laughter of people in canoes on the water, but overall it’s a calm place to unwind. Families often take off their shoes and wade into the cool river shallows, finding minnows and watching dragonflies skim the surface. If you have an inflatable dinghy or paddleboard, it’s an easy spot to launch for a bit of fun on the water (again, free of charge). Just be conscious of the deeper channel that boat traffic will use.
Nature lovers will enjoy the riverbank wildflowers and maybe spot a kingfisher. Keep in mind, as summer approaches, the midges might appear near dusk by the water – another reason May daytime is ideal here. After a few lazy hours at Caen Meadow, you can round out your day by strolling into Wroxham for an ice cream or treating yourself to a Broads boat tour if you’re so inclined. It’s the perfect example of a free day out in Norfolk that feels special – no tickets, no queues, just you, your companions, and the sparkling river in the sunshine.
