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Zoos & Wildlife Parks in Norwich
Norwich itself has some good free wandering close to the centre. Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Sweet Briar Marshes is barely out of town, a marsh with mown paths and no set route, good for dragonflies and birds without needing a car. Ladybelt Country Park, a little further out, adds an old ice house and minibeast hunts to its ponds and woodland. For animals rather than habitats, Redwings Aylsham lets you wander paddocks of rescued horses, ponies and donkeys for free, with nature walks and ponds alongside. If you want something with more structure, Sculthorpe Moor near Fakenham charges from £10 for hides and boardwalks where kids can spot beavers and birds of prey, while Hickling Broad, a bit closer, starts from £5 and adds guided boat trips across the reedbeds. Toddlers do well at Sweet Briar Marshes or Ladybelt, both step-free and easy to potter round. For a longer trip, Thrigby Hall near Great Yarmouth suits ages four and up, with treetop walkways over snow leopards and tigers.
10 places 6 free to visit
FreeCarlton Marshes Nature Reserve
Lowestoft
Free wetland trails for spotting dragonflies, lapwings and ducks, with an outdoor play area and café to fall back on.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBike parkingBirthday parties+10 more
Fritton Owl Sanctuary
Great Yarmouth
A small sanctuary near Great Yarmouth where you can see over 25 owls, with visits and demonstrations arranged directly.
from £5Hickling Broad Nature Reserve
Norwich
Boardwalks, bird hides and guided boat trips across reedbeds and open water on the Broads.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBlue badge parkingCafé+5 more
FreeHillside Shire Horse Sanctuary
Cromer
Free entry to see rescued shire horses and other sanctuary animals, open daily except Saturdays.
CaféDog friendlyGift shop
FreeLadybelt Country Park
Norwich
Free woodland park with ponds, an old ice house to spot and minibeast hunts for anyone who likes poking about outdoors.
Dog friendlyFree parkingOutdoor playParking+1 more
FreeNorfolk Wildlife Trust – Head Office
Norwich
Wildlife Watch sessions on bats, butterflies and fungi, plus nature walks and boat trips across Norfolk Wildlife Trust reserves.
CaféOutdoor playWheelchair accessible
FreeNorfolk Wildlife Trust – Sweet Briar Marshes
Norwich
Free wander round a marsh reserve with mown paths, dragonflies and birds to spot, and no set route to stick to.
Outdoor playPushchair friendlyStep-free accessWheelchair accessible
FreeRedwings Aylsham
Norwich
Free entry to wander paddocks of rescued horses, ponies and donkeys, with nature walks and ponds thrown in.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBike parkingBlue badge parking+8 more
from £10Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve
Fakenham
A quiet reserve of hides, boardwalks and ponds where kids can spot beavers, otters and birds of prey on foot.
Accessible toiletBaby changeBike parkingBlue badge parking+7 more
from £8.50Thrigby Hall
Great Yarmouth · ages 4+
Treetop walkways over snow leopards and tigers, a 3D maze and a pyramid slide, near Great Yarmouth.
Accessible toiletAllergy awareCaféGift shop+7 more
Good to know: zoos & wildlife parks in Norwich
Are any of them free?
Yes, Carlton Marshes Nature Reserve, Hillside Shire Horse Sanctuary, Ladybelt Country Park, Norfolk Wildlife Trust – Head Office and 2 more are free to visit.
What does a paid visit cost?
Paid entry starts from £5 at Hickling Broad Nature Reserve. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.
Whereabouts are they?
You'll find zoos & wildlife parks in Lowestoft, Great Yarmouth, Norwich, Cromer and Fakenham. Every place we list is in or around Norwich, and each listing has the full address and directions.
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