Pensthorpe

About Pensthorpe

Located in the heart of North Norfolk, along the river Wensum, Pensthorpe Natural Park offers 700 acres of woodland walks, lakes, and four stunning gardens, including the Millennium Garden designed by famous Dutch plantsman Piet Oudolf, to explore.

Offering anything from a few hours to a full day out, Pensthorpe Natural Park is perfect for families, wildlife enthusiasts, birdwatchers, and garden lovers to delight in.

Former home of BBC’s Springwatch (2008-2010), Pensthorpe’s nature reserve is home to over one thousand species of bird and wildlife. With the changing seasons there is always something to fascinate every visitor, whether it is visiting migrating birds; amazing courtship displays during mating season; stunning colours that adorn the four contrasting gardens; or whether it’s the new arrivals in the shape of duck, goslings and chicks that waddle around your feet.

At the heart of what Pensthorpe stands for is Pensthorpe Conservation Trust. A small portion of every visitors’ admission goes towards funding conservation projects carried out by the Trust including: a red squirrels breed and release programme, corncrakes, common cranes and turtle doves, all of which visitors can see during their visit.

There is also something for young families and children to let off steam after they have reconnected with nature. Hootz House offers an award winning indoor play area suitable for children of all ages, as well as a soft play area for the really little ones. Whatever the weather children can take a walk on the wild side in WildRootz, a nature-inspired outdoor adventure playground, and take part in our Hootz & Friends Discovery Trail around the reserve.

Want to explore more? Take a behind-the-scenes tour on the Pensthorpe Explorer* to discover more about the Wensum Valley and the flora and fauna that call Pensthorpe home. To follow, enjoy delicious home cooked food available in our Courtyard Café. From homemade cakes to hot cooked meals, there is something to satisfy every taste. If you fancy a little retail therapy, you can shop until you drop in our courtyard shop, which is stocked with an assortment of products including food & drink from local suppliers, an array of bird & wildlife products so you can bring nature into your own garden, gifts for every occasion, nature and wildlife-themed books and children’s toys.
*additional charge

Open every day throughout the year except 24th-26th December.
Courtyard Café and shop open from 9am.
Reserve & play open from 10am.
Visit the website for seasonal closing times

Facilities

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