Sports and Activities in Norfolk
Published on
by Keys Holidays Cottages
Norfolk offers plenty of opportunities to kick back and relax, but if being active is more your thing, then the county has plenty to keep you occupied, from exhilarating beach sports to exploring the countryside on two wheels, the adrenaline of karting and kite surfing to taking up new sports such as Padel.
Here are just a few of our favourite sports and activities in our part of the county.
Cover image: James Peacock/Unsplash
- Table of contents
- The Need For Speed
- Kite Surfing
- Get into Padel
- Park Run
- Tour de Broads
- Indoor Leisure at The Reef
- Go Ape In The Treetops
- Tee Off In North Norfolk
The Need For Speed
Karting is a safe and exhilarating way to experience the visceral thrill of motor-racing - almost every one of today's Formula 1 drivers started their career on a karting track.
Karttrak in Cromer is one of the country's best outdoor karting tracks, featuring a 550 metre course and a fleet of sleek 200cc Bizkarts. Adults and kids aged eight and above can take part, provided they are at least 134cm high and are able to reach the controls safely; previous experience is not necessary. They even have a specially built disabled kart with the throttle and brake on the handlebars instead of pedals.
Safety comes first, of course, and the course boasts the De Haardt Xtra Safety System, which allows marshals to slow or even stop karts remotely if it looks like a driver is having problems.
Karttrak is open every day from 9am until 6pm.
Image: Appic/Unsplash
Find out moreKite Surfing
Harness the power of the wind and find freedom between the sea and the sky: nowhere is better to kite surf than the north Norfolk coast.
Whether you are an experienced kite surfer or have always wanted to give it a try, you will find the perfect spot here in north Norfolk. Hunstanton Water Sports is an accredited British Kitesports School which offers beginners courses and coaching for more experienced kitesurfers, with all equipment included.
Hunstanton and the surrounding beaches offer some of the best kitesurfing conditions for all abilities, thanks to the large tidal range and wide, open beaches. The gradual shelving of the beach at certain tidal ranges offers shallow areas perfect for beginners to learn and progress safely.
Image: Evgeni Tcherkasski/Unsplash
Find out moreGet into Padel
Padel is the latest trendy fun sport, which combines elements of tennis, squash and badminton. It is easy to pick up and suits players of all ages and ability levels, which accounts for its huge popularity. It is also a very inclusive, sociable sport.
Norfolk Padel in Fakenham is one of the leading promoters of the sport in the county, and offers those new to Padel introductory sessions and coaching, with all equipment supplied (just bring your trainers).
Norfolk Padel is open every day from 7am to 10pm.
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Find out morePark Run
Parkrun is a nationwide movement which has encouraged millions of people to get fit and enjoy the camaraderie of running together in an inclusive, non-competitive environment.
Just because you are on holiday doesn't mean you have to miss out - Norfolk has 11 different Parkruns across the county each week, which all welcome visiting runners - click on the 'Find Out More' button below to see details of all of them.
Included in these are the Holkham Parkrun held ever Saturday in the grounds of historic Holkham Hall; the Blickling Parkrun which takes place every Saturday in the stunning grounds of the National Trust's Tudor Blickling Hall; and the Sheringham Parkrun, also every Saturday, in the National Trust's Sheringham Park.
Image: Mina Rad/Unsplash
Find out moreTour de Broads
Now in its 12th year, the Tour de Broads is Norfolk's premier cycling event, and can be enjoyed both from the saddle and as a spectator. Thousands of riders of all ages and abilities tackle 25, 50, 75 or 100 mile courses around the Norfolk Broads, with the aim of enjoying the cycling and raising money for Nelson's Journey, an amazing Norfolk charity which supports bereaved children. The event is organised by leading cycle organisation The Pedal Revolution.
This year's event takes place on 17th August, and entries are still open - follow the link by clicking on the 'Find Out More' button below. There is even a five mile family route with medals for everyone. All of the routes can be tackled on a normal road bike, a mountain bike or even a e-bike - it's all about having fun.
Image: John Rainbow/TPR Events
Find out moreIndoor Leisure at The Reef
If the weather is being less than summery, there are still plenty of places to go to enjoy swimming and other activities in north Norfolk.
One of the most modern facilities is the Reef Leisure Centre in Sheringham. Opened in 2021, this purpose-built complex boasts two swimming pools (a 25 metre main pool and a smaller teaching pool), as well as a 70-station gym, a spacious group fitness studio and a group cycling studio. There is a vibrant programme of fitness classes, or you can simply drop in on a casual basis.
The Reef is open every day, from 6.30am to 9.30pm on weekdays, from 8am to 6pm on Saturday and from 8am to 4pm on Sunday.
Image: Newman Associates PR
Find out moreGo Ape In The Treetops
Go Ape treetop adventure centres can be found around the country, but the story started here in Norfolk, when the Thetford Forest Go Ape opened in 2002 - and it is still one of the best available.
Adrenaline enthusiasts can complete the Treetop Challenge, an exhilarating high ropes course 40 feet up in the air, with a huge range of obstacles from plank walks, high wires and zip wires. But don't worry - you are securely harnessed, with safety a high priority. The Thetford Forest centre also has an extra challenging 'Challenge Plus' course, as well as two special treetop adventures aimed at kids aged between six and ten.
If heights aren't your thing, you can also explore the forest on all-terrain Segway experiences.
Image: Newman Associates PR
Find out moreTee Off In North Norfolk
With stunning coastal links and beautiful inland country courses, north Norfolk is a true golfers' paradise. The county is amongst the sunniest in the UK, which means that the opportunity to get out and tee off is greater than ever. Here is a selection of our favourite courses:
Sheringham Golf Club
Regularly rated in the UK's top 100 courses, this 6,546 yard links course opened in 1891. With some fairways running almost to the clifftop, it can be a challenging experience. The course welcomes visitors, even on bank holidays (subject to advance booking), and equipment is available to hire from the Pro Shop.
Royal Cromer Golf Club
Another UK top-100 rated links course, Royal Cromer was founded in 1888, and has a reputation for friendliness. Visitors are welcome every day of the week (tee times are reserved for members until 9.30am on weekdays and 10.30am at weekends and bank holidays).
Fakenham Golf Club
Set in and around Fakenham Racecourse, this is a nine hole course which is played twice to equal 18 holes, with eight of the back nine holes featuring different tee positions to provide a different challenge. Visitors are welcome to play nine or 18 holes or purchase a day ticket.
Royal West Norfolk Golf Club
Opened in 1892, the Royal west Norfolk is a links course with the saltmarsh on one side and the North Sea on the other. the course is ranked 61st in the world for courses you can play, and 17th in England, by Golf World. So close is the course to the sea that it is inaccessible at high tide! A limited number of visitors are welcomed, with advance booking essential.
Mundesley Golf Club
Sitting on the rolling hillside of the River Mun valley, just a mile inland from the coast, Mundesley Golf Club enjoys panoramic views over the surrounding countryside. The course was designed with the help of legendary six times Open Champion Harry Vardon. Visitors are welcome to play nine or 18 holes, except during reserved members' times (Weds 9.30am-1pm; Sat 8am-9am; Sun until 11.30am).
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