There are plenty of cultural activities that are accessible to the elderly throughout Norfolk. This guide will introduce some of our favourite gems, including beautiful National Trust properties to explore, Silver Screenings to marvel at and museums to learn in – Norfolk has plenty to offer.
You should also explore our Top 5 Accessible Days out in Norfolk for more day trip options that everyone can enjoy.
National Trust Properties in Norfolk
Blickling Estate
The breath-taking Jacobean mansion and ancient yew hedges of Blickling Estate sit at the heart of a magnificent garden and historic park in the beautiful Bure meadows. Surrounding the house, the formal garden is the result of three centuries of inspired planting and the gently undulating historic parkland is great for discovering intriguing landmarks, stunning views and wildlife.
Blue Badge parking and drop-off points are available, as well as accessible toilets, an accessible parkland trail and wheelchairs and mobility scooter hire. You can see the Estate’s full accessibility statement here.
Prices
- Adult: £15.00
- Child: £7.50
Opening Hours
Contact
- Telephone: 01263 738030
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Blickling Estate, Aylsham, Norfolk, NR11 6NF
- Visit Website
Sheringham Park Gardens
Sheringham Park Gardens was designed by Humphry Repton and has since become a National Trust property. The garden is renowned for its azaleas and rhododendrons, but if they’re not in bloom at the time of your visit, you can still make the most of the spectacular views across the Norfolk coastline. There are plenty of walks to be enjoyed here and for the less mobile there
are Personal Mobility Vehicles available to hire and a marked accessible route through the parkland. The well-equipped visitor centre has three wheelchairs to borrow, allowing everyone access to the interactive exhibition.
You can view the park’s full accessibility statement here.
Prices
The price is £6.50 per car. National Trust members can park for free.
Opening Hours
Dawn – Dusk
Contact
- Address: Upper Sheringham, Norfolk, NR26 8TL
- Telephone: 01263 820550
- Email: [email protected]
- Visit Website
Horsey Windpump
Horsey Windpump is an iconic building with a fascinating past and the perfect gateway to experience the connection between man and nature, standing sentinel over the mere and surrounding Broadland landscape.
Having been stood still and silent for over 75 years since 1943 when it was struck by lightning, Horsey Windpump has been brought back to life and is now complete with a winding cap and turning sails, bringing a whole new visitor experience to this wonderful Grade II Listed Building.
On site is also a café selling light refreshments, drinks, ice creams and snacks. With outdoor seating available, you can relax and watch the Windpump’s sails go round and the world go by.
Horsey, where the Broads meet the coast, is unrivalled as a place providing views into this mysterious broadland landscape of Norfolk. This remote location is secluded and famed for its internationally important wildlife, from the over-wintering wildfowl frequenting Horsey Mere to the Swallowtail butterfly, the very essence of a summer on the Broads. A great place for walking and bird watching, throughout the seasons.
Prices
- Adult: £6.50
- Child: £3.50
Opening Hours
Contact
- Telephone: 01263 740241
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: Horsey, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk, NR29 4EE
- Visit Website
Museums in Norfolk
The Museum of the Broads
The Museum of the Broads is located in a unique and tranquil riverside setting, taking you from Roman times, through medieval peat digging, to the holiday makers, sailors and environmentalists of today. Discover the boats of the Broads and see how people’s working lives shaped the landscape.
The Museum’s collection shows how people have exploited the land and the waterways for food, transport and leisure. Many of the Museum’s Broads boats, tools, and associated items are unique, with a photo archive and boat plans that can be viewed digitally.
Their staff and volunteers are committed to providing an environment which is safe and welcoming for all visitors. We recommend getting in touch in advance to discuss any accessibility requirements you may have.
Prices
- Adult: £7.00
- Young Person (13-18): £3.00
- Child: Free
Opening Hours
Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays: 10:00am – 15:00pm
Contact
- Telephone: 01692 581681
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: The Poor's, Staithe Rd, Stalham, Norwich NR12 9DA
- Visit Website
Dad's Army Museum, Thetford
Since it opened in December 2007, the Dad’s Army Museum has gone from strength to strength. Today thousands of visitors make their way to Thetford each year to see where the series was filmed and to learn more about one of the most enduring comedy programmes ever produced.
The museum is independently run by an enthusiastic and dedicated platoon of volunteers. They also organise private visits for coach groups, talks and tours – by prior arrangement only and subject to availability. The museum is dog friendly.
Prices
Free (donations are welcome!)
Opening Hours
Opening hours vary seasonally, please view their website for more details.
Contact
- Telephone: 07470 165795
- Address: Cage Ln, Thetford IP24 2DS
- Visit Website
Time & Tide Museum of Great Yarmouth Life
Time and Tide tells the story of Great Yarmouth and its herring industry, occupying the premises of the Tower Fish Curing Works. These were originally built in 1850, before being closed down in 1988. The museum opened its’ doors to the public in 2004.
The museum is well catered for those with access requirements, including parking for blue badge holders, wheelchair hire, hearing loops for talks. Guide dogs are also permitted in the museum. For the museum’s full accessibility statement, click here.
Prices
- Adult: £7.40
- Concession (Over 65s, Disabled): £7.00
- Child (4-18): £6.30
- Under 4: Free
Opening Hours
Everyday: 10:30am – 4:00pm
Contact
- Telephone: 01493 743930
- Address: Blackfriars' Rd, Great Yarmouth NR30 3BX
- Visit Website
The Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts, Norwich
The Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts is one of Britain’s leading galleries and home to works by Picasso, Bacon and Henry Moore. The galleries are fully accessible, with lifts installed to all floors. Disabled parking is also available, as well as an easy to access café area.
You can view the gallery’s full access guide here, or get in touch to enquire on any other information or requirements.
Prices
The museum’s Universal Ticket grants access to the permanent collection, lower and mezzanine galleries, and Sculpture Park. Tickets operate on a ‘Pay If and What You Can’ basis, so you can choose the price from free through to full membership.
Opening Hours
- Tuesday - Friday, 9:00am-6:00pm (exhibitions open at 9.30am)
- Saturday - Sunday, 10:00am-5:00pm
- Closed Mondays, including bank holidays
Contact
- Telephone: 01603 593199
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: University of East Anglia, Norfolk Road, Norwich, NR4 7TJ
- Visit Website
Silver Screenings and Cinema Discounts in Norfolk
Silver Screenings offer a chance for seniors to enjoy the cinema in a more relaxed environment, usually with refreshments and an interval.
Presently, there is only one cinema with the full Silver Screening option in Norfolk (Odeon), however, that doesn’t mean the elderly can’t still enjoy the cinema. There are other cinemas dotted across Norfolk with concession pricing and quieter showtimes.
Odeon
Odeon runs Silver Cinema screenings for guests aged over 60, showing current releases and timeless classics. Tickets are from £3.50, which includes tea, coffee and biscuits served before the showing. In Norfolk, there is one Odeon cinema in Norwich.
The Light
The Light Cinema offers a senior discount on viewings to those aged 60 and over. There is a Light cinema in Thetford, as well as one just over the Cambridgeshire border in Wisbech for those in West Norfolk.
Merlin Cinema
Merlin Cinemas have a branch in Cromer that also offers discounted ticket pricing for seniors. These tickets tend to be £1 less than their adult equivalents.
