Essex to Norfolk

At Ranworth Broad and Marshes an accessible wooden pathway ambles through wet carr woodland before opening into reed fen. This short walk allows the experience of being deep in a reedbed, with reed warbler and Cetti’s warbler nesting close to the boardwalk. It is also excellent for seeing close-hand many of the unusual and interesting plants that grow in Broadland habitats. Royal fern, decades-old tussock sedges, orchids, and six-foot-tall marsh sowthistle are found here, and many other fenland plants.

The spring 2026 season 'What is the Meaning of Life?' at Sainsbury Centre delves into the fundamental questions of human existence, from rule-making, to time and play. Living by the Rule: Contemporary meets Medieval vividly presents the richness and complexity of the dialogue between medieval experiments in a different way to live, and modern reflections upon how life is (and might yet be) organised. Play Power showcases a variety of manifestations of play, both past and present, ranging from board games, games of chance, physical activity, creativity, video games and make believe, as well as ritual gambling and divination, the exhibition highlights the enduring role of play in shaping human societies. Joy Like Time explores how memory, ritual and renewal intersect through the work of internationally renowned artists by featuring works by Marina Abramović, Kalliopi Lemos and Gillian Wearing. Woven from hand-dyed sisal rope, the tactile and immersive Tree of Life installation invites visitors to move in and around the tree’s central hollow trunk. Life in the Multiverse: Libby Heaney includes a two-part digital installation and a new series of paintings to explore ideas around interconnectedness. 

Seven Decades of Contemporary Art: Norfolk Contemporary Art Society at Norwich Castle celebrates the 70th anniversary of Norfolk Contemporary Art Society (ncas). Since its founding in 1956, ncas has supported the Castle to present work by innovative contemporary artists including Eduardo Paolozzi, Colin Self, Bridget Riley and Roger Ackling. Their work features in this display of more than thirty of the artworks ncas members have helped to collect over the past seven decades. Recently supported acquisitions include Florence Peake's performance-based figurative paintings and photographic work by Daniel & Clara, which explores imagined narratives in a country estate. Work from Wall Existing, a multi-layered photographic survey of Norwich's medieval city walls by Robert Filby and Glen Jamieson is also exhibited. These new additions to the collection are shown with highlights from the early decades of ncas' activity including Landscape with Farm Buildings (1954) by L.S. Lowry, a purchase which inspired the formation of ncas; and Man entering a Boiler House (c.1957) by Prunella Clough, which was the very first work collectively acquired by ncas members. Other artists featured in the exhibition include Ruth Ewan, Maggi Hambling, Nigel Henderson, Allen Jones, Frances Kearney, Penny Slinger, Mary Webb and many others.

Cromer is a traditional seaside resort and is famous for Cromer Pier, which is home to a lifeboat station and Pavilion Theatre, where the UK’s only remaining traditional end of the pier variety show takes place each summer and winter. The pier is an enduring example of Victorian architecture, having withstood many storms, tidal surges and even an attempt to blow it up by the Government in WW2 to prevent the pier being used as a landing strip for enemy invaders!

Home to the Bedingfeld family for 500 years, the Oxburgh Estate reveals one family's unshakable Catholic faith and story of endurance. Built by the Bedingfeld family in 1482 as a statement of power, Oxburgh and the family have endured turbulent times. Through religious persecution, Civil War devastation, near dereliction and threatened demolition, Oxburgh’s story is one of survival. Inside the house, the legacy of the 6th Baronet who created much of what can be seen today can be discovered, from the Victorian Gothic interiors to the ornate architectural additions that reflect a romantic view of Oxburgh's medieval past. Outside, the gardens are a mixture of formal and wilderness, with the kitchen garden, orchard and herbaceous border adding colour and seasonal interest. And for those wanting to explore further, one of the estate walks through woodland, along the River Gadder, and out into open meadows can be followed.

The Abbey of St Benet at Holme lies deep in the Broads, close to the meeting place of the rivers Bure and Ant. This was the only Norfolk monastery founded in the Anglo-Saxon period which continued in use throughout the Middle Ages, and is the only monastery in England which was not closed down by Henry VIII – the Bishop of Norwich is still the Abbot. As well as being of great historical interest, St Benet’s Abbey is also very atmospheric. For over 200 years it has been a favourite spot for artists, photographers, and tourists.

Cley and Salthouse Marshes is one of the best-known nature reserves in the UK. Purchased by NWT in 1926 to be held ‘in perpetuity as a breeding bird sanctuary’, it is a haven for a wide range of species and a hotspot for rare vagrant birds. Visited by birdwatchers, walkers and sightseers from around the country, Cley feels like a special place for everyone who visits. The vast swaying reedbed is alive with birds and insects in summer, and all year the huge skies, wide open marshes and long stretching beaches create a sense of freedom and space.

At the heart of the Norfolk Coast Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Blakeney National Nature Reserve boasts wide open spaces and uninterrupted views of the beautiful North Norfolk coastline. The four mile long shingle spit of Blakeney Point offers protection for Blakeney Harbour and the surrounding saltmarshes, providing a perfect habitat for the vast array of residential and migratory wildlife. Internationally important, the reserve is noted for its spectacular displays of the summer breeding tern colony and winter breeding grey seals ensuring delight for visitors all year round. Great for walkers, sightseers and wildlife enthusiasts alike, Blakeney National Nature Reserve guarantees an inspiring and memorable visit no matter the season. The best way to see the wildlife on Blakeney Point is to enjoy a ferry trip, departing from Morston Quay.

Flatford lies in the heart of the beautiful Dedham Vale. This charming hamlet was the inspiration for some of John Constable's most famous pictures, for example, the Hay Wain or Boatbuilding near Flatford Mill among many others. Wandering beside the River Stour or looking at Flatford Mill and Willy Lott's House feels as if you are actually walking through one of his paintings. An informative exhibition gives an insight into Constable's life at Flatford.

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NEEDTOBREATHE, The Red Clay Strays - Momma Loves Me (feat. The Red Clay Strays).