Know before you go

Before you set off on your trip make sure you have done your research says www.visitnorfolk.co.uk & www.visitsuffolk.com

Summer is here, your favourite attractions and places to go are reopening and you’re desperate to blow away the cobwebs with fresh air and outdoor activities. But before you swap your quarantine couch for the coast, your patio for a safari park, or your dining table for socially distanced picnics, we recommend checking out our in-depth guide around domestic travel so you’re in the know before you go.

Plenty of visitor attractions in Norfolk and Suffolk are beginning to welcome us back in their own unique ways. From pre-booked time slots to one-way routes with your pooch, there are plenty of measures in place to help you enjoy your days out to gardens, safari parks and historic castle grounds with confidence.

Start planning

Before taking your first steps on your next adventure it is worth checking out these organisations for more detailed information on what’s open and how you can visit: Forestry Commission, Woodland Trust, Broads Authority, National Trust, English Heritage, RSPB, RNLI, Natural England, North Norfolk Coast AONB, WWT Welney, Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Suffolk Coast AONB and Suffolk Wildlife Trust.

Norfolk Wildlife Trust

Protect the landscape by ensuring you are following the Countryside Code, which sets out how visitors to rural areas can behave safely and responsibly. It is important to check out the updated Countryside Code, which you can find at: 

www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-countryside-code/the-countryside-code.

Enjoy responsibly

When out and about, we need to remember to look after ourselves, one another and the environment around us. So, to make sure we’re all doing our bit to tread lightly and travel responsibly, we’ve put together a few simple steps to help you enjoy your days out as safely as possible.

When planning your trip, check that important facilities – like toilets and car parks – are open, before you travel so you’re not caught short.

If you have an attraction in mind, please check online to see if you need to pre-book a time slot. Some places may be extremely popular, so get off the beaten track and discover a hidden gem that you can brag to friends about.

Keep one metre apart from anyone outside your household – this not only applies to walking, but running, cycling, sitting and sunbathing too.

Wear your face covering at all times when on public transport like buses, trains, taxis and minicabs. Also shops will require you to wear your face coverings and failure to do so could result in a fine. To keep up to date on the latest guidelines visit: www.gov.uk

Make sure you have a bank card; many outlets are currently only accepting cashless payments – and you don’t want to miss out on that ice cream!

Take hand sanitiser with you – you don’t know where will be open for you to wash your hands.

Leave the car behind where possible and visit nearby attractions by walking or cycling.

And here are a few more for you to bear in mind when exploring outdoor spaces:

Let’s try our best to keep Norfolk and Suffolk’s outdoors looking beautiful by putting all rubbish in the nearest bins or taking it home if bins are full.

Whilst enjoying the great outdoors more, you’re likely to come across wildlife (cute!). Try not to disturb them, or any farm animals for that matter. Keep your four-legged friend on a lead and remember to bag and bin any mess they leave behind.

Don’t use disposable barbecues as they risk causing wildfires – get a takeaway burger instead. Stick to designated footpaths and follow local signage for restrictions on routes.

Now we have all of that covered it’s time to get out there and enjoy your next adventure in the beautiful surroundings of Norfolk and Suffolk.