Things to do when staying at Wild With Nature

Summer 2024

birds eye view of ecotourisum site

There are plenty of experiences for you to enjoy during your luxury glamping stay here.  We are lucky enough to be surrounded by beautiful countryside to explore, both within our conservation site and beyond. However, there are also many places to visit and activities to try within the local Norfolk area. We have written this guide to help you plan your time with us.  

Onsite at Wild With Nature 

In addition to the games, books and hot tubs found in our glamping retreat, we also have more active options for you to enjoy onsite.  

Wildlife: 

As our name suggests, Wild With Nature is a haven for wildlife, thanks to our rural location and excellent conservation activities, which are restoring, enhancing and protecting habitats.

We have created a nature reserve which you are free to explore. It follows the river and you may even spot a kingfisher flitting along the banks. 

We have numerous waterfowl – our current residents include several swans, flocks of graylag and Canada geese, waders and oyster catchers. As well as waterfowl we have owls, skylarks, warblers and other songbirds: we are a haven for birdwatching.  

You are likely to see several types of deer on the farm including roe, red and muntjac – the barking deer. They are wild and roam freely. If you are staying with us during the rutting season, which starts in late September, you may well hear their prehistoric sounding roar. 

Water-based activities:  

  • Wild swimming: What better way to refresh yourself on a warm day, or enjoy the invigorating effects of a cold water dip? Wild swimming is an excellent way to immerse yourself in our glorious environment. 
  • Hybrid kayak/paddleboards: We have several hybrid paddleboards available to borrow as part of your stay here, enabling you to get out onto the lake and enjoy the surrounding scenery. Keep an eye (and ear!) out for our resident wildlife! Hybrid paddleboards can be used either as a typical paddleboard (kneeling or standing with a single-ended paddle) or as a kayak (sitting with a double-ended paddle), giving some flexibility to your water adventures. Universal fit buoyancy aids are also provided.   

Walks through our nature reserve:

The farmland stretches for a whopping 750 acres so there is lots to explore. There are some beautiful local walks you can take whilst staying with us, both onsite and in local areas. 

Fishing: 

Fishing is permitted in our lake, providing you send us a copy of your fishing license! 

Out and about in the local area 

Norwich:

Just a 30-minute drive away from our glamping site, the historic city of Norwich is packed full of things to do. Explore the Norman castle, the amazing Norwich Cathedral and the still intact medieval street pattern – the largest in Europe. Norwich Lanes is home to over 300 independent shops, cafés, restaurants and bars. Norwich Market is one of the UK’s oldest markets and has been named as the best large outdoor market in the country. It’s a great place to get lunch at the numerous street food stalls.  

Market towns:

We are lucky enough to be within striking distance of several excellent market towns. These are great to explore on any day but particularly if there is a market ongoing: 

  • Diss (14 miles): Market every Friday 
  • Bury St Edmunds (25 miles): Market on Wednesdays and Saturdays 

 Outdoor activities:

Whether you’re keen on hiking, cycling or even more adventurous activities, there are plenty of options nearby.

  • Thetford Forest: Just a 30-minute drive away, this is the UK’s largest manmade lowland forest, with a vast number of activities on offer. These range from exploring the forest canopy with Go Ape, hiring a bicycle to explore the forest cycle paths, to enjoying the numerous walking trails 
  • The Brecks: Wild With Nature lies on the edge of The Brecks, an area of ancient heathland covering part of Norfolk and Suffolk. This is a beautiful area to explore and home to the pine lines that are an iconic feature of this landscape. There are plenty of walking trails which range in length. 
  • Norfolk coast: Peddars Way is a beautiful Norfolk walk going from Knettishall Heath Country Park (or Thetford Station for cyclists) to Holme-Next-The-Sea and along the north Norfolk coast. Experience seaside towns and villages, tidal marshes teeming with wildlife, wide sandy beaches, pine woodlands and huge skies. 

English Whisky Company:

A mere 10 minute drive takes you to St George’s Distillery. Take a distillery tour to discover how local barley and water are used to produce the finest English Single Malt Whisky. They also have an onsite restaurant and coffee house. 

Wyken Vineyards:

Just half an hour from Wild With Nature is Wyken Vineyards, set on an ancient estate just over the border in Suffolk. In addition to tours of the vineyard (which include tastings), the estate offers several other attractions. The grounds include beautiful gardens, a restaurant, a country gift store and a Saturday farmers’ market. 

Elveden Estate:

This estate is a world-class producer and purveyor of local and regional food excellence. Their reputation for wildlife conservation, in harmony with their farming practices, makes Elveden a great option for food with a unique story. Visit the hall, shops and food hall. 

More information about local amenities can be found on our FAQ page. However you choose to spend your time here at Wild With Nature, we hope you have an enjoyable stay!  

muntjack deer
Lake image
girl paddle boarding