
Whitlingham Country Park
A sprawling waterfront park near Norwich, perfect for scenic walks, cycling, water activities, and wildlife spotting.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Whitlingham Country Park
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sprawling waterfront park near Norwich, perfect for scenic walks, cycling, water activities, and wildlife spotting.
"Gorgeous park for a walk around the lake with stunning views, especially at sunset."

🚶♀️ Flat, Accessible Trails
The 2-mile lake walk is mostly flat and on a smooth gravel path, perfect for prams and pushchairs.
☕ Cafe with a View
The cafe offers delicious coffee and snacks with lovely views of the broads.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Lake Loop Walk
Around Whitlingham Broad
A beautiful, mostly flat 2-mile walk offering stunning views and opportunities to spot wildlife.

Flint Knapping Woods
Lower end of the park
Rugged terrain perfect for adventurous kids and dogs, with dips and climbs for exploration.
_edited.jpg&w=3840&q=70)
Waterfront Cafe
Near the visitor centre
Enjoy delicious coffee and snacks with scenic views of the broads. A great spot to refuel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Parking and Payment Tips
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Flat, Accessible Trails
The 2-mile lake walk is mostly flat and on a smooth gravel path, perfect for prams and pushchairs.
☕ Cafe with a View
The cafe offers delicious coffee and snacks with lovely views of the broads.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A fantastic spot for dog walks with plenty of space to explore. Remember to bring water bowls!
📱 PayByPhone App
Parking machines can be temperamental; have the PayByPhone app ready for payment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Flat, Accessible Trails
The 2-mile lake walk is mostly flat and on a smooth gravel path, perfect for prams and pushchairs.
☕ Cafe with a View
The cafe offers delicious coffee and snacks with lovely views of the broads.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
A fantastic spot for dog walks with plenty of space to explore. Remember to bring water bowls!
📱 PayByPhone App
Parking machines can be temperamental; have the PayByPhone app ready for payment.
🍞 Feed the Waterfowl
Bring suitable food (not too much bread!) to feed the many ducks and swans.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Whitlingham Country Park for its gorgeous lake walks, stunning views, and friendly cafe. It's a great spot for outdoor activities, wildlife spotting, and enjoying nature. Some find parking fees a bit steep and the lake walk can be unshaded on sunny days.
"Whitlingham is such a gorgeous park for a walk around the lake. Parking fees are pretty fair. The cafe is lovely, everyone is always very friendly."
Charlotte Price
"Great outdoor experience. Stunning views, especially at the sunset. A great way to exercise and enchant your senses in the nature. Lots of amenities. Possibly to rent a boat. Large carpark."
Claudiu G
"With a network of broads ,rivers, and a cafetiere, it offers a scenic way to spend a few hours walking, water persuitspicnicing, or just watching the world go by. There are also plenty of opportunities to feed the multitude of water fowls( just not too much bread)!"
Simon Martin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Whitlingham Country Park is easily accessible by car, located a short drive from Norwich. There are also bus routes that stop nearby. For those cycling, it's a scenic route, especially from the city.
Yes, there are large car parks available. However, they can get full, especially on busy days. Parking fees apply, and it's advisable to have the PayByPhone app ready as card machines may not always work.
Absolutely! The park offers scenic cycling routes, and it's a popular destination for cyclists coming from Norwich.
Yes, Whitlingham Country Park is situated just on the edge of the Norfolk Broads National Park, offering a taste of the unique Broads landscape.
While specific bus routes can vary, the park is generally accessible via public transport from Norwich. It's always best to check local transport schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the park itself is free. However, there are parking fees for visitors arriving by car.
The park is generally open year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities like the cafe may have their own operating times, which are best checked directly.
No, tickets are not required for entry to Whitlingham Country Park. It's a public park open to all.
Information on specific discounts for parking is not widely advertised. It's recommended to check the park's official website or inquire on-site for any potential offers.
Yes, there are opportunities to rent boats and engage in water pursuits, offering a different perspective of the broads.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking, running, cycling, picnicking, bird watching, and water activities like boating. The park offers a variety of trails for exploration.
Yes, the park is very family-friendly. The 2-mile lake walk is flat and suitable for pushchairs, and there's a woodland play area.
Clean public toilets are available within the park, which is convenient for visitors.
The park is a haven for wildlife, particularly waterfowl like swans and geese. You can also spot various bird species and enjoy the natural surroundings.
The lake walk is mostly unshaded, so it's advisable to be mindful of the sun, especially on warm days. The woodland areas offer more shade.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a cafe located at the park, offering coffee, snacks, and light meals with pleasant views.
Absolutely! There are designated picnic areas, and the park's open spaces are perfect for enjoying a picnic surrounded by nature.
While specific menus can change, cafes in such locations often offer a selection of vegetarian and sometimes vegan options. It's best to inquire directly at the cafe.
Yes, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and drinks to enjoy in the park, especially for picnics.
The cafe typically serves a range of hot and cold drinks, cakes, sandwiches, and light meals, catering to visitors enjoying a day out.
📸 📸 Photography
The lake loop offers beautiful reflections and opportunities to capture wildlife. The waterfront and woodland areas also provide scenic backdrops.
Late afternoon and early evening often provide the best light for photography, with golden hour casting a warm glow over the landscape and water.
Yes, the park is home to various bird species and waterfowl, making it a great location for wildlife photography. Remember to maintain a respectful distance.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage might require special permissions, so it's best to check with park management if you have specific plans.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm, is useful for landscapes and general shots. A telephoto lens can be beneficial for capturing wildlife from a distance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🐶 Dog Owners
🚶♀️ Walkers and Runners
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Trails and Landscapes
For those seeking a bit more adventure, the Flint Knapping Woods provide a more rugged experience with dips and climbs, perfect for children and dogs to explore. The park also includes canal paths and open fields, offering varied terrain for longer walks. Remember that the lake loop is largely unshaded, so sun protection is advised on sunny days.
Beyond the main trails, the park is a nature reserve with opportunities to observe wildlife. The presence of broads and rivers contributes to its serene atmosphere, making it a great escape into nature close to Norwich.
Family and Dog-Friendly Adventures
Dog owners will find this park particularly welcoming. It's a great place for 'walkies' with plenty of space for dogs to roam and enjoy the outdoors. While dog bins are conveniently located near the car park, remember to bring your own water bowls for your canine companions.
The park's amenities, including a cafe and clean toilets, add to its family-friendliness, making it easy to spend a few hours or even a whole day exploring the natural beauty.
Water Activities and Wildlife Spotting
The park is a haven for wildlife, especially waterfowl. You can often see swans, geese, and a multitude of other bird species. Bringing suitable food (avoiding too much bread) to feed the water fowl is a popular activity for visitors.
Whether you're sailing, paddling, or simply enjoying the view from the shore, the water elements of Whitlingham Country Park add a significant dimension to the visitor experience, blending recreation with nature observation.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit