10 of the best days out in East Anglia
With beautiful beaches, animals galore and family theme parks there’s lots to do in East Anglia
Whipsnade Zoo, Bedfordshire
Get up close to some of the biggest, rarest and most majestic animals alive at the UK's biggest zoo, including cheetah cubs, elephants, tigers, lions, rhinos and giraffes. The Sealion show is a must see, watch them jump, swim and frolic as they demonstrate what incredible acrobats they really are. Whipsnade is set in beautiful countryside and is perfect for a full day out for all the family.
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Leigh-on-Sea, Essex
Bell Warf Beach is a small, beautiful sandy beach that is near to bustling and historical Old Leigh. Bell Wharf is a natural haven, ideal for people looking to relax, and there's plenty for young children to enjoy.
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Bewilderwood, Norfolk
BeWILDerwood is an imaginative adventure park with magical treehouses and intriguing characters, bringing a curious day out to the Norfolk Broads. The setting for the book 'A Boggle at BeWILDerwood', by local children's author Tom Blofeld, it's a mysterious land of adventurous creatures. Parents are encouraged to play alongside their children, which makes for an exciting day out for the whole family.
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Holkam Hall, Norfolk
Holkham Hall is the perfect place for a visit. Surrounded by acres of rolling parkland this magnificent Palladian house is a joy to discover, full of treasures in every room, from incredible architecture and stunning art, to original furniture and classical statues. Set in stunning grounds, a short walk from Holkam beach, it has plenty of space for children to play.
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Baylham House Rare Breeds Farm, Suffolk
Baylham House is a family run working farm which breeds endangered farm animals. Countryside and animal lovers of all ages can have a wonderful day out. The animal paddocks are interwoven with a network of paths which enable visitors to meet all the animals, walk along the shady riverbank path or beside the lake.
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Dinosaur Adventure, Norfolk
For a monster day out, come face to face with life size dinosaurs both great and small lurking in the woods and meet creepy crawlies in the Secret Animal Garden. For something a bit smaller and furry, head to the fun barn where kids can cuddle a rabbit and see the wallabies, sheep and kune kune pigs. They also have a fantastic adventure playground set in the parkland. There’s plenty for all ages. Big kids can scramble up the climb-a-saurus and little ones can enjoy the Tiny 'Terror'saurs for the under 5's.
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Wroxham Barns, Norfolk
Open all week and all year round Wroxham Barns is a great day out for all the family. In the Junior Farm little ones can feed the rabbits and groom the ponies. They can also let off steam the New Piggery play area and Piggy’s Play-Sty. The “Championship” Mini-Adventure Golf Course is sure to keep younger visitors entertained. If you’d like some retail therapy then you can browse the shops which offer everything from unique gifts and stylish clothes to fun toys and delicious foods.
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Pleasurewood Hills family theme park, Suffolk
Pleasurewood Hills has rides for all ages and is a fun packed day out for all the family. There are some fantastic new rides for 2012 including ‘The Jolly Roger’ an exhilarating 40 metre high drop tower; ‘The Lighthouse’ a shoot-up-tower for kids; ‘Pleasurewood Pony Rail’ a gentle family fun ride and ‘Laser Labyrinth’ an indoor laser game. Make sure you don’t miss the exclusive ‘Illusionist Magic Show’ performed by Britain’s Got Talent star, Sean Alexander. Parents can relax in the new Terrace Café whilst the children have fun on the adventure playground.
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Wrest Park, Bedfordshire
This wonderful 90-acre historic landscape and French-style mansion makes a great destination for a superb day out. Take a stroll in the recently restored Italian and Rose Gardens. Enjoy miles of historic pathways as you discover the garden buildings, pavilion and statues. There are a range of activities to bring the garden to life for children including themed play areas and special activity packs for families.
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West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village, Suffolk
West Stow Anglo-Saxon Village is the site of an Anglo-Saxon settlement occupied 420-650AD. Today there is a unique reconstructed Anglo-Saxon Village built on the original settlement site, giving visitors the opportunity to experience Anglo-Saxon living. Visitors can also see the archaeological finds from the site on display. Children will love the special event days that give visitors the chance to interact with modern day Anglo-Saxons and learn more about all aspects of their day-to-day life at West Stow.
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