Simon ParkinAs the May holidays begin, there are plenty of things to do and family fun to be had not just on this bank holiday weekend but over the whole week. SIMON PARKIN has a guide to where to keep the family entertained.Simon Parkin
As the May holidays begin, there are plenty of things to do and family fun to be had not just on this bank holiday weekend but over the whole week. SIMON PARKIN has a guide to where to keep the family entertained.
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STEAM ENGINE RALLY
Strumpshaw Steam Museum, May 29-31, from 9.30am, �8, children �2, under-12s free, 01603 714535, www.strumpshawsteammuseum.co.uk
Norfolk's premier three-day steam rally returns to Strumpshaw Steam Museum. More than 50 steam engines as well as miniature steam engines, vintage and classic cars, motorcycles, commercial vehicles and stationary engines are expected. There will be also be models, fairground organs, arena events and an old time fairground. The entry charge includes free admission to the museum.
COUNTRY FAIR
Weybourne Windmill, May 30, 10am-5pm, �2, under-14s free, 01263 588001
The North Norfolk Country Fair takes place on the A149 coast road opposite Weybourne windmill. Attractions will include two large marquees of arts, crafts and local food producers, trade stands, rides, arena displays, a car boot, clay shooting competition, archery, ferret racing and gun dog scurry, classic cars, martial arts and a marching band.
FAIRY FAIR
Holt Hall, May 30-31, on the day prices �7.50, children �5, 01328 710165, www.fairylandtrust.org
Fun, magic and nature comes to Holt Hall as the Fairyland Trust's Fairy Fair takes place for the first time in the 35 hectares of gardens, ancient woods and lakes. The fair will feature nine of the Fairyland Trusts workshops. Other activities include pixie post office, storytelling, pirate fete, trails to the Fairy Queen, cooking with trolls, music and puppet shows. Children are encouraged to dress up if they like. Workshop prices vary from �4/�5. Any spare workshop spaces will be sold on the day on a first come, first served basis.
NATURE BY RAIL
Bure Valley Railway, Aylsham Station, May 29-31, return �11.50, children �6.50, under-5s free, 01263 733858, www.bvrw.co.uk
Get closer to nature from the steam railway. Enjoy a train ride and look out for local wildlife. Trains from both Aylsham and Wroxham stations. There will be a children's competition during the journey with free prize for every correct entry.
STOCK CAR RACING
Yarmouth Stadium, May 30, 5.30pm, �12 (�6 cons), children �6, under-5s free, 01493 720343, www.yarmouthstadium.co.uk
Thrills, spills, crashes and smashes mean a trip to Yarmouth Stadium is a must for all young petrolheads. This special Easter meeting includes the latest round of the Stock Rods East Anglian Championship, plus Rookie Rods, National Banger Micro Madness and a hair-raising figure of eight race.
MORRIS DANCING
Various locations in North Norfolk, May 31, free admission, 01553 768930
Catch the King's Morris dancers this bank holiday. They will be performing at The Jolly Sailors on Brancaster Staithe at 12pm, The Hoste Arms, Burnham Market at 1pm, then The Globe Inn, Wells-Next-The-Sea at 2pm.
NORFOLK HISTORY FAIR
Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, May 31, 1am-5pm, normal admission prices, 01362 869259, www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Historic re-enactments, crafts, music and dance. This popular annual event will feature around 60 local history societies - from millwrights to metal detectorists, and archers to archaeologists. See demonstrations of ancient crafts such as smocking, pot-making, weaving and spinning, discover skills from the world of wild foods with a wildfowler and eel trapper. Other highlights include Norwich Early Dance Group performing social dances from the 15th to 19th centuries accompanied by traditional music on fiddle and dulcimer. Normal admission applies
WASTED
Inspire Discovery Centre, Oak Street, Norwich, normal admission prices, 01603 612612, www.inspirediscoverycentre.com
This half-term exhibition is about recycling and what happens to our rubbish. It shows us how landfills are chosen and how much energy is saved using recycling. There'll be a series of themed workshops (�1.50 per person) where you can make disco balls and hovercrafts using old CDs, construct a can crusher out of scrap, design pop-up mechanisms using old cans and make your own landfill in a bottle.
MINTY'S BIRTHDAY PARTY
Bewilderwood, May 29-31, normal admission prices, 01603 783900
Go to Bewilderwood in fancy dress to celebrate Minty's birthday. The character is the smallest, naughtiest, greenest Crocklebog! There'll be some classic party games and lots of Twiggle merriment.
HOUGHTON INTERNATIONAL HORSE TRIALS
Houghton Hall, near King's Lynn, until May 30, Sat �7, children �4/Sun �6, children �4, 0845 6209963, www.houghtoninternational.co.uk
Enjoy the thrills and spills of three day eventing at its best. A great opportunity to see the world's leading riders and their horses compete. There will also be children's workshops, falconry displays, lurcher racing, a novelty dog show and an exhibition of super cars.
SUMMER FAIR
Broadland Community Centre, Hoveton, May 29, 10am-12pm, free admission, 01692 630482
A real community summer fair to raise money for schools and children in Gambia, West Africa. There will be craft stalls, books, cakes, plants, gifts and much more - including homemade cake.
FAMILY PICNIC
Sprowston Community High School, May 31, 12-4pm, free admission, 01603 487895
Sprowston High School hosts a giant picnic extravaganza as part of National Family Week. With activities and entertainment for families to enjoy, what better recipe for a fun, free bank holiday outing.
BUTTERFLY BONANZA
Whitlingham Country Park, June 1, �4, 9.30am-12.30pm, 01603 756094
Discover the hidden world of butterflies all around by joining the rangers on a walk around Whitlingham Country Park. Length of walk approximately three miles. Booking is essential.
DROP-IN ART
Sainsbury's Centre, June 1-6, 11am-4pm, free admission, 01603 593199, www.scva.ac.uk
Spend the day discovering more about a favourite object from the Sainsbury's Centre collection - this time it's the Mexican Ball Game Players. Make a ballplayer's headdress and wear it to explore the gallery, plus fun facts, drawing, puzzles and trails for you to do in the gallery.
KNIGHTS AND PRINCESSES ACTIVITY DAY
Dragon Hall, June 2, 10am-4pm, �5, children �5.50, family �18, 01603 663922
Hear ye Hear ye! Prepare to set out on your dragon quest by making your own unique knight or princess outfit. Then solve clues, show your skills, collect your stickers and ensure that the poor of Norwich receive their share of Snap Dragon's Hoard. There will be also be games in the garden.
BROADS HISTORY BOAT TRIP
Ranworth, June 2, 10.15am-12.15pm, �9.50, children �7.50, family �30, 01603 756095, www.broads-authority.gov.uk
Step back in history exploring the River Bure on the Helen of Ranworth reedlighter, a traditional Broads boat that marshmen used to carry bundles of reed in days gone by. Visit the well-known landmark of St Benet's Abbey and find out about its history and how the Broads were formed.
NORWICH GHOST WALK
From Adam and Eve pub, Bishopsgate, June 3, 7.30pm, �6 (�4 cons), 07831 189985, www.ghostwalksnorwich.co.uk
Experience this highly acclaimed tour on foot as you walk through the ancient and mystical streets of Norwich. The two hour walk led by the Man in Black has been thrilling visitors since 1997 with the real-life stories of macabre goings-on, hauntings and the tragic events of yesteryear.
ROLLESBY RAMBLE
Rollesby, June 2, 10am-12pm, free admission, 01603 756098
Take a ramble through Rollesby to learn about the history of the village and visit the lovely wetland next to Lily Broad to see the wonderful wildlife that has returned following restoration work by Broads Authority volunteers. Observe the wild, Welsh ponies and learn about their role in managing wetlands. Booking essential.
TEDDY BEAR'S PICNIC
Whitlingham Country Park, June 2, �3.50 adult, �2 children, �5 family, 10am-12.30pm, 01603 756094
Bring your bear to Whitlingham for a day out. Old or young there will be plenty of fun at the Teddy Bear's Picnic. Booking your place in advance is essential.
EVENING CYCLE TRAIL
Coltishall Common, June 3, 7-8.30pm, free admission, 01603 756097
Join our countryside rangers on this evening peddle around some of the Broads quiet, countryside lanes, including the Bure Valley Cycle path. Take in woodlands, hedgerows, farmland and villages with their thatched roofs. Hopefully you'll spot some wildlife along the way. Length of ride five miles. Book in advance.
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