Set in the beautiful Wensum Valley and multiple winner of Norfolk’s Best Large Visitor Attraction (EDP Tourism Awards), Pensthorpe Natural Park is much more than just a showcase for conservation and wildlife. The former home to BBC Springwatch continues to captivate visitors with its unique surroundings and thousands of bird, plant and wildlife species who call it home.
With 700 acres of woodland, wetland and farmland habitats, the park attracts families, walkers, gardeners and bird spotters all keen to see the beautiful surroundings and the very special selection of species that either live there permanently or migrate throughout the year. Working closely with partner organisations, Pensthorpe Conservation Trust (PCT) is a charitable trust that works closely with Pensthorpe Natural Park to conserve wetland and farmland bird species through national conservation programmes. These partnerships include Operation Turtle Dove and the Great Crane Project as well as a Corncrake re-introduction programme and Red Squirrel re-introduction project.
Pensthorpe Natural Park is also home to four stunning nature-inspired gardens and one of the largest wildflower meadows in Norfolk. Absorb the structural beauty of Piet Oudolf’s Millennium Garden which looks spectacular at its peak in late summer, admire the sculptures as you meander through the Wave Garden and visit the Wildlife Habitat Garden with bees, bats and butterflies; this garden is literally a “buzz”!
Even if you have not got the time to explore the wonders of the Park or run wild around WildRootz or Hootz House, Pensthorpe’s amazing adventure playground and award-winning indoor play area, you can simply enjoy delicious home-cooked food in the Courtyard Cafe and take a stroll around the Gift Shop, which is brimming full of unique gifts.
Pensthorpe Natural Park is on the A1067, one mile from Fakenham.
Open all year. Please check Pensthorpe’s own website for detailed opening information.
Pensthorpe Natural Park
Fakenham Road, Fakenham, Norfolk, NR21 0LN.
Tel: 01328 851465