As the school holidays begin, many parents are thinking of how to keep their children entertained over the weeks ahead.

But with the Great British summer known not to be all sunshine and rainbows, we have compiled a list of some of the best things to do indoors in Norfolk. 

1. Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is a world-renowned gallery situated on the UEA campus in Norwich. 

Hosting the work of Alberto Giacometti, Pablo Picasso and Henry Moore - there is a feast for the eyes with more than 1,400 items from across the globe spanning 5,000 years.

It was the first museum in the UK to introduce a total ‘pay if and what you can’ ticketing system, making the gallery accessible for all.

If it isn't raining, visitors can explore the grounds - home to a vast sculpture display.

Eastern Daily Press: Main gallery floor in the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. A Henry Moore sculpture sits in the foregroundMain gallery floor in the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. A Henry Moore sculpture sits in the foreground (Image: Henry Moore Foundation/Newsquest)

2. Norwich Castle

Take a wander around one of the landmarks of our fine city and explore the rich history of its walls, the taxidermy of Norfolk wildlife through time and the museum's art gallery.

The medieval keep is currently closed for a huge refurbishment and it is due to reopen in 2024.

READ MORE: 7 free things to do in Norfolk over the summer holidays

Eastern Daily Press: Norwich Castle through Norwich MarketNorwich Castle through Norwich Market (Image: Antony Kelly)

3. Bugz UK

Explore every sort of critter at the bug zoo in Lenwade - from giant stick insects to crickets and grasshoppers.

For some, it may make their skin crawl, but it is a fascinating experience to admire the insect world.

As well as the 200 live species in the park, the collection boasts more than 1,000 taxidermy butterflies.

Eastern Daily Press: Bugz UK, at Lenwade, is one of the biggest bug attractions in the UKBugz UK, at Lenwade, is one of the biggest bug attractions in the UK (Image: Kate Wolstenholme)

4. Hippodrome Circus

The Edwardian circus building in Great Yarmouth has opened its doors for its summer season, starting with special performances for local schools.

The Summer Spectacular brings together a cast featuring stunt-riding motorbike riders, stars from America's Got Talent, Cirque Du Soliel Jugglers and acts never seen in the UK.

Eastern Daily Press: The Flying Aces trapeze artists at the Hippodrome Circus Summer Show a previous yearThe Flying Aces trapeze artists at the Hippodrome Circus Summer Show a previous year (Image: Denise Bradley)

5. Sea Life Centre

Visit the Sea Life Centre in Hunstanton or Great Yarmouth for a look under the sea.

Watch creatures swim past and over you, including turtles, penguins, sharks and rays.

There are even feeding experiences to enjoy at both centres.

Eastern Daily Press: Noah the turtle is checked over by the Sea Life Centre divers Noah the turtle is checked over by the Sea Life Centre divers (Image: Denise Bradley)

6. Take a trip to the theatre

Eastern Daily Press: Craig Revel Horwood will star as Miss Hannigan in Annie coming to Norwich Theatre Royal.

Annie is the hit family show to see at Norwich Theatre Royal this summer, featuring Craig Revel Horwood as Miss Hannigan from August 1-5.

7. Escape rooms

Eastern Daily Press: Escape room game at The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell Escape room game at The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell (Image: Newsquest)

Escape rooms have grown in popularity in Norfolk over the last few years, with plenty to choose from across the county. 

If you enjoy a puzzle and a bit of problem-solving, you will enjoy finding clues and completing missions to escape from the rooms within the attraction.