7 hidden gems in the Norfolk countryside perfect for summer

1. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden

Where: School Road, South Walsham, NR13 6DZ

Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden has acres to explore (Image: Newsquest) Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is tucked away in South Walsham and has nearly four miles of woodland pathways to explore.

The gardens host 130 acres of cultivated, wild and natural plantings alongside views of a private broad. 

Adult ticket prices start at £10 and dogs on leads are welcome for an extra cost of 50p. 

2. Somerton Church Ruins

Where: Back Road, East Somerton, NR29 4DZ

These ancient ruins have been left unspoilt  (Image: Archant)

Located in the grounds of Lord Theodore Agnew's Burnley Hall Estate near Winterton, St Mary's Church is one of the county's most atmospheric and mysterious ruins.

Tucked away in woodland, the ivy-clad Medieval church is famous for its legend of a witch being buried alive there - her wooden leg growing into a mighty oak and destroying the church in revenge. 

Built in the 15th century, only the tower and walls of the nave remain and the site is free to visit and explore.

3. East Ruston Old Vicarage

Where: East Ruston Old Vicarage, Vicarage Road, NR12 9HN

East Ruston Old Vicarage is an exotic garden on the north Norfolk coast (Image: Archant)

These 32-acre gardens are hidden just off the A149 near Stalham, with plant sales, an orchard, tearooms and exotic gardens and meadows. 

The current owners bought the gardens in 1972 and have since become home to many plants, flowers and wildlife.

There are 19 garden rooms and areas to explore - from a vegetable and cutting garden to a spring walk and wildlife pond.

The site is open Wednesday to Sunday, between midday and 5.30pm, until October 31 and adult entry is £13.

4. Lynford Arboretum

Where: Lynford, Thetford, IP26 5HW

Lynford Arboretum is near Thetford (Image: Archant)

Nestled inside Thetford Forest, this free-to-enter arboretum is the perfect place to go for a long walk and soak up nature surrounded by tall pine trees.

There are three waymarked trails of various lengths, including a walk where guests can pass through Zig Zag Covert where the remains of an earlier hall can be seen.

Visitors can also walk through the double-rowed avenue of sequoias that were planted in the 1800s to honour the Duke of Wellington.

5. North Elmham Chapel

Where: Church Lane, North Elmham, NR20 5JU

North Elmham Chapel allows for a free day out exploring Norman chapel ruins (Image: Archant)

An English Heritage property, these atmospheric ruins make for an interesting day out with information boards on offer to visitors who want to learn more about the history of the site. 

A small Norman chapel here stood on the site of an earlier timber church, probably the Saxon cathedral of East Anglia, and in the 14th century it was converted into a fortified manor house by Henry Despenser.

There is no designated car park, with limited parking in Church Lane, and dogs on leads are welcome.

6. Ladybelt Country Park

Where: Hetherestt Road, Norwich, NR14 8JB

There are views of Ketteringham Hall from Ladybelt Park (Image: Ketteringham Hall)

The land that is now Ladybelt Country Park was once part of the Ketteringham Hall Estate.

The park covers 21 hectares and is located on Hethersett Road between the A11 and East Carleton village.

Visitors can explore a Grade II listed icehouse,  two ponds and waymarked walks through the woodland and parkland.

Dogs are allowed but should be kept on leads in the long grass areas.

7. High Ash Farm

Where: High Ash Farm, High Ash Lane, Caistor St Edmund, NR14 8RD

The wildflower fields at High Ash Farm (Image: Archant)

High Ash Farm is situated just two miles south of Norwich in Caistor St Edmund.

There are more than five miles of tracks to explore, including a section of Boudicca’s Way, and the walks are next to Caistor Roman Town.

The area is a haven for wildlife with half the farm set aside for wildlife crops. ​