
Active Outdoors in Norfolk
Norfolk is abundant with beautiful open outdoor spaces. From local villages, to country trails, to beaches, there are plenty of places to remain active outdoors.
On this page, we'll bring you the benefits of getting outdoors, resources and places to remain active locally, and tips on how to remain safe.
What are the benefits of being active outdoors? ❯
Where can I go to be active outdoors? ❯
Accessible routes to enjoy ❯
Staying safe outdoors ❯
Useful apps and resources ❯
Find a local club or team ❯
Five reasons to get active outdoors

1, It's fantastic for your physical health
Being physically active is good for your health wherever you do it, but taking your activity outside brings additional benefits. Studies have suggested that walking or jogging outdoors can bring down your blood pressure and heart rate, as well as reducing the stress hormone cortisol. Fresh air helps promote good sleep, while sunshine gives you essential vitamin D. So building some outdoor activity into your routine can help you feel good and stay healthy during the Covid pandemic and beyond.

2, It supports your mental health and wellbeing
Numerous studies have found that spending time in nature has a positive effect on mental health and wellbeing. Stepping out into green spaces for your walk or run gives an extra lift to your mood and increases your feelings of self-esteem. And woods, fields, and parks are great places to practise mindfulness - taking some time out of your busy schedule to relax and use your senses to reflect on your natural surroundings.
Missing meeting up with friends at work, the gym, or coffee shop? You can still meet up with one other person outdoors and being active together is a great way to reconnect with people, build relationships and reduce feelings of isolation.

3, It's easy to stay local and maintain social distancing
Norfolk is blessed with thousands of square miles of open space, from its stunning coastline to the peaceful Broads, the big skies of the Fens, and the Breckland forests. Not to forget the many green spaces and riverside paths of the fine city of Norwich! Norfolk has about 2,400 miles of public footpaths to explore, with over 1,200 miles of walks, cycle paths and bridleways brought together in the Norfolk Trails network. So you're never far from a quiet spot where you can safely exercise while sticking to social distancing guidelines.

4, You can try a variety of different ways to remain active
There's no limit to the ways you can remain active outdoors. Whether you enjoy walking, running, cycling, hiking or playing outdoor sports, there's something for everyone. From tennis to boules, being active outdoors can provide a fantastic way to be social and have fun.

5, It's free, it's always open, and it's for everyone
You don't need to buy a ticket to get outside and be active, or any special equipment apart from comfy footwear and clothing suitable for the great British weather! Whether it's a stroll with the kids to the local playground, a sunny afternoon on the beach, or a jog around the block with a friend, it's all free for you to enjoy whenever you want to.
Norfolk has many easy access paths and boardwalks which are accessible for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, as well as families with pushchairs. See the accessible resources section below to find out more.