Active Outdoors in Norfolk
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Five reasons to get active outdoors in Norfolk
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 known as 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.
2, It supports your mental health and wellbeing
Studies have shown 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. 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. The great news is that Norfolk is a beautifully rural county, and has plenty of local green space to enjoy.
3, It’s easy to stay local
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.
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.
Where can I get active outdoors in Norfolk?
There are hundreds of ways and places you can be active outdoors in Norfolk. You’re not just limited to a local walk or a run; the possibilities are endless!
We’ve listed some popular routes for walking, running, and cycling as well as some open spaces and wooded areas below, however why not make the trip your own by trying something a little different?
This could be an outdoor sport, such as a game of tennis, football or even catch. Alternatively, you could try a scavenger hunt; this idea is good if you have kids or if you just want a bit more excitement on your route.
If you can’t find what you’re looking for below, be sure to check out the Every Move activity finder. It’s not just for sports; there are additional routes and activity ideas which are suitable for all ages and abilities listed.
Walking and Cycling in Norfolk
There are plenty of places to go for a walk or a cycle in Norfolk. The following websites and resources will give you some ideas on where to get started.
There are plenty of places to go for a walk or a cycle in Norfolk. The following websites and resources will give you some ideas on where to get started.
- Norfolk Trails: Discover 1,425 miles of walks, running routes, and bridle routes along the Norfolk Trails. Want to get out and about on two wheels? Check out cycle routes along the Norfolk Trails, or explore 58 miles of pedalways across Norwich.
- Walking routes in Norfolk: Visit Norfolk lists walks throughout the county, include long distance walks and shorter walks.
- National Trust: The National Trust looks after some stunning coast and countryside in Norfolk.
- North Norfolk Cycle Routes: Cycle routes in North Norfolk: From Marriott’s Way to Nelson’s Norfolk Cycling Route, this website is packed full of cyclist-friendly routes for you to try out and enjoy.
- National Cycle Network: The National Cycle Network is a UK-wide network of signed paths and routes for walking, cycling, wheeling and exploring.
If you’re unsure on where to start, or you would feel more comfortable cycling with a friend, check out some local Norfolk cycling groups.
Disability-friendly walking routes
Our On The Move Outdoors walks are routes which have been tried and tested for accessibility by the DRAGONs (Disability Real Action Group of Norfolk) to assess their suitability for those with disabilities.
Our On The Move Outdoors walks are routes which have been tried and tested for accessibility by the DRAGONs (Disability Real Action Group of Norfolk) to assess their suitability for those with disabilities.
- On The Move Outdoors: Check out our downloadable map packs for disability-friendly walking routes in Norfolk.
- Dementia friendly walks: Dementia-friendly walks are walks that have been mapped out to check they’re suitable for someone living with dementia and their carers. There are also audio and sensory prompts you can make use of in the packs. Check out the Dementia friendly walks in Norfolk.
If you need further advice, or would like to request a walk near you, get in touch with our team.
Parks and Open spaces
Whether you’re with the kids or looking to meet up for a walk, run or picnic with a friend, there are plenty of open spaces dotted around the county.
Whether you’re with the kids or looking to meet up for a walk, run or picnic with a friend, there are plenty of open spaces dotted around the county.
- Parks in Norwich: For a full list of parks in Norwich, click here.
- Parks in surrounding Norfolk: For parks outside the city, click here
- Forestry site: Find a forest near you
- Woodland walks: Search your area
Use our Activity Finder
The Every Move activity finder is Norfolk’s biggest activity directory, and it’s completely free.
The Every Move activity finder is Norfolk’s biggest activity directory, and it’s completely free.
Activities are split into categories to make it easy to find what you’re looking for. Most importantly, there’s something for everyone, regardless of age, ability or level of fitness.
