Great Days Out by Bus in Norfolk
Norfolk is full to the brim with places to visit and activities to enjoy. From the historic cultural hub that is Norwich, to the beauty of the Norfolk broads and beyond, there is so much for families, couples and all to enjoy this summer. The best thing is that it is so easy to plan great days out by bus!
Planning Norfolk day trips couldn’t be easier with KonectBus, with buses running to many of your favourite attractions meaning you can not only travel in a more environmentally friendly way, but you never have to worry about finding a pesky parking spot.
Download the KonectBus App and start planning your Great Day Out by Bus
With our Adult Day Tickets, Tango Tickets, (perfect for couple or 2 friends travelling together), Family Group Fares, Park and Ride, 25% off Season Tickets and the extension of the £2 bus scheme there is no better time to take advantage of the bus service, and to plan a great day out by bus!
Day Trips by Bus for all the family
Whether you are visiting with the family in Norfolk or looking for some activities to do with the kids, the KonectBus network gives you access to some incredible days out by bus. With buses going across the Norfolk broads, into Norwich and up to North Norfolk you can plan the perfect day trip for you and the kids (or grandkids) and leave the car at home.
We've highlighted some of the best Norfolk day trips for all the family below, all accessible by the the KonectBus network.
Visit the City of Norwich by Bus
Norwich is the hub of Norfolk, with shopping being a big part of the appeal. With two shopping centres, local boutiques, The Lanes, and Norwich Market, there are great options when it comes to clothing, gifts, homeware, and for finding a delicious bite to eat!
There's the historic castle, a 900 year old medieval structure which is now home to a museum and art gallery. A must-see for art and history lovers, the castle has something to captivate visitors of all ages.
In the historic district of tombland you'll find Norwich Cathedral, Englands most complete Norman cathedral. You'll be able to walk around taking in the architectural delights including magnificent cloisters, beautiful stained glass and the second tallest spire in the country. Visitors can book a guided tour, or stroll around the grounds independently. Well behaved dogs are welcome to join you whilst you explore.
There is everything you could need from theatres to escape rooms, there are plenty of activities for kids, groups of friends, and individuals to keep busy for hours. Castle Quarter offers bowling, VR gaming, a retro arcade and cinema, so taking the kids for a day out is simple!
As well as the main attractions, there are beautiful buildings, amazing gardens and scenic walks to explore in Norwich. There is so much to see for free in the city centre, making it one of the best days out by bus in Norfolk.
See our Guide on Things to Do in Norwich
Visit Dereham by Bus
Dereham is a beautiful Norfolk market town that’s absolutely worth the visit.
Situated just outside Dereham is Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse which makes for a great day out for the family. With the museum offering social history, outdoor play areas and the farm housing a range of farmyard animals including Suffolk Punch horses, hours of fun can be had here making it the perfect day trip by bus.
Another fun-filled activity in Dereham, Puzzlescape escape room has some fun themed escape rooms of varying difficulty, with different puzzle styles to suit participants. Grab a friend or two and put your heads together to crack the codes and get out before the timer hits zero.
Local history buffs planning a Norfolk day trip, should make the most of Bishop Bonner’s Cottage Museum, which has withstood centuries of fires and even a Zeppelin raid. This thatched cottage has since become the town’s museum, with its namesake referencing the chaplain to Cardinal Wolsey in 1529. For local artefacts and stories dating back hundreds of years, step foot in the beautifully preserved historic building.
A short stroll from the town centre, you will find Dereham Windmill, a 19th Century windmill which is open to the public during the summer, and home to the Partea Hut, where the team are waiting to serve you a cup of tea or a cake.
The Mid Norfolk Railway is well worth a visit. Situated opposite Morrisons, this heritage railway will take you on a journey by train through the beautiful Norfolk Countryside onto Wymondham and back again. It hosts many events throughout the year, including the Polar Express and Jazz trains so check their website for the latest information. Take advantage of KonectBus rewards, and enjoy a free hot drink or cookie when you book a train ride (terms apply).
Strikes Bowling and Planet Zoom are perfect for a fun family afternoon. Let the little ones run of some steam in the soft play area whilst the older kids, try their skills as some Ten - Pin Bowling fun. Take advantage of KonectBus rewards, and get a starslush alongside purchase of bowling games or crazy club soft play entry (terms apply).
Visit Hoveton by Bus
Hoveton is a village best characterised by its gorgeous sprawling waters as it is situated within the Norfolk Broads, which every Norfolk day trip plan should include a visit to.
If you’ve not yet been to BeWILDerwood, what are you waiting for? This ‘treehouse adventure’ is a must for kids, with plenty of activities to get your little ones enjoying the outdoors.
BeWILDerwood isn’t the only place in Hoveton to get outdoorsy, as Hoveton Hall estate gardens are like something out of a fairytale. These luscious green botanical gardens make for a beautiful walk, with the lake, Glass House, and Spider Garden being the highlights.
Plan your journey to Dereham & Hoveton
Visit Wroxham Broads by Bus
Known for its gorgeous river-side location and links to the Norfolk Broads, Wroxham is absolutely worth visiting. This beautiful village is busier than you might expect, even claiming to be home to the world’s largest village store. Roys of Wroxham is one of many Roys-named businesses that you’ll notice in the village, as the long-running stores originated in the county.
Day trips by bus don't need to be just on a bus, as the iconic Norfolk Broads are best experienced on a tour boat, with the wind in your hair and the sun on your face. With one of the many boat operators such as Brinkcraft Barnes and Broad Tours, you can be shown around with a guided tour, or take the lead and hire a boat for the day!
Wroxham is also home to the Miniature Worlds display, which exhibits some wonderfully intricate model railways. Marvel at the tiny train replicas, explore the dolls house collection, and delve into the world of vintage toys and arcade games at this quaint attraction.
Bure Valley Railway takes you on ride from Wroxham to Aylsham through the Bure Valley Countryside and alongside the Waterways of the Norfolk Broads.
See our Guide of Things to do in Norfolk.
There’s always something to do in Norfolk, and you can get to where you need to go with our friendly, regular bus services.
Inspired to take a trip? Our friendly, affordable bus services will get you where you want to go! You can get planning and buy tickets through our handy app too!
Useful links
Breathtaking British Bus Rides
Konectbus 5B – Norwich-Wroxham-Stalham and new 717 Norwich-Hemsby
The 5B from Norwich is the perfect escape from the city for a trip out on the Norfolk Broads. The route takes you along the Broads themselves and through the quaint villages of Wroxham (Capital of the Broads), Horning and Ludham, which lie on the river Bure. Along the route, you can access BeWilderwood family adventure park; take a boat trip from Wroxham to discover the hidden gems on the water; visit Wroxham Miniature Worlds – the largest indoor model railway attraction in the UK; or have a look around The Museum of the Broads at the end of the route in Stalham. And remember – no day out on the Broads is complete without an ice cream or fish and chips and you will be totally spoilt for choice! Whatever your age or who you’re travelling with, there is something for everyone along the 5B route!
The new 717, which runs from Norwich to Hemsby on Saturdays (and Wednesdays during the school summer holidays), also traces much of the 5B route through Wroxham, Horning and Ludham before reaching Potter Heigham, a popular village in the heart of the broads with a medieval bridge and Lathams, the famous store that’s brilliant for bargain-hunting! And what better way to travel for a day at the seaside than through the Broads National Park? On arrival at Hemsby, there’s loads of fun for the whole family, including miles of sandy beaches, grassy dunes, attractions, amusements and cafés. The 717 is truly perfect for sightseeing, showcasing the gems of Norfolk’s varied landscapes all on one route!
Updated: 08/08/2024