One of Norwich's Best Kept Secrets

This woodland and water park just south east of Norwich at Trowse is a wonderful place to explore, picnic or bird watch.
Built on the site of a quarry whose gravel was used for a number of major local construction projects, Whitlingham offers a full range of activities, both water and land based - all of which can be undertaken in a safe and fun learning environment.
Both able-bodied and disabled visitors alike often simply enjoy watching the water sports and other outdoor activities,
​whilst enjoying some fresh air whilst visiting.
The education centre also operates courses in a number of non-water based outdoor activities, such as off-road biking, climbing and archery. Other things to do around the country park include moth and bat evenings, pond dipping, quarry safaris and a canoe trail.

The Flint Barn Visitor Information Centre
​and Cafe

Norfolk is one of the driest parts of the UK meaning we have many fine days here at Whitlingham, however there is plenty of shelter on hand for visitors should you need it. 
An historic flint barn, has been converted into a Visitor Information Centre, housing an attractive cafe serving good value light snacks and refreshments.
On warm sunny days a large hard surface patio area benefits from great views - what better place to relax with cup of tea or ice-cream!
Full disabled WC's with good access are also housed in the barn, along with a Broads Authority run gift shop.

Complete your visit with
​a ride on the Ra solar powered boat

The Ra was an addition to Whitlingham Park in the year 2000, originally commissioned by the Broads Authority.
The on-board guides offer a great insight into the history of the area and the network of broads further afield. 
Trips take 50 minutes and cost just £5.
​Whatever your age, a trip on the Ra solar powered boat is a must!

A large variety of wildlife in perfect habitat for you
​to enjoy

An abundance of birdlife, from ducks, swans, geese, wrens and many other creatures means this a photographer's dream destination. Bring your binoculars too... for opportunities to see wildlife which is of the more shy variety.

​The original village grew up around the local water mill, now Trowse Millgate, and is one of a small family of model villages built from the late 18th century onwards by industrialists to house their workers. The Colman family created the village for workers at its mustard factory, and the family still owns much of the surrounding land.

Accessible Cloakrooms

Broads Authority Shop

Camping and Glamping
Along with excellent toilet facilities and baby changing room at the Visitor Centre in the Flint Barn, there are a number of wall panels on display illustrating local history and wildlife information to help you make the best of your visit.
An Information Help Desk and Small Gift Shop share the entrance to the Flint Barn.
Here you can browse and purchase local interest books, maps, postcards and a range of gifts and souvenirs. Annual car parking permits can also be purchased here.
Opening details:
The Flint Barn is open all year;
1st April–31st October, 10am–4pm;
(or from Easter if that is earlier)
​1st November–31st March, 11am–4pm;
(or Easter if that is earlier),
(Closed Christmas and New Year).
​Opening hours are extended to 5pm in July/August/Sept for the duration of the local school summer holiday.
The camping/glamping site is adjacent to the Park, making it ideal for families or anyone seeking to stay longer.
Choose from pre-erected accommodation in the form of boutique Shepherds huts, Bell tents or a yurt - or bring along your own tent. Dogs are welcome.
Camp Season:
April-October, Mon-Sun 10am–4pm
​(5pm in local school summer holidays)
Nov-March, Mon-Sun 11am-4pm
(except Christmas and New Year)
April-October, Mon-Sun 10am–4pm
​(5pm in local school summer holidays)
Nov-March, Mon-Sun 11am-4pm
(except Christmas and New Year)

Mik Scarlet Norfolk Broads Video


Paraplegic TV Presenter Mik Scarlet visited the Norfolk Broads earlier in the year to make a short video about wheelchair access on the broads. Whitlingham Park featured in the video where Mik went for a boat trip on the lake in the wheelchair accessible raft called the Ra. Also he met the Activetrails team and had a try in the Mountain Trike. You can have a look at the video here.