The Norfolk coast is a favourite destination for many families and our guide to accessible attractions will ensure great days out go smoothly for everyone. Autumn and winter days are still fantastic for enjoying a stay at Searles and don’t worry if the weather is less than stellar, there are plenty of accessible attractions to explore.

Accessible nature days out near Searles

Closest to Searles is SEA LIFE Hunstanton on the promenade. The state-of-the-art marine aquarium is also a seal rescue centre and, as it’s pupping season, you may get to see some of the young rescues it helps each year, along with the resident penguins who are highly amusing! The centre is mostly wheelchair and mobility scooter friendly – the underwater seal viewing window is not fully accessible, although the pups can be viewed from the ground level. Registered disabled guests are entitled to admission of one free carer, upon presentation of a blue badge, DLA letter or medical note, although tickets must be pre-booked online in advance here. While weekends and school holidays are often busier, weekday afternoons can be a quieter time for guest with sensory processing challenges.

It’s peak season for Norfolk’s migratory birds and a fantastic spot to spy nature’s spectacular display is RSPB Titchwell. The nature reserve is largely accessible with wide paths and fantastic, fully accessible hides to catch the action, best enjoyed with a warming cuppa. The car park, café, toilets and shop are fully accessible and there is free manual wheelchair hire on site too.

Further along the coast, just past Holkham, NWT Cley Marshes is also a magical destination for nature lovers, incorporating coastal wetlands, reed beds, salt marshes and heathland with brilliant opportunities for birdwatching. With disabled parking, designated paths for wheelchair users and those with limited mobility, the fully accessible visitor centre overlooks the marshes where you can spy the migratory birds.

Norfolk’s accessible stately homes

For a grand day out, you’ve come to the right place! Norfolk’s stately homes are world-famous and closest to Searles is the Sandringham Royal Estate. With accessible parking in the North Car Park, the restaurant and café are fully accessible for wheelchair users, there are accessible toilets within the restaurant and a Changing Places toilet in the Courtyard. The ground-floor rooms at Sandringham House, which are open to the public from 5 April to 10 October, are fully accessible with small mobility scooters, electric wheelchairs and pushchairs all welcome – just be aware that the driveway entrance is gravelled.

A jewel in Norfolk’s crown, Holkham is a a gem of a place to explore with accessible parking, toilets and step-free access via ramps or slopes to the Hall, Holkham Stories Exhibition, Walled Garden and Courtyard Café and Shop. Staff can provide access from the Marble Hall to the first floor State Rooms using a stair climbing machine and, while a visit to Holkham Hall is fascinating at any time, a Candlelight Christmas Tour in November and December is particularly magical.

Visit Norfolk’s museums

Rainy days and museums are made for each other and there is no shortage of fascinating and fun exhibitions to explore in Norfolk. First up, Lynn Museum is a must-visit with Seahenge, the Early Bronze Age timber circle discovered at Holme Beach, along with artefacts and documents from the area’s rich history on display. Bringing things bang up-to-date, the museum is hosting a Star Wars themed ‘May the Toys Be With You’ exhibit until 30 May 2026. Although there is no disabled parking, there is a drop-off point, accessible toilets and a concession entry with free access for one carer.

Or head east along the coast to the privately-owned Muckleburgh Military Collection at Weybourne which offers an insightful journey through Britain’s wartime heritage with an array of tanks, artillery, vehicles and uniforms. Open until 2 November 2025 and reopened in the new year (check the website for details), the museum has disabled access and toilets with wheelchairs available for use on-site.

And just a stone’s throw further along the coast, the Sheringham Museum – known as The Mo – is an immersive experience into the town’s rich maritime history. Fully accessible, the museum is open until 1 November and offers the most fantastic sea views which can be wonderfully dramatic to watch on a wet, blustery day.

That’s entertainment! Accessible theatres to catch a show

In addition to Searles’ own entertainment, Hunstanton’s Princess Theatre has a fantastic, varied programme including an annual pantomime which this year is Aladdin. The theatre has a drop-off point, Blue Badge parking, ramp access, accessible toilets and pre-booked wheelchair theatre spaces. Guide dogs are welcome and the theatre operates a looped hearing system.

Further afield, between Fakenham and Holt, Thursford’s Christmas Spectacular, which takes place from 8 November – 23 December, is an unmissable event. With over 120 performers, the show is said to rival New York’s Radio City Music Hall Rockettes show, right here in the heart of Norfolk! With free parking, the gravel car park has disabled parking and the auditorium and facilities are a short distance away on one level with bookable wheelchair seating and step access to some of the Christmas Spectacular seating – call 01328 878477 or email booking@thursford.com if you have any queries.

With so much to see and do, now is a fantastic time to book a stay at Searles and discover some of Norfolk’s hidden gems!