Only one mile from the market town of Fakenham on the A1067 to Norwich, Pensthorpe is a fantastic day out for the whole family. A multi award-winning attraction, the nature reserve and conservation centre has something to offer everyone - scenic lakes and gardens, nature walks and hides, a children’s play area, restaurant, gift shop and, above all, the opportunity to get up close to a host of wildlife. Pensthorpe is home to tens of species of mammals (including badgers, mice, stoats and red squirrels), birds and waterfowl, reptiles, amphibians, fish and dragonflies.
More than simply a visitor attraction, Pensthorpe is actively involved in species conservation and provides a home for regionally important bird species, including 8 out of the worlds’ 15 species of cranes, half of which are endangered or threatened. A variety of carefully managed habitats including water meadows, Breckland grass heath and scrub and waterbodies edged by reeds, trees, grasses and rushes encourages the existence of dwindling species such as the water vole to prosper.
The gardens at Pensthorpe were designed by Chelsea Gold Medal winners Piet Oudolf and Julie Toll and provide a year-round spectacle of interest and colour. Beyond the gardens, take a stroll through the beautiful bluebell wood in springtime or lose yourself in the blooming wildflower meadows in early summer.
To complete your day, the Courtyard Café (new in 2007) serves delicious home-cooked food, while the Gift Shop boasts a huge range of interesting and delightful gift and home items.
Reserve, Café and Gift Shop are open daily except Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Apr-Dec 10am-5pm, Jan-Mar 10am-4pm.
Ample free parking is available. Disabled parking is available.
For wheelchair users & pushchairs: the shop, café and viewing gallery are wheelchair accessible. There are wheelchair and pushchair accessible trails. Wheelchairs are available in the shop for onsite use.
Due to the concentration of wildlife in the reserve, dogs (except guide dogs) are not allowed into Pensthorpe.
Admission into the park is £7.50 for Adults, £4 for children (4-15 yrs). Seniors £6. Family ticket (2 Adults, 2 Children) £19.50. Please see Pensthorpe website for admission prices that include the Wensum Discovery Tour and Group Rates.
Upcoming Events At Pensthorpe.
26th July, 31st Aug. Bird Identification Workshops With Gary Elton. Adults £14/Children £9.
23rd, 24th, 25th August. Mediaeval Spectacular. 10am-5pm.
Knights on horseback, hog roast, mediaeval dancing, minstrels and more.
Spectacular included within normal admission price.
