Whatever sort of dad you have – there are plenty of ways you can treat him to something special this Father’s Day
Whether he likes peace and quiet or the fast life, fine dining or a wee tipple, daring and adventure or the wonders of the natural world, here are 15 great ideas to make your dad feel extra special on Father's Day, Sunday, June 16.
Daredevil Dad
- Hit the waves or master the calm with a surfing or stand up paddle boarding lesson at the Glide Surf School in Cromer or East Runton. Book for the day itself or buy a voucher to enjoy later. Either join in, or watch (and admire or laugh) from the beach.
- We might be short on mountains in Norfolk, but that doesn't mean no mountain biking. At Thetford Forest there are several different trails of varying difficulties to explore, as well as a fun pump track. If biking isn't your thing, take dad on the high wire Go Ape trail in the tree tops.
- Hit the slopes near Norwich at the Norfolk Snowsports Club in Trowse. Take a skiing or snowboarding lesson or, for fun for the whole family, hurtle down the slope in a rubber ring with a tubing session. Booking essential.
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Nature-loving dad
- A boat trip to see the seals off Blakeney Point is always magical. Watch as they play in the water or bask on the sand and learn about local wildlife from the knowledgeable skippers. Times depend on tides, so check timetables first.
sealtrips.co.uk / beansboattrips.co.uk / bishopsboats.co.uk
- Explore Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Cley Marshes, see extraordinary birdlife, learn about its complex ecosystem and enjoy its wild natural beauty. You could even treat dad to an annual membership so he can return again and again and help to protect wildlife.
- Canoe the hidden inlets and tranquil channels of the Norfolk Broads to get close to nature. Paddle silently past swooping birds, darting insects and, if you are lucky, spot an elusive otter. Hire a canoe yourself or book on to a guided canoe trail.
canoethebroads.co.uk / thecanoeman.com
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Foodie dad
- Take a tour of St George's Distillery at Roudham, watch how The English Whisky Company makes its award winning tipple and enjoy a sample of the good stuff. Feeling generous? Buy him a bottle to take home.
- If your dad loves gin, treat him to a bottle of one of Norfolk's many locally-made brews, from Bullards, St Giles, Whatahoot, Black Shuck and Archangel to Vryheid, Boadicea, Twelve Keys and Norfolk Gin, there are plenty to choose from. Don't forget the tonic - then he can enjoy Father's Day relaxing in the sunshine with his G&T.
- Enrol your dad on a cookery class in Norwich. Learn all manner of culinary skills with Richard Hughes at the Assembly House, master Macarons and delicious desserts at Macarons & More with Tim Kinnaird or create authentic vegetarian and vegan Indian dishes at the Namaste Cookery School.
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Culture vulture dad
- Spend Father's Day at the magnificent Houghton Hall and see famous works from one of Britain's most important artists. The Henry Moore exhibition features his iconic monumental sculptures on display in the grounds and smaller works exhibited in the hall's historic state rooms.
- A gift voucher from Norwich Theatre Royal not only gives you access to tickets for its shows, it also covers events and shows at Norwich Playhouse, The Garage, Norwich Cathedral, the Holt Festival and the Hostry Festival.
- Immerse yourself in the history, heritage and culture of the Norfolk Broads at the Museum of the Broads in Stalham. See boating and tourism memorabilia, traditional vessels and art exhibits; learn about agriculture and industry, enjoy a traditional boat trip and see this year's special exhibition: The Lost Railway of the Broads.
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Fun for free (ish) dad
- Choose one of our splendid beaches to spend Father's Day. Go crabbing off Cromer pier and visit the RNLI Henry Blogg Lifeboat Museum to learn about daredevil rescues in high seas (free entry, but please make a donation); go rock pooling at West Runton, paddle or swim at Sea Palling; take a picnic and play cricket at Brancaster. The options are endless.
- Holt Country Park is a real hidden gem; explore waymarked trails through magical woodland, play hide and seek among the trees, visit the pond and viewing tower and spot wildlife.
- The Marriott's Way runs 26 miles from Norwich to Aylsham and is the perfect place for a family bike ride for all ages and abilities. Stop for refreshments and to learn about the route's railway heritage at Whitwell station, cycle into Norwich for lunch, or just pedal at your own pace and enjoy the wildlife and peaceful landscape.
