Pensthorpe Rd, Fakenham
NR21 0LN
Open Today: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Welcome to Pensthorpe
Pensthorpe is the ultimate destination for discovery and an action-packed day out for the whole family. Explore enchanting gardens, wander wildlife-rich trails through our internationally recognised nature reserve, get up close with feathered friends, and let imaginations run wild in one of the region’s biggest and best outdoor adventure areas – plus epic indoor play for all weathers!
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See what people are saying about Pensthorpe!
Latest News
Family
Summer Memberships Now Available
Pensthorpe Brings Back Popular Summer Membership at Even Lower Price to Support Families Pensthorpe Nature Reserve has announced the return of its popular Summer Membership, now offering even greater value for visitors with a reduced price of just £25 – down from £30 last year. The limited-availability membership provides unlimited access from 18th July to… Read more »
Patrick Johnson
April 19, 2026
Family
Brand-New Play Adventure Opens This Easter
Easter at Pensthorpe is set to be bigger than ever this year. We’re thrilled to announce that our £300,000 outdoor play expansion, The Living Towers, will officially open in time for Easter half term — marking our first brand-new outdoor play development in almost 12 years. And that’s not all… this Easter will also see… Read more »
Patrick Johnson
February 25, 2026
🎃🌙 THE PUMPKIN FESTIVAL: AFTER DARK! 🔥✨
This October, the Pumpkin Festival isn’t ending when the sun goes down…
For two special nights, we’re lighting up Pensthorpe for the `Pumpkin Festival After Dark` – with one night for the whole family and one night just for the grown-ups!
🎃 Thursday 29th October | FAMILY NIGHT
🌙 Friday 30th October | ADULTS ONLY
⏰ 5:45pm – 9:30pm
See the Pumpkin Festival in a completely different light…
🎃 Explore our floodlit Pumpkin Patch and choose your pumpkin
🔪 Get creative in our Pumpkin Carving Tent
🌽 Brave the floodlit Curse of the Cornfield maize maze
🔥 Watch incredible fire entertainers, performing twice across the evening
🛝 Take on our floodlit outdoor play
🔥 Toast marshmallows around the fire pits
🍴 Grab something to eat from our street food truck, Café or Snack Shack
📸 Discover plenty of autumnal photo opportunities
Plus, on Family Night, Hootz House indoor play will be open with bookable play slots available throughout the evening. 🦉
🎟️ £9.95 adults & children aged 3+
🎟️ £4 under 3s
🎟️ £6 Pensthorpe members (just sign in and discount will be applied online)
Two nights. Two different ways to experience the Pumpkin Festival After Dark.
Book Now ➡ https://tickets.pensthorpe.com/book/pumpkin-festival/755
#Pensthorpe #PensthorpePumpkinFestival #PumpkinFestival #PumpkinFestivalAfterDark #OctoberHalfTerm #NorfolkHalloween #HalloweenInNorfolk #NorfolkDaysOut #NorfolkEvents #VisitNorfolk #PumpkinPatch #PumpkinPicking #AutumnInNorfolk #FamilyDaysOut #Halloween2026
Good morning from our wader aviary! 🐦
Just look at the detail in this beautiful photo of a male bearded tit – from his striking black markings to those delicate feathers. What a lovely way to start the day. 🌤
📷 Thank you Tony Keeble for sending it in!
🔦 Our first biofluorescence walk on 8 October is almost sold out!
Still hoping to join us? There are spaces available on our second walk, straight afterwards, from 9pm–10:30pm. ✨
With UV torches provided, we’ll head out on a guided walk through Pensthorpe after dark to discover nature’s hidden colours. Explore the fascinating world of fluorescent fungi and see how leaves, lichens and even spiders can reveal surprising shades under UV light. 🍄
It’s a chance to slow down, look closely and experience a side of the natural world that usually goes unseen.
Suitable for ages 8+, with children accompanied by an adult. Wrap up warm and wear sturdy shoes – UV torches and safety glasses are provided.
🎟️ Book your place on the second walk!
Earlier this week, we shared the sad news that Tori, our much-loved Red-crowned Crane, had passed away. After 19 years at Pensthorpe, she leaves us with so many memories. We wanted to share a few words from some of the team who cared for her and knew her best. 🤍
“Tori was an extremely confident bird – so so sassy and bold, and always the loudest crane. She made me laugh every single day."
“There’s a real relationship between us and the cranes we care for, so losing her is very sad. Tori and Taro had such a strong bond, and she was very protective of him. Seeing him cope well with the change has been a comfort to us all.”
Tori leaves a lasting legacy, too. She and Taro were such successful parents that many of the UK’s captive Red-crowned Cranes are descended from them. Closer to home, she was a familiar face at the crane hide, where her bold personality helped so many visitors, especially children, discover a love for these remarkable birds.
As we expand and improve the crane habitat next year as part of our wetland ambassador project, we will certainly include a sign or plaque in her memory. She was a big part of life here, and we want to make sure she’s remembered for many years to come. 🤍
🚜 BIG machines. BIG family fun. BIG weekend!
Big Machinery Weekend is coming to Pensthorpe! Get up close to military vehicles, tractors old and new, vintage vehicles, remote-controlled mowers, lorries, loaders and much more.
Meet the experts and enjoy a full day of machinery, nature, wildlife and play. Plus, it’s your final chance to crack the case in our Great Cornspiracy Maize Maze! 🌽🔎
It’s all included in one ticket!
📅 26–27 September 2026
🎟️ Book your tickets now!
#BigMachineryWeekend #Pensthorpe #NorfolkDaysOut #FamilyDaysOut #WhatsOnNorfolk #TractorFans #FamilyFun
A little morning magic ✨
A beautiful great white egret takes flight, circling gracefully above our lakes before continuing its journey.
What a wonderful way to start the day. 🤍
#GreatWhiteEgret #NorfolkWildlife #NorfolkBirds #NorfolkNature #Birdwatching #UKWildlife #BritishBirds #NatureLovers #WildlifePhotography #VisitNorfolk