Pensthorpe Nature Reserve is located in North Norfolk not far from Holt. It played host to BBC’s Springwatch between 2008 and 2011, showcasing Pensthorpe’s wonderful wildlife.

Parent’s View
If you were to ask my eldest child what their earliest memory is, there’s a reasonable chance that Pensthorpe Nature Reserve could well be it. His grandparents frequented Pensthorpe with him from an early age, pushing his buggy around the network of paths around that guide you around the reserve.

As he got older he would request to be taken to “Penstork” (not a typo, even now he occasionally refers to Pensthorpe as “Penstork”) and when his younger sibling came along grandparents enjoyed pushing him in a buggy while the older one ran ahead.

So, what is it about Pensthorpe that makes it more than your typical nature reserve? This was a question I often pondered as I never felt that seeing birds swimming around on a pond and swooping across meadows was something that I (never mind my kids!) would be interested in. However, a couple of years ago to keep the kids happy I gave in to their pleas and went along with the family to see Pensthorpe myself. And I have to admit I was pleasantly surprised.

As soon as your walk through from the shop out in to the reserve you a treated to a vista of lakes, gardens and greenery as far as the eye can, with familiar (and unfamiliar) shapes in the sky.

Decide which way to go and take a gentle stroll along the pathways that take you through the reserve. . On a sunny day I recommend ambling through the wildflower meadow – Keep your eyes open and see what you can see and hopefully you’ll see some wonderful sights.

As you can see from the picture above, there happened to be a medieval day at Pensthorpe when we visited. So, the kids made me dress up as a knight and were pleased to test ye olde sword on the helmet!

Field notes
It’s a good idea for little ones (and you!) have a wee before you go in as it’s a long way to come back. The main toilets are to the left of the entrance (i.e. before you’ve actually paid admission.)

It it has been raining don’t forget your wellies!

Forgot your binoculars? You can hire them at Pensthorpe