However, please note it’s really important NOT TO FEED DUCKS BREAD! Bread is really bad for them and any leftovers that go mouldy is dangerous for them, nearby dogs and ruins the ponds. Here’s a list of things they LOVE to eat that are probably already in your cupboard or freezer:
👍 Sweetcorn (tinned, fresh or frozen)
👍 Frozen peas (the ducks like them defrosted though)
👍 Oats (not so great on a windy day mind!)
👍 Bird seeds
👍 Lettuce or green veg in little pieces
Large waterfront park with lots of space, plus a visitor centre & cafe.
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Enjoy a walk around the Broad
⭐️ Visit the small play area and cafe (I’m always looking for cake!)
⭐️ Dogs are welcome at Whitlingham Country Park, we ask that all visitors respect the guidelines
What do Mumbler’s think? A great place for fresh air and for the kids to let off some steam, lots of ducks/geese/swans etc.
BUT, also be aware…We find Whittlingham a bit scary, huge geese and swans than have no respect for personal space and no fear, quite aggressive. Although we havent been for a year!
A natural Nature Reserve, includes a wildlife interest natural area, junior and toddler play area, children’s paddling pool and river walk. (You will also find Wensum Park on our Ten Parks and Playgrounds list)
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Visit the play area
⭐️ Take a picnic and enjoy the views
⭐️ Recent addition of a machine to buy duck food
⭐️ Park not dog friendly
What do Mumbler’s think? Good pathways down to the river and boardwalk means this is really buggy friendly.
Large waterfront area, boardwalk to the visitor centre and cafe/gift shop.
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Enjoy a walk along to the visitor centre
⭐️ Visit the pub or cafe
⭐️ Hop on board for a boat trip
⭐️ Enjoy the views at the top of Ranworth Church
⭐️ Not dog friendly
What do Mumbler’s think? Ranworth Broad is lovely for feeding the ducks and very few swans or geese.
Park up in the car park and take the woodland/boardwalk walk (mostly buggy friendly, although paths can get muddy after rain) down to the broad.
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Enjoy a walk alongside the Broad
⭐️ Visit the small play area and look out for the little ice-cream boat!
⭐️ Dog friendly
What do Mumbler’s think? Salhouse broad is perfect, nice little walk to get to the ducks too.
Lovely village with a bit of a river walk with place to feed ducks/swans.
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Take a boat trip
⭐️ Get some fish and chips from one of the local chippies – some are eat in or take out and eat by the river.
⭐️ Go shopping at Roys
⭐️ Visit Wroxham Barns, a short drive from the centre of Wroxham
What do Mumbler’s think? A great place to spend an afternoon, lots of ducks and swans to feed by the riverside.
Old Buckenham Country Park
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat, outdoor adventures, or family fun, our park offers a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement amidst the idyllic countryside setting.
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Visit the play area
⭐️ Take a picnic or visit the cafe
⭐️ See the farm animals
⭐️ Well-behaved family dogs welcome as long as they are kept on a lead.
What do Mumbler’s think? A lovely day out with pond, cafe, play area, flower picking & some farm animals. Regular family friendly events too.
Diss Mere
Described as a ‘wonderful oasis in the heart of Diss’, our six-acre mere and adjoining park are right in the heart of our historic market town.
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Visit the play area
⭐️ Picnic benches overlooking the mere
⭐️ Kiosk selling snacks, drinks and ice creams located in the Park Pavilion.
What do Mumbler’s think? A hidden gem in Diss, lots to explore and a lovely play area.
Cathedral / Cow Tower Walk Norwich
A lovely loop walk through the cathedral grounds and round the historic Cow Tower along the river.
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Stop by the delicious Bread Source for supplies
⭐️ Explore the Cathedral and check out any family friendly activities which may be on
⭐️ Dog Friendly
What do Mumbler’s think? Good pathways, the perfect length loop for little feet although more swans than ducks!
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
130 acres of cultivated, wild and natural plantings, a haven for wildlife enthusiasts. Nearly 4 miles of woodland pathways to explore and encourage the child within.
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Go on a nature scavenger hunt
⭐️ Take a picnic and enjoy the views
⭐️ Dogs on lead welcome, admission 25p includes a poop scoop.
What do Mumbler’s think? Not a free option but an absolutely stunning reserve and you can easily while a way the hours here.
Pensthorpe
Pensthorpe is the ultimate destination for discovery and an action-packed day out for the whole family. Here you can explore magical gardens, take a trail through our internationally recognised reserve, get up close with feathered friends, enjoy huge indoor play, and one of the regions biggest and best outdoor adventure areas!
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Visit the play area (inside and out)
⭐️ Den Building
⭐️ Visit the Cafe
⭐️ Nature Trails
⭐️ Not dog friendly
What do Mumbler’s think? Another not free option but too good not to include – ducks galore with the option to purchase food, epic trails, indoor & outdoor play areas and flamingos!
River Green, Thorpe
Often described as the ‘Jewel of Thorpe St Andrew’, River Green is an idyllic picnic and leisure area on the Norfolk Broads. River Green is also the location of the War Memorial and is the site of the Town VE Day and Remembrance services.
Make an afternoon of it:
⭐️ Take a picnic and enjoy the views
What do Mumbler’s think? It’s a lovely spot with the ducks, boats and river fronting pub.
Do you have a favourite place to feed ducks in or around Norwich that I should add on? Let me know here
