Things to Do in Norfolk in May

May Weather in Norfolk

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Is May Right for You?

Advantages

Bluebell season peaks in mid-May - ancient woodlands like Blickling Estate show carpets of native bluebells before they fade by June
Lambing season continues through early May - farms across Norfolk welcome visitors to see newborns, particularly around Holkham and Wells-next-the-Sea
Grey seal pupping viewing at Blakeney Point is excellent - pups born in winter are now active juveniles, easier to spot than summer adults
Moderate temperatures 12-21°C (54-70°F) are ideal for cycling the Norfolk Broads - warm enough for comfort, cool enough to avoid overheating on 32km (20-mile) routes

Considerations

Unpredictable weather requires layering - mornings can be 12°C (54°F) while afternoons reach 21°C (70°F), with sudden showers possible
Tourist attractions begin extended hours but coastal accommodations start peak season pricing - expect 20-30% higher rates than April
School holidays in late May (half-term) create crowds at family attractions like Holkham Beach and Cromer Pier from May 26-30

Best Activities in May

Norfolk Broads Boating and Wildlife Watching

May offers perfect conditions for exploring Britain's largest protected wetland. Water levels are optimal after spring rains, wildlife is highly active with breeding birds, and temperatures 12-21°C (54-70°F) make day-long boat trips comfortable. Avoid the summer rush of July-August when waterways become congested.

Booking Tip: Book boat rentals 14-21 days ahead for May, especially for weekends. Day boats typically cost £80-120, weekly rentals £400-800. Look for operators offering basic navigation training - many first-timers underestimate Broads navigation complexity. See current boat rental options in booking section below.

Coastal Path Walking from Cromer to Sheringham

The 11km (6.8-mile) clifftop path offers spectacular views when May's clear weather breaks between showers. Puffins are visible at RSPB Bempton Cliffs until late May before departing for sea. Cool temperatures prevent overheating on exposed clifftop sections with no shade.

Booking Tip: Self-guided walks require no booking, but guided wildlife walks cost £15-25 per person. Book RSPB guided tours 7-10 days ahead - they know exact puffin viewing spots that change annually. Coastal bus services run hourly in May for one-way walks.

Historic House and Garden Tours

May is optimal for Norfolk's grand estates - gardens peak with spring flowers while avoiding summer heat. Holkham Hall's walled garden shows heritage vegetables, while Blickling Estate offers bluebell walks through ancient woodland. Indoor mansion tours provide shelter during May's variable weather.

Booking Tip: National Trust properties require advance booking for specific time slots, especially weekends. Annual membership costs £72 and pays for itself after 4 visits. Book timed entries 10-14 days ahead in May. House tours typically last 90 minutes, garden visits 2-3 hours.

Seal Watching Boat Trips from Blakeney

May offers the year's best seal viewing - winter-born pups are active and curious while adults haven't yet dispersed for summer feeding. Calmer spring seas mean comfortable 2-hour trips, and extended daylight allows afternoon departures at 2pm and 4pm slots.

Booking Tip: Trips cost £12-18 per adult and run tide-dependent schedules. Book 5-7 days ahead checking tide tables - low tide trips get closer to haul-out sites. Weather can cancel trips with 2-hour notice. Multiple operators run from Blakeney Quay with similar routes and pricing.

Traditional Market Town Food Tours

May marks asparagus season across Norfolk - local varieties appear in farm shops and restaurants through month-end. Norwich Market, operating 900+ years, offers peak selection of seasonal produce. Cool weather makes walking food tours comfortable for 3-4 hour explorations.

Booking Tip: Guided food tours cost £45-65 including tastings, book 7-14 days ahead. Self-guided market visits work any day except Sunday when many stalls close. Saturday markets in Wymondham and Dereham offer authentic local atmosphere without Norwich crowds.

RSPB Nature Reserve Birdwatching

May migration brings warblers, flycatchers, and terns to Norfolk's reserves. Titchwell Marsh offers guaranteed sightings from heated hides during May showers. Dawn chorus walks at Strumpshaw Fen showcase Britain's loudest bitterns - heard up to 5km (3.1 miles) away in still morning air.

Booking Tip: Reserve entry costs £6-8 for non-members, annual RSPB membership £36. Guided dawn walks cost £12-15, book 14 days ahead as groups limited to 12. Bring layers - early morning temperatures can be 8°C (46°F) even when afternoon reaches 21°C (70°F).

May Events & Festivals

Late May

Norfolk County Show

Two-day agricultural show featuring local livestock, rural crafts, and traditional Norfolk food. Heavy horses, sheep shearing demonstrations, and local brewery tastings showcase authentic Norfolk farming culture away from tourist attractions.

Mid May

Wells-next-the-Sea Carnival

Traditional seaside carnival with decorated floats, local morris dancers, and crab catching competitions on the beach. Concludes with fireworks over Wells harbour - one of few times the working port hosts evening entertainment.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Waterproof hiking boots - May's 45mm (1.8 inches) rainfall creates muddy coastal paths and woodland trails, especially after the 10 expected rainy days

Lightweight rain jacket with hood - Norfolk's exposed landscape offers little shelter when sudden showers arrive, typically lasting 20-30 minutes

Layering system: base layer, fleece, waterproof outer - morning temperatures of 12°C (54°F) can rise to 21°C (70°F) by afternoon

SPF 30+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 combined with sea reflection increases burn risk during clear spells between clouds

Binoculars 8x32 minimum - wildlife viewing distances on Broads and nature reserves require magnification for species identification

Cash in small denominations - many farm shops, boat operators, and market stalls don't accept cards for purchases under £10

Insect repellent - May's warm, humid conditions near water activate midges and ticks in woodland areas

Comfortable walking shoes with ankle support - uneven coastal paths and nature reserve boardwalks require stable footwear beyond trainers

Small backpack with waterproof liner - day trips require layers, snacks, and protection for electronics during sudden weather changes

Warm hat and gloves for early morning activities - dawn birdwatching and sunrise photography can feel like 8°C (46°F) with coastal wind

Insider Knowledge

Book accommodations by early April - May half-term and improving weather trigger summer pricing without summer availability, especially coastal B&Bs

Visit popular beaches like Holkham before 10am or after 4pm - day visitors arrive mid-morning and leave before evening, giving locals peaceful access to the 6km (3.7-mile) sandy stretch

Carry OS Explorer maps offline on your phone - mobile coverage disappears in Norfolk Broads' remote areas, and GPS doesn't show footpath conditions or tide-dependent routes

Time Broads boat trips with high tide schedules - low tide restricts access to smaller waterways and wildlife viewing areas, cutting possible routes by 30-40%