There’s always something happening in and around the Norfolk Broads. From outdoor theatre and family adventures to local food markets, wildlife experiences and family days out, there are plenty of reasons to step ashore and explore.
Many events take place close to our riverside accommodation, or nearby popular cruising routes, making them easy to include in your Barnes Brinkcraft holiday. Here are some of the highlights coming up over the next few months.
What’s on in October 2026
Halloween at BeWILDerwood
10th–11th, 17th–18th and 24th October–1st November 2026
Things get a little spooky in the woods at BeWILDerwood this October. Enjoy the usual treehouses, slides and woodland adventures alongside special Halloween fun, with the park open into the early evening.
It’s a great half-term day out for families and is just a short drive from Wroxham.
Find out more about Halloween at BeWILDerwood
Pumpkin Patch at Wroxham Barns
10th–11th, 17th–18th and 24th–31st October 2026
Pick the perfect pumpkin at Wroxham Barns this autumn. Thousands of home-grown pumpkins and gourds will be waiting in the Pumpkin Patch, with plenty of seasonal photo opportunities too.
The patch is free to enter, with pumpkins available to buy, so it’s easy to combine with a visit to the shops, café or Adventure Farm.
Magic & Mischief at Wroxham Barns
23rd October–1st November 2026
Join Wilma the Witch for an October half-term packed with Magic & Mischief. Expect potion making, spells, spooky challenges and Broomstick Bootcamp, alongside all the usual Adventure Farm favourites.
It’s a particularly handy day out if you’re staying with us in Wroxham during half term.
Find out more about Magic & Mischief
Stargazing and Soup at Salhouse Broad
24th October 2026
Wrap up warmly for an evening beneath the Norfolk sky. Astronomers from Norwich Astronomical Society will be on hand with telescopes, helping visitors identify stars and explore the night sky.
The evening includes soup, and both parking and boat mooring are included within the ticket price. Advance booking is essential, and the date may change if poor weather prevents viewing.
Kids Go Free at the Bure Valley Railway
24th October–1st November 2026
During the October half-term holiday, up to two children can travel free with one full-paying adult. Take a steam train ride between Wroxham and Aylsham and enjoy the autumn colours along the Bure Valley.
Plan your Bure Valley Railway visit
What’s on in November 2026
Winter Makers Market at Wroxham Barns
1st November 2026
Start your Christmas shopping with a visit to the Winter Makers Market. With stalls both inside and outdoors, there will be handmade gifts, independent businesses and plenty of seasonal atmosphere to enjoy.
Find out more about the market
Biofluorescence Walk at Salhouse Broad
2nd November 2026
Join an evening walk around Salhouse Broad and use specialist ultraviolet equipment to uncover glowing colours and natural details that cannot normally be seen. This unusual experience is suitable for visitors aged eight and over, although warm layers are strongly recommended.
Autumn Walk and Light Lunch at How Hill
7th November 2026
Explore the autumn colours of the How Hill gardens during a guided seasonal walk, followed by a light lunch in the welcoming surroundings of How Hill House. Places should be reserved directly with the How Hill Trust.
Thursford Christmas Spectacular
10th November–23rd December 2026
One of Norfolk’s biggest festive events returns for 2026. The Thursford Christmas Spectacular combines music, dancing, comedy, elaborate costumes and seasonal entertainment in a large-scale stage show.
Performances take place at 2pm and 7pm on selected dates. This popular event often books well in advance, so early reservation is strongly recommended.
Find out more about the Thursford Christmas Spectacular
Christmas Market & First Light Walk at Fairhaven
21st November 2026, 11am–8pm
Start the festive season at Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden with a Christmas Market filled with handmade gifts, decorations, local food and seasonal treats.
As the afternoon turns to evening, Fairhaven’s Christmas Lights Trail also begins, bringing the woodland to life with festive lights.
Find out more about Christmas at Fairhaven
Winter Food and Drink Market at Wroxham Barns
22nd November 2026, 10am–3pm
Discover local produce, independent traders and warming seasonal treats at Wroxham Barns’ winter market. It is a good place to find Norfolk food and drink gifts or pick up something delicious to enjoy during your break.
Christmas Wreath Making at How Hill
29th November 2026
Create your own festive wreath using foliage gathered from the How Hill estate. The workshop takes place inside the cosy surroundings of How Hill House and offers a lovely start to the Christmas season. Advance booking is required.
What’s on in December 2026
The Christmas Experience at Wroxham Barns
5th–6th, 12th–13th and 19th–22nd December 2026
Wroxham Barns transforms for Christmas with festive activities, entertainment, animal encounters and seasonal characters.
Children can enjoy a private visit to Santa and receive a special gift, with plenty more Christmas fun included throughout the day.
Find out more about The Christmas Experience
Make an event part of your Broads holiday
A Barnes Brinkcraft holiday gives you the freedom to enjoy the Broads at your own pace. Spend the morning cruising, moor up for lunch and then head out to a local event, family attraction or evening experience.
Some events can be reached directly or partly by boat, while others are a short drive or taxi ride from our Wroxham boatyard base. Our friendly team will be happy to help with local directions and general information during your stay.
Event dates, times and availability may change. Please check directly with the organiser and book ahead where required.