Take in North Norfolk’s Striking Beauty
North Norfolk is the perfect place to see nature at its best. Natural Surroundings is based in Glaven Valley, just a stone’s throw away from Blakeney. It’s a wildlife, gardening and wildflower discovery garden centre in Norfolk, making it ideal for a family day out.
Simon Harrap is the Director of Natural Surroundings and a bestselling bird and plant guide author.
“Natural Surroundings was established in 1988 by my wife, Anne. It started life in an office in Holt. It soon moved to the Bayfield Estate, where there was room to establish the nursery and gardens.”
Seasonal Gardening Inspiration
One of the joys of visiting Natural Surroundings is seeing how the gardens evolve throughout the year. Every season offers fresh ideas for planting, colour combinations and wildlife-friendly gardening, making each visit both inspiring and unique.
Spring planting ideas
Spring brings an explosion of colour as bulbs, flowering shrubs and early perennials come into bloom. It’s an excellent time to gather inspiration for creating vibrant borders and adding seasonal interest to your own garden.
Summer colour and pollinator-friendly gardens
During summer, the gardens are filled with flowering plants that attract bees, butterflies and other beneficial insects. Carefully designed planting schemes demonstrate how colourful displays can also support local wildlife.
Autumn interest and native planting
As temperatures begin to cool, rich autumn colours take centre stage. Ornamental grasses, late-flowering perennials and native plants provide texture, structure and seasonal interest while continuing to support wildlife.
Winter structure and year-round appeal
Even in winter, the gardens remain full of character. Evergreen planting, ornamental seed heads and carefully planned layouts demonstrate how gardens can provide beauty and visual interest throughout every season.
Things to See
With its beautiful sights, anyone would enjoy a visit to Natural Surroundings. There are plenty of plants to see, making it a hotspot for nature lovers.
“The gardens include a Bee Garden, Butterfly Garden, Reptile Refuge and Creepy Crawly Garden. There are also wet and dry meadows, a wildlife pond and plots of cornfield weeds.”
Wildlife Features
Natural Surroundings is more than a beautiful garden centre in Norfolk. It’s also designed to encourage biodiversity and provide valuable habitats for local wildlife. Visitors can discover how thoughtful planting and habitat creation help support a wide range of species.
Bee and butterfly gardens
Dedicated planting areas showcase nectar-rich flowers that attract bees, butterflies and other pollinators throughout the growing season. These colourful displays demonstrate how even small planting changes can make a positive difference to local ecosystems.
Wildlife ponds and meadow habitats
Ponds, wildflower meadows and natural planting areas create important habitats for amphibians, insects and birds. These features also add variety to the gardens while encouraging visitors to incorporate similar ideas into their own outdoor spaces.
Birdwatching opportunities
The gardens attract a variety of resident and visiting birds, making them an enjoyable place for casual birdwatching. Mature trees, shrubs and carefully selected planting provide food and shelter for many different species.
Reptiles, insects and other species
Alongside birds and pollinators, visitors may spot dragonflies, damselflies and a variety of beneficial insects thriving within the gardens. These habitats highlight the importance of creating balanced ecosystems that support wildlife throughout the year.
Plants and Wildlife
There’s a surprise around every corner, with plenty of gardens to explore. Natural Surroundings is the perfect outing for visitors to the area, with many spending a whole day there.
“The gardens have a wide range of plants, which are set in a valley with some awesome trees. Our lime trees are almost 100 feet tall! We specialise in a variety of British wildflowers, trees, classic cottage-garden favourites and unusual near-natives.”
Amongst the natural beauty, you may be able to spot some wildlife. From birds to butterflies, the garden attracts various species.
“Hordes of birds come to our bird feeders. Great Spotted Woodpecker, Nuthatch and Marsh Tit are regular visitors. In the summer, we have a wide variety of dragonflies and butterflies.”
Gardening Inspiration for Visitors
Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply looking for ideas, Natural Surroundings offers practical inspiration that can easily be adapted for gardens of all sizes.
British wildflowers
Native wildflowers play an important role in supporting pollinators while adding natural beauty to outdoor spaces. Visitors can see how these plants can be incorporated into both formal gardens and more relaxed planting schemes.
Cottage garden favourites
Traditional cottage garden plants provide colour, fragrance and timeless appeal. Layered planting and mixed borders demonstrate how different varieties can be combined to create attractive displays throughout the seasons.
Wildlife-friendly planting ideas
Choosing plants that provide nectar, berries and shelter can help transform any garden into a haven for wildlife. The gardens showcase simple ways to encourage birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial species.
Plants suitable for Norfolk gardens
Many of the plants on display are well suited to Norfolk’s climate and growing conditions, giving visitors practical ideas that can be successfully recreated at home.
Award-winning Attraction
The attraction won the Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor. Whether you’re walking around the gardens or relaxing in the café, it’s easy to see why it has a great reputation.
“We offer a warm welcome from friendly staff and interesting gardens. We have a reserve, a nursery with unique plants, and a café with home-cooked food.”
Time flies by while exploring the gardens, browsing the nursery and enjoying some refreshments. There’s also a variety of walks and workshops throughout the year.
Café Information
After exploring the gardens, visitors can take a well-earned break in the on-site café, where freshly prepared food and a welcoming atmosphere make it an ideal place to relax.
Home-cooked food and refreshments
The café serves a selection of homemade meals, light lunches and seasonal specials using quality ingredients wherever possible. It’s a popular stop for both gardeners and day visitors.
Indoor and outdoor seating
Guests can choose to dine indoors or enjoy their refreshments outside while overlooking the surrounding gardens. Outdoor seating is particularly enjoyable during the warmer months.
Cakes, light lunches and hot drinks
Freshly baked cakes, sandwiches, soups and a range of hot and cold drinks are available throughout the day, making the café a great place to pause between exploring the gardens and nursery.
Relaxing during your visit
The peaceful setting encourages visitors to slow down and enjoy the surroundings, whether catching up over coffee or simply taking in the beautiful views before continuing their visit.
Additional information
Natural Surroundings is open all year. Opening times are 10 am to 5 pm from May to September, and 10 am to 4 pm from October to April (every day except Mondays). It is always open on bank holiday Mondays.
Entrance to the gardens and reserve is £3 per adult and £2 per child, while those five and under go free. A family ticket is £8.50.
Hot drinks, cakes and light meals are available in the café. The shop sells seeds, bird food and feeders, and a wide range of wildlife-themed books, cards and gifts.
The gardens are not wheelchair accessible due to being on a slope. The meadows and river are accessible along a boardwalk.
Dogs are welcome on a lead in the café, shop and gardens.
Natural Surroundings is an eight-minute drive from The Blakeney Cottage Company HQ.
Visitor Facilities
Natural Surroundings has been designed to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience, with facilities that make it easy for visitors to spend several hours exploring the site.
Shop and plant nursery
The garden centre and nursery offer an extensive selection of plants, gardening accessories and gifts, allowing visitors to take home inspiration from their visit.
Accessibility information
Well-maintained paths and accessible facilities help ensure visitors of varying mobility levels can enjoy many areas of the gardens and retail spaces comfortably.
Dog-friendly facilities
Visitors should check the latest guidance regarding dogs before visiting, as access arrangements may vary between the gardens, nursery and café.
Admission, parking and practical information
Ample parking, visitor facilities and clear signage help make planning your visit straightforward, allowing you to focus on enjoying one of North Norfolk’s most inspiring garden destinations.
Experience Norfolk’s Natural Beauty at Natural
Natural Surroundings offers far more than a traditional garden centre in Norfolk. With beautifully designed gardens, inspiring planting displays, abundant wildlife and welcoming visitor facilities, it’s a destination that appeals to gardeners, nature lovers and anyone looking for a peaceful day out in North Norfolk.
After discovering everything Natural Surroundings has to offer, continue your North Norfolk adventure with The Blakeney Cottage Company. Our collection of self-catering holiday cottages provides the perfect base for exploring the region’s gardens, nature reserves, coastal villages and many other attractions. Browse our cottages today and start planning your relaxing Norfolk escape.Surroundings