Take a walk, explore the history of magic or find out if your ancestors were war heroes while discovering something new in Norfolk and beyond.
1 Six Scientists will be busy doing their scientific thing around the streets of Norwich on Saturday, March 18, waiting to be discovered. Families can follow the free Science Treasure Hunt to find the scientists, see the science, learn about how how science shapes our lives and enjoy exciting hands-on experiments and activities. The six science stands will focus on: the science of tea, the science of sound, amazing animals, electric bacteria, the chemistry behind smell, and solar science. The treasure hunt has been created by members of British Science Association Norwich as part of British Science Week. To join the fun simply pick up a free map and clues at The Forum, and if you collect all six stamps there is a prize draw too. The treasure hunt runs from 10am to 4pm and should take around two hours to complete, including enjoying the science activities at each stop.
2 At Norfolk's northwest corner, where The Wash meets the North Sea, Norfolk Wildlife Trusts's Holme Dunes is superbly located to attract migrating birds. On Sunday, March 19, join a Guided Birdwatching Walk that is suitable for beginners and experts. The site also holds a variety of important habitats which support numerous other wildlife species including natterjack toads, butterflies and dragonflies, as well as a large number of interesting plants. Various military remains from the Second World War can also be glimpsed. This slow paced amble is free, just turn up at Holme Dunes Visitor Centre with your binoculars. Children are welcome if accompanied.
3 Find out whether grandfather was a Second World War hero with The Little Story Telling Company in Old Buckenham, near Attleborough. The event, on Sunday, March 19, is part of British Science Week and helps children find out how scientists follow DNA clues to find out about the past. There will also be a chance to make a DNA helix from sweets. The free places for this journey into the past must be booked by contacting The Little Story Telling Company on tlstc@outlook.com or 01953 860080.
4 Why not take part in the family challenge at Strumpshaw Fen. Will you spot nesting birds, buds bursting into leaf and early blossoms? Listen to bird song, look under logs for minibeasts coming out of hibernation and join in our nest building craft. Signs of Spring Wild Challenge takes place on Sunday, March 19, 1pm-4pm, normal reserve prices, plus £2.50 per child taking part in the wild challenge. One child per family goes free activities. More details 01603 715191, strumpshaw@rspb.org.uk
5 Lakenheath Fen is a fantastic place to see the majestic sight of a barn owl. There is a special afternoon walk on Sunday, March 19, around two miles to see the barn owls that call the Lakenheath Fen nature reserve home. The RSPB has converted an area of arable farmland into a large wetland, consisting mainly of reedbeds and grazing marshes. The reserve is at Station Road, Lakenheath, Brandon. The walk is from 4pm-6.30pm, places £6, £3 children, pre-book 01842 863400, lakenheath@rspb.org.uk
6 Gressenhall Farm & Workhouse has re-opened for the spring and it is hosting a special Lottery Players' preview days. That means that admission is free to all National Lottery players – just show a valid lottery ticket until March 26 upon entry. The ticket will admit up to eight people; standard admission prices apply to all other visitors. Scratch cards not included. The 50-acre site offers many opportunities to take in the beauty of the early spring Norfolk countryside. The woodland playground is a world of adventure for children. The museum farm is run as a traditional Norfolk farm might have been between 1900 and 1930. The rare breed farm animals are all native to the region. More details 01362 860563, gressenhall.museum@norfolk.gov.uk
7 Now this is magic! The Entertainment of Deception is a fascinating exhibition exploring the mysterious art of the illusionist, featuring items used by some the world's greatest magicians from as early as the 17th century up to what is considered the golden period of magic in the 1920s, including a pair of handcuffs used by Houdini himself, rare handcrafted stage-used illusions, and an antique trick table once owned by Paul Daniels. It is running at Moyse's Hall, Bury St Edmunds, until March 26. Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 12pm-4pm, admission £4 (£2 cons), £10 family. More details 01284 758000, www.weststow.org
8 Finish a busy, fun-packed, fact-packed day with an evening stroll through King's Lynn and see some of its most beautiful buildings illuminated by projections celebrating the art and architecture, science and history of the town. Lynn Lumiere runs from dusk until 10pm every evening.
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