Creepy-Crawly Adventures: Exploring The Bug Parc in Norfolk

The O'Hallorans

We’re made up of Lyndsey, John and Erin, who all love a new adventure. We try to get away as much as possible, especially during school holidays and variety is a must for us. That means staying anywhere from a luxury hotel to a hostel and it’s not often we go to the same place twice.

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It’s always good to have ideas for indoor days out, because you never know what the weather will be like! The Bug Parc is a hidden gem for all things creepy-crawly, where visitors can get up close with a variety of fascinating insects, learn about their habitats, and even participate in hands-on activities.

Where is the Buc Parc?

Nowhere Lane,
Lenwade,
Norfolk,
NR9 5PD

Email: info@thebugparc.com
Phone: 01603 855165

Opening times

Parc and Gift Shop

Wed – Sun: 10am to 5pm
Mon – Tue: CLOSED

Bank and School Holidays:
Mon – Sun: 10am to 5pm

Chrysalis Cafe

Wed – Sun: 8:30am to 4pm
Mon – Tue: CLOSED

Bank and School Holidays:
Mon – Sun: 8:30am to 4pm

Parking at The Bug Parc

There is free parking at The Bug Parc, so there’s no additional costs here for your day out.

Prices

Adult	£11.95
Child 4 to 17	£9.95
Child under 4	£0.00
Senior 65+	£10.95
Student with student card	£10.95
Disabled adult	£10.95
Disabled child	£8.95
Carer	£0.00

Erin looking at a display at The Bug Parc in Norfolk

A visit to a the largest all-invertebrate zoo in the UK

I know not everyone likes bugs however, things like this are great for kids and it’s such a unique attraction in Norfolk. Not only is this a place that entertains and educates young and old but it’s something to do in all weathers.

After entering through the gift shop you can head into any of the three tropical houses showing over 200 differentinvertebrates from around the world! Of course, the British weather can never be relied on so it’s great that these are all undercover.

There’s a real mixture in each of the houses, including some tanks that glow in the dark, leaf cutter ants roaming free on a rope, spiders and tarantulas, stick insects, and a whole range of snails and crabs… just to name a few. We absolutely loved looking around hundreds of incredible minibeasts, finding some we’d never heard of or seen before. Erin was more interested in some areas over others, although she really wasn’t a fan of the ant room. Me, on the other hand, loved watching these fascinating creatures interact with each other and their leaf cutting abilities.

Throughout each of the three houses you’ll find a trail to follow. Sheets are given out at the start of your visit and you can tick things off as you go round. During our visit we had to find bones in the tanks but this could vary depending on when you visit. This is a great idea for keeping the kids entertained and interested.

Bug handling experience

Add a bug handling experience to your booking for only £2.00 per person. Handling experiences are limited so please pre-book to avoid disappointment. Children must be accompanied by a grown-up.

Erin taking part in the bug handling session at The Bug Parc in Norfolk

During our session we were joined by a family of 4 so the group wasn’t huge. After watching a short informational video the session got started. I didn’t catch the man’s name but whoever ran our session was amazing. He was so knowledgable about the insects and was happy to answer any questions.

There was no pressure to handle any of the insects during the session which is great for children who might be a little unsure. We were able to hold a millipede, giant snail and a cockroach. The session lasts around 40-50 minutes so you get plenty of time to get up close and personal with each one.

At £2 per person, it’s such good value and something a bit different to add to your visit.

Outdoor play areas

On top of the amazing bug displays, The Bug Parc has a fantastic outdoor area. Families will be able to enjoy the huge jumping pillow, undercover sandpit play area, pedal go karts and play park. Kids and adults will both be able to enjoy the fairground games too.

The outdoor play area and activities really helped us to make the most of our stay. As well as there being so much to see here, it’s nice for children to be able to blow off some steam or take a break from the bugs. On our visit we went to one bug house then let Erin have a little bit of a play, before going into another bug house.

There are lots of benches and tables outside too so grown ups have somewhere to sit and watch, while their children play.

Don’t miss the stamp trail outside! You can hand in your finished sheet in the gift shop and be entered into a prize draw at the end of the month.

Chrysalis Cafe opening times

The Chrysalis Cafe is open from 8:30am until 4pm between Wednesday and Sunday. Hours may change for Bank Holidays and school holidays.

How long should you stay for?

During our visit we stayed for around 3.5-4 hours and could have probably stayed a bit longer (we had other plans that day). Erin loved looking at the bugs and the bug handling session took up an hour of our time. The outdoor play area is great and Erin would have happily spent hours here if we could have.

We had a simply bugtastic day here. The Bug Parc is a unique place for a day out here in Norfolk and it’s definitely different from anywhere else we have been. There’s a fabulous gift shop on site too, with well-priced products which are perfect for kids.