Self-Catering in Norfolk - Packing tips!

[Bimbil19]

I'm taking my mother (70, fairly immobile), dog, 6 and 4 year old to the norfolk coast for 5 nights in mid-July. My husband is not coming so I'll be running the show. My 6 year old has ADHD. We are self-catering. Tips for things to pack please, in particular those that will sufficiently occupy my boys to give me a breather!

Beach stuff if you already own it. Bucket and spade. Windbreak (it gets very windy on the coast). Sun shade umbrella. Beach towels you don't mind getting grubby. Cooler for food. Beach ball.

Binoculars if you like bird watching and seal watching.

If you have them, pack crabbing lines, fishing nets and buckets. There are some great rock pools and places to go crabbing along the Norfolk coast.

Some of the beaches can be a bit shingly, so perhaps waterproof shoes for your son if you think he’ll want to spend time in the sea.

For my similar aged son, the offline and off-tablet things that keep him occupied the longest are currently the dance mat, Lego, marble run, Hot Wheels, Bop It and Screwball Scramble.

Oo, bop it! What a great idea. Can you link me to the dance mat please?

ThisThis is the dance mat

I always had a bag of toys that come out at holidays, usually a car mat and some cars. It then was like is new toy for them.

Can never go wrong with a football.

Beach shoes, you can buy them in shops there as well if you don't have them. Norfolk coast can be very stony and one of my offspring cut his sole rock pooling. Beach shoes make everything easier and more pleasant. Also take a fan or two if the weather looks hot.

Plastic boxes - we save the ones from take aways. Rented properties never have them! Some indoor games. Your mum could read to the children while you make dinner.

Ziplock bags and a bag of all the things you use everyday in your kitchen, tea towel, tin foil, washing up liquid and sponge, bin liner that kind of thing.

To keep the kids entertained a football, mini Lego sets, crayons and colouring book, hot wheels and a card game like Uno. We always take a new chapter book to read too.

Have a great time!

Folding chairs, picnic blanket, lunch boxes, sauces, salt and pepper, tea towels, extra pillows (or bring cushions for journey).
Uno, board games, bucket and spades.

your own sharp knife

I wouldn’t recommend crabbing - too stressful for you with two children, dog and your mum in tow! Take a folding chair so you mum can sit down whilst your children play in the sand? Where are you staying? Some beaches are more accessible with all the kit and people than others! I’m off to Wells next the Sea in September with my husband, daughter, son in law and grandgirlie. It’s lovely - can’t wait. Say where you’re staying and I’ll try to suggest some more things to make your life easier!

agree with PP- dog, crabbing, bait, granny youngsters and a drop into the harbour has all sorts of disaster written all over it.
Travel blackout blinds if you have early risers, ear plugs, eye masks for you, ear plugs for morning seagulls, all small but handy if you need them. UNO or playing cards for waiting if you eat out. Pack down flimsy rucksacks, micro towels for beach, talc to take sand off, fold away raincoats, pop up beach tent for shade. Change for toilets as not all take cards