ROARR!
Sightseeing attraction | Norwich | England | United Kingdom
ROARR! in Norwich, England, is the largest dinosaur-themed adventure park in the UK and one of the most popular attractions in the Norfolk region. This extensive leisure park, spanning approximately 34 hectares, is located near the town of Lenwade, about 20 kilometers northwest of Norwich, and offers a unique blend of prehistoric adventure, family-friendly activities, and nature experiences. Originally established in 1992 as Norfolk Dinosaur Park, it has been continuously expanded under the management of the Goymour family, who took over in 2006, and rebranded as ROARR! in 2017 to emphasize its growing diversity and focus on an immersive experience. Today, the park attracts over 300,000 visitors annually and is primarily targeted towards families with children aged 0 to 12, although older children and adults will also find plenty to enjoy.
The centerpiece of ROARR! is the "Valley of the Dinosaurs," a sprawling area where life-sized dinosaur models, including Tyrannosaurus Rex, Triceratops, and Velociraptors, populate the landscape. Many of these models are animatronic and equipped with sounds, creating an authentic and exciting atmosphere. Visitors can walk along a path, take selfies with the dinosaurs, and uncover dinosaur fossils at interactive stations like the "X-Tinction" excavation site. This zone is particularly popular with children, who can feel like little paleontologists as they journey through a world that existed millions of years ago.
In addition to the dinosaurs, the park offers a variety of rides and activities. Highlights include "Predator High Ropes," a high ropes course that requires courage and skill and provides a challenge for both children and adults. "Dippy's Raceway" is a fast-paced go-kart track that brings out a competitive spirit, while "Raptor Contraptor" and "Swing-O-Saurus" are thrill rides that provide excitement. For younger children, there are gentler attractions such as "Jurassic Putt," a dinosaur-themed mini-golf course, and the "Dino Bounce," a prehistoric-themed bouncy castle. A special experience is the "Deer Safari," where visitors can ride a small train through a woodland area and observe deer in their natural habitat - one of the few activities that requires an additional fee.
The park is designed to be weatherproof, thanks to the "Dinomite Indoor Adventure Play," one of the largest indoor play areas in East England. This multi-level structure includes slides, climbing frames, and interactive play zones that provide hours of fun even on rainy days. In the summer, "Dippy's Splash Zone," a water park with fountains, slides, and water guns, offers a refreshing cool-down on hot days. The "Secret Animal Garden" zone complements the offerings with a variety of small animals such as snakes, lizards, and insects, while "Animal Encounters" provide daily interactions with animals and informative talks. "Dippy's Theatre" is another attraction, where live shows featuring the mascot Dippy, a friendly Diplodocus, and his friends entertain visitors.
ROARR! focuses on providing a comprehensive family adventure. In addition to the attractions, there are numerous picnic areas where visitors can bring their own food, as well as lockers for luggage. An on-site café serves a selection of food, including vegan options like donuts, while a shop offers souvenirs and dinosaur-themed items. The park is largely wheelchair accessible, with paved paths and ramps facilitating access to the main areas, although some uneven nature trails may be challenging for strollers or wheelchairs. Seasonal events such as "Halloween Days" for children and "PrimEvil," a spooky experience for adults, as well as "Dippy's Christmas Celebration" with ice skating and Christmas activities, ensure that the park remains attractive year-round.
The development of ROARR! reflects the ambition to be a regional highlight. Under the leadership of park manager Adam Goymour, the focus has shifted from just being a dinosaur park to offering a broader adventure experience, with investments in new attractions and a more modern brand identity. Visitors appreciate the variety, cleanliness, and friendly staff, although on busy days, there may be wait times at popular rides. Some criticize that the park may be less exciting for older teenagers, but for the main target audience - young families - it is a hit.
ROARR! is more than just a leisure park; it is a place that ignites imagination and a sense of adventure, combining the fascination with dinosaurs with modern family fun. Nestled in the rural setting of Norfolk, it offers a welcome change from urban attractions and remains a must-visit for those seeking a unique blend of education, entertainment, and nature experience. Whether for a day visit or as part of a longer stay in the region, ROARR! promises an unforgettable experience that transports visitors into a world full of prehistoric wonders.
