If you’re in Norwich, why not visit one of England’s finest Cathedrals, Norwich Cathedral. Experience the finest example of Romanesque architecture in Europe that offers plenty to see and do, including cathedral tours and exhibitions.
You can enjoy refreshments at the Cathedral in the refectory café which offers homemade soups and cakes and don’t forget to experience the serenity of the Japanese Gardens. To end your visit, there is also a gift shop to remember the Cathedral by, which make perfect gifts for friends and family.
“Beautiful Cathedral, best in the country!” – TripAdvisor review
Opening times
The Cathedral
Open daily 7.30am – 6pm
The Refectory Café
Open Monday – Saturday: 10am – 5pm
Sunday: 11am – 5pm
Address
The Chapter Office
65 The Close
Norwich
NR1 4DH
Contact number
01603 218300
www.cathedral.org.uk
2. The Broads
If it’s a nice day, why not enjoy a stroll along The Broads. The Broads lie in the counties of Norfolk and Suffolk surrounding beautiful towns and villages. With more than 7 million visitors every year, there are many things to do along The Broads such as boat hire, visiting a nature reserve or visiting historical buildings.
Walking and birdwatching are two popular activities that take place along The Broads. There’s nothing more peaceful than a fresh countryside walk!
“Picturesque natural unique landscape” – TripAdvisor review
Norwich Yacht Station
Discover The Broads on the River Wensum.
Address
Broads Authority
Yare House
62-64 Thorpe Road
Norwich
NR1 1RY
Contact number
01603 610734
www.enjoythebroads.com
3. The Plantation Garden
The Plantation Garden is a must see, secretly located in the heart of Norwich. It is open every day of the year with beautiful gardens and walkways, offering plenty to see and an admission of only £2. Visit the website for more details on seasonal talks and tours for visitors and school trips.
There are many children’s activities such as architecture trails, puzzles and opportunities to discover the local wildlife.
The garden is locally known as the secret garden, but it is not difficult to find in Norwich.
Location
4 Earlham Road
Norwich
4. Eaton Park
Eaton Park in Norwich is one of Norwich’s most beautiful historic parks with 80 acres to explore and enjoy, managed by Norwich City Council. Easton Park is open all day, 365 days a year with free entry. Perfect for days out with friends and family, with activities such as Crazy Golf and a range of sports including cricket, football, table tennis and more.
If you plan to visit for a little longer, there is a café onsite called Eaton Park Café, right in the heart of Eaton Park offering snacks, hot drinks and sandwiches.
Admission
Free entry
Address
Eaton Park
South Park Avenue
Norwich
NR4 7AZ
Community Centre Bookings
01603 504420
www.friendsofeatonpark.co.uk
Eaton Park Café
Monday - Thursday: 9am – 5pm
Friday: 9 - 5pm
Saturday and Sunday: 8.30am – 6pm
Contact details
01603 457359
Address
Norfolk
NR2 3DB
Contact details
07504 545810
www.plantationgarden.co.uk
5. Shopping and restaurants
Norwich is known for its shopping and city sights like Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery and Norwich Cathedral. There is a good selection of retail shops outdoors, as well as indoors in the shopping mall including boutique and independent shops.
If you are into fine dining, there are many fine dining restaurants in Norwich and also plenty of shopping. In the heart of Norwich, there are plenty of independent cafes to visit, whether you are looking for a British afternoon tea or an Italian lunch out in the sun.
Intu Chapelfield Shopping centre
Intu shopping centre makes a perfect day out for any shopaholic, with over 90 shops, it’s more than just a shopping centre with cafes and restaurants in the heart of Norwich. Visit website for more information.
Address
40-46
St Stephen’s Street
Norwich
Opening hours
Monday to Wednesday: 9am – 6pm
Thursday 9am – 8pm
Friday to Saturday: 9am – 7pm
Sunday: 11am - 5pm
Contact details
01603 753344
www.intu.co.uk/chapelfield
Castle Mall
Castle Mall is located next to Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery in the heart of Norwich City centre. Great if you fancy shopping after visiting Norwich Castle. The mall offers a good shopping experience offering everything you need, over five floors including an eight screen cinema. If you’re shopping with children, why not stop at one of the restaurants and visit the cinema - Perfect for those rainy days!
Address
100 Castle Mall
Norwich
NR1 3DD
Opening hours
Monday to Wednesday: 9am – 5.30pm
Thursday: 9am – 8pm
Friday: 9am – 5.30pm
Saturday: 9am – 6pm
Sunday: 10.30am – 4.30pm
Castle Mall is open every day including late night shopping on a Thursday until 8pm. Visit website for more information.
Contact details
01603 766430
www.castlemallnorwich.co.uk
www.visitnorwich.co.uk/shopping
Top 5 activities with the kids
Kids will love exploring Norwich city. There are so many children's activities and days out to choose from!
1. Sightseeing Tour of Norwich
Sightseeing makes a fun day out for children. Who doesn’t want to discover Norwich on a bright red double decker bus?
It will feel like you have travelled back in time seeing the 12th century Castle and Cathedral built by the Normans, as well as Dragon Hall which is a Grade 1 listed trading hall built cerca 1430.
On the tour, you will pass Norwich’s beautiful woodland with a stop at Mousehold Heath. You will be able to see 200 acres of woodland and open space for football pitches. If you fancy fine dining and music, you can stop off at The Assembly House in the heart of the City where there are many jazz evenings, recitals and banqueting.
The tours start at 10.30 outside Norwich Theatre Royal on Theatre Street and run hourly until 3.30pm. The duration of the tour lasts approximately 45 minutes.
Norwich Sightseeing Tour is suitable for most ages, so you can bring the whole family along!
Prices
Adults: £10
Family: £25
Under 16s: £5
Concession: £8
Young Children (4 – 8 years)
Older Children (9 – 12 years)
Teenagers (13 – 18 years)
Contact details
01263 587005
david@awayadays.com
2. Hollywood Bowl Norwich
Is it the school holidays and you’re looking for somewhere fun to take the kids? Look no further than Hollywood Bowl in Norwich, it’s a fun filled amusement area with an on-site bar and diner! There are many fun family days held during the school holidays and at weekends, with activities like treasure hunts and face painting – perfect for birthday parties too, with plenty of food and refreshments.
Hollywood Bowl is suitable for ages
Young Children (4 – 8 years)
Older Children (9 – 12 years)
Teenagers (13 – 18 years)
Prices
Under 16 years: £4.79 per game
Adults: £5.79 per game
Families*: £19.09 per game
*2 adults and 2 under 16’s or 1 adult and 3 under 16’s
Please visit website for more information
Location
Wherry Road
Riverside Development
Norwich
NR1 1WZ
Contact details
0844 8261466
www.hollywoodbowl.co.uk/our-centres/norwich
3. Norwich Puppet Theatre
The Norwich Puppet Theatre is a well-known unique venue dedicated to puppetry, based in the Medieval church of Saint James. It features the best of British and international theatre of animation for all ages. At the puppet theatre, they show ongoing craft programmes and workshops for children and special sessions for adults.
At the Puppet Theatre, it has a level access throughout and they are wheelchair friendly in both the Main Theatre and Octagon Studio. There is also a hearing induction loop installed.
Opening times
The Box Office: 9.30am – 5pm Monday to Friday
Saturdays: From 9.30am when there is a workshop or performance scheduled.
The Norwich Puppet Theatre offers fun for all of the family and suitable for all ages.
Visit website to find out more.
Address
St James
Whitefriars
Norwich
NR3 1TN
Contact details
01603 629921
www.puppettheatre.co.uk
4. Gravity Trampoline Park Norwich
Gravity Trampoline Park is where you’ll find great entertainment for the kids as well as adults, located at The Riverside Centre in Norwich. There are many different activities at Gravity such as fitness classes, trampoline classes, open jump and birthday parties. It is suitable for all ages for all of the family to enjoy.
Opening times and classes
Visit website for more information
Contact details
01603 964949
Enquiries.norwich@gravity-uk.com
Location
Gravity Norwich
Riverside Entertainment Centre
Wherry Road
Norwich
Norfolk
NR1 1WX
www.gravity-uk.com/riverside-norwich
5. The Plantation Garden
This quiet garden in the heart of Norwich is peaceful and fascinating, featuring Gothic style fountains, medieval style architecture. It makes the perfect place for photographs.
Explore woodland paths with your children, where they can discover amazing plants and species.
There are also guided tours around the garden, which is perfect for groups, as well as Sunday Afternoon Teas - Make sure to bring your friends along!
Opening times
Monday to Sunday: 9am – 6pm
Prices
Adults: £2.00
Kids: Free
Address
4 Earlham Road
Norwich
Norfolk
NR2 3RA
England
Contact details
07504 545810
www.plantationgarden.co.uk
Top 5 restaurants in Norwich
On your visit to Norwich, make sure to stop by one of these delicious restaurants!
1. The Last Wine Bar
www.lastwinebar.co.uk
76 St. Georges Street
Norwich
NR3 1AB
2.The Wildebeest
www.thewildebeest.co.uk
Norwich Road
82-86 Stoke Hoy Cross
Norfolk
NR14 8QJ
3. The Prime
www.theedithcavell.co.uk
7 Tombland
Norwich
NR3 1HF
4. The Assembly House
www.assemblyhousenorwich.co.uk
Theatre Street
Norwich
NR2 1RQ
England
5. Wild Thyme
www.wildthymenorwich.co.uk
3 Old Fire Station Stables
Labour in Vain Yard
Norwich