Summer in Norwich

Summer in Norwich 2024

Summer in Norwich is always eventful, with plenty of vibrant festivals, markets, and gigs to keep everyone entertained. The Hub of Norfolk, it’s always worth a trip into the city to get involved with all of the fabulous local talent and arts. 

Travel easily and without inflated parking fees during Summer 2024 with the Konectbus and Norwich Park and Ride bus services, for a more economical and green way to travel. 

See our list of what’s on this summer in Norwich for some day-trip and activity inspiration to make the most of the spoils of this gorgeous city.

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Upcoming Summer Events in Norwich 

Norwich is home to some fabulous venues with a variety of entertainment, and this summer is no exception. 

Norwich Summer Sessions (11th July-25th August)

Join the music festivities of the Norwich Summer Sessions for 2024. This free street entertainment showcases a range of talents with a diverse mix of genres, all in places that you will know in the city. 

From the 11th-25th July, Thursday evenings from 4-8pm you will find the inspiring live performances, with further performances from the 4th-25th August, on Sunday afternoons running from 12:30pm-4:30pm. Take to the streets and enjoy the open air music in Norwich.

Heritage Open Days (6th-15th September)

England’s Heritage Open Days are back in September, and Norfolk’s programme was the biggest of any city in the country last year! For 2024, the events run from September 6th until the 15th. Learn more about Norfolk’s history, from its buildings to its organisations. Even better, it’s free!

Norwich Parks & Green Spaces

When the weather is delightfully warm and sunny, there’s no better place to head to in the city than the gorgeous green spaces on offer. Ideal for a free, or low cost, day out for the whole family. 

Chapelfield Gardens on a Sunny Day in Norwich

Chapelfield Gardens 

Nice and close to the city centre, Chapelfield Gardens is a great place to go to sit down and enjoy some delicious food from Norwich market or take the kids to the play area. Bring a picnic blanket, buy an ice cream, and enjoy the rays.

And, Norwich favourite brunch spot No33 has recently taken over the park cafe, providing mouth-watering breakfast-inspired bites with plenty of Gluten Free, Vegetarian, and Vegan options too!

Plantation Gardens

Immerse yourself in a luscious, tranquil green space and swing by the Plantation Garden. An enchanting expanse of gardens and woodland walks, the Victorian-style greenhouse, Gothic fountain, and well-tended flora are just a few star features.

Easily accessible on foot, this hidden flourishing sanctuary offers a unique beauty that you wouldn’t expect so close to a city centre. The restored Victorian garden is a pleasure to stroll around, so definitely one for nature-lovers! If you’re partial to an afternoon tea, then the Plantation Garden also offers a fantastic selection of teas alongside plenty of amazing autumnal walks. 

Eaton Park 

Eaton Park is a fantastic place to visit with the family, and easy to get to from the city! Use route 6B to travel to the park and enjoy a sunny day out at the park this summer. 

Enjoy the gorgeous lily pond, fountain, and iconic pavilions as you stroll the park. And if you fancy an activity, you can crack on with bowls, tennis, crazy golf, skateboarding, and more!

Earlham Park 

Spend the day out at Earlham park to make the most of the fresh air! Enjoy the river, woods and wildlife, and grab a bite to eat at the cafe to replenish your energy!

Take the family, friends, or pop there solo for a picnic, and enjoy the open space away from the busy buzz of the city. 

Travel easily to the park with Konectbus routes 4 and 512.

Popular Norwich Locations 

Norwich Castle

After a stint of closure while being redeveloped, the impressive Norwich Castle Keep reopens for 2024. Focusing on providing an immersive experience of the Norman castle, as it was 900 years ago. This huge project includes the new roof and battlements, as well as a gallery with loans from the British Museum. 

UEA and the Sainsbury's Centre for Visual Arts

The UEA lake is a popular site for a stroll, and there are several routes that you can take around the campus for a change of scenery. While you’re there, why not pop to the Sainsbury’s Centre for Visual Arts to see the exhibitions on.

The Norwich Forum

The Forum is host to a range of weekly free community activities. Visit the Forum website to find out more.

A sky high summer view of Norwich Forum, St Peter Mancroft Church, and the Norwich Guildhall

Theatre in Norwich this Summer 

Norwich Theatre Royal

Root for Dalmatians Pongo and Perdi as they strive to save their puppies from the outrageous, fur-clad Cruella de Vil. ‘101 Dalmatians’ features delightful puppetry and fantastic songs in this family musical from 9th to the 13th July. 

Legend of both the stage and the big screen Ian McKellan is coming to Norwich in the show ‘Player Kings’, an adaptation of Shakespeare’s ‘Henry IV’ plays. Snap up a ticket between the 17th and 20th July for this dramatic masterpiece.  

Norwich Theatre Royal - home of some amazing shows this summer! 

Plan a trip in to Norwich with Park & Ride

Friends and Family Activities in Norwich 

The gorgeous River Wensum in Norwich winds around the city giving views of cobbled streets and centuries-old houses. You can enjoy these beautiful scenes from the water, as paddle boarding on the river is becoming an increasingly popular activity. There are many places from which you can hire a paddle board and see the city from a different perspective. If you fancy a pint to refresh you, there’s also the option of going with Pub and Paddle. 

Visit the Shoebox Experiences to see Norwich in a way you never have before! The enthusiastic guides will tell stories of the city while showing you around, with tales that will help you to envision the city as it stood centuries ago. Perfect for families, friends, co-workers, and solo, this is the ideal activity to do in Norwich.

Another iconic Norwich activity, Norwich Ghost Walks are a fantastic way to learn about the history of the city, with a spooky twist. The dynamic storytellers will guide you around for either the Elm Hill or River Route, with the setting summer sun making for a stunning backdrop as you see the city in a way you never have before.

There’s so much to do in Norwich for summer, and you can enjoy the gems of the city without the stress of driving in the centre or overpaying for parking, using our friendly Norwich Park & Ride services. 

Useful Links:

• Norwich Wine Week
• Norwich and Norfolk Festival
• Norwich Summer Sessions
• The Forum Events
• Paddleboard Hire 
• Shoebox Experiences
• Ghost Walks 

Updated: 08/08/2024