Things to Do in Norwich
1 month ago
Our best things to do in Norwich list offers the hidden gems of the city alongside the famous tourist to-dos, and shows you how to make the most of your trip with our super simple and wallet-friendly bus services. Have the freedom to roam the streets on foot as they are best explored either with the family, with friends, or when solo sightseeing. A paradise for pedestrians, once in the city most attractions are within walking distance, with the sights of cobbled streets and gorgeous Tudor houses as your picturesque background. The most complete medieval city in the UK, history fanatics will appreciate the beauty of the ancient city, featuring twelve breath-taking heritage sites.
For families, the city makes a day out to remember, with loads of things for kids to do in Norwich. With no end of affordable, fun things to do in Norwich in 2024, see which activities and attractions should be added to your to-do list!
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Norwich Cathedral and Gardens
Norwich Cathedral is an absolute must. One of two striking Cathedrals, these magnificent grounds make for a relaxing walk. If you look to the skies whilst you stroll the stunning site you may even see the famous Norwich Cathedral Peregrines! You can also can pop by the visitor and education centre and see what exhibitions are on.
While the Norwich Cathedral is one of the country’s largest, it doesn’t end there. Just opposite the exquisite structure is Tombland Alley, a charming, secluded path that holds nuggets of fascinating history. Also a stone’s throw from the Cathedral is the famous Elm Hill, one of the prettiest streets in Britain. The cobbled streets have been a filming location for several films, due to the beautiful landscape and dedication to retaining the historical integrity of the area.
Of course, if glorious buildings are your passion, the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is walkable from the city centre, taking only around 15 minutes. Take in the spectacular stained-glass windows and astonishing architecture of the building. Once you’re finished, you can get a breath of fresh air at the nearby Plantation Garden…
Find the nearest bus stop for Norwich Cathedral
The Gardens of Norwich Cathedral
Nearest stop - Norwich, Tombland - Stop CM/CP for Services 35, 501 and 502.
Escape Rooms in Norwich
Are you and your friends up to the challenge? Tackle the task of solving a mystery and breaking free before the timer runs out. The perfect indoor activity as the weather gets cooler, you can immerse yourself in one of the many adrenaline-pumping escape rooms and race against the clock solving codes and piecing together clues in the ultimate display of teamwork.
Whether your taste is horror, mystery, fantastical, or action, there’s a multitude of themes and adventures to throw yourself into, with many destinations also offering captivating VR experiences. Stop by Cryptic Escape on Tombland, Escape Hunt at either of the shopping centres, or Clued Up! Escape Rooms on Prince of Wales Road for a few hours away from reality.
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Museums in Norwich
Norwich offers a wealth of fantastic museums, educational tours and exhibits, perfect for any history nut. The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is another of the city’s historical and cultural establishments. This quaint destination has an exciting range of exhibits; the Pharmacy is a highlight of the museum, with an impressive collection of potions and pills, this is one for hobby historians with an interest in the history of medicine. Great for an entertaining and educational trip for kids, this museum makes for a wonderful family day out. A small but fascinating museum tucked away just off the main streets of the city centre, this little treasure chest of history is a must for anyone with a thirst for knowledge.
For local Norwich history (of which there is plenty), Strangers’ Hall is another gem. With an undercroft believed to have been constructed in the 14th Century, this Tudor merchant’s house has housed some iconic Norwich citizens, from former mayors to acclaimed legal practitioners.
Bridewell Museum is perfect for the kids all year round.
Nearest stop - Norwich Castle Meadow - Stops CX/CA/CU/CC/CD/CE, for services 3,5B,6,8,11B,11C, 501 and 502. Less than a 10 minute walk for both museums.
Afternoon Tea in Norwich
The Plantation Garden isn’t the only place to tuck in to an afternoon tea, with plenty of luxurious or affordable dining experiences available. The Assembly House is one of the more decadent choices, with many culinary accolades, this is a place to treat yourself! Maids Head Hotel also offers a delectable afternoon tea menu, with carefully curated sweet and savoury delights to offer refreshment during your visit to Norwich.
Harriets Cafe Tearooms is a lovely little location and provides a more budget-friendly option, and right in the heart of Norwich too! Or, in the grounds of the Norwich Cathedral you’ll find The Refectory, home to the famous Jarrolds scone!
Nearest stop for The Assembly House and Harriets Cafe, Castle Meadow - Stops CX/CA/CU/CC/CD/CE, for services 3,5B,6,8,11B,11C, 501 and 502. For Maids Head and The Refectory, Norwich, Tombland - Stop CM/CP for Services 35, 501 and 502, all within close walking distance.
Book your ticket to Norwich City Centre online today
City Centre Shopping - award winning Norwich Market and Lanes
Shops in Norwich are not to be missed when you’re visiting the stunning city. With two large shopping centres as well as a variety of local and chain businesses scattered throughout the centre, shoppers are spoilt for choice. From clothes and jewellery to electronics, Chantry Place and Castle Quarter both provide a huge variety of the favourites, giving plenty of gift inspiration and treat-yourself-opportunities.
For a larger assortment of shops, Chantry Place provides popular stores, with all of your shopping needs ready to be met. Once you’ve built up a healthy appetite from shopping, there’s a selection of delicious restaurants next to the centre including Greek and Japanese food.
While both shopping centres create plenty of choice, it’s worth checking out the iconic market and lanes. With quirky vintage shops and international cuisine stalls populating the market, you can wander the brightly coloured huts for shopping inspiration. For shoppers with a passion for thrifting, Norwich City Centre has plenty of charity shops and if you venture out a little further you can find hidden treasures in the city’s antique shops. For other smaller, quirkier businesses, the Norwich Lanes provide some rare finds. Local favourites Elm and Lisa Angel are great for home goods and gifting. Whatever you’re looking to add to your collection, Norwich shops hold the key to your desires.
Norwich City Buses – The Latest Timetable
Norwich's Award-Winning Market
Nearest Stop for Castle Mall, the markets and city centre, Castle Meadow - Stops CX/CA/CU/CC/CD/CE, for services 3,5B,6,8,11B,11C, 501 and 502.
Nearest Stop for Chantry Place, Norwich Bus Station for services 1,3,X3,4,4A,5B,6,6A,X6,8,84, 501 and 502, along with a less than 10 minute walk.
Arcades, Bowling, and More at Castle Quarter
Looking for something a bit more lively? Norwich is bursting at the seams with entertainment, with plenty of things for students to do, and fun, affordable activities for families. Get a strike at Superbowl UK or test your skills at PuttPutt Noodle in a variety of themed crazy golf courses.
Kids will love Vector Virtual Reality if they haven’t already been. With plenty of VR games and VR escape rooms, you can revel in delight as the world falls away and a whole new universe of activities and gaming awaits.
Not only does the mall offer bowling and golf, but there’s arcades too! For arcade classics like Space Invaders and Pac-Man, venture into Retro Replay and simply pay an entry fee for unlimited gaming for the day. Or if you want to be entertained while kicking back and relaxing, see what’s showing at the reasonably-priced Vue cinema.
For more grown up entertainment, Boom Battle Bar Norwich offers axe-throwing, shuffleboard and electric darts, a great choice for groups of friends - and with plenty of cheap and cheerful food to keep you going. All under one roof, Castle Quarter is the activity HQ in the city centre.
Nearest Stop for Castle Quarter, the markets and city centre, Castle Meadow - Stops CX/CA/CU/CC/CD/CE, for services 3,5B,6,8,11B,11C, 501 and 502.
Riverside Norwich
Look no further for things to do in Norwich with kids, Riverside is the ideal spot for keeping them happy. Featuring a trampoline park, cinema and restaurants, Riverside is well worth the visit if you have little ones!
A recent addition to Riverside, Mr. Mulligans is a fantastic one-stop entertainment venue with crazy golf, pool, electro-darts, and more. Tasty snacks and boozy beverages are also available to give you energy for hours of fun.
Nearest Stop - Retail Park/Railway Station - for service 35 stop DJ, for services 3,6,5B and 8 stop DE.
Norwich Theatres
Norwich Theatre Royal
Over 250 years old, this theatre welcomes west end shows, actors, plays and workshops from around the world to entertain and delight. From opera to comedy, the Theatre Royal is a beacon of culture and arts just waiting for an ecstatic audience. Come for poetry, ballet, or live music, and sit back while the outstanding performers whisk you into another world. Our late night bus services to Thickthorn Park and Ride and Dereham allow you to enjoy matinee and evening performances too.
Find the nearest bus stop for Norwich Theatre Royal
Theatre Royal Norwich
Norwich Playhouse
Norwich Playhouse has fast become an iconic venue to the city, with plenty of children’s theatre, comedy, dance, and Shakespearean classics on offer. The intimate theatre hosts a range of local and national talent, making for a great day or evening out.
Norwich Maddermarket Theatre
This beautiful Elizabethan style recreation theatre is another smaller, more personal venue with a variety of theatrical events on. Book yourself in for a performance that can make you laugh, cry, and everything in between!
Nearest Stop - Norwich Bus Station for services 1,3,X3,4,4A,5B,6,6A,X6,8,84, 501 and 502, along with a less than 10 minute walk.
Activities outside the City Centre
The city centre isn’t the only place to get some thrills! Just off St Stephens street the iconic de-stress centre (AKA the Rage Rooms) have plenty of homeware for you to smash into pieces just because! And just opposite lies The Bowling House, a bit classier than your average bowling alley, you can have a boozy game or even hop in the karaoke booth and unleash your inner rockstar.
For a captivating experience, NorwichVR.com has a location in the city that provides mind-bending gaming and escape rooms in the form of virtual reality. With games suited to both children and adults, simply pick your adventure and get playing!
Eaton Park is a popular one for Norwich locals, with the beautiful and expansive greenspace having a cafe, play area, sports courts and mini golf. The stretches of grass are ideal for playtime and picnics, making for a great place to spend the day - especially when the sun is out!
Carrow Road and The Nest
Fans of the Canaries will be over the moon to hear about our new bus route! Route 35 links the city to The Nest and Carrow Road Stadium. With loads of events, VIP experiences, and nail-biting match days, having easier access to the stadium provides more travel options to fans.
The Nest is a community hub partnered with the FC that’s perfect for kids. Football pitches and The Challenge Woods play area are available for hire, making it perfect for things to do with kids.
The Challenge Woods play area at The Nest - Image Source: The Nest
The Shoebox Experiences and Tours
History buffs and tour enthusiasts - this one’s for you! The Shoebox Experiences has unique events that divulge the hidden secrets of the city, titillating tales, and even an underground escape game! From Norwich’s Hidden Street Tours to Secrets of the Tunnels, see how you can be shocked and entertained. New Tours include The Tavern Trail Tour, Magnificent Marble Hall and Lantern light tour from October to February each year. Take advantage of the underground tours while they last, with the fascinating delves into the depths ending in April 2024.
Norwich Castle and Art Gallery
For a delve into the rich history of Norwich, the magnificent medieval Norwich Castle offers grandiose stone walls that hold historical significance to the city. This stunning monument also offers a Museum with collections from the Egyptians to the Natural history display. Re-opening in spring of 2024, don't miss out on this awe-inspiring piece of history in the heart of Norwich.
Great fun for children who want to re-enact life as a knight in a castle or explore the dark hidden secrets of the dungeons - some parts are currently closed to visitors due to their major refurbishment programme so best to check online before you visit.
Get your fill of the cultural offerings of Norwich with the Norwich Castle Art Gallery, hosting decorative art dating back to 1400 BC and fine art from as far back as the 17th Century.
Norwich Castle and Art Gallery
Nearest stop - Norwich Castle Meadow - Stops CX/CA/CU/CC/CD/CE, for services 3,5B,6,8,11B,11C, 501 and 502.
Nearest Stop - Castle Meadow, services 3,5B,6,8,11B,11C,501,502.
By parking up for free, you can choose which bus stop to use to place you closest to the Norwich attractions at the top of your list. What’s more, you can pick up a group pass to save money if you’re travelling with friends!
Book your journey to Norwich and plan your day via the Konectbus App
Some websites and handy links to help you plan your trip:
Updated: 08/08/2024