Things to do in Norwich

Discover Great Days Out in Norwich

Norfolk is often celebrated for its beautiful coastline, the Norfolk Broads and its charming seaside towns, which means Norwich can sometimes be overlooked. Here at Great Days Out, we think that’s a mistake. Spend a day here and you’ll quickly discover one of England’s most complete medieval cities, where magnificent Norman landmarks, cobbled streets, independent shops and family attractions all sit within easy walking distance of one another. Known locally as “A Fine City”, it’s easy to see where the nickname comes from. It’s packed with history, yet somehow still feels vibrant, creative and modern.

Whether you’re planning a family day out, a weekend break or simply somewhere different to explore, Norwich is well worth adding to your Great Days Out list.

Looking for the best things to do in Norwich?

Don’t miss Norwich Castle, Norwich Cathedral, the colourful Norwich Market, the historic streets of Elm Hill and the beautiful Plantation Garden. Add in nearby adventures on the Norfolk Broads, family favourites like BeWILDerwood and some of the best independent shopping in the country, and it’s easy to see why Norwich is one of England’s most underrated city breaks.

More Than Just Medieval Streets…

One of the things we love most about Norwich is how easy it is to explore. You don’t spend your day constantly jumping back in the car because so many of the city’s biggest attractions are within a short walk of each other. One minute you’re exploring a 900-year-old Norman castle, the next you’re browsing independent bookshops in The Lanes, grabbing lunch from one of the oldest open-air markets in Britain or wandering down cobbled streets that look like they’ve barely changed for centuries.

It somehow manages to feel both historic and surprisingly youthful at the same time, helped by its two universities, thriving independent businesses and relaxed atmosphere. It’s one of those cities where the best discoveries often happen when you wander off the main route and simply see where the next cobbled street takes you.

Things to do in Norwich

If it’s your first visit to Norwich, don’t be surprised if someone greets you with an “Alright, bor?” it’s a traditional Norfolk welcome and a lovely reminder that, despite its rich history, Norwich has remained one of England’s friendliest cities. Once you’ve settled in, we’d make a beeline for Norwich Castle. Standing proudly above the city for more than 900 years, it was originally built by the Normans as a royal palace and defensive fortress. Today it’s one of the UK’s finest museums, where you can discover everything from Viking treasures and Egyptian artefacts to the story of East Anglia’s legendary warrior queen, Boudicca. Even if museums aren’t usually your thing, the interactive galleries and fascinating history make this one well worth your time.

Just a few minutes away you’ll find Norwich Cathedral, one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks. With the second tallest cathedral spire in England and the country’s largest monastic cloisters, it’s every bit as impressive as you’d expect. Take time to wander through the peaceful cathedral grounds, admire the remarkable Norman architecture and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot the resident peregrine falcons nesting high above the city.

No visit to Norwich would be complete without a stroll along Elm Hill. Often described as one of England’s most beautiful medieval streets. It feels like stepping onto a film set with its wonky timber-framed buildings, independent shops and cosy cafés, it’s easy to forget you’re in a modern city at all. If you only take one photograph during your visit, there’s every chance it’ll be here.

One place that always surprises first-time visitors is Norwich Market. Trading for almost 1,000 years, it’s one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the country. With colourful stalls selling everything from local produce and artisan cakes to street food from around the world, it’s the perfect place to grab lunch while soaking up the atmosphere of the city.

Looking for a Little More Adventure?

Norwich isn’t just about history. If you’re travelling with children or anyone who likes to stay active, there’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. Gravity Active Norwich is a brilliant rainy-day option, with trampolines, inflatable obstacle courses and activities that are guaranteed to burn off some energy. Whether you’re bouncing, climbing or taking on the assault course, it’s one of those places where an hour somehow turns into three. If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, Hollywood Bowl offers ten-pin bowling, arcade games and pool tables, making it an easy choice for families, groups of friends or anyone looking for a bit of friendly competition. Fancy trying something a little different? Highball Climbing Centre welcomes everyone from complete beginners to experienced climbers, with bouldering walls and climbing routes for all abilities. It’s a great way to challenge yourself, whatever the weather outside.

Need to Stretch Your Legs?

One of the biggest surprises about Norwich is just how green it is. Despite being one of England’s oldest cities, you’ll never be far from a park, riverside walk or peaceful garden. Plantation Garden is one of the city’s hidden gems. Tucked away behind high walls, this beautifully restored Victorian garden features Italian-style terraces, Gothic fountains and colourful planting that make it feel like a secret oasis in the middle of the city. It’s the sort of place many visitors walk straight past without ever realising it’s there.

If you prefer something a little more open, take a stroll along the River Wensum, which winds its way through the heart of Norwich. Riverside walks offer a completely different perspective of the city, passing historic buildings, quiet green spaces and plenty of cafés where you can stop for a coffee along the way. For families wanting a bit more space, Whitlingham Country Park is only a short drive from the city centre. With walking and cycling trails, paddleboarding, canoeing and open water swimming, it’s a fantastic place to spend a sunny afternoon.

Beyond the City Walls

One of the biggest advantages of visiting Norwich is what’s waiting just beyond the city.

Within half an hour you could be exploring the peaceful waterways of the Norfolk Broads, where boat hire, riverside pubs and beautiful wildlife make for a fantastic day out. If you’re travelling with younger children, BeWILDerwood Norfolk is one of the UK’s best-loved family attractions, with giant treehouses, zip wires, slides and woodland adventures that encourage children to put down their screens and simply play. Fancy a trip to the coast? The beautiful beaches of Cromer, Sheringham and Holkham are all within easy reach, making Norwich the perfect base for combining city sightseeing with a traditional seaside day out. History lovers won’t want to miss Blickling Estate, a magnificent National Trust property with stunning gardens, woodland walks and a fascinating connection to Anne Boleyn. It’s one of the reasons so many people end up turning a day out in Norwich into a long weekend.

Time to Refuel?

After a day of exploring, you’ll probably have worked up an appetite, and luckily Norwich has one of the best food scenes in the East of England. For a city of its size, the choice is impressive. Whether you’re after award-winning restaurants, brilliant brunch spots or some of the best street food in the East of England, Norwich quietly punches well above its weight.

If it’s your first visit, we’d recommend starting at Norwich Market. Trading for almost 1,000 years, it’s packed with colourful stalls serving everything from freshly baked pastries and artisan coffee to loaded fries, authentic Thai street food, Greek gyros and locally produced cakes. It’s one of those places where everyone in the family can choose something different before finding a bench and soaking up the atmosphere.

If you’re looking for something a little more relaxed, head over to The Lanes. This network of charming medieval streets is home to some of Norwich’s best independent cafés, bakeries and restaurants. Whether you’re stopping for brunch, enjoying homemade cakes or settling in for an evening meal, it’s an area that perfectly captures the city’s creative and independent spirit.

If you’re celebrating a special occasion, Norwich won’t disappoint Benedicts, led by acclaimed chef Richard Bainbridge, is one of the city’s best-known restaurants, while  The Last Wine Bar is another long-standing favourite for relaxed dining in a historic setting.

If traditional pub food is more your style, Norwich has a lot to offer. The Fat Cat Pub & Brewery is something of a local institution, famous for its outstanding selection of real ales and welcoming atmosphere. Meanwhile, The Rosebery has become one of the city’s favourite destination pubs, serving excellent food from Blues NR3 alongside an ever-changing selection of local ales and craft beers.  We’ve shared the places we’d genuinely recommend to our own friends and family visiting Norwich for the first time. Hopefully you’ll discover somewhere new, have a proper wander, maybe even stop for a bit of a “mardle” with one of the friendly locals and leave understanding exactly why Norwich proudly calls itself “A Fine City”.

Know Somewhere We Should Feature?

At Great Days Out, we’re always looking to help families discover even more amazing places to visit across the UK. If you know a hidden gem, a fantastic family attraction or an experience you think should be featured, we’d love to hear about it.

Send an email to: info@great-days-out.co.uk and include:

• Name of attraction
• Website URL
• Type of experience

Own or manage an attraction in Norwich? Get in touch to find out how your business can be featured on Great Days Out and reach families searching for their next adventure.

Is Norwich worth visiting?

Let’s just say we were singing like Canaries after our visit. Whether you’re wandering down Elm Hill, browsing Norwich Market, exploring Norwich Castle or heading out onto the Norfolk Broads, Norwich has a habit of quietly exceeding expectations. It’s one of those cities that doesn’t need to shout about itself—it simply lets you discover it at your own pace.

More Days Out in Norfolk

If you are looking for more Days Out in Norfolk , there is something for everyone across the region.

Great Yarmouth

Norwich