Top 10 things to do with kids in Norwich

Sure there’s bowling alleys, laser games, rolling skating, cinemas and the like in Norwich, but then every place has got those, right? So, for our top 10, we’ve sought out things that are unique to Norwich…

The ‘box on the hill’ has stood there for coming up for a thousand years when the Normans built it to impress upon the natives who was now in charge. Now, it’s home to galleries of arts and the natural world, a look at Roman Norfolk, and lots more besides. There are regular special attractions and events for youngsters during the holidays. The castle is currently undergoing a £13.5m’Royal Palace Reborn’ redevelopment so check the website for an update.

> museums.norfolk.gov.uk

2 Riverside And Cathedral

Combine a trip along the River Wensum with a trip into the Cathedral and its Precinct and you’ll have an adventurous few hours. Look out for Pull’s Ferry, where stone from Caen was brought ashore by the Normans to build their 11th century paean to God. Cow Tower is an interesting feature on the river – a medieval blockhouse to repel attackers. There are lots of kidfriendly restaurants in the Riverside entertainment area, or you could find an independent café in the medieval, cobbled streets in Tombland.

3 The Millennium Forum

For a second there you thought Millennium Falcon, didn’t you? Admit it. Nope, nothing to do with Star Wars, this is actually a unique space in the heart of Norwich, opposite St Peter Mancroft Church, by the market. Principally the city’s library, it also hosts lots of festivals and events, many for youngsters on the weekends and holidays. Events are also held outside on Millennium Plain.

> theforumnorwich.co.uk

4 Sainsbury Centre

This Norman Foster-designed hangar-like building (used in some Marvel films as their upstate New York HQ) at the University of East Anglia has free admission to the permanent collection which includes work by Modigliani, Picasso and Bacon. There are regular events for families and youngsters. Outside explore the Sculpture Park, which includes works by Henry Moore, and take a walk around the Broad. Nearby Earlham Park has a café and an opportunity to paddle barefoot in the River Yare.

> sainsburycentre.ac.uk

5 Norwich Theatre Royal

One of the country’s best provincial theatres has shows and workshops for young ’uns, particularly in the holidays.

> norwichtheatre.org

6 Norwich Puppet Theatre

A community outreach organisation just off the city centre they’re all about… yes, you guessed – puppets and puppet performance. Creating magical theatrical performances are just one of the things they do. Oh, and hands-on skills sessions too.

> puppettheatre.co.uk

7 Museum Of Norwich At The Bridewell

A cornucopia of city history, from when Norwich was England’s Second City through to its rich industrial heritage. Learn about shopping and trading, take a look at the recreated early 20th century chemists shop and explore The Undercroft!

> museums.norfolk.gov.uk

8 Whitlingham Country Park

Cycle or walk around this lovely Broad and pop into the Flint Barn Café. With 280 acres of countryside and water, there’s also Whitlingham Adventure where youngsters can take their first steps to sailing.

9 Mousehold Heath

For great views of the city skyline, head up to Mousehold Heath. This is the vantage point that Robert Kett’s rebels took in the city in 1549. It didn’t end well. There’s plenty of space to run around, a recreation park and pitch and putt.

10 Eaton Park

Built after the first world war, this 80-acre recreation space near the city is where Norwich congregates 365 days of the year. There’s a pitch and putt, model boating pond, tennis courts, crazy golf, skate park, games area and café.

It’s no secret that Norfolk isn’t the most mountainous in the country, but that does mean you have huge skies to enjoy… as well as stunning sunsets. We’ve looked around the county to find some of the best spots to see them…