Norwich is a beautiful city, filled with open green spaces that are just perfect for a picnic. So, this National Picnic Week, we’ve pulled together some of our top recommendations for where to go (and what to eat) when you’re in the mood for a picnic!
A green oasis tucked away next to the Cathedral of St John the Baptist; The Plantation Garden is our top pick for romantics. Quiet and relaxed, it’s an ideal escape for when you just want to take a pause. With features such as gothic water fountains and walkways that look down over the garden, there’s plenty to explore.
And if you’re looking for something a little fancier than a homemade picnic feast, head along on Sundays from 20th June – 5th September between 2pm – 4pm, for afternoon tea and live music performance. The Plantation Garden is open year-round, and admission is only £2.
The Plantation Garden, perfect for a picnic
A great choice for families, Eaton Park has everything you might need for a fun day out. A lovely little café, pitches for football, a speed cycle track, space for walking and running, a model boating lake and Crazy Golf!
Lay down a picnic blanket and enjoy a nice lunch, and then take your pick of activities! We recommend Eaton Park Crazy Golf – there’s no need to book ahead, you can just show up. And best of all, it’s only £4.50 for adults, £3.50 for children 8-16, and £3 for children 3-7. Enjoy some healthy, fun competition with the family without making a dent in the wallet.
Eaton Park Crazy Golf
Gorgeous green space right in the city centre, Chapelfield Gardens has all the room you need to relax. The band stand in the centre is often used for events and performances, plus there’s a children’s play area to keep the little ones entertained. You can also purchase coffee, snacks, and ice cream from the food stand there.
Take it up a notch by ordering a Cakeaway Afternoon Tea from The Assembly House. Just down the road from Chapelfield Gardens, you can order award-winning afternoon tea to take away, available 7 days a week. Get ready to munch on delicious cakes, sweet and savoury scones, dainty finger sandwiches and tempting savouries.
Chapelfield Gardens, enjoy a picnic or Cakeaway Afternoon Tea and admire the bandstand
The Close is a green and lush haven surrounding the Cathedral and has within it 80 listed buildings! Pick your spot and take in the quaint Georgian properties overlooking the green or have a walk down to Pulls Ferry and enjoy strolling along the river.
From the 14th July – 30th August, The Close will also play host to Norwich Theatre’s Interlude in the Close, a series of music, comedy and theatre events in a big top tent. Why not book yourself a fun show to watch and make a day of it! (Entrance opposite The Great Hospital).
The Norwich Theatre Interlude tent, 2020
You have to do a little climbing uphill to get here, but it’s worth it. Sit beneath the Castle and enjoy views of Norwich’s skyline as you devour a picnic feast. There’s plenty of benches, green space and a playground for the little ones too.
From 17th June – 5th September, you can also head there to enjoy Mysagarden. Celebrating food, drink and music this summer, it’s the ideal location for a laid-back festival experience. On Saturday and Sunday afternoons, there’ll be live performance from local acts to relish.
And don’t forget to treat yourself to ice cream while you’re out! Café Gelato on Opie Street is only a minute walk away from the Castle, and offers authentic Italian gelato made with only the best and freshest ingredients. Fancy some white chocolate and raspberry ripple? Nutella? Or perhaps you’re feeling adventurous and want to try pear and ricotta? Whatever you choose, we guarantee it will be delicious.
Enjoy delicious ice cream from Cafe Gelato, the ideal way to finish a picnic
With acres of parkland and broad to enjoy, Whitlingham Country Park is the perfect spot for a picnic and a day out. For fans of wildlife, it’s ideal for spotting birds, insects and more. And for lovers of adventure, you can hire out Beryl Bikes and cycle around. Or you can even hop into a boat and take it on the water!
Whitlingham Country Park, perfect for cycling, walking and boating.
If you have a list of top picnic spots in Norwich, you can’t possibly leave out Mousehold Heath. This is the place to go for the best views of Norwich (which is what makes it one of the best spots for a picnic). A place to go, sit back, relax, and just take it all in. There’s also plenty of woodland and walking trails to discover if you feel like walking off your meal. Why not head there if you’re looking for something romantic to do? Have yourself a picnic for dinner and stay out to watch the sun set over the city (just don’t forget to bring extra blankets in case it gets cold!)
View of the Norwich skyline from Mousehold Heath. Take a picnic blanket and enjoy.
