After a tough year being apart from loved ones, we now have the freedom to spend some quality time together. Plus, with the school holidays kicking in, there’s never been a better time to schedule in a bit of family fun!
So, here are our top recommendations for things grandparents can do with their grandchildren in Norwich and Norfolk this summer.
The Plantation Garden is perfect for a family picnic
1. Plantation Garden
An oasis of greenery in the heart of Norwich, The Plantation Garden is a great place to take the grandchildren for a picnic. There’s plenty of space to run around and benches for taking a rest, as well as gorgeous plants, gothic fountains and more to enjoy. Entry to the garden is only £2.
For an extra treat, why not take the little ones to see some outdoor theatre? Strange Fascination Theatre will be at The Plantation Garden on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th July, with a production of the adventurous and exciting Treasure Island! Family tickets (2 adults, 2 children) are £36.
2. Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
The Sculpture Park at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is an ideal place to let the grandkids run loose! With 350 acres of parkland, featuring stunning art, architecture, and natural beauty, it’s a place people of all ages can enjoy, and its free to visit. See important works by artists such as Henry Moore and Antony Gormley. And when you need a break, pop into the centre itself (closed Monday’s) and have a coffee and snack at one of the two cafés. It’s also free to see the permanent collection inside too!
Kids will love the sculptures at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
3. The Bear Shop
This charming shop housed in a Tudor building on Elm Hill is a great place to go (and get a treat for the grandchildren if you fancy!) Filled with designer and big-brand teddy bears, children will love making some new cuddly friends at The Bear Shop. And they won’t be spoilt for choice either – there’s hundreds of bears in the store from small to very very large!
4. Norwich Theatre Interlude
Take the little ones to the theatre for some guaranteed entertainment! And where better than to Norwich Theatre’s Interlude in the Close? A huge, big top tent in the Cathedral Close plays host to a wide range of performances this summer. From puppet shows, to classics like The Wind in the Willows, and even music and dance workshops especially for the kids (prices vary). Plus, once you’ve seen a show or two, why not stroll up to Opie Street and enjoy some delicious authentic Italian gelato from Café Gelato?
Something fun for grandparents and grandchildren to experience together – a trip to the theatre! And where better than Norwich Theatre’s Interlude tent?
5. City Sightseeing Bus Tour
Take an open top tour around Norwich and discover all its magnificent sights! Kids and adults alike can’t fail to enjoy the lovely views of the city while on board the City Sightseeing bus. Plus there will be interesting and informative audio guide. With 9 stops, you can hop on and off whenever you like. Perhaps you’ll want to spend some time at Norwich Castle, the Cathedral, or take a walk by the River? Or maybe you just want to sit back, relax, and take in our beautiful city. Tickets from £14.
Take in the sights of the city on board the City Sightseeing bus!
6. Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
This is surely one that will get the grandchildren excited! With 85 acres of parkland filled with animatronic dinosaurs, adventure playgrounds, splash zones, high ropes and more – there’s plenty to keep them entertained at Roarr!. And never fear, if it sounds like a bit too much walking to handle, there are mobility scooters available to hire from only £10 per day. Just contact their guest services to book – find all the information you need here. Admission prices vary depending on season, so check the website for up-to-date information.
7. Bure Valley Railway
Experience a ride on a steam train in the Norfolk Broads with Bure Valley Railway! Take an 18-mile round trip between Wroxham and Aylsham and enjoy watching the gorgeous Bure Valley countryside go by. A perfect outing for a family. Plus, there’s a delightful café serving up tea and cake at the Aylsham station – an ideal place to stop and relax. They can also accommodate wheelchairs and electric scooters, with both the Aylsham and Wroxham stations all on one level. Just get in touch beforehand to book a space – all the information you need is here. Family return tickets £40.
With accessible stations and a lovely cafe, Bure Valley Railway is a great day out for grandparents and grandchildren
8. Holkham Hall
Holkham Hall is a beautiful place to go for a day out. With stunning grounds to enjoy, a walled garden, and the nearby nature reserve and beach. There’s plenty to keep everyone entertained. But for a little extra fun, why not hop on The Grand Tractor Trailer Tour. Running from July until September, you can experience a whistle-stop tour of the park, packed with interesting information about the history of the Hall, and the farming that takes place there now. Plus, you can guarantee that the kids will love whizzing around the estate! Tickets only £5 per person.
9. Thursford Collection
Steam engines, fairground rides, music and more – there’s no end of activities to enjoy at the Thursford Collection. Housing the world’s largest collection of steam engines, there are also daily performances on the might Wurlitzer organ, and silent movies to watch. You can also stop for lunch at the Carousel tea bar, and the kids can let off some steam at the children’s play area. Tickets are only £8 for adults, and free for under 12s (additional charge for fairground rides).
The fairground rides at Thursford Collection will surely prove a hit with the grandchildren
There are lot’s of other fabulous attractions we’d recommend, including BeWILDerwood, Pensthorpe Natural Park, Wroxham Miniature Worlds and Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden.
