by Katie Thompson
It’s a baker’s dozen here in Norwich! We all know that talking about the weather is an integral part of British culture. So, when the upcoming forecast looks as balmy as this week, it definitely won’t go unnoticed!
And because our forecast is so changeable no matter the season, we always want to make the most of it! Especially since Norfolk is one of the driest counties in the country.
Whether you’re lucky enough to be visiting the City of Stories in time for the sunshine or you’re a local who wants to make the most of the warm weather, Norwich certainly isn’t short of sun kissed spots to spend your morning, afternoon, or evening.
From parks and picnics to walks and rooftop bars, here are our top picks for when the sun’s out in Norwich!
End your Pub and Paddle session on a high with pizza at the Ribs of Beef!
One of Norwich’s most popular warm weather pastimes? Pub and Paddle. After a day at work wishing you were outside, destress with Pub, Paddle and Pizza (£24pp). On Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, canoe along the rippling river Wensum, taking your time across a two-hour slot, before enjoying a delicious pizza at the Ribs of Beef pub. And if you’re walking, why not treat yourself to a well-deserved drink? Not forgetting daytime when you can hire canoes, kayaks and rowing boats!
With such a great drinks selection, Gonzos is the ideal spot to spend your evening (especially on their rooftop!)
When the sun’s out, a refreshing drink, be it fruity, fizzy, or non-alcoholic, always hits the spot. Even better when you can soak up the sun on a rooftop bar. That’s where Gonzos Tea Room comes in. This buzzing spot is great for an evening out with friends, as a couple, or solo, and is somewhere you can catch those last rays. (And when it (inevitably) gets cooler, they’ve got heaters too!)
Bring a book or a pack of cards along to make the most of your picnic at Plantation Garden!
Plantation Garden is a beautiful sunken garden set back off Earlham Road that’s one of the city’s best kept secrets (£2 donation). Its well-manicured lawn is planted with brightly coloured blooms and protected from any breeze, making it the perfect picnic spot. For the ultimate picnic, treat yourself to a mouthwatering lunch from Norwich Market (whether you’re craving Chilean empanadas or fresh fish and chips) or a scotch egg or slice of quiche from Jarrold’s wonderful deli. Admire the Victorian gothic fountain and grand Italianate terrace while you tuck in!
End your riverside ramble at the Ribs of Beef’s waterside terrace
You’ll soon feel any tension disperse with a stroll along our meandering riverside walk. Weeping willows line the path; white swans glide alongside and historic sites like Cow Tower and St James’ Mill are dotted along the way. And to reward you at the end of it? A crisp pint or a G&T on the Ribs of Beef pub’s peaceful waterside terrace.
The Playhouse Bar is a buzzing and leafy spot for the warm weather
The leafy green terrace at Norwich Theatre Playhouse Bar is a local favourite. Think lovely riverside location, twinkling fairy lights and relaxed friendly atmosphere- you don’t need to be seeing a show to stop by! And with a brilliant selection of drinks that includes local real ales, German lagers on tap, wines and exotic teas and coffees, you’ll want to stay a while.
Make the most of the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park when the sun’s out!
Beneath blue skies is the best way to explore the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park. It’s dotted with outstanding art by names like Henry Moore, Antony Gormley and Lynn Chadwick and surrounds the art museum’s innovative Norman Foster-designed building. Follow their pocket map to discover the sculptures on display before a coffee outdoors at The Terrace cafe.
Cake, coffee or lunch at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist’s Garden Cafe is a lovely way to while away the morning
When you’re looking for a light lunch in a quiet sunspot, we suggest the bright and airy Garden Cafe at The Narthex, part of the impressive Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Here, you can sit outside on the patio looking out across the lawn and colourful borders while tucking into a freshly prepared sandwich, salad or maybe a ploughman’s if it takes your fancy!
Treat yourself to Benedicts’ amazing food alfresco!
If you love the buzz of the city during summer, look no further than St Benedicts Street for alfresco dining. At the aptly named fine dining restaurant Benedicts, embrace the fine weather with a 3-course lunch outdoors or treat yourself to the evening menu as the sun sets. And if you’re feeling a little thirsty, you can just turn up and grab a table for a glass of wine!
Taverham Mill is a great place to get outdoors and spot wildlife- including highland cows!
One of Norwich’s lesser-known green spaces, Taverham Mill (adults £6, children £4, family tickets £17) is a picturesque 100-acre nature reserve. With four lakes, an old weir and mill pool, grassland and wildflower meadow, and woodland, it’s a tranquil spot for anglers and nature lovers alike. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot a bird of prey soaring overhead or colourful butterflies flitting past!
Whitlingham is a peaceful spot on the edge of the city
The soft rustle of reeds, a refreshingly warm breeze and wildlife bobbing up and down. An amble around the lake at Whitlingham Country Park makes for a peaceful escape from city life- but you don’t need to travel far to get there! Follow the Broad’s 2-mile circular route or hire a kayak (from £12 p/h) and get out onto the water during the evenings at Whitlingham Adventure.
Cream Tea on the lawn of The Assembly House? Yes please!
To really make the most of the glorious weather, settle down in the gorgeous Georgian surrounds on The Assembly House’s green lawn for tea (or coffee!) and cake. We recommend booking because their indulgent cream teas, savoury teas, and chocolate tea (perfect for anyone with a sweet tooth) are understandably super popular.
Local beers, live music and stone-baked pizza? Redwell Brewery has your evenings sorted!
Another of Norwich’s best kept secrets. Just moments from County Hall and over the bridge towards Trowse, find this brewery and bar with oodles of outdoor seating in the sun! And if you want a bite to eat treat yourself to their pizza too. Plus, you can enjoy free live music on 2 May with Flat Venus & Eleanor Yates Live & Unplugged(-ish) from 6.30pm-9pm. And there’s loads going on 4 May for the bank holiday. Time to book a table!
Watch the world go by on the edge of the market at Sir Toby’s Beers
Sir Toby’s Beers is small and welcoming bar to enjoy a tipple and watch the world go by. Feeling peckish? Pick up some food on the market- you’re welcome to bring it along. This is also the place to catch the last of the sun’s rays as they flow down Guildhall Hill on an evening. Perfect!
