by Katie Thompson
There’s always something to look forward to in the City of Stories- sometimes it’s hard to keep up! From the anticipated reopening of some of our favourite attractions to a cultural programme of new shows and exhibitions. Not to mention the latest news from our city’s indies.
For days out with family and friends or as a couple, whether you’re an expert oarsman or want to try something new, keep reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city!
Dragon Hall is back open for free from April
From April until November, Dragon Hall (home to the National Centre for Writing) is back open for free drop-in hours (10am – 3pm) between Sunday – Tuesday. And you can get involved with plenty of events and workshops across the year, including their free Family Activity Days where you’ll discover 600 years of fascinating stories through talks, crafts and games!
The National Centre for Writing at Dragon Hall reopens on Sunday 6 April.
We’ve been eagerly awaiting the return of Pub and Paddle
Fancy seeing Norwich from a different angle? Float along our city’s waterways with Pub and Paddle, who reopen for their 2025 season this April. Take in our historic architecture, natural surroundings and, as the name suggests, a pitstop (or two) at some of the city’s favourite waterside pubs.
Pub and Paddle’s 2025 season starts on Sunday 6 April. You can book via their website.
For a innovative research-led visual arts exhibition, head to East Gallery!
At East Gallery, you can always expect something different. Their latest show explores our relationship with the ocean, offshore windy energy and Doggerland- the land that used to connect the UK to Europe. Arieh Frosh and Ed Compson’s ‘The New Scroby Sands Offshore Wind Farm Information Centre’ exhibition is a fascinating mix of research and visual arts.
The New Scroby Sands Offshore Wind Farm Information Centre runs from 14 March – 7 June at East Gallery.
A Brand-New Butterfly House for The Bug Parc
The Bug Parc’s new butterfly house opens in April!
As one of Norfolk’s most unique attractions, The Bug Parc stands out from the crowd. And even more so thanks to their brand-new tropical butterfly house (the only one in Norfolk)! Opening in time for the Easter holidays (by local author Jess French, no less), here you’ll be entranced by the 400 tropical butterflies flitting past, as well as shimmering koi and goldfish in its 2 ponds.
The Bug Parc’s tropical butterfly house opens on Saturday 5 April.
Maned wolves are a Near Threatened species
Congratulations are in order for Banham Zoo– in January, they marked the birth of 4 South American maned wolf pups! It’s a first for the zoo in 20 years and makes Banham one of only a few zoos to have successfully bred the Near Threatened species- it just goes to show the power of conservation!
Banham Zoo is open every day from 10am. You can meet the pups’ parents Enya and Thiago in the zoo’s Global Zone.
Matilda is back at Norwich Theatre next summer!
If you’re like us, it’s not hard to get excited about West End shows and world premieres here in Norwich. Especially when sell-out Matilda the Musical is returning to Norwich Theatre for 5 weeks next summer! Not only that, NT Sweet Briar Marshes will host the world premiere of Edgeland, in partnership with Limbik Theatre, in June.
These shows are on sale to the general public on 28 March (Edgeland) and 25 April (Matilda).
You can find Yarmouth Oilskins in-store at Bowhill & Elliott
It’s no secret that Norwich loves to support local. And that means Norfolk artisans, too. Bowhill & Elliott are now the proud stockists of Yarmouth Oilskins. Think natural fibre workwear completely handmade in their Great Yarmouth factory- the perfect fit for Bowhill & Elliott as well the Norwich Lanes!
Shop Yarmouth Oilskins at Bowhill & Elliott Monday – Saturday on London Street.
The latest addition to Thursford? A vintage fairground-themed adventure play park!
Just when you thought Thursford couldn’t get any more magical, a brand-new vintage fairground-themed play park will be arriving later this year! This incredible 30,000 sq foot space will become one of the biggest themed play parks in East Anglia, with a Ferris wheel, teacups, carousel and more holding up to 400 people. We’ll be first in line for the giant Helter skelter!
Thursford’s Adventure Play Park is due to arrive in late summer 2025.
The Last has a great variety of tipples to try
If you’re craving a fine dining experience at The Last, now you have the perfect excuse- their new wine list just dropped! It’s a fantastic selection of worldwide tipples- from reds and rosés to whites, sparkling and dessert wines- that pair perfectly with their seasonal menus.
You can dine at The Last Wine Bar & Brasserie from Wednesday to Sunday.
