by Katie Thompson
Everyone loves a bank holiday, right? It’s an extra day to lie-in, visit somewhere new, indulge in delicious food and drink or catch up with friends and family. And with the arrival of May come two more bank holidays to make the most of!
Whether you love getting out in the great outdoors, want to take in a bit of culture or prefer a bit of shopping, Norwich has something for everyone, visitor or local. So, why not make a weekend of it (it’s 3-days, remember!) and treat yourself to a staycation in the City of Stories? We’ve got so much to discover, you’ll need more than just a day to explore it all!
Read on for our recommendations on how to spend your long weekend here in Norwich.
Yalm is a great destination for a group of friends
When you’re visiting Norwich, there’s nowhere better to start than the city’s incredible food scene. Whether you’re here for breakfast or brunch, cake or a coffee, or a mouthwatering evening meal, we’ve got you covered. Not to mention Norwich Market, roasts, afternoon teas, and unique food and drink experiences.
Our top picks include Yalm and The Waffle House for a bank holiday weekend. Yalm is perfect for a day out with friends, especially when you’ve all got different tastes. The food hall’s worldwide kitchens include Asian flavours for those who like it spicy, smoky North African grill, succulent steaks, and freshly made pizza and pasta. Plus, you just need to order with the QR code on your table, so it’s easy to relax as soon as you’re sat down. Just don’t forget to appreciate the upstairs of the Royal Arcade’s stunning Art Nouveau design while you’re there!
While at The Waffle House, you can opt for sweet, savoury or both! It’ll elevate your expectations of waffles when paired with delicious Bolognese, bang bang chicken or vegetable stir-fry. Not to mention an indulgent scoop of creamy chocolate mousse for afters!
Each time you step into the city, your ‘to visit’ list is sure to get longer! And if you’re craving familiar foods, we’ve also got plenty of chains to satisfy your appetite. No matter where you are in the city, you’ll also find places to sit outside in the (hopefully) balmy bank holiday sunshine, such as Rosa’s Thai at Chantry Place, Pho and Giggling Squid, both in Tombland.
You might recognise the Sainsbury Centre as Avengers HQ!
If you’ve a love for history, art and culture, then look no further- these are Norwich’s best attractions and hidden gems.
At the Sainsbury Centre (closed Mondays), you’ll rethink your relationship with art. Not only is this innovative art museum housed in a futuristic Norman Foster-designed building (which you’ll recognise as Avengers HQ in the Marvel film series), here art is recognised as living. So, immerse yourself into thousands of years of worldwide sculpture, paintings, ceramics, photography and more by hugging a Henry Moore, getting a different perspective on Alberto Giacometti’s Diego Seated (suspended from the ceiling!) and becoming your own artwork in a life-size glass display case!
Then pay a visit to The South Asia Collection. Tucked off Bethel Street, this former Victorian roller-skating rink is home to a beautiful collection of South Asian arts and crafts. Think handwoven rugs, brilliantly carved sculpture, religious icons and more. Plus, you can take a little bit of the culture home from their Country and Eastern shop- we love their block print bags and delicate drawer knobs!
And other must-visits include Norwich Cathedral (we particularly recommend a stroll through its magnificent cloister- the largest monastic cloister in the country!), Strangers’ Hall, and the Museum of Norwich.
The Lanes are a must-visit for any shopaholic
From independent menswear, vintage, and lifestyle stores to flagship stores and high street heroes, Norwich is an undeniably good shopping destination.
Where to start but the Lanes? Taking you from Upper St Giles, through Pottergate, down Lower Goat Lane and Bridewell Alley, and along to London Street, you could easily spend a whole day just in this area popping in and out of all the indie stores. Whether you’re looking for a special present or you want to treat yourself to something unique, this is the place to be.
Head to the likes of Dipples for beautifully crafted jewellery and watches, Atwin for consciously created clothing and homeware, Sostrene Grene for quirky gifts and trinkets, and Bowhill & Elliott for exquisitely handmade shoes.
Of course, we always recommend a stop in our independent department store Jarrolds (especially their basement food hall!). There are 5 floors and over 50 departments of fashion, homeware, stationery, books and beauty to peruse. Plus, it’s a great place whatever the weather!
And don’t forget The Royal Arcade with even more independent stores, plus Chantry Place and Castle Quarter for popular well-known brands, including H&M, Zara, Frasers, Urban Outfitters and TK Maxx.
What’s a visit to Norwich without visiting the castle?
Norwich always has a great range of family-friendly things to- whether you’re looking for something free, a festival for all ages (note Norfolk & Norwich Festival and Norwich Games Festival for the bank holidays this year!), or a destination to keep you occupied for most of the day. Just don’t forget to pay a visit to Paddington! (He’s there for the big kids, too!)
Of course, a trip to Norwich isn’t complete without visiting Norwich Castle! It’s a great day out for parents and children alike, where you’ll learn all about our region’s history and more besides. One of our favourite things to do is channel your inner Iceni warrior like Boudicca (dressing up encouraged). Or see if you can find all the jokes hidden in the Castle’s natural history galleries!
And the rest of the county isn’t short of fantastic family attractions, either. There’s Redwings, ROARR!, Pensthorpe, Banham Zoo, The Bug Parc, BeWILDerwood and loads more for a day trip into Norfolk when you’re staying in the city.
Plantation Garden is a peaceful oasis in our city
Did you know that Norwich is part of the Broads National Park? And thanks to our abundance of tranquil green spaces, you’ll certainly appreciate the fact while you’re here.
As it’s a three-day weekend, this is the time to take it slow, all the while getting a different perspective on our fine city with Pub and Paddle. You can hire a canoe, kayak or rowing boat, paddling peacefully along the rippling River Wensum to Thorpe St Andrew- which has three lovely pubs to choose from, this is Pub and Paddle, after all! Then head back at your own pace to the Ribs of Beef (whose waterside terrace is the perfect pitstop once you’re back on dry land!).
Elsewhere, Plantation Garden is an oasis amid our bustling streets. Set back off Earlham Road beneath the towering spire of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, this Grade-II listed hidden garden is home to colourful flower beds, an Italianate terrace, Victorian fountain and winding woodland pathways. It’s also a wonderful sun-kissed spot for a picnic!
And for when you want to get lost in a good book, take a seat in Norwich Cathedral’s fragrant herb garden. You’ll be surrounded by the lovely spring scent of lavender, oregano and rosemary. And breathe out…
Thanks to its history and city centre spot, the Maids Head is a great place to stay
We always recommend making a weekend of it here in Norwich. It gives you that little big longer to drink it all in and immerse yourself in our medieval streets. And a stay at of one of Norwich’s finest hotels will ensure you really do relax.
The Maids Head is ideal for anyone with a love of characterful interiors and penchant for history. Said to be the UK’s oldest hotel, the Maids Head rooms embrace their beams and unique spaces. Think four-poster beds and city centre views across Tombland. And if you’re staying here, it would be rude not to take a trip in one of their Bentleys!
Across the city centre, you’ll find The Assembly House. This is a boutique B&B with plush furnishings, roll-top baths and walk-in showers. Some rooms even have their own lounge or courtyard space! Lean into this Grade-II listed Georgian luxury even more and book one of The Assembly House’s renowned themed afternoon teas- you won’t regret it!
Other accommodation options include Norfolk Mead, Park Farm Hotel, Dunston Hall and Reedham Ferry Touring Park in the Norfolk countryside, All Hallows Guesthouse on King Street, and The Victoria at Holkham or Holly Lodge B&B (both with shepherd huts!) closer to the coast.
For your own cottage or house, there’s Poolside Lodges, Goat Shed Stays, Go Norfolk Cottages, or Kett Country Cottages, not forgetting Canine Cottages for your dog-friendly options!
May in Norwich isn’t complete without the Norfolk and Norwich Festival!
And if you’re looking for fun events across the May bank holidays, here’s a great selection of things to do.
Visit Norwich Craft Beer Festival at The Waterfront: Saturday 3 May – Sunday 4 May, 11.30am – 10pm, 18+, tickets from £9.90.
Watch Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at Norwich Theatre Royal: Saturday 3 May, 2.30pm & 7.30pm & Sunday 4 May, 1pm & 5pm, from £20.
See Bluey and Bingo at Pensthorpe: Monday 5 May, bookable intervals between 11am – 3pm, included in ticket admission (£17.95).
Enjoy Dogs Day Out at Bure Valley Railway: Monday 5 May, 10am – 3pm, adults £24, children £12, dogs FREE.
Discover the City of Literature Publishing Fair as part of Norfolk & Norwich Festival at the National Centre for Writing: Sunday 25 May, 10am – 4pm, FREE
Visit the Spring Makers Market at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist: Monday 26 May, 10.30am – 3.30pm, FREE.
Experience Norwich Jazz Festival by Norwich Arts Centre: Tuesday 15 May – Saturday 24 May, various times between 2pm and 8pm, tickets from £10.50
