by Katie Thompson
As the sun sets over the Norwich skyline, glowing bars, buzzing venues and lively line-ups entice us in. From chilled catchups over a cocktail to energetic evenings packed with entertainment, it doesn’t matter whether you’re an early bird or a night owl in the City of Stories.
So, if a riotous round of crazy golf takes your fancy or a sing-it-loud karaoke session is more your thing, Norwich has loads to choose from for an unforgettable night out. Read on for our top choices below!
And why not make a break of it? Check out where to stay for special city centre getaways, before booking a table at one of our wonderful independent eateries.
Enjoy a round of darts, pool or pop culture-themed 18-hole crazy golf at Mulligans!
Who doesn’t like a little friendly competition now and again?
So, when you’re faced with a challenging pop culture-themed 18-hole crazy golf course and a selection of other incredible games, Mulligans is a great night out with friends! From electro-darts to shuffleboard, American pool to ping pong (or there’s beer pong if you like a bit more of a challenge). Get ready to show off your skills- it’s game on!
And while you’re there, munch on a mouthwatering selection of food, including sticky wings, dirty fries, nachos, and hot dogs. Winner’s treat?
Norwich Arts Centre’s programme includes comedy, new music, poetry, theatre, live art and dance!
Celebrating 45 years in 2025, Norwich Arts Centre is an award-winning multi-arts venue with an alternative programme of entertainment. This includes new music, theatre, live art, poetry, dance, and comedy. Here, you’re sure to see a show that’s innovative, exciting, and unique!
This welcoming and inclusive space is a go-to venue for touring comedians, from well-known names like Johnny Vegas and Jake Lambert to leading ladies from the Edinburgh Fringe like Rosalie Minnitt and Kemah Bob. This is the place for a hilarious night out full of clever storytelling, laugh out loud jokes and witty stand-up.
Ribs of Beef is perfect for a riverside pub pitstop all year round
There’s no shortage of wonderful local bars and pubs in our fine city. For a chilled night out with friends or perhaps a romantic digestif, a refreshing tipple and cosy interior is all you need.
Some of our favourites include the Ribs of Beef– perfect for a riverside pub pitstop all year round, Bier Draak– a must for any beer connoisseur, and Redwell Brewery– home to Norwich-brewed beverages you can enjoy in a working taproom!
We’ve got plenty of lovely bars for a cocktail or glass of wine, too. Set in the beautiful architectural gem that is the Royal Arcade, Yalm offers seasonal specials alongside classic flavours at Skippers bar, while another citywide favourite is Tipsy Jar.
Wild Paths’ events include here, popular venue Gonzo’s
Not only an award-winning festival, Wild Paths also presents music nights with fantastic line-ups at some of Norwich’s most popular clubs and pubs– including Gonzo’s, Voodoo Daddy’s and Last Pub Standing. And each one spotlights some of the best local and Norwich-based acts. From new-wave jazz, hip hop and RnB to indie, post-punk and more, a night out with a Wild Paths event is a go-to for any music-lover, as well as going out-out with friends. Plus, you get to experience some of the city’s best independent venues!
A walking tour in Norwich is bound to be interesting, exciting and entertaining!
What better way to get to know Norwich than with a walking tour? And it doesn’t matter if you’re a local or a visitor to the City of Stories because there are loads of unusual, interesting, and sometimes spooky, tales to tell!
Norwich Story Walks’ Weird and Wonderful Story Walk (£10 pp, 7.30pm – 9pm) offers a unique perspective on our fine city, taking you from our medieval marketplace, through the winding Lanes, to Tombland and back again. Not all is as it seems, so you’re sure to have some stories to tell afterwards!
And if you like things a little spookier, try Norwich Ghost Walks (£15 pp, 7.30pm – 9.30pm). There are two terrifying routes to try- the Elm Hill Walk and the River Walk. Explore the oldest parts of the city and discover haunting tales along our cobbled streets. With over 900 years of history, you might even spot a spirit yourself!
All tours take place between April and December.
Stop for a waterside drink at the speak-easy style Playhouse Bar (and check out their leafy terrace!)
Here in Norwich, we’re lucky enough to have a number of theatres right on our doorstep. From West End productions and up-and-coming shows at Norwich Theatre Royal and Norwich Playhouse to community theatre at the Maddermarket (and not forgetting Norwich Puppet Theatre!).
With shows ranging from classic musicals and family favourites like Les Miserables and Hairspray to beautiful ballets by Matthew Bourne, operas, orchestras, sell-out comedy and award-winning plays, it’s always an exciting night out.
And you can make a whole evening of it, too! At Norwich Theatre Royal, tuck into a delicious pre-theatre menu at Prelude (the table is yours for the night!) or stop for a waterside drink at the speak-easy style Playhouse Bar (whose leafy terrace is lovely in summertime).
Bowling House is home to ten-pin alleys, karaoke and great food!
Bowling House is more than what it says on the tin- and all under one roof!
Their dark wood bowling lanes add a little retro feel to proceedings (whilst making it a slightly more even playing field!) and you can pay per game (adults £7.75) or lane (£40 per hour, up to 6 people) depending on how long you want to play.
Then you can tuck into their tasty menu for some well-deserved food and drink before singing your heart out all night long in their two private karaoke booths. And if you want to come back for more, Bowling House’s bingo events are always a sell-out, so get in there fast!
You won’t be short of entertainment at Castle Quarter
Castle Quarter isn’t just a shopping centre, but a go-to for a fun night out thanks to its five floors of leisure and entertainment.
Here, you’ll find themed crazy golf at Putt Putt Social- a great way to start your evening- next to Retro Replay arcade and Vector VR, where you can immerse yourself in dozens of games and experiences. There’s tenpin bowling at Superbowl UK and favourite Boom Battle Bar. Here, electric darts, shuffleboard and axe throwing are the norm!
And if that’s not enough, try to beat the clock at Escape Hunt or lose yourself for a few hours with a cinematic masterpiece at Vue.
