Rain? When has that ever stopped us in enjoying our days out in Norwich? Don’t let a little showering of rain hinder your plans, especially not when you’re here in the City of Stories. Here, there’s always rain-friendly activities to keep you, your loved one, family, friends, or anyone else you’re with entertained. Here are our top picks…
Oh, and if you need anymore family-friendly recommendations, including where to find great food and drink, places to stay, and so much more, check out our families page here!
If you’re looking for something fascinating, unique, and, of course, weatherproof, you’ll love The Shoebox Experiences. Found on Castle Meadow, The Shoebox Experiences offer a huge range of wonderful tours but to stay dry on a rainy day, The Hidden Street Tour is for you!
On this tour, you’ll see Norwich in a way like never before, discovering the secrets beneath the city… hidden below Castle Meadow, just between the Castle Keep and Norwich Market. On this tour you’ll find something which is hard to believe is there – a hidden underground medieval street. Yes. Medieval street, with medieval dust. Take a wonder and learn more about the trades and houses of this preserved street, as well as the people who lived on it. We won’t say much more because it’s better to unravel yourself, but we can safely say it’s a must-see experience. Find out more and book your spot on The Shoebox Experiences website!
It would be rude not to mention that The Shoebox Experiences also offer tours outdoors for more clement weather including The Tavern Trail Tour, The Matriarchs, Mayors and Merchants Tour, and many more.
The Hidden Street Tour at The Shoebox Experiences is a fantastic way to spend those rainy days!
If you have a whole day to fill, Castle Quarter has more than enough to keep you occupied. As well as being a hub for clothes, jewellery, food, and toys, there’s plenty of fun to be had too. Catch the latest blockbuster release at Vue Cinema on the top floor, escape to another world with VR escape rooms and games at Vector VR, or head to Boom Battle Bar on the third floor for ‘crazier’ golf, electric darts, beer pong, axe throwing, and much more!
Or opt for some classics like bowling at Superbowl, getting competitive across the three courses of mini golf at Putt Putt Social, and a few blasts from the past with Retro Replay, a retro arcade and gaming lounge! Whatever you choose to do, you’re sure to have a terrific day out at Castle Quarter. You can find out more and all that it offers on their website.
However you want to spend your day, there’s always a reason to visit Castle Quarter
Fancy hitting the lanes? There’s few places better to spend a rainy day in Norwich than the retro Bowling House! Enjoy ten-pin bowling with shorter lanes and lighter balls than you’re likely used to, making it a more level playing field for everyone to enjoy a close round of games, especially good against that one friend or family member who is always winning…
But it isn’t just ten-pin bowling you get to enjoy at the Bowling House. On top of those hours of fun, you can also make use of their cocktail bar, two karaoke booths, and restaurant, which serves amazing food across a choice of small and large plates.
Find the Bowling House just a 10-minute walk from the city centre, with lanes priced at £20 per lane for every 30 minutes, making it really affordable for a group! Book your table for food and spot on the lanes for some good old fashioned bowling on the Bowling House website.
Beat those rainy day blues and let the good times roll at Bowling House
Whether it’s a date night or a day out with friends and family, Mulligans’ doors are always open for a seriously fun indoor adventure. There is so much to choose from, including electro-darts, shuffleboard, beer pong, pool, ping pong, and more, but their main attraction is the crazy golf – it’s a must-try.
With a whopping 18 distinctly themed and laid out holes, this is perhaps Norwich’s most creative course. Expect abandoned fairgrounds, sneaky jailbreaks, drums, pinball, and much more. It’s fantastically good fun, available at £10.50 per adult and £8.25 per child under-16. You can find out more about the individual activities and book your trip on their website!
Whether it’s crazy golf, shuffleboard, pool, ping pong, or darts, there’s always something to keep you entertained at Mulligans!
Norwich Cathedral is truly a landmark you can’t miss – no matter how cloudy and rainy it is! This historic architecture has endless delights to be explored. Spot the monastic Cloisters of the Middles Ages, which are the biggest of their kind in the country, the second-tallest spire in England, the hundreds of roof bosses, the grave of Edith Cavell, and much more. You’ll find something new to be fascinated by with every visit to the Cathedral.
If you want to soak (excuse the pun) in all the history and a few secrets, the Cathedral offer free guided tours! Tours usually take place Monday – Saturday every hour from 10am – 3pm. The tours start from the Font in the Nave and there is no need to book in advance. Please note: occasionally tours cannot take place due to events or rehearsals. The Cathedral is completely free to enter (donations are welcome) and can be found next to Tombland right in the city centre!
Norwich Cathedral is beautiful, and a must-visit regardless of the weather
If you’re looking to indulge in a bit of history, culture, and fantastic art, look no further than the Sainsbury Centre. Just a few minutes’ drive from the city centre and accessible by bus (25, 26, and 26a all take you there), the Sainsbury Centre has all the makings of a fantastic day out, especially when it’s drizzly outside.
With a permanent collection featuring works by Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, Henry Moore, Andy Warhol, Alberto Giacometti, and so many more fantastic artists. As well as thousands of years of historic objects, you’ll absolutely adore the eclectic mix of their permanent collection. And don’t miss their temporary exhibitions, which are always on rotation and follow their new ‘seasons’, during which they attempt to answer one of life’s great questions through their use of art.
It’s also the first museum in the country to offer a ‘Pay If and What You Can’ scheme, so you can gain admission at a price that completely suits your budget, including for FREE.
Finally, if you’re heading in on the first Sunday of the month, you’ll be happy to hear that from 10:30-12:30pm they offer a free family day, so the little ones can experience some great fun! Each month, the theme changes to something new about the Sainsbury Centre, but you can expect a superbly creative mix of arts and crafts or outdoor exploration in their Sculpture Park!
With works from world-renowned artists, up and coming creatives, and items aged a thousand years, the Sainsbury Centre has it all.
Just how much do you really know about Norwich? The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is sure to teach you something new and incredibly interesting about this city of stories, for both visitors and lifelong residents alike.
Starting at the City’s industries and people in medieval times and taking us up to the modern day, you can even enjoy a free VR experience focused on Kett’s Rebellion, the last public revolt in the country!
The Museum of Norwich is open from Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 4:30pm and can be found on Bridewell Alley. Admission ranges from £7.40 for adults to £6.30 for children aged 4-18. You can buy your tickets when you arrive at the Museum of Norwich, or book in advance online!
Every room of the Museum of Norwich is sure to take you back in time!
How would you like to handle some creepy crawlies? Whether it’s to face your fears or get your fix of these fascinating creatures, there’s no better place to do it than at The Bug Parc! Started by Martin French in his back garden 20 years ago, one man’s passion soon saw him grow into a five-acre space to continue expanding his collection of invertebrates, and now the public can see them up close and personal in this state-of-the-art facility!
There is a plethora of different bugs for you to learn about, interact with, and make some new four-legged (or more!) friends. Tickets for entry into The Bug Parc cost £10.95 per adult and £8.95 per child aged 4-17, with handling sessions available for just £2 more per person. It’s worth trying out, even if you are scared of bugs like these! Find out more and book your tickets to The Bug Parc on their website.
What creepy crawlies will you see (or handle!) at The Bug Parc?
