When the rain comes out, there’s always the temptation to cancel your plans and just stay huddled inside. But a spot of rain isn’t enough to stop us here in Norwich! In fact, there’s a whole host of fun activities you can do in the city (while still sheltering from the rain.)
This city-centre, undercover (and in parts, underground!) mall is more than just a shopping centre. Amongst familiar high-street favourites, you’ll find a range of activities that are perfect for families or groups. At the recently opened ‘Boom Battle Bar’, there’s Axe Throwing, ‘Crazier Golf’ and Shuffleboard (plus more!). Plus, licenced bar. So this is a strictly over-18th venue after 7pm.
Also within Castle Quarter are a Vue Cinema, Superbowl, Retro Arcade – right next door to plenty of shops and places to grab a bite to eat.
Voted the best outdoor market in the UK in 2019, we’re lucky that our treasured collection of city-centre stalls is also undercover. With over 190 stalls sheltered from the rain, there’s no reason pass up on this iconic Norwich attraction. Stay for lunch at one of the many hot food stalls (The Mushy Pea stall is absolutely not to be missed), shop vintage fashion, peruse the houseplants, stock up on essential oils, find souvenirs, grab local ingredients for tea and don’t forget to pick up some new hoover bags while you’re there…
While some of Norwich’s historic attractions aren’t able to open quite yet, our city’s Cathedral has opened its doors once again. For first-time visitors to the city, we really recommend a visit to this extraordinary Romanesque place of worship. From stunning contemporary stained glass, to intricate bosses, there is plenty to admire in the majestic interiors. Entrance is whatever you can afford to donate.
Escape the bad weather and admire some stunning visual art instead. The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art runs exhibitions year round, bringing touring work to the city, and housing a permanent collection of unique works. If you feel like facing the rain, why not take a walk around the outdoor sculpture collection, then warm up with something hot in the café!
Venture into a locked room with a few of your closest friends and see if you can get out before your time is up! Be transported to the Tomb of Akhenaten, The Lab of Dr. Lev Pasted or make sure you’ve got your sea-legs and try to find Cap’n Greenbeard’s treasure. Test your mettle, put the clues together, and see if you can beat the clock.
These themed afternoon teas are extremely tasty and extremely pretty. At the moment, you can enjoy an Enchanted Forest Afternoon Tea, which features very cute hedgehog cakes, macaroons styled as mushrooms, blackberry treats, and finger sandwiches. Built as the place for all the Georgian gentry to socialise, it’s easy to imagine 18th century ladies and lords dancing and taking supper.
Try your luck at the lanes, and see who can hit a strike! The Bowling House is stylistically stunning, with a great cocktail and snack menu, so you can enjoy a game and then reward yourself for a job well done.
Come and feel like a giant in the largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK! Featuring model railways, a whole city made from Lego bricks, model boat displays, Interactive Flight Simulators, and much more. Indulge in some childlike wonder, and explore all 10,000 square feet of this amazing attraction.
