Looking for things to do in Norwich this summer bank holiday? Well, there’s plenty to choose from. Whether you fancy free music, a roaringly fun festival or a bit of outdoor cinema. Check out our round-up of some of the best activities to get involved in this summer bank holiday in Norwich.
1. Head Out, Not Home
Head Out, Not Home this summer bank holiday weekend to enjoy free live music and entertainment across multiple stages in the city centre! On Sunday 28 August, from 12.45pm – 4.45pm head out for a leisurely afternoon strolling around Norwich, taking in the beautiful sounds and soaking up some sunshine. Perhaps you’ll stop and grab a coffee while you’re out or wander the grounds of the Cathedral or along the river. Whatever you get up to, your trip will surely be enhanced by the musicians, bands and street-theatre performers stationed across the city.
Head Out, Not Home
2. Fairhaven Garden Tour
After a busy summer holiday, perhaps you’re wanting a more peaceful activity to do. Join tour guide Paul Dickson on Friday 26 August for a half-day guided walking tour of the beautiful Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden, where you can experience a slower pace of life for the morning. The tour will take you through the natural Broadland garden, before heading on to South Walsham Broad which will lead you to a gorgeous view of the 1000-year-old St Benet’s Abbey across the River Bure. Finish up with some wildlife spotting and lastly some coffee and cake in Fairhaven’s picnic area. The walk takes approximately 2.5-3 hours. Tickets are £18 per person (including food and drink), so why not treat yourself as the summer comes to a close.
Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
3. Movies and Music at Eaton Park
Want to liven things up a little? Movies and Music at Eaton Park is THE party in town this summer bank holiday that you won’t want to miss. From Saturday 27 to Monday 29 August, you’ll find plenty of events taking place at the stunning Eaton Park. From 12-5pm on Saturday 27, get ready for the Ibiza Garden Party with a live band, street food and bar. And from 6pm that evening, head along for a screening of Mamma Mia. Sunday during the day is for the kids, with a morning screening of Encanto and the Kidz Pop Party in the afternoon. And adults will love the evening screening of the brand-new movie, Elvis. The long weekend finishes on Monday with Jazz Picnic in the Park. Prices for each event vary – check online for details.
4. Plantation Garden Sunday Afternoon Teas
Tea, coffee and home-baked cakes – count us in! Head to The Plantation Garden on Sunday 28 August for a little afternoon treat (2-4pm). This hidden oasis in Norwich is the perfect place to enjoy a spot of tea. Plus, the Community Choir will also be performing – what more could you ask for? Entrance to the garden is only £2 per person.
The Plantation Garden
5. The World We Live In at Norwich Castle
If you want to take advantage of the long weekend to enjoy some culture, you won’t want to miss The World We Live In: Art and the Urban Environment at Norwich Castle. The exhibition brings together paintings, photography, film and sculpture to create an intriguing insight into the urban environment, people’s perception of it, and how it has changed. And there’s a free summer programme of activities linked to the exhibition for the kids. Running until 3 September every day (except Sundays) from 10am-3.30pm. Activities include a museum explorer trail, object handling and more. The exhibition and activity programme are included with the price of admission (£7 adults, £6 children).
The World We Live In: Art and the Urban Environment
6. John Lewis
For something free and fun that the whole family can enjoy, pop over to John Lewis on Saturday 27 August for its My John Lewis event. Running from 10am to 4pm, there will be plenty of activity across the store, from live music to face painting, children’s crafting and storytelling to beauty treatments too! And don’t worry if you’re not already a My John Lewis member – you can sign up on the day.
7. Holkham Hall
Holkham Hall always makes for a great day out for the whole family. Whether you’re a history buff who loves exploring the stunning rooms of the 18th century house, or an outdoor lover who enjoys wandering the grounds, spotting deer or venturing out on a bike or boat! And coming to the Hall for the bank holiday weekend (and on select dates until 2 September) is Feast in the Park. With several pop-up food and drink suppliers from across Norfolk, it’s the perfect place to go for a picnic (and sample some mouth-watering food). Grab yourself a tipple from the Adnams Bar, and keep your eyes peeled for vendors serving up crispy duck wraps, plant-based Indian style dishes, loaded fries, Italian ragu sandwiches in homemade sourdough bread and more!
Feast in the Park, Holkham
8. Pensthorpe
Pensthorpe is a beautiful destination that’s ideal for anyone eager for an action-packed day. So, why not pay a visit this summer bank holiday? As well as being able to explore the gorgeous park, there’s three epic trails, free arts and crafts, pond dipping sessions and pop-up dinosaur and wildlife workshops to enjoy too! Finish off your day with a visit to the café to refuel and reflect on a day well spent. All summer activities are included in the park ticket price (excluding Pensthorpe Explorer tickets). £13.95 for adults, £12.95 for children.
9. Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
Get ready to roarr at Roarrstock 2022 this summer bank holiday weekend! On the 26 and 27 August the popular dinosaur themed park will become host to 2 days and nights of festival fun. With live music, local street food, arts and crafts and of course, park attractions to enjoy too – there’s no end of fun to be had! During the daytime all park attractions will be open, with the bottom of the park closed for the evening events. And the best news? All the activities are included in the daytime ticket price! (£20.95). Or if you are visiting for the evening, admission is only £9.95.
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
