Things to Do for Grandparents and Grandchildren in Norwich

Things to Do for Grandparents and Grandchildren in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

We all love spending quality time together as a family, no matter what age we may be! When parents have the day off, chances are the grandparents will step in for a fun-filled morning or afternoon out. 

So, where to start? From outdoor adventures to sightseeing that’ll stop you in your tracks, plus plenty of spots to run around and enjoy a snack, Norwich and Norfolk are packed with things to do- free and low cost included– that will entertain everyone from 1 to 100 (even if you don’t want to walk too far!). 

And if you’re looking for somewhere to refuel after a morning or afternoon out and about, we’ve got plenty of family-friendly places to eat, too. 

Here are our top picks for grandparents and grandchildren in and around Norwich!

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Norwich 

Plantation Garden

Plantation Garden is a hidden gem and city centre oasis made for flower fanatics and lazy afternoons in the sunshine (£2, £12 annual joint membership available for spouses/ partners). There are plenty of benches to sit on and admire the scenery. 

For Grandparents: Stroll along woodland walkways and flower-lined pathways, admiring towering trees, beautifully bright blooms and architectural features, including a Victorian Gothic fountain and Italianate terrace. Pack up a picnic and enjoy this tranquil space, small enough to easily keep an eye on the grandchildren. 

For Grandchildren: Head to the large green lawn for an energetic run around, darting along paths and zooming up and down, before settling back on a blanket for sandwiches and a story. Look out for their anticipated summer programme for open air cinema and live theatre! 

And if it’s parks you’re looking for, Chapelfield Gardens and Eaton Park have plenty of space to run around, with playgrounds, bites to eat and even mini golf (Eaton only)!

Elm Hill 

A scene straight out of a fairytale, Elm Hill is the most complete medieval street in the city. 

For Grandparents: Take in the beautiful history around you- think cobbles, beamed buildings and thatched rooves. Take a seat under the dappled light of Elm Hill’s plane tree before exploring the quirky selections of The Jade Tree and Elm Hill Craft Shop. 

For Grandchildren: What’s a visit to Elm Hill without a visit to The Bear Shop? It’s every child’s dream with cute and cuddly faces all around, from Paddington to Pooh. It’ll be hard to leave without adding one to your collection!

Norwich’s Cathedrals 

Norwich is home to not one, but two, cathedrals! Give yourself time to pay a visit to both The Cathedral of St John the Baptist and Romanesque Norwich Cathedral and you won’t be disappointed (FREE). 

For Grandparents: Admire the abundance of history at Norwich Cathedral with a free 1-hour tour delving into the last 900 years. While at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, tower tours offer 360-degree views across the city, before a well-deserved slice of cake in their sun kissed Garden Cafe. 

For Grandchildren: Pick up a free Explorer Backpack at Norwich Cathedral and follow the Fox Trail, using binoculars, a compass, mirror and more to find Flint the Fox and his special hiding place. End your visit with a photo next to Paddington– remember to bring your marmalade sandwiches! While at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist look out for the Frosterly marble where you can see thousands of actual fossils!

Norwich’s Museums 

With Norwich Castle (adults from £15.30 and children from £13.05 when you pre-book online, twilight ticket one hour before closing £2.50), Strangers’ Hall (adults from £7.10, children from £6.20, twilight ticket one hour before closing £2) and the Museum of Norwich (adults from £8.20, children from £6.90, twilight ticket one hour before closing £2.50) all offering a fascinating visit, you’ll soon be clued up on all the fun facts of our rich history! 

For Grandparents: Experience our incredible social history at the Museum of Norwich. From textiles to shoemaking, you might recognise a brand or two! At Strangers’ Hall, admire interiors that span the Tudor, Georgian and Victorian eras before a quiet moment in the Elizabethan Knot Garden. 

For Grandchildren: See what medieval life was like at Norwich Castle keep. Dress up like a king or queen and watch over the Great Hall from your throne as history comes alive in the Castle’s immersive visual story! Then head downstairs to find the hidden natural history jokes and ride on a wood chariot like one Boudicca led into battle! You’ll also find loads of dressing up opportunities at the Museum of Norwich, as well as interactive displays and a VR headset about Kett’s Rebellion.

Explore Norwich Bus 

Discover the city from a new perspective with the Explore Norwich open-top bus (May – September, adults £10, children £8, under 5s FREE)! 

For Grandparents: Hop on and off at your leisure on this scenic circular route and take in Norwich’s most iconic sights- from Norman landmarks to riverside views. You might learn a fact or two on the way! 

For Grandchildren: Head upstairs to the top deck and take the front row seat as you explore Norwich’s winding streets! See what you can spot from above and watch everyone going about their day in miniature.

Norfolk 

Bure Valley Railway 

For a nostalgic steam train journey alongside beautiful Norfolk countryside, Bure Valley Railway is an idyllic day out (adults from £15, children from £7.50, under 4s FREE). 

For Grandparents: Evoke memories of childhood holidays along the Norfolk coast with a traditional steam engine ride, stopping off to explore the bustling towns of Aylsham and Wroxham. We suggest a light lunch in Whistlestop Cafe to end your journey. 

For Grandchildren: There’s something exciting about watching colourful countryside pass by as you chug along a railway track. And throughout the year, there are special events like the Easter Eggspress and Festive Express for even more memories.

Wroxham Miniature Worlds 

As the largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK, there’s something to keep every generation occupied at Wroxham Miniature Worlds (adults £13.95, children £10.95). 

For Grandparents: Step back in time and wonder at the huge scenic layouts, with destinations from traditional English villages to Alpine railways, a Japanese fishing village complete with Bullet train and even desert roadway slot cars. 

For Grandchildren: Get hands-on in Wroxham Miniature World’s retro arcade collection and have a go at classic games like Pac Man and Space Invaders before experiencing all the fun of the fair with their vintage old penny amusements!

The Bug Parc 

The Bug Parc is an award-winning, unique attraction and the largest invertebrate parc in the country, home to hundreds of insects, spiders, butterflies and more (adults £14.50, children £12.50). 

For Grandparents: Explore three indoor tropical houses and get an insight into the fascinating lives of a whole host of creatures- from scorpions and centipedes to tarantulas and grasshoppers, beetles to ants! 

For Grandchildren: Enter The Bug Parc’s tropical butterfly house and watch in awe as these magnificent creatures flit past- if you’re lucky, they might land on you! Feeling brave? Why not try a bug handling experience (+£2.50)?

Thursford 

Whilst you may have seen its famous Christmas Spectacular, Thursford is also home to the world’s largest collection of steam engines (adults from £8, under 15s FREE), not to mention a fairground-themed adventure park (adults £6, children £12)! 

For Grandparents: In Thursford’s Steam Museum, hear one of the world’s leading organists play the mighty Wurlitzer, ride on the gondola, watch silent movies and discover this fantastic collection of steam engines from the last century. 

For Grandchildren: Roll up! Roll up! Thursford’s Adventure Play Fair invites you to a whole host of fun. Slide down the speedy Helter Skelter, twist and spin on the teacups, see Thursford from the Ferris wheel and dodge the water fountains (spare clothes recommended)!

Holkham 

With sprawling parkland, a beautiful beach, Palladian-style Hall and more, Holkham is a brilliant day out for every member of the family- and in stunning settings, too! (Parking £6.50, entrance prices vary depending on where you visit on the estate.) 

For Grandparents: Marvel at Holkham Hall’s breathtaking Marble Hall and Old Masters collection before a stroll around their tranquil Walled Garden, exploring glasshouses and carefully curated flowers, vegetables, lawns, and more. 

For Grandchildren: Swing from the trees with Holkham’s high ropes course (from £24pp) looking out across the park, then head down to the beach for a run around and splash in the sea before a well-deserved lunch (and sweet treat if you’ve been good) at the Lookout cafe.

Pensthorpe 

Where better for every generation to enjoy the great outdoors than Pensthorpe (from £10.95)? This 700-acre nature reserve is ideal for your first introduction to wildlife and experienced birdwatchers alike! 

For Grandparents: Embrace the fresh air in Pensthorpe’s many gardens, admiring creative sculptures, delicate wildflowers, and even listening to plant sounds in the pioneering Biosonification Garden. See how many birds you can spot from one of the reserve’s many hides and reward yourself with a pick-me-up in the bright Courtyard Cafe. 

For Grandchildren: What could be more exciting than a candyfloss-pink flamboyance of flamingoes? Take a look at these eye-catching birds before stretching your own wings on Pensthorpe’s WildRootz outdoor adventure park!

ROARR!

For a roarr-some day out, ROARR! is the largest dinosaur park in the UK! This wonderful attraction has plenty of indoor and outdoor fun to experience, as well as having a great level of accessibility, so everyone can get involved (from £15pp)! 

For Grandparents: Get lost in this real-life Jurassic park and trek through the Valley of the Dinosaurs, before seeing who will win a race on Dippy’s Raceway or a round of crazy golf! End the day with a feast at one of the park’s many cafes- you can’t go wrong with fish and chips and ice cream no matter your age! 

For Grandchildren: Everywhere you look, dino-sized excitement awaits! From the exhilarating Swing-O-Saurus and Raptor Contraptor to Dippy’s Splash Zone, Pterodactyl’s Treehouse, Lost World A-Mazing Maze and more. When your energy has run out, settle down for a show in Dippy’s Theatre or hunt for fossils in X-Tinction!