Top Things to Do in Norwich When the Sun’s Out
Top Things to Do in Norwich When the Sun’s Out
by Katie Thompson
We all know that talking about the weather is an integral part of British culture. So, when the upcoming forecast looks bright and balmy, it definitely won’t go unnoticed!
And because it’s changeable no matter the season, we always want to make the most of it. Especially since Norfolk is one of the driest counties in the country.
Whether you’re lucky enough to be visiting when the sun’s shining or you’re a local who wants to make the most of the warm weather, Norwich certainly isn’t short of sun kissed spots to spend your morning, afternoon, or evening.
From parks and picnics to walks and rooftop bars, here are our top picks for when the sun’s out in Norwich!
1. Pub and Paddle (And Pizza!)
End your Pub and Paddle session on a high with pizza at the Ribs of Beef!
One of Norwich’s most popular warm weather pastimes? Pub and Paddle. After a day at work wishing you were outside, destress with Pub, Paddle and Pizza (£50 for 2 people, boat hire and 2 pizzas). On Tuesdays and Wednesdays, canoe along the rippling river Wensum, taking your time across a two-hour slot, before enjoying a delicious pizza at the Ribs of Beef pub.
And if it’s getting out on the water that takes your fancy, why not make a morning or afternoon of it with Bishy Barney Boats and motor your way east into the luscious Broads National Park (from £25 for 1 hour for 4 people)?
2. A Rooftop Drink at Gonzos
With such a great drinks selection, Gonzos is the ideal spot to spend your evening (especially on their rooftop!)
When the sun’s out, a refreshing drink, be it fruity, fizzy, or non-alcoholic, always hits the spot. Even better when you can soak up the sun on a rooftop bar. That’s where Gonzos Tea Room comes in. This buzzing spot is great for an evening out with friends, as a couple, or solo, and is somewhere you can catch those last rays. (And when it (inevitably) gets cooler, they’ve got heaters too!)
3. Plantation Garden and a Picnic
Bring a book or a pack of cards along to make the most of your picnic at Plantation Garden!
Plantation Garden is a beautiful sunken garden set back off Earlham Road and one of the city’s best kept secrets (£2). Its protected, well-manicured lawn is planted with brightly coloured blooms, making it the perfect picnic spot. Bring a mouthwatering lunch from Norwich Market or a scotch egg or slice of quiche from Jarrold’s wonderful deli, admiring the Victorian gothic fountain and grand Italianate terrace while you tuck in!
For more tranquil gardens, we recommend Strangers’ Hall’s Elizabethan Knot Garden, the National Centre for Writing’s secluded outdoor space and the contemplative walled garden of The Julian Shrine (all free).
4. A Waterside Pub Pitstop and a Riverside Walk
End your riverside ramble on the Red Lion’s waterside terrace
You’ll soon unwind with a stroll along our meandering riverside walk. Weeping willows line the path and historic sites like Cow Tower and St James’ Mill are dotted along the way. Or there’s paddleboarding at nearby The Lions’ Den River alongside gliding white swans (£12 for 1 hour). To reward you at the end of it? A crisp pint or a G&T on the Red Lion’s peaceful waterside patio. (Or perhaps a creamy scoop of ice cream at Cafe Gelato if you’ve got a sweet tooth!)
5. Catch Up with Friends at the Playhouse
The Playhouse Bar is a buzzing and leafy spot for the warm weather
The leafy green terrace at Norwich Theatre’s Playhouse Bar is a local favourite. Think lovely riverside location, twinkling fairy lights and relaxed friendly atmosphere- you don’t need to be seeing a show to stop by! And with a brilliant selection of drinks that includes local real ales, German lagers on tap, wines and exotic teas and coffees, you’ll want to stay a while.
6. Coffee and Culture at The Sculpture Park
Make the most of the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park when the sun’s out!
Beneath blue skies is the best way to explore the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park. It’s dotted with outstanding art by names like Henry Moore, Antony Gormley and Lynn Chadwick and surrounds the art museum’s futuristic Norman Foster-designed building. Follow their pocket map to discover the sculptures on display before a coffee outdoors at the aptly named Terrace Cafe.
7. A Light Lunch at the Garden Cafe
Cake, coffee or lunch at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist’s Garden Cafe is a lovely way to while away the morning
When you’re looking for a light lunch in a quiet sunspot, we suggest the bright and airy Garden Cafe at The Narthex, part of the impressive Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Here, you can sit outside beneath shady parasols on the patio, looking out across the lawn and colourful borders while tucking into a freshly prepared sandwich, salad or even a ploughman’s!
8. Outdoor Fine Dining on St Benedicts Street
Treat yourself to Benedicts’ amazing food alfresco!
If you love the buzz of the city during summer, look no further than St Benedicts Street for alfresco dining. At fine dining restaurant Benedicts, embrace the balmy weather with a 3-course lunch outdoors or treat yourself to the evening menu as the sun sets. And if you’re feeling a little thirsty, you can just turn up and grab a table for a glass of wine!
9. Trails, Birdwatching and Highland Cows at Taverham Mill
Taverham Mill is a great place to get outdoors and spot wildlife- including highland cows!
Another of Norwich’s best kept secrets. Taverham Mill (adults £7, children £5, family tickets £18) is a picturesque 100-acre nature reserve. With four lakes, an old weir and mill pool, grassland and wildflower meadow, and woodland, it’s a tranquil spot for anglers and nature lovers alike. Keep your eyes peeled and you might spot a bird of prey soaring overhead or butterflies flitting past!
10. Walking and Watersports at Whitlingham Country Park
Whitlingham is a peaceful spot on the edge of the city
The soft rustle of reeds, a refreshingly warm breeze and wildlife bobbing up and down. An amble around the lake at Whitlingham Country Park makes for a peaceful escape from city life- but you don’t need to travel far to get there! Follow the Broad’s 2-mile circular route or hire a kayak (from £14 p/h) and get out onto the water during the evenings at Whitlingham Adventure.
11. Elevenses Outside at The Assembly House
Cream Tea on the lawn of The Assembly House? Yes please!
To really make the most of the glorious weather, settle down in gorgeous Georgian surrounds on The Assembly House’s green lawn for tea (or coffee!) and cake. We recommend booking because their moreish cream teas, savoury teas, and chocolate tea (a real indulgence) are understandably super popular. For a real treat, how about a sip of their new cake-themed cocktails? It’s the Victoria Sponge Spritz for us!
12. Local Beers and Stone-Baked Pizza at Redwell Taproom
Local beers, live music and stone-baked pizza? Redwell Brewery has your evenings sorted!
Another of Norwich’s best kept secrets. Just moments from County Hall and over the bridge towards Trowse, find this brewery and bar with oodles of outdoor seating in the sun! And if you want a bite to eat treat yourself to their pizza too. Plus, you can enjoy free live music throughout the summer, as well as pop-up street food on Sundays!
13. People Watching at Sir Toby’s Beers on Norwich Market
Watch the world go by on the edge of the market at Sir Toby’s Beers
Sir Toby’s Beers is small and welcoming bar to enjoy a tipple and watch the world go by. Feeling peckish? Pick up some food on the market- you’re welcome to bring it along. This is also the place to catch the last of the sun’s rays as they flow down Guildhall Hill. Perfect! (If continental beers are more to your taste, we suggest Bier Draak on King Street, accompanied by a ‘nibble platter’.)
14. A Self-Guided Walking Tour with Go Quest Adventures
Discover a whole host of interesting facts, stories and previously-missed details with Go Quest Adventures
We always say that one of the best ways to see Norwich is with a walking tour. And with self-guided Go Quest Adventures (£28.95 for up to 5 players), you’ll explore all corners of the city centre, from the Lanes to our Cathedral Quarter to the steps of City Hall. Take it at your own pace and enjoy the sights on offer, stopping off at independent eateries for a refreshment in the sunshine as you go.
15. Discover the Beauty of Bishop’s House Garden
Appreciate the blooming beauty of Bishop’s House Gardens during its limited open days
Each year, the beautiful gardens of Bishop’s House are opened in aid of Norfolk-based charities. Across eight Sundays (select dates from 10 May – 26 July, £5), you can stroll natural paths, admire sweet-scented rose borders and wonder at what’s growing in the fertile kitchen garden. There’s a jungle walk through exotic plants and a wildflower labyrinth with a 400-year-old pear tree at its heart. Take a seat on the lawn with a slice of homemade cake and see if you can spot the hebe, grown from a sprig taken from Queen Victoria’s wedding bouquet.
16. Pace Padel Beneath Open Skies
Play padel until the sun sets at Pace Padel’s outdoor court
Just 6 miles from the city centre, Pace Padel’s outdoor courts mean you can soak up the sunshine whilst enjoying an energetic game of padel. With Norfolk’s brilliant wide skies above, Pace Padel offers a sense of freedom and speed for an entertaining hour or two (sun hats recommended!).
Bonus! Bowling and Beers Alfresco at Bowling House
Did you know Bowling House have a lovely outside space?
With all this sunny weather, you’re sure to want to get outside with a group of friends. Cool yourselves off with a round of bowling in Bowling House’s retro-style lanes, before embracing the sun in their colourful garden! It’s a hidden gem and perfect for some outside refreshment and delicious food as reward for your efforts.
