by Katie Thompson
There’s always something to look forward to in the City of Stories- sometimes it’s hard to keep up! From bumper programmes at citywide events to fantastic new food choices and the perfect excuse to sing your heart out. Plus, there’s a beautiful new resident at one of Norfolk’s zoos!
Whether it’s the return of a family friendly festival or you’re planning ahead for Christmas, keep reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city! And remember to check out our round-up of the best family things to do this summer.
This is your chance to experience heritage sites not usually open to the public!
Here in Norwich and Norfolk, there’s plenty of history and culture to immerse yourself into. And with Heritage Open Days (HODs) (12 – 21 September), you can explore heritage sites and hidden gems for free! What’s more, their directory has just gone live- so get online and see what takes your fancy. And don’t forget to grab a copy of the Norfolk HODs brochure from The Forum!
Norfolk Heritage Open Days takes place from 12 – 21 September. Check out their directory via the HODs website and book from Wednesday 27 August.
Get your friends together for a fantastic night full of song at Bowling House
Sing your heart out in Bowling House’s brand-new karaoke room- it’s their biggest booth yet! Maybe you’re celebrating with friends on a weekend, or you need an end-of-the-week after-work treat one Friday- this room holds up to 30 people! Take over this unique space for £75 per hour and you’ll have 80,000 songs at your fingertips. What are you singing?
You can book Bowling House’s karaoke room via their website.
Meet the beautiful Raja- Thrigby’s newest feline resident
Raja the Sumatran tiger has arrived at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens! This magnificent two-year-old male comes all the way from Frankfurt Zoo in an effort to protect this critically endangered species. An inquisitive and confident cat, he’ll be joined by a female Sumatran tiger in the autumn, and you’ll be able to meet him face to face in Thrigby’s wonderful Tiger Machan Viewing Platform.
See Raja from September. Book tickets to Thrigby via their website.
The Maids Head Hotel’s award sets the standard for sustainable stays
When you’re surrounded by landscapes as beautiful as the Norfolk countryside, sustainability is all the more important. Recently awarded ECOsmart silver, the Maids Head Hotel is passionate about crafting a luxurious and sustainable stay. Think avoiding single-use plastics, championing local producers and supporting behind-the-scenes initiatives.
You can book an eco-concious stay at the Maids Head Hotel via their website.
Get out onto the water at Taverham Mill
There’s nothing like immersing yourself in the natural world. And with nature reserve Taverham Mill (recently awarded a Green Flag) just a short drive from the city centre, it’s easier than ever to get close to Norfolk’s amazing wildlife. Throughout summer and into autumn, you can hire a canoe to explore Tvaerham Mill from the water! Watch out for darting kingfishers, buzzards soaring overhead and freshwater fish splashing in the water around you.
You can book a 2-person or 3-person canoe for 45 minutes on Taverham Mill’s website.
Chantry Place is home to two of Norwich’s newest street food restaurants!
After much anticipation, Mowgli has announced its opening date at Chantry Place! From Friday 8 August, you can tuck in to delicious Indian Street Food full of zingy flavours and mouthwatering spices. And next door, Wingstop launched on 21 July. Which of their 10 chicken wing varieties will you try first?
You can book a table at Mowgli via their website and visit Wingstop now.
Norwich Science Festival celebrates its 10th birthday in 2026!
Norwich Science Festival is back for an exciting anniversary in February 2026! Marking 10 years, the festival returns from 14 – 21 February with a bumper programme- including big family shows, hands-on workshops and thought-provoking talks. And this year’s theme will be ‘Your World, Reimagined’. So, it’s time to get your creative juices flowing!
Norwich Science Festival presented by The Forum returns 14 – 21 February 2026.
Little places are as magical as Thursford at Christmas
Is it ever too early to start planning for Christmas? Not when you want to get your hands on sell-out events!
At Norwich Theatre Playhouse, Christmas shows go on sale to the general public from 10am on Friday 25 July- including family-friendly The Cat in the Hat, Joe Ringer’s festive 10-piece band, Christmas cabaret with Velma Celli and more!
And in Norfolk, Thursford’s exciting line-up– Santa’s Magical Journey and Enchanted Journey of Light- goes on sale from 10am on Thursday 24 July. You’ll be transported to a winter wonderland that’s sure to get you feeling festive.
Tuck into something tasty at Middleton’s with their weekday offers
This summer, make the most of Middleton’s wonderful selection of offers (that extend well beyond the school holidays). Perhaps you’ll win a voucher, bottle of wine or even your meal for free on Wednesdays and Thursdays? Or grab your friends and get 50% off one main with Mates and Mains Monday or a free starter or dessert on Tuesday!
Check out our What’s On page for Middleton’s offers and a book a table via their website.
