by Katie Thompson
There’s always something to look forward to in the City of Stories- sometimes it’s hard to keep up! From adorable baby animals to fascinating guided tours and Norwich’s latest afternoon tea. Not to mention exploring our city’s hidden secrets for the first time!
Whether it’s a celebration with tasty food and drink or you want to try Norfolk’s newest spa experience, keep reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city!
The Goat Shed Welcomes New Arrivals
It wouldn’t be the Goat Shed without its eponymous kids!
One of our favourite things about spring? The new life that comes with it! On 1 April (this was no April Fool), the Goat Shed welcomed the first of their kids- a twin boy and girl, soon followed by triplets! With their iconic brown ears, you can see them for yourself during your visit- you might even spot twin calves in the Cow Shed!
The Goat Shed is open 7 days a week.
Norwich Cathedral’s Peregrines Lay Four Eggs
Have you spied Norwich Cathedral’s peregrines soaring near their nest box on the spire?
Speaking of newborn animals, Norwich Cathedral’s resident peregrine falcon family have laid 4 eggs! These birds of prey are not only magnificent to spot soaring overhead but also play an important part in the local environment.
Cared for by the Hawk and Owl Trust, their nestbox is regularly monitored- check out the livestream on the charity’s website! And later in the summer, visit the watch point, where you can see images of the hatchlings as they fledge the nest.
Norwich Ghost Walks Relaunches for the Season
Norwich Ghost Walks aren’t just for Halloween- they’re on from April until December!
A spooktacular ghost walk isn’t just for Halloween, you know! Thankfully, Norwich Ghost Walks have just relaunched their haunting routes- which you can join until December! Your ghost-hunter host will take you on one of two terrifically terrifying walks along our shadowy riverside or down the historic Elm Hill. Are you brave enough?
You can experience Norwich Ghost Walks between April and December. Tickets £13, lasting approximately 2 hours, starting at 7.30pm.
Free Guided Tours at the Julian Shrine
Discover more about Julian of Norwich with the Julian Centre’s free guided tours!
As a UNESCO City of Literature, Norwich has a rich literary heritage and including as home of the first woman to be published in English- Julian of Norwich.
Beginning in May, you can tour the Julian Shrine every Friday- this is where Julian of Norwich lived in her cell as anchoress. Local guides will offer insight about this trailblazing woman, her life and the times she lived in. What’s more, you don’t need to book!
Free guided tours of the Julian Shrine begin at 12pm on Friday 2 May until Friday 31 October 2025.
Namaste Villages Launches Breakfast and Afternoon Tea
Namaste Village’s new afternoon tea and breakfast menus are a must-try
Here at VisitNorwich, we love an afternoon tea. So, when you’ve had your fill of the traditional kind, it’s time for something different! Vegetarian restaurant Namaste Village have just launched three tiers of Indian-inspired treats, including a Bombay Grilled Sandwich, Pani Puri and Naan Khatai (don’t worry, there are still scones!).
And if you can’t wait until the afternoon, then tuck into their brand-new breakfast menu instead. We’ve got our eye on the Dosa Waffles!
Namaste Village’s afternoon tea is £29.95pp and served Saturdays and Sunday, 12pm – 4pm, with their breakfast menu available Saturday and Sunday, 9am – 11.30am. Book via their website!
John Lewis Rolls Out Repair Service In-Store
Embrace slow fashion with John Lewis’ new in-store alterations and repair service!
Don’t ditch it, fix it! John Lewis has rolled out their repairs service (in partnership with Johnsons) in-store across all their stores- and that includes Norwich. Alongside dry cleaning and handbag restoration, you can drop off your much-loved pieces to be cleaned, repaired or altered- whether it’s tailoring a pair of trousers or even cleaning homeware like rugs. With sustainability an ever-important part of our daily lives, John Lewis is making it that bit easier!
John Lewis Norwich is open Monday – Sunday. Find their repair service on the ground floor.
Norfolk Mead Announces Prosecco Spa
Norfolk Mead’s indulgent spa will be even more so with their new prosecco spa!
As home to the UK’s first beer spa (located just 8 miles from Norwich on the edge of the Broads National Park), The Norfolk Mead’s wellness offering is already pretty special. And for those of us who prefer something sparkling, good news! The Norfolk Mead has just announced their prosecco spa, including opulent bath oils enriched with champagne leaf extract and, of course, a bottle of chilled bubbles to sip as you soak!
The Norfolk Mead’s spa is open from Monday – Sunday, 8am – 8pm. Treatments start at £25 for 30 minutes.
Tower Tours Begin at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist
Atop the tower of The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, you’ll have unrivalled 360 views of the city
Psst, we’ll let you into a little secret: one of the best views of Norwich is from the top of The Cathedral of St John the Baptist. To see them for yourself, try one of their tower tours!
On select dates from April, you can climb 230 steps for these unrivalled 360° views, exploring the beautiful Gothic Revival architecture of this Victorian building, including the transept and nave from above!
Tower Tours at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist run between 26 April and 11 October 2025 at £10 for adults and £7.50 for children. These tours are popular, so book in advance!
Bishop’s House Garden Opens for Summer
Bishop’s House garden is one of the city’s hidden secets
We’re certainly not short of lovely green spaces here in Norwich. And one you may not have been lucky enough to visit is opening again on selected dates this summer to visitors!
Bishop’s House garden is tucked away in the peaceful surrounds of Cathedral Close. Enter this 4-acre walled garden and you’ll be greeted with an extensive lawn, beautiful borders, colourful rose beds, an organic kitchen garden, herb garden and bamboo walk! It’s the oldest private garden in the city, dating back to the 12th century and even boasts a 400-year-old pear tree. And when you visit, you’ll be raising money for great local charities!
Bishop’s House garden is open between 1pm – 4pm across 10 charity days, starting on Sunday 11 May until Sunday 27 July at £5 for adults. (Children and wheelchairs users go FREE, assistance dogs welcome).
Slice + Dice Celebrate Their 4th Birthday
Cocktails, burgers and games- what more do you need to celebrate Slice + Dice’s 4th birthday?
We all love a celebration, right? Well, Slice + Dice are celebrating their 4th birthday on 22 May with a special birthday party! Think a specially crafted menu (including smash burgers and loaded fries), plenty of games, a raffle and big group games perfect for everyone to get involved with.
Tickets to Slice + Dice’s 4th birthday party are £8 and available via their website.
