A Sports Lover’s Guide to Norwich

A Sports Lover’s Guide to Norwich

by Katie Thompson

Norwich is a city made for every sort of sports lover.  

We like to take things slow and embrace the outdoors. Then again, it’s not unusual to see us come together for buzzing events. From football matches to running races (including Park Run and even a boating lake at Eaton Park!), in the City of Stories, you can peace out paddling where early traders peddled and feel the burn skating in an ancient church. And Norfolk has so much on offer, too- from walking trails to golf courses to high ropes. 

Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, a Canaries tour or calming yoga session, there are plenty of things to do for a sports fan in Norwich. Take a look at our guide below!

Image: The Lions’ Den

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For Football Fans 

What’s a sports-themed visit to Norwich without a tour of Carrow Road? Home to the yellow-and-green-clad Norwich City Football Club, aka the Canaries, here you can step into the heart of the stadium. Learn behind-the-scenes secrets, access must-see areas like the dressing and press conference rooms and take your seat in the dugout just like legends Holt, Gunn and Pukki!

On the Water 

The River Wensum flows through the City of Stories and one of the best ways to appreciate its beauty is by getting on it!  

Tucked away on its banks is The Lion’s Den River (more on their City venue later). It’s a place to recharge and relax outside. For the full experience, hire a paddleboard to see our Cathedral Quarter from the river, before returning for a bracing cold plunge and steaming sauna.  

With Pub & Paddle (April – October), it’s easy to while away an afternoon gliding alongside swans in a canoe, kayak or rowing boat. Appreciate this unique view of the city as Norwich becomes gloriously green countryside where you can take a well-earned rest at one of our many riverside pubs. 

In the summer months, you can also hire canoes at Taverham Mill. This thriving nature reserve is home to woodland walks, wildflower meadows, grassland and freshwater lakes- perhaps you’ll pass by a carp or two in these fish-filled waters. 

If you want to head further into the Broads National Park, hire an electric motorboat from Bishy Barney Boats. Moor off at Thorpe Green and make your way east. The route is luscious and leafy- keep your eyes peeled for some incredible wildlife. If you’re lucky, you might spot a kingfisher!

Wellness Workshops 

You’ll find The Lions’ Den City on the aptly named White Lion Street. This city centre wellness space is calming, bright and inviting, where community is at its heart and everyone is welcome to try a class, sauna or cold plunge. In the Studio, everyone from from experienced yogis to Pilates first-timers can try a class (look out for their monthly schedule), while the three rejuvenating rooftop saunas, ice baths and cold-water buckets offer views of Norwich’s iconic architecture. Before you leave, treat yourself to a refreshment in their warm cafe.

Meanwhile, The Cat House offers tai chi, sound bath and yoga workshops with a feline twist. This cat lounge is a warm and welcoming space where it’s easy to relax amongst fellow cat lovers. All classes are calm and gentle, perfect (or should we say purr-fect) for beginners and mindful movements.

See the Sights 

Norwich is a compact city, full of magnificent sights.  

If you’re visiting in September, we recommend checking out Run Norwich. As a spectator or participant, soak up this contagious atmosphere and cheer everyone on across the 10k course. Around winding roads and up and down hills (yes, even in Norwich!), the route takes you past two cathedrals, Norwich Castle, The Forum and more! 

And for the rest of the year, why not cycle? When you stay at the Maids Head Hotel, guests can borrow complimentary Bobbin Bikes to explore the sights. They’ll take you along the river, through our historic marketplace and beyond! 

Norwich is a city known for its medieval churches- but they’re not all as the seem. At St Peter Parmentergate, you’ll find Community East. This social enterprise promotes the positives of skateboarding for our wellbeing. So, feel the burn as you ollie underneath the wooden beams of this Grade I listed church with a public session!

Energetic Indoor Activities 

When the weather won’t play ball, head to Castle Quarter to expend your energy. There’s so much choice. Think all-time favourite tenpin bowling at Superbowl and adrenaline pumping axe throwing at Boom Battle Bar. And for any F1 fans, Drive Lounge puts you in the driving seat! 

Mulligans is the spot for friendly competition. With brilliant pop culture-themed crazy golf, test your coordination in this larger-than-life course. For friends, families or date night, you can enjoy an electrifying game of electro darts, test your tactics with shuffleboard and more! 

And that’s not forgetting retro-style bowling and electro darts at Bowling House! Making it a more even playing field means a greater level of competition. Meanwhile, Yalm’s Boardroom invites you to try out high-tech shuffleboard and darts as you haven’t before.

Or for the little ones, try Labyrinth. This underwater-themed laser tag venue feels as though you’re running in the deep blue sea. Hide with neon shipwrecks and colourful sea creatures. 

And the latest jewel in Norwich’s sporting crown? Court De Padel. Experience the padel craze for yourself in these super-panoramic indoor courts. Padel is a fun, fast-paced mix of tennis and squash, played in an enclosed court with glass walls. So, there’s even more excitement and tension as the rallies go on! (Or if you’re out in Norfolk, Pace Padel in Taverham is another great community to get involved with. Their outdoor courts are set under Norfolk’s wide skies, ideal for warmer months or as the sun sets.)

Into the Great Outdoors

From Norwich, it’s easy to head into Norfolk. And with such a varied countryside, sports aficionados are sure to find an activity to enjoy.  

At Dunston Hall and Barnham Broom, it’s all about the golf course. Barnham Broom boasts not one, but two, championship 18-hole golf courses, as well as expert PGA tuition to perfect your swing. Not to mention a refreshment buggy! And at Dunston Hall, you can appreciate over 6,000 yards of Norfolk’s beauty throughout their 18-hole championship course. Tee off along expertly manicured fairways, across lakes and surrounded by magnificent trees.

(When the weather isn’t playing ball, why not tee off at Norwich’s City Greens Golf? This high-tech indoor TrackMan golf simulator is perfect for practicing your putting and experiencing holes on world-renowned courses (including Augusta). With friends, there are fun games and challenges to take part in, including nearest-the-pin contests, longest-drive battles and more!)

And for thrill seekers, experience Go Ape high in the treetops of Thetford Forest. Swing, zip and climb your way through this exciting agility course. With a plethora of wobbly bridges, precarious crossings and exhilarating Tarzan swings to tackle, it’s quite the adrenaline rush!

Looking for a getaway in the Norfolk countryside? At Fritton Lake, immerse yourself in beautiful landscapes with activities on their lake, woodland and outdoor areas. Think paddleboarding, open-water swimming, shelter building, tennis, rounders, foot golf, cycle hire and more.