With the summer comes wonderfully warm evenings to enjoy. But there’s always a question of what to do to make the most of these evenings. Why not take a break from watching movies at home, and get out and about in Norwich instead?
Need a little inspiration? Well, here’s our run down of some of the best events and ways to enjoy the final few hours of the day in Norwich and Norfolk.
1. Mousehold Heath
With some of the best views of the city, it’s no surprise this spot will also give you the most spectacular views of the sun setting over Norwich. Perfect for a unique and romantic date night, simply bring a blanket and a picnic and enjoy. If you want to make the evening extra special, we’d recommend stopping by at Jarrold beforehand, and grabbing one of their luxury hampers. Our favourite is the Afternoon Tea Fresh Hamper, which is available through click and collect for £30. Scones, fruit cake, shortbread, truffles, jam, clotted cream and breakfast tea – what’s not to like?
2. Mysagarden
For a more upbeat vibe, Mysagarden is ideal. Located under Norwich Castle, its beautiful setting is made even more so at night with fairy lights and coloured lanterns! Open until 11pm Thursday – Saturday, and until 8pm on Sundays, you can head there with friends for drinks in a fun atmosphere. With an 18-tap bar, and delicious food served by a range of local vendors, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
When night falls the fairy lights shine at Mysagarden – a perfect setting for an evening drink.
3. An Evening of Queen and An Evening of Abba, Carrow Road
Not just the home of the canaries, Norwich City Football Club also plays host to some brilliant events. Fancy a night of music that will get you on your feet? Well, on the 2nd and 3rd of September the stadium has two events to get excited about. An Evening of Queen, and An Evening of Abba! These one-night concerts feature West End stars, including former cast members from Mamma Mia! And We Will Rock You and provide a magnificent show to celebrate these much-loved bands. Tickets from £25.
4. Open Air Film and Street Food Festival, Eaton Park
From 26th – 28th August, 10 movies will be screened at Eaton Park, with a range of tasty street food on offer too! Watch a late-night movie like Grease or The Rocky Horror Picture Show on a massive LED screen, and grab a drink or two from the bar with friends. It’s great for families too – with earlier showings of some classic favourites like The Lion King, The Greatest Showman and The Jungle Book. Tickets from £6.
5. The Importance of Being Earnest, Plantation Garden
If you haven’t experienced open-air theatre, we’d definitely recommend it. And you probably couldn’t find a more charming setting for it than the Plantation Garden. This exquisite Victorian garden is the perfect stage for Oscar Wilde’s most popular play The Importance of Being Earnest, which pokes fun at the social conventions of late-Victorian high society. Bring your own seating, blanket and picnic to make the most of the evening – and there’s an open invitation to dress in 1890s style! Performances on the 20th and 21st August at 6.30pm, with tickets £8 for adults and £6 for under 16s.
The stunning surroundings at The Plantation Garden are perfect for a night of outdoor theatre
6. Norwich Ghost Walks
Fancy something a bit spooky? Why not test your bravery by heading out with Norwich Ghost Walks! Discover the haunted past of iconic spots in the city such as the Cathedral, Castle, Elm Hill, Tombland and more, and listen to tales of lost spirits and poltergeists who are still seen and heard to this day. Walks start from outside the Adam & Eve Pub at 7.30pm on Tuesday and Thursdays. Tickets £10 and must be booked in advance.
If you’re having a day trip out of the city and want to extend the fun, or perhaps you just fancy going somewhere new, there’s plenty of great evening activities to experience in Norfolk.
7. Dinos at Night, Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure
Roarr! Dinosaur Adventure’s biggest night of the year is back. Dinos at Night is a one-off opportunity see the Jurassic-themed park at twilight. Explore all the usual attractions such as Dippy’s Splash Zone, the Predator High Ropes and more under the stars. If that wasn’t exciting enough, there will also be funfair games, a barbeque, bar and live music to enjoy. And for budding astronomers, the Norwich Astronomy Club will be there to discuss the night sky and reveal its secrets. 14th August from 6pm to 10pm, tickets £9.95, with children under 90cm free.
8. Hideaway Cinema, Holkham Hall
Hollywood blockbusters, cult classics, child-friendly specials and the latest cinema releases are all coming to Holkham Hall this summer. From 18th – 22nd August there’s a wide range of films to choose from, which you’ll watch from the gorgeous grounds of Holkham Hall. There are plenty of evening showings (plus some during the daytime if you need to get the little ones tucked up in bed). Not to mention a selection of food and drink which will include gourmet hotdogs, loaded nachos, candyfloss and more. Yum. Simply bring your own chair, blanket or bean bag (there are also chairs available to hire from Hideaway Cinema). Tickets start from £12.63.
The grounds of Holkham Hall are beautiful even at night. Pictured here: outdoor theatre 2019
9. Evening Bat Walk, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden
For an evening with a bit of a difference, head to Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden and book onto their Evening Bat Walk. Bat detection equipment will be used to spot and identify bat species while you take a walk around the gardens. With an introductory talk and tour led by the Norwich Bat Group, you’ll get to learn something new as you go in search of our winged friends. Tickets available for the 14th August and 15th September, £15 for adults and £8 for children (recommended for over 11s).
