by Katie Thompson
It’s that time of year where fitness is at the forefront of our minds (again!). But how about prioritising your wellness instead? Whether it’s the beginning of a new year or you’re searching for that back-to-work refresh, it’s a great way to feel good and get your energy up.
So, why not take it slow for a change? From a gentle routine to trying something new. Embrace Norwich’s unique mix of arts, culture and nature, our abundance of green spaces and places of connection.
If you’re running or walking, getting out on the water or in need of relaxation, here are our recommendations for active wellness in Norwich.
At natural spots like Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden you can stroll in the great outdoors
If you want to get out in nature, Norwich has loads of wonderful walks for a refreshing stroll. In the city centre, there’s our meandering riverside walk or head to Taverham Mill’s picturesque nature reserve for trails along lakes, meadows and woodland (£6 entry contributes to conservation and protecting our wildlife). Slightly further field in the Broads National Park, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden boasts almost 4 miles of pathways winding through 130 acres of towering trees (£12.50). Plus, it’s open all year round!
To feel the wind in your hair, discover our cycling routes. Norfolk offers a whole range of paths and loops into the Broads to destinations like Reedham Ferry, and along Marriott’s Way to the likes of the Bure Valley Railway.
Another popular way to get outdoors is park run. Take it at your own pace, embrace the fresh air and meet new people. Plus, it’s completely rewarding. Norwich is home to 6 park runs, including heritage park Eaton Park, while Norfolk boasts some of the prettiest ones out there! Think rhododendrons at Sheringham Park and trails with a view at Blickling and Holkham Hall. Not to mention Great Yarmouth- one of the toughest along the town’s sandy north beach!
Also at Holkham, check out their events and workshops. Like Pottery, Pilates and Plates (6 February, 9.30am – 2pm & 12.30pm – 5pm, £75pp), where you can feel nourished with a Pilates session, let your creativity flow with a pottery workshop and take a bite from The Victoria’s small plates menu!
Elsewhere in Norfolk, our varied and verdant landscapes are ideal for golf. At Barnham Broom, tee off beneath wide-open skies across two championship 18-hole courses or surround yourself with over 6000 yards of lush greenery at Dunston Hall.
When you have a little more energy to expend, head to Court De Padel (from £16 per hour). Whether you’re a beginner or expert, this popular sport will soon have you hooked! As Norwich’s premium padel destination, there are 8 super panoramic courts where you can enjoy casual sessions, train with friends or take your game to the next level with a coaching session or tournament!
The Lions’ Den offers sauna sessions and more at their city and riverside venues
At The Lions’ Den (River & City), you’ll be reinvigorated after a relaxing sauna session (from £12.50). Set amongst natural surrounds on the River Wensum (and soon-to-be rooftop views at their new city location), welcome the sauna’s balmy temperatures before embracing a cold plunge. The feeling after is one that’s hard to replicate!
And The Lions’ Den is all about community. You can meet likeminded people at their Social Mondays (and enjoy discounted paddle and sauna (from £2.50)) or make friends in the great outdoors at their monthly wellbeing event OutThere (3rd Sunday of the month, 10am). It’s free and open to everyone, all you have to do is run, walk or paddle!
At The Cat House, you can unwind with a yoga session (£18). Focussing on strength and flexibility, this unique mix of yoga and felines will soon calm you- cats are proven to reduce anxiety and improve positivity. Or how about a cat-friendly sound bath (£24)? These gentle sessions are all about meditation and releasing bad energies- with cat cuddles encouraged!
Elsewhere, look out for sessions across the city, like Lie Down and Listen: Metamorphosis at The Assembly House (15 January, 12pm, £40pp). This 90-minute lying-down experience is all about deep listening through hypnotic sound therapies and vibrations from classical piano and Tibetan bowls with luxuriously soft furnishings to help you truly relax.
Getting out on the water is a wonderful way to relax
Flowing through the heart of our city is the rippling River Wensum. Flanked by grand weeping willows, luscious green banks and home to graceful swans, this peaceful waterway offers a new perspective on the City of Stories.
With Pub and Paddle (April – October, from £14pp for 2 hours), there are four routes to choose from. From the historic Elm Hill Quay, kayak or canoe your way past our city’s rich history, taking in local landmarks like Pull’s Ferry and Cow Tower. Or head further into the countryside with routes to Thrope St Andrew, and the tranquil Broads’ villages of Bramerton and Surlingham. Of course, it wouldn’t be Pub and Paddle without a pitstop (or two) at our popular waterside pubs!
And if you’re looking for a day out with a group of friends, Bishy Barney Boats has you covered. Their electric boats will take you along calm, uncrowded waters into the Broads where you can spot thriving wildlife, from fish to birds of prey and even kingfishers (from £25 for 4 people for 1 hour)!
What’s more indulgent than time spent in the spa at The Norfolk Mead?
At Jarrolds’ The Retreat, you can indulge in an extensive range of beauty treatments, from pampering facials to rejuvenating massages. Plus, there’s a specially crafted list of men’s treatments, so everyone is catered for. And their Skin Lounge offers treatments targeted at individuals’ concerns with a blend of holistic and scientific practices.
We can’t not mention the state-of-the-art spa at The Norfolk Mead. Feel the tension leave your body as you unwind between their thermal suite hydrotherapy pool, herbal steam room, aromatic sauna and more (4 hours £65). And for a really special experience, why not book yourself in their mud chamber or beer and prosecco spas?
