An Accessible Family Day Out in Norwich and Norfolk
An Accessible Family Day Out in Norwich and Norfolk
by Katie Thompson
When it comes to a fun family day out, there’s plenty to do here in Norwich and Norfolk. And that goes for families with accessibility needs, too. Whether you’re searching for an attraction that’s wheelchair friendly, one where you can take the pram or one that caters to less visible, but equally important, needs.
So, here are our top picks for an accessible family day out, from historic city centre icons to roar-some Norfolk attractions and that all-important day at the beach!
In the City
What will you discover in Norwich Castle- the UK’s most accessible?
//Visit: Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, adults from £15.30, children from £13.05, twilight ticket 1 hour before close £2.50. Book online for the best prices. Assistance dogs welcome.
//Opening Times: 10am – 5pm, Monday – Sunday.
//Parking: Free on-site Blue Badge parking and drop-off available; Castle Quarter Car Park (30 Blue Badge spaces, 1-minute walk).
//Toilets: On-site accessible and Changing Places toilets.
//Accessibility Information: Accessibility at Norwich Castle
It’s safe to say that Norwich Castle is one of the most, if not the most, iconic landmarks in Norwich. It’s steeped in history, having watched over the city for over 900 years. And thanks to the Castle’s recent £27.5 million redevelopment (making it the UK’s most accessible), you can be transported back to the age in which it was built and experience a medieval royal palace as it would have been in 1121! Think authentic Norman interiors, including colourful, gilded furniture- it really was a rainbow of reds, yellows, greens and blues, elaborate ironwork and intricate tapestries.
There’s step-free access from basement to battlements via a beautiful glass bridge (which gives a unique view of the east wall) and wheelchair-friendly lifts. So, you can soak in the Norman splendour at every level- from the Great Hall, set up for a medieval feast with regal dressing up and the chance to observe from one of the carefully carved thrones, to the Mezzanine, ideal for a birds’ eye view of the Castle’s immersive audio-visual projections that bring to life the origins of the Keep you stand in. Touch the tactile Braille map to explorer the Castle’s different levels.
Below, the breathtaking Gallery of Medieval Life– curated in partnership with the British Museum- spotlights (quite literally) over 900 original medieval objects, from shining coins to impressive armour. Above, the battlements. With a panoramic view of the city and county beyond. It’s easy to lose yourself spotting familiar sights and watching the ant-like comings and goings of Norwich’s bustling streets!
Once you’re back on ground level, don’t forget to peruse the many galleries that make up the Castle’s former Victorian prison. Admire fine and contemporary art, ride a wooden chariot like the one Boudicca led her Iceni tribe into battle on, and laugh out loud at the unusual specimens of the natural history galleries!
Finally, treat yourselves to a sweet treat (or a slice of the famous quiche) in the cafe, followed by a browse of locally sourced and inspired goodies in the shop!
If you’re looking for a bite to eat before heading home, we suggest Yalm (2-minute walk, accessible toilet, step-free access, lifts). This buzzing food hall caters to all tastes and requirements thanks to its array of delicious dishes from 8 kitchens serving worldwide cuisine. And all you need to do is scan the QR code to order!
In the Countryside
Head to ROARR! for an unforgettable, dino day out!
//Visit: ROARR!, off-peak from £15, peak from £22. Assistance dogs welcome.
//Opening Times: Off-peak: 10am – 4.30pm, peak: 10am – 5pm, days vary depending on time of year.
//Parking: Free, on-site accessible parking.
//Toilets: On-site accessible and Changing Places toilets.
//Accessibility Information: ROARR! Accessibility
For a family day out that’s akin to a Jurassic adventure, ROARR! is an awesome attraction just 30 minutes from Norwich. As the UK’s largest dinosaur park, intrepid explorers of all ages are welcome (as long as there’s a child to accompany the parents!). There’s even mobility scooter, stroller and ear defender hire available, plus free use of a manual wheelchair.
Start your visit with a trek through the classic Valley of the Dinosaurs (some uneven terrain, tarmacked), where you’ll encounter animatronic creatures lurking in the Norfolk countryside. From pterodactyls to triceratops and even a t-rex, discover what it’s like to walk with dinosaurs! And if you’re a wannabe palaeontologist, be sure to visit X-Tinction and unearth the fossils hidden in ROARR!’s sandpits (raised sandpit wheelchair accessible).
If you need to take a breather from all that running around, embrace calm in the dedicated Quiet Room. Or we suggest a trip to Dippy’s Theatre, where the eponymous dinosaur and his friends will be ready to entertain you with a brilliant show! When it’s warmer, take advantage of the sunny weather with Dippy Live– an interactive outdoor show where you can dance, listen to stories and play dino-themed games. Both are wheelchair accessible and suitable for those with reduced mobility. (Another summertime must-do is the Splash Zone (manual wheelchairs only). Cool off in the fantastic outdoor waterpark, full of slides, fountains, cannon shoots, a foam zone and giant bucket!)
Elsewhere, there’s Dinomite Indoor Adventure Play (ideal for when the weather is being unpredictable), Lost World A-Mazing Maze (listen out for bongos, cross wobbly bridges and look out for dinosaurs as you try to find the way out), Predator High Ropes (are you brave enough to avoid the clutches of the T-Rex?) and Jurassic Jump (a thrilling giant jumping pillow)!
And when it comes to food, carnivore, herbivores and dietary requirements are catered for, whether you’re stopping for a freshly baked cookie at Dinomite Cafe or sitting down at Explorers steampunk-themed cafe for a selection of chip shop classics.
You’re sure to enjoy a jam-packed day at ROARR!, not least thanks to the variety of its attractions. Before you leave, have a go on Swing-O-Saurus, a rocking ride inspired by traditional Victorian swing boats (this one’s ideal for the little ‘uns), and Raptor Contraptor, swooping through the air like a pterodactyl. This interactive ride means you’re fully in control.
Take a look at ROARR!’s attraction accessibility guide for all the details.
At the Coast
Take a stroll on Cromer Pier, admiring our incredible coastline
//Visit: Cromer Pier, FREE. Assistance dogs welcome.
//Opening Times: open daily.
//Parking: Promenade Car Park (8 spaces, Blue Badge only, 5-minute walk).
//Toilets: On-site accessible toilets.
//Accessibility Information: Accessibility – Cromer Pier
There’s nothing like a day at the beach, whether it’s the height of summer and you’ve donned your flip flops, sunhat and swimsuit or a crisp winter’s day and the sky is a sheet of icy blue.
Cromer’s traditional Victorian seaside town means you’ve got the beach and amenities all in one place. If you park on the Promenade Car Park, it’s right there in front of you, the North Sea horizon blending into the hazy sky above. (Our top tip: if it’s cold and you’ve got a Blue Badge, pull up here and watch the sun go down with sugar-dusted doughnuts from Tidal Treats.)
And what would a trip to Cromer be without visiting the pier? This local landmark offers beautiful vistas of the water beyond, as well as back to the bustling resort behind. Step-free access means that it’s easy for everyone to enjoy- stroll around the perimeter, stopping to count the famous crabs in holidaymakers’ buckets (or maybe catch your own!) or admiring the deftness of an RNLI lifeboat practice.
To make a day of it, we recommend watching Cromer Pier’s incredible Summer Show. This breathtaking spectacle wouldn’t look out of place in the West End, thanks to dazzling costumes, clever set design, impressive lighting, and captivating song and dance. And it forms part of the only full season end-of-the-pier show in the world! In the auditorium, you’ll find wheelchair seating, pre-bookable handsets and neck loops, booster seats and even the opportunity to book your guide dog a free seat to watch the show!
We love Cromer beach for its mix of golden sands and songful shingle, meaning it’s great for both a walk and a few hours paddling and building sandcastles. Take advantage of Cromer Pier’s beach wheelchair (pre-booking essential, 10.30am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm time slots, pusher required). Transfer yourself over and breathe in the fresh sea air as you head towards the sea lapping the shore.
End your visit on a high sitting alfresco at Tides Bistro (there’s a dedicated children’s menu, plenty of moveable seating, it’s dog-friendly and staff are on-hand to assist you), tucking into a crispy battered cod, of course. Soak in the last rays before the glowing sun dips past the horizon, listening to the chatter of families and waves rushing on the pebbles.
