How to Spend the May Bank Holidays in Norwich
How to Spend the May Bank Holidays in Norwich
by Katie Thompson
Everyone loves a bank holiday, right? It’s an extra day to lie-in, visit somewhere new, indulge in delicious food and drink or catch up with friends and family. And with the arrival of May come two more bank holidays to make the most of!
Whether you love getting out in the great outdoors, want to take in a bit of culture or prefer a bit of shopping, Norwich has something for everyone, visitor or local. So, why not make a weekend of it (they’re 3 days, remember!) and treat yourself to a staycation in the City of Stories? We’ve got so much to discover, you’ll need more than just a day to explore it all!
Read on for our recommendations on how to spend your long weekend in Norwich.
Plan Your Visit Around These Events
May Day Bank Holiday (2 – 4 May)
//There’s a Monster in Your Show at Norwich Theatre Playhouse | 1 & 2 May, £16.50
//Norwich Craft Beer Festival at The Waterfront | 1 – 3 May, from £11
//Classics & Steam Day at Bure Valley Railway | Sunday 3 May, adults £25, children £12.50
//Meet the Gruffalo at Pensthorpe | Monday 4 May, £18.25
Whitsun Bank Holiday (23 – 25 May)
//GoGo Penguin at EPIC Studios (part of Norwich Jazz Festival) | Saturday 23 May, from £31.50
//City of Literature Publishing Fair at the National Centre for Writing (part of Norfolk & Norwich Festival) | Sunday 24 May, FREE
//Trader and Collector Day at The Forum (part of Norwich Games Festival) | Monday 25 May, FREE
//Spring Makers Market at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist | Monday 25 May, FREE
For Foodies
A meal at The Waffle House will make you forget a traditional waffle
When you’re visiting Norwich, there’s nowhere better to start than our incredible food scene. Whether you’re here for breakfast or brunch, cake or a coffee, or a mouthwatering evening meal, we’ve got you covered. From Norwich Market to roasts, afternoon teas, and unique experiences– Norwich Pub Tours anyone?
Our ‘to visit’ list is always getting longer- so we bet yours is too! Yalm is perfect for a bank holiday with friends, especially when you’ve got different tastes. The food hall’s worldwide kitchens include plates for those who like it spicy, smoky, sweet and zingy! Plus, you can order with the QR code on your table, so it’s easy to relax as soon as you’re sat down.
At The Waffle House, opt for sweet, savoury or both! Exceed your expectations of waffles with delicious Bolognese or Mexican jackfruit. Not to mention a scoop of creamy chocolate mousse for afters!
Other spots to note include Beer Hatch for curated East Anglian craft beers, The Unthank Arms for a friendly welcome and moreish pub classics, The Last for elevated fine dining with a local flourish, and Gonzo’s Tea Room for rooftop refreshment under the sun.
For Culture Lovers
Discover cultures and crafts at The South Asia Collection
If you’ve a love of history, art and culture, look no further.
At the Sainsbury Centre (closed Mondays), you’ll rethink your relationship with art. Not only is this innovative art museum housed in a futuristic Norman Foster-designed building, here art is recognised as living. Get up close to thousands of years of worldwide sculpture, paintings, ceramics, photography and more by hugging a Henry Moore, reclining beneath Giacometti’s suspended Diego Seated and becoming your own artwork in a life-size glass display case!
Then pay a visit to The South Asia Collection. This former Victorian roller-skating rink is home to a beautiful collection of South Asian arts and crafts. Think handwoven rugs, brilliantly carved sculpture, religious icons and more. Plus, you can take a little bit of culture home from their Country and Eastern shop- we love the block print textiles!
And other must-sees include Norwich Cathedral (we recommend a stroll through its magnificent cloister- the largest in the country) and Strangers’ Hall (notably their free-to-visit, secluded Elizabethan Knot Garden). For an evening out, check out the line ups of Norwich Arts Centre and The Halls– think emerging artists, diverse performance and soaring scores.
For Shopaholics
From curios to homeware, jewellery to vintage, The Lanes is a haven for shopaholics
From independent menswear, vintage, and lifestyle to flagship stores and high street heroes, Norwich is an undeniably good shopping destination (and it relies less on the weather!).
Where to start but the Lanes? You could easily spend a whole day just in this neighbourhood unearthing its indie stores. Whether you’re looking for a special present or you want to treat yourself to something unique, this is the place to be. Head to Dipples for beautifully crafted jewellery and watches, Atwin for consciously created clothing and homeware, Sostrene Grene for quirky gifts and trinkets, and Bowhill & Elliott for exquisitely handmade shoes.
We always recommend a stop in our flagship independent department store Jarrolds (especially their basement food hall)– peruse five floors of fashion, homeware, books, and beauty– and the Royal Arcade, where even more local businesses await with eye-catching windows full of quirky prints, fun stationery, luscious plants, and organic skincare.
Meanwhile, Chantry Place and Castle Quarter offer popular brands like H&M, Urban Outfitters and TK Maxx, while John Lewis boasts more exclusive labels alongside its own and Loake bridges the gap between accessible luxury and time-honoured craftsmanship with chic leather footwear.
For Family Days Out
What’s a visit to Norwich without visiting the Castle?
Norwich always has a great range of family-friendly things to- whether you’re looking for something free, a festival for all ages (note Norfolk & Norwich Festival and Norwich Games Festival), or a destination to keep you occupied for most of the day (the Museum of Norwich gets our vote). Just don’t forget to pay a visit to Paddington (he’s there for the big kids, too)!
Of course, a trip to Norwich isn’t complete without visiting Norwich Castle (now the UK’s most accessible)! It’s a great day out for parents and children alike, where you’ll learn all about our history and more besides. Start your journey in the Keep, where you’ll immerse yourself in the life of a medieval palace- take a seat on Henry I’s replica throne, wonder at the tale of Emma de Gauder and study the beautiful objects spotlighted in the Gallery of Medieval Life. Elsewhere, one of our favourite things to do is channel your inner Iceni warrior like Boudicca (dressing up encouraged). End your visit on a high (quite literally!) on the battlements for panoramic skyline views.
And the rest of the county isn’t short of fantastic family attractions, either. There’s Redwings, ROARR!, Pensthorpe, Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens, The Bug Parc, BeWILDerwood, Go Ape and loads more for a day trip into Norfolk when you’re staying in the city.
For the Great Outdoors
Plantation Garden is a peaceful oasis in our city- pack a book or a pack of cards with your picnic blanket
Did you know that Norwich is part of the Broads National Park? And thanks to our abundance of tranquil green spaces, you’ll certainly appreciate the fact while you’re here.
As it’s a three-day weekend, this is the time to take it slow, all the while getting a different perspective on our fine city with Pub and Paddle. You can hire a canoe, kayak or rowing boat, paddling peacefully along the rippling River Wensum to Thorpe St Andrew, which has three lovely pubs to choose from- this is Pub and Paddle, after all!
Or if you want to head a bit further east, hire a pillar box-red motorboat from Bishy Barney Boats and make your way into scenery rich with wildlife, before mooring up for a much-loved pub lunch at waterside stops in Bramerton or Surlingham.
An oasis amid our bustling streets, Plantation Garden sits beneath the towering spire of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist on Earlham Road. This Grade-II listed hidden garden is home to colourful flower beds, an Italianate terrace, Victorian fountain and winding pathways. It’s also perfect for a lazy afternoon picnic with your favourite book or pack of cards!
And for an escape into the countryside without travelling too far, we suggest a stroll at Taverham Mill. Wander through foxglove-strewn wildflower meadows, whispering grasslands and shaded woodland, watching patient fishermen, unfurling ferns and hairy highland cows. And breathe out…
Where to Stay
Thanks to its history and city centre spot, the Maids Head is a great place to stay
We always recommend making a weekend of it, giving you that little big longer to drink it all in. A stay at of one of Norwich’s finest hotels will ensure you really do relax.
The Maids Head is ideal for anyone with a love of characterful interiors and penchant for history. Said to be the UK’s oldest hotel, its rooms embrace their beams and unique spaces with four-poster beds and views across Tombland. And if you’re staying here, it would be rude not to take a trip in one of their Bentleys! Not to mention indulging in an aperitif in their pretty courtyard.
Across the city centre, you’ll find The Assembly House. This is a boutique B&B with plush furnishings, roll-top baths and walk-in showers. Some rooms even have their own lounge or courtyard space! Lean into this Bridgerton-style, Georgian luxury with one of their renowned themed afternoon teas taken outside on the lawn– you won’t regret it!
Other accommodation includes All Hallows Guesthouse on King Street (great for solo travellers), Park Farm Hotel, Dunston Hall and Reedham Ferry Touring Park in the Norfolk countryside, and The Victoria at Holkham or Holly Lodge B&B (both with shepherd huts!) closer to the coast. When it comes to cottages, there’s Poolside Lodges and Go Norfolk Cottages– not forgetting Canine Cottages and Worstead Estate for your dog-friendly options!
