How to Spend May Half Term in Norwich
How to Spend May Half Term in Norwich
by Katie Thompson
May half term will soon be upon us, so it’s time to get those dates in your diaries! While for some it’s time to revise, it’s also the perfect time to make the most of our (hopefully!) glorious weather and spend the week with friends and family.
And half term has loads on offer to entertain. From a fantastic games festival to creative workshops. Not to mention getting out and about in Norfolk- where fascinating trails, circus-themed fun and dino-sized excitement awaits!
And if you’re looking for delicious family eats this half term, check out The Grain Kitchen and Namaste Village for special kids eat free offers!
Norwich
Scavenger Hunt at Chantry Place
23 – 31 May, 9am – 4.30pm, FREE
Will you find all the dinosaurs in Chantry Place?
It’s time to bring out your inner detective, or should be say Scavenger-saurus! For May half term, Chantry Place has teamed up with ROARR! for a roar-some, dinosaur-themed scavenger hunt with the chance to win some fantastic prizes (think a family day out at ROARR!, Dippy the Dinosaur teddy and Chantry Place gift card).
All you have to do is follow the clues hidden throughout the shopping centre to find the dinosaurs and fill in the form which you can collect and return to MINISO. When you return your form, you can claim your ‘Champion’ medal! And on Monday 25 May, the loveable yellow Dippy the Dinosaur will be in Chantry Place for you to say hello to (10am – 3pm, FREE).
Half Term Activities at Norfolk’s Museums
23 – 31 May, from 10am, included in admission
See what bites, snaps, pecks, crunches and more in Norwich Castle’s Natural History galleries!
Norwich’s wonderful museums are always a great place to visit as a family, but especially during half term.
Across the week, you can discover the wild side of Norwich Castle with Bite, Peck, Snap! (23 – 31 May, 10am – 5pm, included in admission, adults from £15.30, children from £13.05, book online for the best prices). Be inspired by their fascinating Natural History collection, follow the trail, get hands-on with real specimens, enjoy crafts and learn how animals bite, peck, snap and more to survive!
At the Museum of Norwich, follow the Threads of Norwich (23 – 30 May, closed Sundays & Mondays, 10am – 4.30pm, included in admission, adults from £7.74, children from £6.57, book online for the best prices) and the city’s weaving heritage. Weave your own mini cardboard loom, get hands-on with real weaving tools, and spot different textiles on a special trail to inspire your own fabric pattern design!
Meanwhile, Strangers’ Hall is showcasing all things Tudor-inspired with a selection of Blowfield Primary School’s work, including games, models and research on Tudor life and Kett’s Rebellion, as well as activities (27 – 30 May, 10am – 4pm, included in admission, adults from £6.75, children from £5.85, book online for the best prices).
Neon Sun’s Roller Circus at Epic Studios
Monday 25 May, 12:30pm & 2:30pm, children £11, adults £16
Neon Sun Roller Circus guarantees to be an exhilarating, high-energy show!
Start May half term and end the bank holiday weekend on a high as Epic Studios welcomes exhilarating urban skating adventure Neon Sun’s Roller Circus!
This is an electrifying show, showcasing all things street culture and circus- on roller skates. Think adrenaline-packed stunts and high-speed tricks, which boldly fuses storytelling, ‘90s vibes and energy. It’s a show full of non-stop entertainment! Watch as their international performers bring the roller rink to life in this show of non-stop entertainment.
Norwich Games Festival
26 – 30 May, citywide, FREE & ticketed
Which games will you have a go at at Norwich Games Festival?
One of the city’s most anticipated festivals returns this May! Presented by The Forum and in partnership with Norwich University of the Arts, Norwich Games Festival is back for the whole half term and packed with all-things gaming! Think activities, talks, workshops, a retro arcade and more.
Our top picks? The Game Cave (25 – 30 May, The Forum, 10am – 4pm, FREE), where you’ll encounter an array of classic video and retro arcade games, including some you won’t have heard of before! In The Game Lounge (26 – 30 May, The Forum, 10am – 4pm, FREE), a range of different hosts, such as Slice + Dice, will teach you how to play new, traditional and locally-made tabletop games. Finally, in workshop It All Flows Somewhere (Friday 29 May, The Forum, 2pm – 3.30pm, children £10, adults £12), you’ll devise a whole new neighbourhood, taking on roles like architect, landscaper and planner. Your final creation will be translated into a digital world that you can visit at home!
Stories in the Dust at The Garage
Tuesday 26 May, 11.30am & 2pm, under 25s £8, adults £10
This half term, see Stories in the Dust at The Garage
“A fun, powerful and poignant family show that beautifully explores human resilience”, Stories in the Dust follows the journey of two travellers crossing a mysterious land.
Packed with puppetry, live music, songs, stories and games inspired by their collection of precious curios, this is a tale that transports you to another world- one where an ancient book guides your way, a drop of rain changes everything and a mighty lion holds its secrets in an old clay pot.
Workshops at Norwich Theatre Royal
26 – 28 May, various times, pay what you can from £0
Where better to create your own story than Norwich Theatre?
Across half term, Norwich Theatre Royal is holding a series of engaging workshops for any young theatregoers and budding storytellers.
Begin with Sensory Stories (Tuesday 26 May, 2pm – 3pm, 7 – 11 years), designed with SEND families in mind. This is a journey of imagination and play using an array of sensory materials and props, relaxed, supportive and free to explore.
Then, set sail on a daring voyage in A Pirate Adventure! (Wednesday 27 May, 10.30am – 11.30am, 4 – 7 years) using immersive storytelling, props, movements and games, before participating in a Play in a Day (Thursday 28 May, 10am – 1pm, 7 – 10 years & 2pm – 5pm, 11 – 15 years). Here, you’ll produce your own original short piece of theatre, whether you’re acting or directing.
Story Tiles with Lucy Wheeler (8 – 10 years) at National Centre for Writing
Wednesday 27 May, 10am – 12pm, pay what you can from £2.50
See how Dragon Hall inspires your clay story
At the National Centre for Writing, Story Tiles pairs a fascinating reading and writing tour of Dragon Hall with a hands-on clay craft session!
Join ceramicist Lucy Wheeler as she shows you this incredible building, complete with gargoyles, dragons and witches. Jot down any ideas or sketch something that catches your eye. Then, it’s time to design and make your own story out of clay!
K-Pop Party at Castle Quarter
Wednesday 27 May, 10am – 4pm, FREE
Glitter, live performances and more- Castle Quarter’s ready for a K-Pop party!
Celebrate the power of K-Pop at Castle Quarter! This special one-day event is bringing together live performances, interactive fan experiences and fun activities for all ages, whether you’re a K-Pop fan or want to discover something new.
Across the day, you can hear a high-energy K-Pop tribute performance, packed with dynamic choreography and iconic tracks, followed by a meet and greet, alongside photo opportunities with Castle Quarter’s supernatural blue tiger mascot! Plus, a silent disco experience, glow-up zone complete with glitter makeup, sparkle effects and hair braiding, and the chance to win an exciting prize!
And on Thursday 28 May, head to Castle Gardens for a series of FREE urban arts workshops (11- 18 years)! Join not-for-profit collective Reprezent Project and have a go at DJing, break dancing, lyric writing, graffiti vinyl art and more.
Round the World Craft Workshop at Yalm
Wednesday 27 May, 10.30am – 12pm, £10
Explore global-inspired art and create your own at Yalm
Creative Planet are returning to Yalm this half term with an exciting around-the-world-themed crafting workshop! If you’re interested in different cultures or would love to travel the globe, this session is perfect for any budding explorer.
In this fun and welcoming space, get hands-on and create pieces of art inspired by Africa, Mexico, Norway and India! Then you can take them away to display in pride of place at home. (Messy clothes recommended!)
Puppet-Making Workshops at Norwich Puppet Theatre
27 & 30 May, 10.30am – 12pm, £12
From shadow puppets to long-necked creatures, what will you create?
Where better than Norwich Puppet Theatre to make your very own puppet and set?
Start with Create Your Own Shadow Theatre (Wednesday 27 May) to build a tabletop stage and cast of characters that explore the ancient art of light and dark using a special stash of materials, including translucent colour films, articulated joints and spotlights! Then try Biggest, Longest, Tallest (Saturday 30 May) and see what long-bodied characters you create from bendy pipes, giant spring coils, foam tubes and more. Will you create a super tall giraffe, a towering alien or a mysterious Loch Ness Monster?
Paint Party with Creation Station at John Lewis
Thursday 28 May, 11am – 12.15pm, £15
Unleash your creative painting skills at John Lewis this half term
At John Lewis this May, take part in a fun Paint Party with Creation Station. It’s a fun, hands-on workshop where you’re encouraged to decorate a colourful masterpiece to take home.
With step-by-step assistance, be confident in your design and see what you create!
Young Artists’ Studio (7 – 11 years) at the Sainsbury Centre
Thursday 28 May, 10.30am – 3.30pm, £15
Which medieval marginalia will inspire you in this drawing workshop?
Join Norwich-based artist Anna Brass in an engaging day-long Young Artists’ Studio workshop at the Sainsbury Centre this half term!
Explore the Sainsbury Centre’s fascinating collections, focussing on the medieval marginalia- mysterious, marvellous and occasionally cheeky little pictures and notes that decorate old, handwritten texts. Then flex your drawing skills to create your own doodled responses, taking inspiration from the art that surrounds you, Anna and your fellow young artists.
Wild Weekend at Waterloo Park
Saturday 30 May, 11am – 4pm, FREE
Waterloo Park has joined forces with Norfolk Wildlife Trust for a Wild Weekend!
Kicking off their 30 Days Wild challenge, which invites everyone of all ages to connect with nature, Norfolk Wildlife Trust has joined forces with Waterloo Park for an exciting Wild Weekend!
This free event offers a series of hands-on, wildlife-themed activities to discover more about the natural world and take action to protect its future.
Norfolk
Everything Goes at Bure Valley Railway
23 – 25 May, 9am – 4.30pm, children from £7.50, adults from £15 (unlimited travel)
How many different locomotives will you travel on at Bure Valley Railway?
There’s nothing like a nostalgic steam journey with all the family! And this half term, Bure Valley Railway’s Everything Goes event means that all engines, coaches and rolling stock will be in operation, chugging past swathes of vivid Norfolk countryside.
See the inner workings of these incredible locomotives- you’ll be able to visit the Aylsham-based workshop- and travel on a whole host of different models. For younger visitors, complete the special activity trail before a bite to eat in Whistlestop Cafe.
Beauty and the Beast at Cromer Pier
23 – 30 May, various times, £20
Feel your heart soar when you watch this tale as old as time
It’s a tale as old as time. This half term, step into a world of enchantment with Cromer and Sheringham Operatic and Dramatic Society’s production of Beauty and the Beast at Cromer Pier. (You could say you’ll be their guest!)
This beautiful story is a reminder that wonder and kindness can be found in the most unexpected places- whether that’s a magic castle or provincial town. Belle, the Beast, Lumiere, Mrs Potts, Cogsworth and Chip will be brought to life thanks to a live orchestra, sumptuous costumes, stunning lighting and a 40-strong cast of performers!
Poo Trail at Pensthorpe
23 – 31 May, 10am – 5pm, £16.25
Pensthorpe’s Poo Trail is back with even more fun, including Professor Poo’s HQ!
It’s back! Pensthorpe’s ‘poop-ular’ Poo Trail is bigger and bolder than ever before.
Think new trail points, prehistoric poos and the chance to graduate from Professor Poo’s Laboratory! At his twice-a-day talks, you’ll get the chance to see pellet dissections and engaging experiments. As you follow the trail, there will be heaps of intriguing facts and insights to pique your interest. And you get access to the whole nature reserve with your ticket- including exciting indoor and outdoor play areas, pond dipping and a flamingo flock!
Dippy’s Foam Zone at ROARR!
23 – 31 May, 10am – 5pm, £22
Dippy’s Foam Zone returns to ROARR!
Looking to make some unforgettable memories this half term? ROARR! has it covered.
Dippy’s Foam Zone returns! Unleash your energy and dive into a mountain of bubbles, before using your powers of investigation to track down the escaped dinosaurs in the brand-new Dino Hunter Experience. Are you brave enough to venture into an abandoned church to find them all?
Then set off on ROARR!’s popular stamp trail- refreshed in time for half term. Collect them all for a reward at the end!
Buy One Get One Free at BeWILDerwood
23 – 31 May, 10am – 5pm, 92cm – 105cm £20.95, over 105cm £22.95
An exciting adventure awaits at BeWILDerwood this half term
To mark the launch of their newest book, A Holiday at BeWILDerwoodville, BeWILDerwood are offering a special Buy One Get One Free offer when you book in advance this half term (as well as all weekends in May, including bank holidays)!
From giant slides and towering treehouses to puzzling play areas and curious characters, immerse yourself in a magical land of woodland Boggles and get lost in your imagination! We love the dizzying Sky Maze and Wobbly Wires.
Circus Skills at Holkham
24 – 30 May, 10am – 3pm, children £5, adults £7
Test your skills at circus at Holkham before a run around in the parkland
Roll up! Roll up! At Holkham’s Walled Garden, you can experience a riot of circus-themed fun.
Get involved and test your skills at juggling, spinning plates, diablo, stilts and more! And if that hasn’t tired you out, unleash your creativity with exciting crafts and garden games for all the family.
To make a day of it, we recommend bringing along a picnic, accompanied by a run around on the Estate’s beautiful parkland- followed by a go on the woodland play area, of course!
Wonder Wednesday at Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden
Wednesday 28 May, 11am – 3pm, included in admission
Get hands-on and green fingered at Fairhaven and be inspired by the site’s beautiful flowers
To celebrate National Children’s Gardening Week, you can join Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden’s Wild Wednesday (part of their school holiday Wonder Wednesday series)!
It’s all about getting hands-on, crafty and green-fingered. Across the day, you can craft your own paper flowerpot- then fill it with compost and plant sweetcorn to take home, nurture and grow (and hopefully eat)! Plus, there’s the chance to create colourful flowers (on sticks to take home and maybe keep in a vase or indoor plant pot), enjoy fun garden-themed colouring sheets and have a go at a Grow with Peter Rabbit activity booklet.
