Free Things to Do Outdoors in Norwich
Free Things to Do Outdoors in Norwich
by Katie Thompson
When it comes to choosing your next city break or day out (be it with family, friends or your own company), there’s nothing more appealing than getting outdoors and embracing the fresh air. Whether that’s ambling along charming city streets or embracing the glorious greenery of surrounding countryside.
Well, you’ve come to the right place. As the only city in England located in a national park (the Broads National Park, in case you were wondering), Norwich is the perfect destination for urban exploration, picnicking in the sunshine and unwinding with a stroll. What’s more, they’re all completely free!
Here are our top picks for free things to do outdoors in Norwich!
Free Sightseeing | Free & Low Cost | Free Outdoors
Riverside Wandering and Cathedral Grounds
Embrace the charm of Norwich Cathedral grounds and riverside walk
Step through the grand Ethelbert and Erpingham Gates from Tombland and you’ll be welcomed into the calm of Norwich Cathedral’s Cathedral Close. (In July, it’s the starting point for the annual Lord Mayor’s Parade– a riot of colour, creativity and excitement that’s free to spectate!)
Here, locals picnic on the green in the shadow of the UK’s second tallest spire and stroll along cobbles, admiring traditional cottage and well-kept gardens. (If you’re visiting in spring, this is home to some of Norwich’s best magnolia.) Pass by Paddington and stop for a souvenir photo before entering the Cathedral’s fragrant Herb Garden. Here, bees and butterflies flit from lavender to rosemary to thyme.
Wander east to our riverside walk where you’ll be greeted with elegant swans, weeping willows and sights like Cow Tower, Pull’s Ferry and St James’ Mill). For a relaxing hour or two, we suggest starting the river walk from St Crispin’s Bridge, meandering east past Quayside and along to Lady Julian Bridge, where you can head back into the city along historic King Street.
Culture at the Sculpture Park
Explore the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park and UEA Broad together
At pioneering art museum the Sainsbury Centre, their Sculpture Park means you can contemplate works of art by the likes of Antony Gormley, Lynn Chadwick and Henry Moore in the peaceful surroundings of UEA Broad. (Use their free pocket guide to find them all or book your place on a free family-friendly tour!)
Follow the boardwalk next to the water’s edge, where Laurence Edwards’ Man of Stones emerges from the woodland and you’ll discover an ancient oak tree that’s over 400 years old. This is where striking modern and brutalist architecture meets Norwich’s natural side.
When the boardwalk reopens, why not venture further into the Yare River Valley and Marston Marshes? It’s a relaxing route all year round.
City Centre Trails and Tours
Our Book Benches are dotted throughout the city
A great way to see the city is following Norwich’s Book Bench Trail. And you’ll learn about our rich literary heritage along the way! Dotted throughout the city, this 5.7km (3.5 miles) trail will guide you from the Norwich Lanes, through historic Tombland and into our bustling marketplace.
Replicating piles of books, open spines, stacked shelves and more, you can rest at each carefully crafted bench just absorbing your surroundings. Take note of Norwich’s most famous literary names- including Julian of Norwich, Anna Sewell and Philip Pullman!
Across the year, keep an eye out for fun, family-friendly trails at Christmas and summertime to amble along our charming streets, exploring unique spots, shops and eateries, and learn a little more about our amazing city.
(Or if you prefer a guided tour full of facts and local recommendations, book your free place with Norwich Free Walking Tours. Across 1 hour and 45 minutes, you’ll experience the heart of our medieval city, with the best places to eat, grab a coffee and more thrown in! Then, at the end of the tour, you pay whatever you think the tour was worth.)
Green Gardens
Stop by Strangers’ Hall’s Elizabethan Knot Garden with your favourite book
When you want to make the most of the sunshine, pick up your favourite book or picnic blanket and head to Strangers’ Hall. Tucked away behind this fascinating museum is their free-to-visit tranquil Elizabethan Knot Garden (Wednesday & Saturday, Wednesday – Saturday during school holidays, 10am – 4pm). This is a secluded spot steeped in history- it also backs onto the Maddermarket Theatre- where towering trees offer welcome shade and sweet-smelling roses bloom.
Across the city at another former merchant’s hall- Dragon Hall, to be precise, soak in the history enveloping the National Centre for Writing’s walled garden. Open for free during weekly visitor drop-in (Sunday & Monday, 10am – 3pm), get lost in an enthralling tale or be inspired by the Literature House to start your own story.
Walks and Green Spaces
Whitlingham is lovely place to visit and it’s close to the city centre
Only a 30-minute bus journey (or 8-minute drive) southeast of the city centre is Whitlingham Country Park. This man-made Broad boasts a peaceful 2-mile circular walk where you can spot bobbing birds, watch water sports and even follow the white sails of Norwich Yacht Club.
From feeding the ducks (a favourite for families) to cycling along woodland paths, Whitlingham is an oasis of calm mere moments from Norwich’s buzz.
And when it comes to parks, Norwich isn’t short of tranquil green spaces. There’s Chapelfield Gardens– perfect for families and home to Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s Festival Gardens during May, Eaton Park– where locals go to walk the dog and have a go at mini golf, and Kett’s Heights and Mousehold Heath– the spots for incredible skyline views from sunrise to sunset. While in Norfolk, the Goat Shed’s monthly, 5km ‘Hoof It Around Honingham’ walk is sociable and dog friendly.
Or make a day of it along 26-mile Marriott’s Way, following two disused railway tracks reclaimed by nature. There’s plenty to see, including public art, a railway museum and natural beauty. Think lush, dense woodland in summer; weaving stoats and crunchy leaves in autumn.
Horses, Donkeys and Ponies at Redwings
Meet the beautiful animals at Redwings Horse Sanctuary
Just 12 miles from Norwich is Redwings Horse Sanctuary. Set in the idyllic Norfolk countryside outside of popular market town Aylsham, Redwings is home to over 70 residents- including horses, donkeys and ponies. And here, you can come face-to-face with these beautiful creatures for free! It’s perfect for any animal lover.
For little ones, there’s the chance to dress up and play games, and for the not-so-little visitors, you can stroll around the site’s two thriving wildlife ponds. From handsome horse Callisto and best friends Timothy and Cain to cheeky cob Gibson and mischievous miniature Shetlands, The Gangsters, you can even join Redwings to celebrate their birthdays!
Crabbing off Cromer Pier
Admire endless horizon views from Cromer Pier as you try to catch the town’s famous crabs!
When the coast is calling, head north to the traditional seaside town of Cromer (23 miles). Reaching out into the North Sea is 125-year-old Cromer Pier, home to the only full-season end-of-pier show in the world! Not to mention endless sea views where the horizon is a fire of reds, pinks and even purples come sunset.
Plus, it’s free to visit all year round. So why not have a go at crabbing from the pier and see how many of the town’s famous crustaceans you can catch? If you prefer to spectate, see how many you can count in crabbers’ buckets before popping into the RNLI Lifeboat Station and admiring this iconic landmark.
