What to Do in Norwich in Winter
23 December 2025
What to Do in Norwich in Winter
by Katie Thompson
With vast skies overhead and crisp sunshine bathing our fine city in a golden glow, recharge with a winter visit to Norwich. Embrace mornings mooching around the city or take it slow with a stroll in nature. And don’t forget to explore all that Norfolk has to offer, too.
This season, it’s time to take a breath and take some time for yourself. It’s quieter, calmer and brimming with raw natural beauty. Feel refreshed in the great outdoors and warm up with a sauna, roast or whisky tour.
Here’s our guide to Norwich in winter!
Head to Sir Toby’s on Norwich Market for a spiced mulled wine
For Getting Out and About
Mulled Wine on Norwich Market
Mosey down to Sir Toby’s Beers on Norwich Market for a deliciously spiced mulled wine. Feel your cheeks flush with warmth and remember to get your mulled wine loyalty card punched! Then head to Bier Draak for a creamy ‘The Garrick-style’ Irish Coffee.
Amble Along the Lanes, Followed by Fish and Chips
Mooch in and out of the Lanes’ independents, perusing carefully curated selections of books, vintage and homeware at the likes of Atwin (whose pure wool beanies are the ideal winter accessory). End your journey at Grosvenor Fish Bar for fluffy chips and crispy battered fish.
A Night Out at Norwich Arts Centre
Live music is the perfect excuse to dress up on these dark winter nights. At Norwich Arts Centre, put on your dancing shoes and get lost in rock, pop, jazz and more. And for a pre-gig drink, The Playhouse Bar’s terrace is festooned in colourful lights and dotted with heaters.
A gig a Norwich Arts Centre will persuade you to get out of the house no matter how cold it is outside!
Play Padel
For those of us feeling energetic, how about trying your hand at popular sport padel? At Court de Padel, take advantage of their modern facilities (8 super-panoramic courts, no less), test your skills and join their social community.
Sip on a Winter Spirits Tour
There’s nothing more warming than a Winter Spirits walking tour. Led by knowledgeable guide Cheryl Cade, enjoy local tipples at four of the city’s most popular independent venues and tuck into seasonal nibbles, with a touch of history thrown in for good measure.
Taking It Slow
Roast marshmallows around the fire after a recharging sauna session
A Riverside Sauna with Toasted Marshmallows
A sauna session at The Lions’ Den River is a tonic for crisp winter weather. Embrace the heat from their woodfired saunas before a reinvigorating cold plunge in one of three ice baths. Congratulate yourself with gooey toasted marshmallows around the crackling open fire.
Stroll in the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park
With frosted ground underfoot, a stroll around the Sainsbury Centre’s outdoor Sculpture Park blends winter wellness with cultural wellbeing. Take in the artistic sculptures of names like Gormley and Moore, before making a loop around the tree-flanked boardwalk of UEA Broad.
Stroll around the Sainsbury Centre’s outdoor Sculpture Park
A Warming Roast at WinePress
Golden roasties, crisp Yorkshire puddings, succulent meats, rich gravy… it could only be a roast dinner. And at the Maids Head’s WinePress restaurant, you can expect all of the above with all the trimmings and delicious local produce, all followed by a mouthwatering dessert.
Feel Calm at The Cat House
Embrace the low purrs of The Cat House’s residents and feel yourself calm with this natural sound therapy. Enjoy their companionship with a lounging session or get to know their quirks and personalities as you take part in a cat-themed workshop.
Explore Norfolk
There’s nothing as refreshing as a winter beach walk
Come Face to Face with Wildlife at Thrigby
Venture along treetop walkways alongside the wildlife at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens. Come face to face with graceful snow leopards, magnificent tigers and cheeky gibbons. Look out upon the wild Norfolk landscapes and meander through the wild Willow Pattern Garden.
A Windswept Beach Walk at Cromer
With a mix of pebbled shores and vast sandy beach, a windswept walk at Cromer has a little bit of everything. Head up to Cromer Pier, where birds soar overhead and families crab in the sea below. Our suggestion? A hot chocolate with the works (including an endless view)!
Immerse yourself in Norfolk wildlife at Fairhaven
Flora and Fauna at Fairhaven
With 4 miles of woodland walks, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is a lovely spot to visit no matter the season. Here, towering trees line your path and red winter berries punctuate deep green foliage. Spot birds flitting past, catch a glimpse of muntjac deer and listen out for the call of elusive kingfishers.
A Warming Whisky Tour
Go behind the scenes at The English Distillery for a special whisky tour. Discover the story behind this award-winning local business, and explore the distillery floor and barrel warehouse, before tasting their selection of smooth whiskies and moreish liqueurs.
