Father's Day in Norwich

Father’s Day in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

Father’s Day is the perfect time to show how much you appreciate the father figures in your life- whether that’s your dad, stepdad, grandad or guardian. And whilst we appreciate them all year round, Father’s Day is a great excuse to treat them to something memorable.  

From unique tours and unparalleled family time to a delicious meal or carefully chosen gift. For the football fans or the dads who like a pamper, this is how to experience Father’s Day in Norwich!

---

Exciting Experiences

Forget trying to find out his shirt size and treat your dad to a unique experience! 

If he loves the great outdoors, opt for Pub & Paddle (from £15 per person for 2 hours)– head out on the day or treat him to a voucher. Make the most of the city’s natural surroundings and spend the day paddling, kayaking or canoeing along the River Wensum (punctuated with a refreshing pint or soft drink in the sun at The Red Lion Bishopgate).  

Or at Bishy Barney Boats (from £25 for 1 hour for 4 people), you can motor into the picturesque Broads National Park, admiring thriving wildlife, and choosing which waterside pub is best for lunch! 

When it comes to sports, there’s golfing at Barnham Broom (vouchers from £10) and Dunston Hall (vouchers from £25) or if the weather isn’t playing ball, try City Greens Golf Father’s Day Championship (21 June, from £25 for 1 hour)– where an exciting indoor golf experience awaits. High-tech TrackMan simulators offer challenging games and the chance to tee off on some of the world’s best-loved courses! 

Norwich City Football Club’s stadium tours are ideal for your favourite lifelong canary (from £20). You can even add it on (£15) to their special Father’s Day Lunch– tuck into a delicious three-course meal overlooking the pitch (21 June, adults £40, children £19.25). If it’s Norwich history he loves, then join a tour with The Shoebox Experiences (from £16.50) to find out about everything from Norwich’s many pubs to its hidden street. While at Thursford, tour a fascinating world of steam engines, fairground rides and mechanical organs (£40)! 

For any father who appreciates a bit of downtime, treat him to something a little different. At The Cat House (sessions from £10), dads can relax among the company of friendly felines (with a slice of cake, of course), while The Norfolk Mead’s Father’s Day offers (from £33) will convert even the strongest spa sceptic! From the hotel’s signature beer spa (add in an overnight stay) to their moreish savoury afternoon tea, this is a real treat!

Family Days Out

As it’s the weekend, why not make the most of the day itself with a family outing? 

At Bure Valley Railway, dads go free with one full-paying adult (20 & 21 June, £25)– chug past stunning countryside and tuck into lunch at Whistlestop Cafe, while at ROARR! (20 & 21 June, from £22) and Pensthorpe, every paying guest (21 June, from £14.95) can bring a loved one for free! So, for unforgettable memories roaming with dinosaurs or strolls surrounded by sparkling lakes and feathered wildlife, we’ve got it covered! 

Everyone can have a go at Fairhaven Water & Woodland Garden’s archery sessions (21 June, £60 for up to 6 people). And if your father figure’s known a well-known thrill-seeker, we suggest tackling Go Ape’s high ropes in the treetops of Thetford Forest- make the most of their Dads Go Free offer when you book in advance (subject to availability, adults from £36.95, children from £20.95)! 

Closer to the coast, Holkham’s sprawling Estate is home to a breathtaking sandy beach, nature reserve and miles of parkland. It’s a fantastic place for a long walk, cycle ride and picnic with the whole family (parking £6.50).

Food-Themed Fun

The way to any man’s heart is through his stomach, right? Luckily, Norwich’s mouthwatering food and drink scene has an array of tasty treats to spoil your dad with. 

Jarrolds’ food hall is a must for local produce. Here, you can treat him to a bespoke hamper, brimming with undeniably tasty Norfolk names like Bullards, Gnaw and Candi’s Chutney. When you’re looking for East Anglian beers, pay a visit to Beer Hatch for a variety of craft beers, real ales and ciders. 

Another name to know is RB Provisions. Created by local chef (and owner of fine dining restaurant Benedicts) Richard Bainbridge, we love the sound of the spiced fig chutney and popular beetroot ketchup- both family recipes. Yum! 

For a food-themed experience, look no further than Cheryl Cade, whose tours include beer, cheese, spirits and even sausage rolls (it’s the only one in the country) (from £10)! And Cheryl is a champion of Norfolk produce, so you’re in for a delicious time! Meanwhile, Norwich Pub Tours (£20) will invite you to hear stories of the city’s oldest and most characterful pubs and Redwell Brewery’s tours (£35) are a fascinating insight into the works of a local microbrewery- we recommend ending with a pint and stone-baked pizza in the beer garden.  

Elsewhere, at The English Distillery (off the A11 at Roudham), your dad can go on a behind-the-scenes tour of their award-winning whisky (from £25). Enjoy a tasting or even create your own blend, before taking home a souvenir from the well-stocked shop! 

We also love Norfolk Local Wine School for decadent events- including Fizz’n’Chips, tastings and wine pairings (like their Al-fresco Summer Cheese & Wine Workshop (31 July, £45)) (vouchers from £37.50). 

And if you like to celebrate your father figures with a meal out, the Maids Head are hosting a one-day-only menu loaded with juicy burgers and accompanied by a Maids Head ale flight for every dad (£25). You can even book him a complimentary trip in the hotel’s vintage Bentley!  

Meanwhile, Melville & Sons will elevate your Father’s Day lunch with mouthwatering plates, including beef carpaccio, linguine all vongole and lemon posset, and The Assembly House’s Afternoon Seas (£36pp) is a take on traditional packed with three tiers of seafood delights! Or at Turtle Bay, there’s a free pint for dad and kids eat free, so why not share a tasty Caribbean-inspired platter?

Thoughtful Gifts 

Norwich is known for its incredible independent scene. And we bet your father figure is one-of-a-kind too. So, where better to get a gift that’ll stand out from the rest?  

Everyone loves an event to look forward to, so peruse upcoming shows at Norwich Theatre Royal, The Playhouse and EPIC Studios for tickets to laugh-out-loud comedians, thrilling plays and more. Too many to choose from? A voucher means they can plan their own perfect night out! 

And when you want to bring their favourite band, artist or soundtrack to them, All Good Records at St Saviour’s Yard boasts crates of vinyl of every genre- from disco to hip hop to soul. 

At family-run jewellers Dipples, they’re known for their timeless watch selection. From stylish timepieces by celebrated brands to sleek classics that will stand the test of time, Dipples is the go-to jeweller for truly remarkable gifts.   

When it comes to fashionistas, Bowhill & Elliott’s luxurious house slippers make the ultimate style statement, especially when personalised with a monogram or exquisite hand embroidery. For accessories, Loake’s supple leather belts, wallets, bags and gloves are a gift that will be treasured for many years to come. And to complete the ensemble, John Lewis is home to favourite brands like Barbour and Levi’s that he’s sure to love unwrapping.