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Discover Norwich For Families

For Families

Across Norwich and Norfolk, there are endless attractions for families with children of all ages (including the big kids!). And whether you’re looking for free things to do or ways to spend the school holidays, you can step back in time at our historical icons, get lost in fascinating tales and expend lots of energy running around!

  • A Family Break in Norwich

    Whether it’s a trip during the school holidays or a weekend away for some quality time together, a family break in Norwich is sure to be special.

  • Where to Stay in Norwich

    Wondering where to stay in Norwich or Norfolk? If you're looking for somewhere luxurious or you'd like a rural escape, we've got you covered.

  • Free Sightseeing in Norwich

    Norwich has many amazing buildings, streets and sights to see- and they’re easily walkable too.

  • Top Attractions in Norwich and Norfolk

    Norwich and Norfolk have a huge range of amazing attractions to suit all tastes and pockets. If you need some great things to do, we've pulled together our recommendations for you!

  • The Best Indoor Activities in Norwich

    Spend your rainy days with friends or family at one of Norwich's fantastic indoor venues. Check out our guide to the popular locations. There’s something for everyone.

See & Do

Norwich and Norfolk are a destination made with families in mind. Just take a look at our many attractions – from museums to adventure parks to zoos and beyond!

Norwich Castle

What you will find: Arts & Culture // Galleries // History & Architecture // Iconic Sights
Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 10am - 5pm

One of the city’s most famous landmarks, Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago.

Norwich Cathedral

What you will find: Arts & Culture // Free or Low Cost // History & Architecture // Iconic Sights
Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 7:30am to 6pm

Norwich’s magnificent Romanesque Cathedral is open to visitors of all faiths and none. In beautiful grounds it’s an awe-inspiring, welcoming building.

Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell

What you will find: Arts & Culture // Experience // Families // Family
Opening times: Tuesday to Saturday: 10am to 4.30pm

The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell tells the story of the city’s industries and the people who lived and worked here.

The Cathedral of St John the Baptist and The Narthex

What you will find: Arts & Culture // Museums // Sights & Attractions
Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 7.30am to 6pm

The Catholic Cathedral with it’s beautiful stained glass and stonework is one of the finest examples of great Victorian Gothic Revival Architecture.

ROARR!

What you will find: Activities // Activities // Experience // Families
Opening times: Vary depending on time of year, please visit website for more information.

This 85-acre Park offers true family fun adventure of a Jurassic nature, including animatronic dinosaurs in natural settings and a range of activities.

Pensthorpe

What you will find: Activities // Activities // Families // Family
Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 10am to 5pm

Pensthorpe Natural Park is a modern day nature reserve with a focus on inspiring the next generation to enjoy wildlife and the great outdoors.

Holkham Hall

What you will find: Coastal breaks // Cycling // Dog-friendly // Families
Opening times: Daily 10am - 5pm // Please check the website for specific opening times.

Hotel | Prices from £145 | Coast |
Holkham is a grand Palladian house with wonderful parkland and luxury hotel The Victoria.

Bure Valley Railway

What you will find: Activities // Experience // Family // Iconic Sights
Opening times: Monday - Sunday: 9am to 5pm

Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge heritage railway runs through 9 miles of beautiful countryside between Aylsham and Wroxham.

The Bug Parc

What you will find: Activities // Experience // Families // Family
Opening times: Monday - Tuesday: Closed// Wednesday - Sunday:// Café: 8.30am to 4pm// Parc and gift shop: 10am to 4pm

The Bug Parc is a unique attraction and the largest invertebrate parc in the country where you can see hundreds of incredible tropical insects.

BeWILDerwood

What you will find: Activities // Activities // Experience // Families
Opening times: Opening times are seasonal, please check listing for full details.

Discover a land of Boggles, Twiggles and all their beautifully unusual friends.

Book Bench Trail

What you will find: Activities // Free or Low Cost // Outdoors // Sights & Attractions

Within the eight districts of Norwich these beautifully designed benches can be found, made of stone, wood and metal.

Family Fun

We’re a city brimming with history- there’s loads to learn and so many stories to uncover. Travel back in time with the Museum of Norwich’s interactive galleries and immerse yourself in the life of a medieval royal palace at Norwich Castle (dressing up encouraged!). Get up close to cathedral walls and say hello to Paddington, explore fairytale Elm Hill, follow our Book Bench trail or ride along the River Wensum on a boat trip!

See & Do

Stay

Looking for that home away from home? Norwich and Norfolk offer a great selection of self-catering and family-friendly accommodation, board games included.

Poolside Lodges

What you will find: B&B and Self Catering // Self-catering and Bed & Breakfast
Opening times: Open all year round

Escape to Poolside Lodges — a friendly, family‑run hideaway just 4 miles from Norwich. Open all year round, these cosy lodges and on‑site facilities are designed to help you make the most of your stay in every season and every kind of weather.

Norfolk Cottages

What you will find: Accessibility // Coastal breaks // Cottages // Dog-friendly
Opening times: Monday to Friday: 9am - 9pm// Saturday: 9am - 8pm// Sunday: 10am - 8pm// Bank Holidays: 10am - 6pm

Escape to the stunning landscapes of Norfolk with our collection of charming holiday cottages.

Goat Shed Stays

What you will find: B&B and Self Catering // Coastal breaks // Cottages // Dog-friendly

Nestled in the Norfolk countryside, Goat Shed is the ultimate farm stay with cosy double-room cottages, each dog friendly and with its own en-suite – starting at £95.00 per night!

Maids Head Hotel

What you will find: Accessibility // Afternoon Tea // Ale & Craft Beer // Cocktails

Hotel | Prices from £130 | The Maids Head is an independent 4 star hotel, boasting charm and individual character and known to be the oldest hotel in the UK.

Red Lion Apartment

What you will find: B&B and Self Catering // Self-catering and Bed & Breakfast

The apartment above Red Lion Bishopgate is the perfect location for a visit to Norwich

Norwich Nibbles & Norfolk Nature

All that exploring will work up an appetite! When you’re feeling peckish, Norwich’s eateries are ready to welcome all ages. Savour a slice of pizza at Saporita, treat yourself to a scoop at Cafe Gelato and feast on finger-licking plates at Bowling House. Refuelled, there’s bowling, karaoke and more to entertain. In Norfolk, think traditional steam engines, bug handling, animal encounters and sprawling nature reserves.

Eat & Drink

Inspiration

Friendly, compact and ready to be explored. Norwich welcomes families of all shapes and sizes. Here’s what to see, where to eat and the things you can’t miss!

18 March 2026

Family Places to Eat in Norwich

Looking for great restaurants to take your family? You’re in luck, Norwich has some fantastic choices. Here are our recommendations!

25 February 2026

The Best Indoor Activities in Norwich

Spend your rainy days with friends or family at one of Norwich’s fantastic indoor venues. Check out our guide to the popular locations. There’s something…

14 May 2026

The Best Outdoor Activities in Norwich and Norfolk

Whether planning a trip to Norwich or Norfolk, here’s our guide to the best outdoor activities in and around the city.

11 February 2026

A Guide to Norwich for Little Bears

For little legs, Norwich’s cobbled streets offer loads of corners to hide round and winding lanes waiting to be explored.