One day in Norwich with kids

Once England’s second city, there’s so much to discover in Norwich with kids – from its castle and cathedral to the twisty alleyways, quirky cafes and lovely riverside – that I always wish we had longer to explore.

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But even if you have just one day in Norwich with kids, the size of the city means you can pack a lot in. Staying in an AirBNB in Tombland, we were right in the heart of the city, a stone’s throw from Norwich cathedral, and only a short walk from the river, the shops of Norwich Lanes, the castle and the old streets.

There are some great family trails and walking routes to help you explore Norwich with kids too, handy if you’re only making a flying visit like we were, and which we made the most of, despite the near constant drizzle during our break!

Norwich cathedral

First stop has to be the cathedral – having visited Ely on the drive to Norfolk the day before, my daughter initially groaned slightly at the idea of seeing yet another one.

But with family activities running during the school holidays, she was quickly won over by the children’s trail to follow.

When we visited, there was a numbers-themed trail spotting dinosaurs within the 11th century walls, now replaced by Flint the Fox to help tell some of the cathedral’s stories, plus you’ll currently find a statue of Paddington sitting on a bench near the herb garden.

Various small dinos took up residence while we were there, with a string of facts to discover as you explore – including the fact that the cathedral is around 7 diplodocuses long. I may measure everything large this way from now on…

There’s always plenty to see though – the Natural History Museum’s famous replica diplodocus spent some time at Norwich cathedral as part of ‘Dippy on Tour’, so it’s always worth checking the upcoming events to see what’s new.

Even more exciting was the chance to meet Budge the cathedral cat, who strolled in during the Good Friday service in 2018 and has now settled in as official feline resident.

Sitting on one of the altars in a side chapel, yawning and washing his paws, he did consent to stroll over to be stroked before strutting off with supreme self-confidence! There really is no animal as self possessed as a cat…

It’s also ideal if you’re looking for free things to do in Norwich with kids, with lots to explore outside as well.

One of our favourite parts was wandering into the cloisters afterwards where there’s a labyrinth laid out in stones on the grass.

My daughter scampered off happily along the twisting winding contradictory path to the centre, designed to remind you that the path through life is equally complex at times.

There are also various memorials to Edith Cavell inside and in the cathedral close, very moving for adults although a bit more complex to explain to an eight-year-old.

Wander Norwich’s historic streets

But the rest of Norwich awaited (once the rain had finally let up). There’s a fun downloadable leaflet with three different walks to explore Norwich’s nooks and crannies.

Or you can go for one of my own tried and tested favourites, following one of the Treasure Trails for Norwich – there are several for the city, letting you explore different areas, so I picked the cathedral treasure trail, which is easy to combine with a visit (although you don’t have to go inside).

It gave us a great overview, taking us through part of Tombland as well as Norwich Over The Water – Norwich does have the best place names (although Tombland comes from the Anglo Saxon for open space rather than anything more macabre).

It’s always fun to have the little details pointed out as clues, ones you might otherwise miss, although Norwich is one of the best cities I’ve explored for showing off its history.

Around every corner, there seemed to be lots of little signs and plaques, explanations for street names, history of medieval houses and Tudor buildings that replaced earlier structures after a 16th century fire.

Elm Hill is one of the best-known spots, and definitely worth a wander even if you’re not following a trail.

In Bridewell Alley, keep an eye out for the little bronze figure on a bollard of Peter the Wild Boy – found in a German forest, he was presented to royalty and spent time at court, before later being suspected of spying and imprisoned in the Bridewell prison (now a museum), along the street.

Along the quayside, you can even walk past sculptures of bales of goods, representing actual merchants from Norwich’s history and products which would have been loaded and unloaded here.

On the way to the cathedral, you’ll also wander near the Adam and Eve pub, which dates back to at least 1249.

The trails are a great way to lead you off down little alleys as well, and Norwich definitely lends itself to this kind of exploring.

We wandered through the Lanes with their brightly coloured buildings, independent shops and cafes and twisty streets, and the area around the Halls.

Norwich street art

It’s not all history either, with a growing street art scene. The city was named as England’s first Unesco City of Literature, which inspired some of the earliest works.

But they’re dotted all around – in Norwich market, on streets like Pottergate and St Andrew’s Hill, down by the River Wensum and a whole set themed on Black Lives Matter in the St Stephen’s Street underpass.

More things to do in Norwich with kids

If you’re looking for ideas of other things to do in Norwich with kids, including indoor attractions in Norwick, don’t miss the following – although you’ll need more than one day if you want to tick off all there is to do in Norwich with kids!

Norwich Castle Museum

One of Norfolk’s most important museums is set in Norwich Castle; you can still climb the Norman steps of the staircase to the top of the keep, as well as exploring the displays and artwork in the collection, and family activities.

There’s been a major restoration project over the past few years, but the castle keep has now reopened once again so you can visit the whole building, as well as a chance to return to the times of the victorious Norman kings.

Other galleries tell the story of Boudicca’s revolt against the Romans, of Anglo-Saxons and Vikings, plus Ancient Egyptians, so it’s a fantastic spot to visit with primary-school-aged children – and a great idea for a rainy day in Norwich with kids.

Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell

To discover more about Norwich’s history, including its medieval splendour, the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell is the place to start.

As well as the city’s industrial heritage – not least a 19^th century hand loom on display – there’s a chance to relive everyday life as you step inside a recreated early 20^th century chemist’s shop.

Set in a former prison, you can also visit the Undercroft (for ages 8+ only) as well as learn the tales of some of the Bridewell’s inhabitants, including more about Peter the wild boy.

Stranger’s Hall

Stranger’s Hall in Norwich is older still: there has been a building here since at least the 13^th century, with some of the city’s leading citizens living in it since the 14^th century.

You can explore the Great Hall and the bedchambers showing life in the 17^th century, plus other rooms themed around Georgian and Victorian history.

Canoeing in Norfolk

Norfolk is famous for the Broads, with plenty of chances to get out on the water. But if you don’t want to leave the city, you can hire canoes to explore Norwich by water, including family canoes.

Roarr Dinosaur Adventure

Not in the city itself, this dinosaur-themed theme park is only a 20-minute drive from Norwich and fantastic if you’re visiting Norfolk with a toddler or younger kids.

There’s plenty for all ages though, from the splash zone to adrenaline-fuelled fun like swinging on high ropes, as well as finding treasures in the dino dig, following the dinosaur trail in the woods, spotting animals, playing crazy golf and more.

Blickling Estate

The birthplace of Anne Boleyn, Blickling Hall was later home to the Earls of Buckingham, and the National Trust site is also less than half an hour from Norwich.

Once you’ve wandered through the old rooms, including the huge library and spotted Chinese pagodas in glass cases designed to work as earthquake detectors, with a small bell ringing at a tremor, head out to the grounds.

You can stroll past the parterre, amble around the walled garden and tackle one of the three walking trails around the estate, including a route which leads around the lake.

Read my review of a day out at Blickling Hall with kids

Bewilderwood

Bewilderwood calls itself an adventure park, with a hefty side helping of fairytale magic at this outdoor site.

There’s storytelling, if you haven’t encountered the Boggles, Twiggles and other characters before, plus everything from den building to marsh walks and boat rides, zip wires and extra themed events during school holidays.

For more things to do in Norfolk with kids, check out my top picks, including a day out at Oxburgh Hall with kids

*last updated 2026*

PIN FOR LATER: THINGS TO DO IN NORWICH WITH KIDS

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