8 things to do in Norwich this September
We know that if you’re starting university with us or visiting our campus for a tour this autumn that things will be a little different for you. However – Norwich is a city that is okay with doing things differently. We’ve put together this list of activities and ideas for you to get stuck into, whilst maintaining social distancing and UK government guidelines.
1. Boom Battle Bar – ££
Take a trip to Boom Battle Bar and you’ll be able to try your hand at axe-throwing!
Located nearby to our campus in the Castle Mall, you can get stuck into an axe throwing competition with friends (guests must be from a maximum of 2 households), then head to the bar for a drink or compete with your friends in another game – shuffle board, skee ball, crazy golf or electric darts!
We’ve heard they could be launching student memberships soon, follow Boom Battle Bar on Instagram
2. Eaton Park – Free entry
Just a 20-25 minute walk to campus, Eaton Park is 80 acres of green space. It’s a beautiful park where you can choose to relax in a quiet spot (we recommend the lily pond or boating lake) or take part in one of the more eventful activities.
The Norwich Parkrun hold a weekly 5k, there’s tennis courts that can be booked online, golf (and footgold!), basketball courts, a skate park and a lot more. Eaton Park Café is also open until 9pm and operating a social distanced ordering system, you can either takeaway, sit in or pick up essentials from the shop.
Follow the Friends of Eaton Park Facebook
3. Bowling House – £
Bowling House is a local fave for not only bowling but for cocktails, food, bingo, karaoke and even photoshoots! The retro aesthetic provides the perfect backdrop for sets.
BoHo, as it’s known is located in the centre of the city, and at the moment offer 10% off for students with the plan to develop deals throughout the year. Social distancing steps include groups of a maximum of six people, table service, track & trace and thorough cleaning of all of the bowling equipment.
Follow Bowling House on Instagram
4. Sainsburys Centre for Visual Arts – Free
The Sainsburys Centre for Visual Arts is located on the University of East Anglia campus, about a 15-20 min bus ride from the centre of Norwich.
Located at the end of their campus across the way from a stunning lake and sculpture walk, entry for students is free (don’t forget your student ID!).
See the works of world-renowned artists including Henry Moore, Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, Leonora Carrington, Alberto Giacometti, Edgar Degas and more.
Plan your visit on the Sainsburys Centre for Visual Arts website
5. Stand Up Paddle Boarding – £
A great way to explore Norwich, you can hire a Paddleboard for £22.50 (with a valid student ID) from 10am-5pm! You’ll be talked through the whole day by Norwich Paddleboard Hire, and recommended routes to follow. Calm waters, peace and quiet and miles of nature await.
6. Plantation Gardens – £
The Plantation Gardens are located on Earlham Road, just a 10 minute stroll from the city centre. This secret garden costs only £2 entry and is an oasis of calm, nature and creativity. Events are often held in this sunken garden; such as outdoor cinema and pop-up food trucks.
Plan your trip via the the Plantation Gardens website
7. Site Collective ‘Occult’ exhibition – Free, Studio 20
Site Collective are formed by BA Illustration graduates who are passionate about developing unique design solutions.
Prior to lockdown, the collective were holding monthly Drink & Draws at the Playhouse, which then went online. Their next event on Saturday 19 September (11am-8pm) will get you in the Halloween mood showcasing some of the best creative and spooky work Norwich has to offer.
The exhibition is free and is planned with social distancing in mind including limits of people on entry.
Follow Site Collective on Instagram
8. Sue Ryder Vintage – £
An institution in the Norwich Lanes, this charity shop is a haven for bargain and vintage lovers. You can bag discount outfits as well as items for your home like vinyl records, kitchenware and lamps!
Follow Sue Ryder Vintage on Instagram
Book an Open DayPost published: 11th September 2020
Last modified: 13th June 2022