This February half-term in Norwich, the City of Stories, there’s a fabulous and diverse mix of activities to keep all ages happy and amused from morning ’til night- to suit all pockets.
From a three-night free light festival to a new pirate ship on the Broads, to a train ride with teddies and topflight women’s international football at Carrow Road- home to Premiership club The Canaries.
And with Norfolk easy to get around by car or public transport you’re never far from a thrilling cultural experience in its capital Norwich, messing about on the river in the Broads or taking in the delights of the coast and countryside.
On a short break it’s easy to do it all depending on where your mood takes you; all you need is good clothes for the weather.
Start the week with a swashbuckling adventure out on a pirate themed river trip (14 – 18 Feb) with Broads Tours whilst enjoying some fabulous scenery.
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This new experience is sure to appeal to parents, grandparents and children alike.
Get on board the Cordon Rouge in the quest to find lost treasure. With pirate-themed decoration, children’s activity packs and commentary from the pirate ship captain “Flint”, let your imagination run wild.
It’s not just the children who sometimes need entertaining, how about a treat for the family’s treasured bears?
Head to the Bure Valley Railway (12 – 20 Feb) for the Teddy Bear Express where kids and bears go free on this wonderful, themed trip through the Norfolk countryside.
Love Light Norwich (17 – 19 Feb) returns for a second year- a free 3-night light festival across Norwich city centre where visitors can experience incredible projections, installations, performance and special events each night.
As well as a themed Love Food Trail.
There’s plenty to see with 17 installations, six emerging artists’ work, a parade and some light works to participate in.
Ahead of UEFA Women’s EURO 2022 see world-class football on Sunday 20th February at Norwich City Football ground- Carrow Road, where in The Arnold Clark Cup England’s women’s football team will be taking on Spain.
Whilst later in the day Canada play Germany. Tickets start at £10.
For younger members of the family how about The Sooty Show (16 Feb, Norwich City Football Club) then get your selfie with a meet and greet afterwards.
Whilst there book a table at Yellows Bar & Grill- Delia Smith’s on site burger restaurant, offering a 50 per cent discount on the children’s menu between 12pm – 5.30pm.
Trips to the theatre always go down a treat and there are plenty to choose from. At Norwich Playhouse see Oi Frog & Friends.
Live on stage based on the bestselling books by Kes Gray and Jim Field (9 – 13 Feb). Or Shlomo’s Beatbox Adventure for Kids (16 Feb).
Whilst at Norwich Theatre Royal see Fireman Sam (20 Feb) and the Ministry of Science (20 Feb).
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At Norwich Puppet Theatre shows include Oldilocks and the Three Bears (16 – 17 Feb) and Under the Frozen Moon (20 Feb) plus a puppet making workshop for all the family (16 – 17 Feb).
In North Norfolk enjoy a full day outdoors with a host of great events in beautiful countryside with Love Birds at Holkham Hall (12 – 20 Feb).
From bird spotting to workshops, each day there will be free trails around the grounds with no booking necessary.
Sign up for the Build a Bird Box Workshop, where kids get to join a wildlife expert to learn about the importance of promoting birds in the garden.
Then take the bird box home to decorate.
Or there’s an Avian Art Workshop, a creative session that will see the kids create a bird themed masterpiece.
The grounds are also open for walks and cycling with bike hire available from £10.
Norwich is a great city for families with museums, quaint streets for walking, green spaces with playgrounds, family friendly eateries and Norwich Market for street food and souvenirs.
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