Name changed for this. I live in Norwich. Have done for a few years. Moved to be near family. For anyone who lives in Norwich, AIBU in thinking there's not much 'fun' stuff to do here with kids that doesn't cost an arm and a leg? Having lived in London, Sheffield, Nottingham and Birmingham throughout my career, I am bored here. Places I loved when I was little like donisaur Park are extortionate now for what they are. Bewilderwood which my son loves costs us £40 which I don't have. Loads of parks and playgrounds which is great but sometimes need to do something a little more exciting. Am I looking in the wrong place? Can anyone suggest anything for a lone mum and a 4yo?
AIBU?
Lovetotravel123 · 04/03/2023 19:18
You’ve got lots of beaches along the coast…Also, Thetford forest isn’t far.
Justanotherlurker · 04/03/2023 19:22
I blame it on the pedestrianisation of the city centre to be honest.
Christmasbahhumbug · 04/03/2023 19:23
Bewildered season tickets are good if you can afford the upfront cost. We used it like a play park in the end, going most weekends for a couple of hours and then feeding the swans in wroxham followed by an icecream and home.
Christmasbahhumbug · 04/03/2023 19:26
UEA sports is great. Their drop in gymnastics is just over £4 and then either a snack in the cafe or a visit to the Sainsbury’s centre?
Daisy95 · 04/03/2023 19:27
I live in Norwich and I completely agree, the libraries seem to be offering more things on holidays for free but that's about it. Everything as you say costs a fortune, the dinosaur park, bewilderwood, zoos etc. compared to some of our friends who live in other big cities there's definitely not as much free/cheap things to do
bellac11 · 04/03/2023 19:30
Theres good cycling paths isnt there, all round the city?
Chrispackhamspoodle · 04/03/2023 19:32
You have the castle.I think anywhere is expensive to get into now .There is often stuff on at the Forum.I used to love Strangers Hall and the Bridewell Museum when I was a kid. Banham Zoo isnt a long drive away but granted not in Norwich. Loads of great parks.It's a small city so not comparable to say,Sheffield.Then again I'm desperate to move back after leaving in my 20s so I'm biased .
WindowGazers · 04/03/2023 19:36
The castle is a bit rubbish atm as the good bits are closed and have been for months but can't wait for it to reopen! We've done strangers Hall (but not bridewell), think it's good for slightly older kids. We don't do zoos as I don't agree with them (but again, that's totally my problem not anyone else's). Googling bridewell museum as we speak.....
Chrispackhamspoodle · 04/03/2023 19:32
You have the castle.I think anywhere is expensive to get into now .There is often stuff on at the Forum.I used to love Strangers Hall and the Bridewell Museum when I was a kid. Banham Zoo isnt a long drive away but granted not in Norwich. Loads of great parks.It's a small city so not comparable to say,Sheffield.Then again I'm desperate to move back after leaving in my 20s so I'm biased .
WindowGazers · 04/03/2023 19:32
Yes my son is learning to ride. He goes on the back of mine at the moment.
bellac11 · 04/03/2023 19:30
Theres good cycling paths isnt there, all round the city?
bellac11 · 04/03/2023 19:39
We did the traffic free one to Aylsham, its lovely, and long, very long!
WindowGazers · 04/03/2023 19:32
Yes my son is learning to ride. He goes on the back of mine at the moment.
bellac11 · 04/03/2023 19:30
Theres good cycling paths isnt there, all round the city?
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WindowGazers · 04/03/2023 19:23
It's not just me is it? A couple of my friends with kids have said the same about it being really quite a dull city in terms of fun stuff to do with kids. I'm hoping I'm just completely naive as to all the stuff there is to do here that may have passed me by!
Justanotherlurker · 04/03/2023 19:22
I blame it on the pedestrianisation of the city centre to be honest.
SqueakyDinosaur · 04/03/2023 19:39
And the toy boating lake and mini golf at Eaton Park. And in the summer paddling in the river at Earlham Park.
The animatronic gorilla in the shoe shop in Royal Arcade seems to have vanished, sadly.
The Puppet Theatre and the Maddermarket both have good kids' shows, and there are regular activities in the Forum.
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