Things to Do in Norwich Near Holiday Inn Express Norwich

Hire a motor boat or a canoe to explore the waterways of the Norfolk Broads, around 30 minutes' drive from the hotel. If you don't trust your navigational skills, choose a guided hour-long cruise or a day-long river trip. In summer, step back in time on a 19th-century wherry powered by the wind. If you're a landlubber, you can go fishing, hire a bike or follow peaceful footpaths beside the water.​

Hop on a bus near the hotel and you can be exploring 900-year-old Norwich Castle in 15 minutes. Climb the battlements of the former Norman palace for panoramic city views, or take a guided tour to discover ancient Egyptian artefacts, local silver and medieval armour. If you're here for a few days, a Norfolk Museums Pass is great value, letting you visit the castle and many other local museums.

For a day in the open air, visit the Dinosaur Adventure Park, eight miles from the hotel. Kids can hunt for a lifelike T-Rex, dodge raptors on the Dinosaur Trail, or whizz through the trees on a 120-metre zip line. A Deer Safari brings wildlife up close and little ones can stroke the farm animals in the petting zoo. Indoor and outdoor adventure playgrounds should help burn off any excess energy.

If you're looking for a locally made gift, try the famous Norwich Lanes, only 10 minutes' drive away. A minute's walk from there, you can pick up local cheese, fresh-baked bread and organic goodies from the market's open-air stalls. If you're not hungry, shop for vintage clothes, hand-made jewellery or a basket to take everything home in.