Summer in Norwich on a Student Budget

Summer’s in full swing in Norwich, but there’s still plenty of time to make the most of it before term starts again. You might even find something here you haven’t tried yet. The Prolet team have pulled together ten of our favourite ways to spend a sunny day as a student in the city. Norwich is a great place to be in the summer, with most spots an easy walk from popular student areas. A few activities are just a short bus or train ride away, but nothing too far. Most are low-cost or free, so you can enjoy every moment without stretching your budget.

Get lost in the Norwich Lanes

The Lanes are one of those parts of Norwich you can walk through a hundred times and still spot something new. They’re packed with independents, from tiny shops to places serving food that smells so good you’ll want to stop every few steps. You might grab a falafel wrap from Moorish or a New York-style sandwich from Bodega.

If you want something for your student house, we love Lazy Lobster for its bright dopamine décor and Elm for their plants. Keep exploring and you’ll come across vintage clothes, quirky gifts and the kind of spots you’ll want to tell your friends about. Some weekends have live music or pop-up stalls, so there’s always a bit of extra energy in the air.

Start your day with a coffee worth leaving the house for

Every good summer day starts with coffee, and Norwich has no shortage of places to get it. You can keep it central or wander into the Golden Triangle for something more local.

Our favourites, in no particular order, are Connaught Kitchen, Flock, Grounded, Kofra on Olney Street, Wright’s, The Mitre, Kind Coffee Co in Costessey and Urban Jungle. Each has its own style and is worth a visit, whether you’re grabbing something to kickstart the day or settling in for a slow morning with a good book. Urban Jungle is also the kind of place where you might go in for a flat white and end up leaving with a plant for your student house.

Stretch out in Eaton Park

When the sun’s out, Eaton Park is one of the best spots in Norwich to spend a few hours. It’s big enough to find your own space, whether you want to walk the paths, sit with a book or just lie on the grass.

Katrina’s favourite thing to do here is book one of the tennis courts. They’re easy to rent, don’t cost much and are perfect for a casual game with friends. If tennis isn’t your thing, there’s also a small mini golf course where you can still get a bit competitive without breaking a sweat.

If you’re around on a Saturday morning, Norwich parkrun takes over the park. It’s free, friendly and open to all levels. Afterward, the café is an easy stop for a bacon butty and a coffee before you head off.

Paddle board from the Red Lion

Kim’s top pick for summer in Norwich is paddleboarding, and you don’t even need to leave the city to do it. You can rent boards from the Red Lion on Bishopgate and set off along the River Wensum. The route is calm, green and great for beginners, with plenty to see along the way.

If you time it right, you can join the Monday social session, which is cheaper and a good way to meet other people out on the water. Once you’re done, the pub is right there for a drink, or you can head to The Lion’s Den just behind it for a riverside sauna and cold plunge. It’s a relaxed, very Norwich way to spend a sunny afternoon.

Pick a pub garden and stay a while

If you’ve just finished paddleboarding from the Red Lion, you’re already in the perfect place to start. The garden there is a great spot to sit with a drink and let your arms recover, or you can head to The Lion’s Den for a riverside sauna and cold plunge before grabbing a pint.

From there, you could stick to one pub or see where the afternoon takes you. The Playhouse has an artsy, laid-back feel with plenty to look at while you sip. The Black Horse is known for its big garden and a Sunday roast that’s worth the wait. The Plough on St Benedicts Street puts you right in the heart of the city, and with The Ten Bells just down the road you won’t run out of options.

The York has so much space you’ll never feel crammed in, and their baked camembert is always worth sharing… or not. If you’re up in NR3, The Stanley, The Brewery Tap, or any of the Fat Cat pubs are all safe bets. Whether you stay put or turn it into a slow crawl, pub gardens are one of the easiest ways to make the most of a summer afternoon in Norwich.

Swap city streets for sea air

If you feel like trading the city for the coast, it’s an easy hop on the train from Norwich to Cromer or Sheringham. Both take under 90 minutes, so you can head out late morning and still have the whole day ahead of you.

Cromer has a wide sandy beach mixed with pebbles, a pier to wander and plenty of spots for fish and chips. Sheringham is a little quieter, with walking trails and the same sand-and-pebble mix that’s perfect for a walk along the beach.

If you’re into sweet treats, Sheringham has Crumble Cribb for warm apple crumble, which we’re dying to try. A beach day here doesn’t need much planning. Just grab a towel, some snacks and maybe a hoodie for when the sea breeze picks up, and you’re set.

Slow it right down on the Norfolk Broads

When you need a break from the city but don’t fancy trekking to the beach, the Norfolk Broads is your move. It’s close enough for a day out yet feels like you’ve escaped somewhere completely different. Grab a few mates, rent a small boat and spend the afternoon floating along, or stick to dry land with a walk by the water.

Wroxham and Horning are the easiest spots to get to and both have riverside pubs, picnic-worthy spaces and plenty to look at. Even a couple of hours out here hits reset. You can be back in Norwich by evening feeling like you’ve been on a mini holiday, no car required.

Catch the last of the sun from up high

There’s something about ending the day on a rooftop that just feels right in summer. Norwich might not be full of skyscrapers, but it does have a few gems where you can kick back with a drink and watch the city wind down.

Gonzo’s Two Room is a favourite for its comfy seating, relaxed playlist and views that get even better as the sun starts to dip. If you want something a little greener, Norwich Rooftop Gardens is a great shout, with plenty of space to sit outside and soak it all in. Both work whether you’re starting your night or wrapping up a long, lazy day.

Catch something outdoors

Summer in Norwich always comes with outdoor events. Norwich Summer Sessions bring free live music to the city centre and Chapelfield Gardens. Plantation Garden sometimes hosts outdoor film nights, and you might come across performances or community events in other parks. Bring something to sit on, add a few snacks, and you’re set.

Grace’s pick is the Shakespeare Festival at Norwich Cathedral. The Lord Chamberlain’s Men perform a different play each year in the open air. Tickets are around £22, and you can buy drinks and food from the Bread Source stall. Plenty of people bring their own picnic to keep costs down, which makes it feel even more relaxed.

Start the next day with brunch

If the sun’s still out the next morning, grab a table outside and take your time. Café 33 is popular for a reason and the queue always moves faster than you think. Olives is another favourite for something classic, and Connaught Kitchen is our pick for brunch with a twist.

Waffle House, JC Pinto, Ber Street Kitchen and Harry’s Soul Station are also great options. Harry’s is worth remembering for unlimited wings on Wednesday nights.

Or skip the plan entirely

Some of the best summer days in Norwich happen when you don’t plan anything. Sit by the river, read in the park, wander the market and try something that catches your eye. The city is small enough to take your time and still feel like you’ve done something.

If you’re planning to stick around for another year in Norwich, we’ve got a range of student houses close to all these spots. Take a look and see where your next summer could be.