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📚The Forum (Norwich)
The Forum is a striking modern public building in the heart of Norwich, housing the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, BBC East studios, and a variety of community spaces. Its iconic glass atrium creates a bright, welcoming atmosphere.
For families, the highlight is the dedicated children's library, which offers a vast collection of books, interactive learning stations, and regular storytelling sessions. Kids can enjoy free activities like the 'Discovery Trail' or use tablets loaded with educational games. The building also hosts family-friendly events, from Lego clubs to science workshops.
- Free entry and Wi-Fi
- On-site café with kids' menu and baby-changing facilities
- Pushchair-friendly lifts and wide walkways
- Outdoor amphitheatre for occasional performances
The Forum is an excellent rainy-day destination, offering hours of indoor exploration. It's steps from Norwich Market and Norwich Cathedral, making it easy to combine with a day out. Check the official website for daily children's activities.
Travel tips
It's completely free to enter
There's no admission charge, making it perfect for a flexible visit. You can pop in for an hour or spend half a day without worrying about costs.
Children's library is the main family draw
The dedicated children's section has extensive books, interactive learning stations, and tablets with educational games. Well worth exploring even if your kids aren't big readers.
Check the website for daily children's activities
Regular storytelling sessions, Lego clubs, and science workshops run throughout the week. Plan your visit around activities that interest your children.
Excellent rainy-day refuge
The bright, modern indoor spaces keep kids entertained for hours when outdoor plans fall through. Bring layers as the atrium can get chilly.
Buggies and pushchairs are well catered for
Wide walkways and pushchair-friendly lifts throughout. You shouldn't have trouble navigating with a buggy or multiple children.
Baby changing and café facilities on-site
Baby-changing facilities are available, and there's a café with a kids' menu. Convenient for nursing a drink or quick snack without leaving.
Combine with nearby attractions
The Forum is steps from Norwich Market and Norwich Cathedral. Easy to build a wider day out without much walking between stops.
Free Wi-Fi available
Useful if you need to download activity sheets, check opening times of other attractions, or let older kids access educational content.
Discovery Trail for younger explorers
The free Discovery Trail activity keeps younger children engaged and gives structure to exploring the building. Grab a trail sheet from the desk.
Outdoor amphitheatre for occasional performances
On nicer days, check if outdoor performances or events are scheduled. Worth timing your visit around if something appeals to your family.
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