I Love Norwich

Heritage Open Days

01/08/17

If you happen to be having a bimble about Norwich, have a wander up Elm Hill, and as a distraction from trying not to giggle at people navigating the cobbles in inappropriate shoes, have a look out for a sign proclaiming Strangers Club (there’s also one that bears the legend Members Entrance which is good for a fnarr if you’re childish and stupid). 

I have absolutely no idea what the Strangers Club is, nor what goes on there, but in a few weeks time, you have the chance to. Because it is Heritage Open Day (long) weekend, when all sorts of historical and interesting places in Norwich and the wider beyond open up the hidden, secret little parts of themselves that we’d never normally get to see. 

As you’d expect, the obvious places – the cathedrals, the Forum, the museums – are all well represented with more walks, talks, and tours than you can shake a stick at, and but the really intriguing ones are the places that you just wouldn’t expect to have much to explore. 

If you’ve never had the chance to pass the Nazi salute dogs outside City Hall, then take this opportunity to have a good old nose inside the building during one of their guided tours because it is quite bonkers inside. Or nip next door to FJ Zelley jewellers and their 18th century building built on top of a 600 year old undercroft. If you like that subterranean feeling, head over to The Missing Kind on Castle Meadow with their mysterious hidden basement and ‘two prison rooms’ (nah, s’alright, you go in front of me there). 

There’s more than 150 events taking place over the four days, all free (or included with admission), inside, outside, underground, and the chance to delve a little deeper into places that you might never even have noticed before. Quite a few are only open to those with pre-booked tickets, so if you are struck by a sudden yearning to find out more about what goes on behind normally closed doors, tunnels, and Members Entrances, now’s your chance. Fnarr.