The Norwich City of Stories Summer Trail Invites Families on an Exciting Holiday Adventure
This summer, Norwich will transform into a free trail celebrating books, creativity and the power of imagination.
Launching on 18 July and running until 31 August, the Norwich City of Stories Summer Trail will encourage families, visitors and residents to uncover clues hidden across the city centre.
Organised by VisitNorwich, part of Norwich Business Improvement District (BID), and supported by headline partner Norwich Cathedral, the trail coincides with the UK’s National Year of Reading and celebrates Norwich’s identity as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature.
The Norwich City of Stories Summer Trail is free to take part in and can be enjoyed at participants’ own pace throughout the school holidays.
Visitors can pick up a free trail map and visit locations across the city in search of storybooks displayed in shop windows and venues. Each stop will reveal a letter clue, with visitors challenged to crack the hidden message to be in with the chance of winning a range of prizes.
Holly Bamford, Head of Marketing at Norwich BID, said: “The City of Stories Summer Trail encourages families and visitors to spend time together while enjoying everything the city centre has to offer. Whether people are visiting Norwich for the first time or rediscovering their own city, we wanted to create something fun, accessible and engaging that celebrates reading, creativity, and the fantastic range of businesses and venues we have here.”
The Very Revd Dr Andrew Braddock, Dean of Norwich, said: “We’re delighted to support the Norwich City of Stories Summer Trail and welcome families to the Cathedral as part of their experience. Storytelling has a unique way of bringing generations together and we hope people of all ages will enjoy exploring the many stories waiting to be discovered at Norwich Cathedral – and in the Cathedral’s Library above the Cloister – this summer.
We’re sure our friend Paddington, who can be found perched on his bench in the Cathedral Close, will also be a popular stop on the trail!”
The City of Stories Summer Trail gives visitors the chance to experience the city’s historic streets, landmarks and businesses in new and unexpected ways, uncovering stories inspired by Norwich’s past. Running alongside the trail there’ll be special book-themed pop-up activities too.
The long summer holiday break needs filling and in Norwich there’s a good mix of activities and free and low-cost things to do to keep families happy. So as well at the City of Stories Trail, expect free street entertainment each Sunday in August with Norwich Summer Sessions, Explorer Packs at Norwich Cathedral to borrow, and free entry Sundays and Mondays alongside a programme of special events at Dragon Hall (home of the National Centre for Writing).
City of Stories Summer Trail maps, event information and additional activities will be available via the VisitNorwich website. Physical copies of the trail map will be situated at participating venues including Norwich Cathedral and in John Lewis Norwich, at the Norwich BID office in the Forum on Millennium Plain, and will be handed out by Norwich City Hosts during the summer holidays. Completed entries can be submitted online using a QR code found on the trail map, by email, or via dedicated post boxes located at Norwich Cathedral and in John Lewis Norwich. Entries for the competition must be received by 4 September 2026.
