How to live like a kid in Norwich

A recent survey of 2,000 parents revealed children are happiest when growing up in Norwich. 

The poll,  conducted by Panda soft drinks, places Norwich above cities like Leeds and Sheffield for childhood enjoyment.

So we set out to see what you really need to do to act like a kid in Norwich.

Ready to take on the day

There used to be nothing better than a visit to Norwich from my local town by bus – getting to press the button to get off at Castle Meadow was so exciting.

Now though, the buses are slow, OAPs hog the seats, and you’re lucky if you get to town in 20 minutes from campus.

When you make it into town, going to the Disney Store is compulsory to get your inner child bouncing up and down.

The Disney store also includes Star Wars costumes now, so it’s even better than it used to be. Plus, no-one can tell you off if you choose to play with everything – so you can act even more like a kid than you did when you were a kid. Bonus.

No trip to the city is complete without a McDonald’s Happy Meal. It has to be said though, they now lack all the bad stuff that made them taste good. In fact, your Happy Meal won’t make you all that happy, just a little glum. Thanks, Jamie Oliver.

Being in full-on big kid mode though you might not be able to venture to Toys R Us because your leggies will be too tired. However, if you do find someone to carry you then you’ve got to ride at least five different bicycles before you can even consider moving into the next aisle.

In order to be a true kid in Norwich you need to visit the dozens of sweet shops Norwich has to offer and buy everything you can with this week’s pocket money (or student loan).

The sweets are way more exciting than those you’d find in Tesco’s and the millions of flavours of M&Ms make choosing just one packet so much harder.

There are multiple little rides around the town – by the stairs in Castle Mall, the food court in Chapelfield, and outside Toys’R’Us. Actual kids are always using them though, so you may struggle to get your seat.

The fireworks display and Christmas light switch-on are primarily for children and Castle Mall has a grotto every year. To be a real kid in Norwich you have to go and sit on Santa’s knee and let him know your secret wishes this December. Although you may be escorted out.

Who says it’s only little kids who like treasure hunts? Break’s GoGo Dragons is an amazing quest to find the hidden dragons in Norwich. It’s an absolute blast if you do it with your friends and you’ll feel like Indiana Jones as you hunt them down.

Oh hey friend

And of course, no trip to Norwich would not be complete without the local legend the Norwich Puppet Man.

The one consistent street performer in Norwich, you’ve got to go and see one of his cracking performances – they’ll leave you mesmerised and terrified.

This guy

Going back to Norwich as a kid is amazing, but don’t expect to have the energy you used to.

You might even feel so exhausted that on the way home you take a well-deserved nap.