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Experiences and tours

Step into history with The Shoebox Experiences. From captivating city tours to immersive historical adventures, we bring Norwich’s rich past to life like never before. Perfect for both locals and visitors, our experiences are all about storytelling, discovery, and having a great time together. Whether you’re marvelling at iconic landmarks above ground or uncovering the myths of hidden tunnels below our streets, there’s something to captivate, entertain, and connect you with the enigmatic charm of Norwich.

Ready to embark on the twists and turns of this magical city? Book a tour below. Want to know more about private bookings or simply can’t find what you’re looking for? Click “contact” and leave us a message.


  • Norwich’s Hidden Street Tour

    Adult

    £18.50

    Child

    £8.50

    A fascinating tour of the historic ‘hidden street’ lying beneath The Shoebox in Norwich, led by a local storyteller, history enthusiast and performer.

    Hidden below Castle Meadow, between the market and the Norman Keep, you can discover the past of our fine city, with its trades, houses and people.

  • Carrow House and The Forgotten Vaults

    Adult

    £20

    Child

    £8.50

    Step back in time for a 90-minute journey into Norwich’s hidden past. Discover the story of Carrow House, once the grand residence of the legendary Colman family, makers of the city’s famous mustard. As the stories of industry, innovation, and intrigue unfold, you’ll uncover the legacy of one of Norwich’s most influential families. 

    Then, venture underground into The Forgotten Vaults – sealed away for decades and now reopened…for a limited time only. It’s a captivating blend of history, mystery, and rediscovery you won’t want to miss.

  • Ghosts and Folklore

    Ghosts and Folklore of Norfolk

    Adult

    £20

    Descend underground by lantern light for an evening of Norfolk legends, Norwich murders and stories best told in the dark.

    Meet your lantern bearer outside St Giles Church before being led to the old underground rifle range beneath Upper St Giles. Explore this atmospheric hidden space before taking your seat for an evening of storytelling inspired by Norfolk’s darker past.

    From restless spirits and local legends to gruesome crimes and mysterious happenings, discover stories that have been whispered, retold and embellished across generations. This isn’t a ghost hunt or a traditional history tour it’s an atmospheric underground storytelling experience where history, folklore and legend come together by lantern light.

  • The Chronicles of Christmas

    Adult

    £18.50

    Child

    £8.50

    Celebrate the magic of Christmas on our Chronicles of Christmas walking tour. This cracker of a tour leads you through Norwich’s scenic, illuminated streets to discover the fascinating stories and quirky traditions behind Christmas celebrations, from Roman festivities to the present day.

    New for 2026, your experience begins indoors at The Shoebox on Castle Meadow, with a festive welcome and the option to purchase a warming drink to take along. Lasting approximately two hours and finishing at the Royal Arcade, this enchanting walking tour is a wonderful way to soak up the Christmas lights and share some festive magic with friends and family.

  • Magnificent Marble Hall

    Adult

    £18.50

    Child

    £8.50

    Join us on a spectacular 1 hour tour of one of Norwich’s architectural hidden gems and savour the splendour of Surrey House.

    Designed by local architect George Skipper, step inside and marvel at the breath-taking marble interior.

    One of ‘Norwich’s 12’ buildings of historical importance and home originally to insurance giant Norwich Union, discover more about another industry first for Norwich and the unique story behind it.

  • The Old Rifle Range and Underground Norwich

    Adult

    £20

    Child

    £8.50

    Step underground into one of Norwich’s most hidden secrets for this one hour tour! The Old Rifle Range & Underground Norwich tour offers a unique opportunity to discover Norwich like never before.

    Hidden deep beneath Upper St Giles lies a vast underground space rarely seen by the public. Originally built as a merchant’s  wine cellar in the 1700s, these atmospheric underground chambers later served as a gun firing range. Locked away for decades, we are now throwing open the doors for exclusive access!

  • The Tavern Trail Tour

    Adult

    £18.50

    Join us on a fascinating walking tour of Norwich to discover more about pubs and the past, led by a local storyteller, history enthusiast and performer.

    This 1.3 mile tour takes you through the most scenic parts of Norwich. Starting on Bishop Bridge, Riverside Road we’ll meander along the river and through our most picturesque streets – be sure to have your camera ready!

  • City of Centuries Tour

    Adult

    £12.50

    Child

    £8.50

    SAVE £4 – tickets reduced to £12.50 for our final tours! Our collaboration with the Association of City of Norwich Tourist Guides finishes at the end of October 2026 and we’ll no longer be operating this tour, so don’t miss your chance to enjoy this fascinating journey through Norwich’s rich history.

    Come and explore a 1,000 years of Norwich’s history on the City of Centuries Tour. It’s the ideal tour for visitors to Norwich – or to anyone interested in finding more about their city.

    Starting at the 21st century Forum and finishing at the 11th century cathedral, this one mile 1 hour 45 minutes walking tour is the best way to experience our pretty medieval streets and some of the 31 churches of Norwich.





  • The TIPSY Tavern Trail Tour

    Adult

    £30

    This tour has now finished for 2026. New 2027 dates will be added soon. Sign up for ticket alerts.

    The TIPSY Tavern Trail Tour is an extended version of our popular Tavern Trail Tour – with an extra hour of fun for more drinks along the way!

    Join us on this fully guided walking tour experience to discover more about Norwich’s pubs and the past.

    Starting at the Red Lion pub on Bishopgate, we’ll wander along the river and through some of Norwich’s most picturesque streets, stopping at four historic pubs along the way. You’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a drink at each stop (purchased separately) before ending at The Murderers for a complimentary final pint and a Q&A with your tour guide.

    Not a beer or cider drinker? You can choose a medium glass of wine or a soft drink at the end instead.

  • The Norwich Knowledge Tour

    Adult

    £16.50

    Child

    £8.50

    This tour has now finished for 2026. New 2027 dates will be added soon. Sign up for ticket alerts.

    Come and explore our fine city with The Norwich Knowledge Tour. Whether you’re visiting, new to the area or just want to discover more, this tour has something for you.

    Starting at Quayside and finishing at the castle grounds, this 1.3 mile 90 minute walking tour is the best way to experience the sights and streets of Norwich.

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