The Shoebox Experiences

The Shoebox Experiences Discover the hidden history or Norwich. 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 and discovery.

Planning summer holiday days out with the kids?Summer dates for many of our tours are now live, and it is a rather brill...
26/05/2026

Planning summer holiday days out with the kids?

Summer dates for many of our tours are now live, and it is a rather brilliant way to spend time together as a family.

A chance to get away from screens, head out exploring and experience something completely different, all beneath the streets of Norwich.

You might not realise it, but many of our tours are suitable for all ages. They're fun, fact-filled and have just the right amount of spooky.

A little history, a little mystery, and a very good reason to get out of the house this summer.

Head to our website to see available dates and book your place.

Ever spent the day being a tourist in your own City? From breakfast nooks, to long lunches and early evening historical ...
22/05/2026

Ever spent the day being a tourist in your own City?

From breakfast nooks, to long lunches and early evening historical discoveries, Norwich is the perfect place to feel on holiday while at home. There is always a new story to hear, a new place to try or a view of the city you haven't seen.

Well we have mapped out what we think might be the perfect overnight stay in our fine city. Taking in history, galleries and the best spots for a stroll and a bite to eat. Pick a date in the diary and see just what Norwich can offer, whether you're a full time resident or someone looking for a perfect weekend hideaway.

🌅 Day one.

Breakfast: Cinema City Norwich for one of the best brunches in this historic building.

A trip to: The Book Hive discover your next great read in this completely unique setting.

A wander up to: Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery often underestimated, the Colman Gallery is one of the best around.

A quick pint: The Murderers is part of our Tavern Trail Tour for a reason, with stories that will stay with you after your visit.

Late lunch at: Yalm this fantastic art deco masterpiece offers a chance to explore the Royal Arcade and have a brilliant cocktail.

Cutting through: Norwich Market, there has been a market on this spot in some form for over 900 years.

Experience: Our City of Centuries tour starting at The Forum. Finishing at Norwich Cathedral.

Dinner and an overnight stay: Maids Head Hotel with a story or two, this building has a rich history and impressive rooms.

🏙️ Day two.

Breakfast: Olives on Elm Hill, the perfect place to start the day and fuel up on the street featured in many a blockbuster film.

A trip to: Elm Hill Craft Shop and The Jade Tree for a souvenir with a difference, from handmade pieces to stationery you won't be able to find anywhere else in Norwich.

Hop on the bus to: University of East Anglia (UEA) Sainsbury Centre to take in an exhibition and their nationally recognised gallery (don't forget a slice of cake as well).

A stroll through: Eaton Park to see the 1920s historical bandstand, you can even enjoy a round of mini golf.

A quick drink: Warwick St Social Rounding off your trip with a walk up to Unthank Road, if you give it enough time, make sure to pop in the charity shops along the way.

Dinner: Blue Joanna a must-see for any visitors, one of the most recommended restaurants around and the perfect way to round off your adventure.

Our Matriarchs, Mayors and Merchants Tour is back. From June to October, you get the chance to step into history, with s...
18/05/2026

Our Matriarchs, Mayors and Merchants Tour is back.

From June to October, you get the chance to step into history, with stories of prominent figures and industries that put Norwich on the map.

On the tour you will weave our way through some of the city’s quieter historic streets before exploring a beautifully restored 16th century merchant’s house that was a well-kept secret until the late 1980s.

Starting outside St Clement’s Church, Colegate and finishing at Anteros on Fye Bridge Street, this 90 minute walking tour will take you on a voyage of discovery around the streets where it all began for our city. Making it perfect for those looking for a shorter route.

Head to our profile for more details and to get booked onto a tour through some of the most iconic streets in Norwich.

On this day in 1919, Edith Cavell came home.Four years earlier, in October 1915, Edith had been court-martialled and exe...
15/05/2026

On this day in 1919, Edith Cavell came home.

Four years earlier, in October 1915, Edith had been court-martialled and executed by German forces in Brussels for helping Allied soldiers escape occupied Belgium.

Her death shocked the country. But Edith herself was remembered for her courage, compassion and extraordinary calm.

When her body was returned to Britain after the war, King George V attended a memorial service at Westminster Abbey. Not Norwich Cathedral, as you might expect, before a special train carried her home to Norwich.

She arrived at Thorpe Station, where crowds gathered to pay their respects.

From there, Edith was taken to Norwich Cathedral, where she was laid to rest at Life’s Green, next to the Cathedral’s St Saviour’s Chapel which was built as a memorial to Norfolk’s fallen in the First World War.

It is one of those moments in history that feels both very public and deeply personal.

A national farewell.
A Norfolk homecoming.
And the return of a woman whose quiet bravery was never forgotten.

*COMPETITION CLOSED!*We are delighted to be giving away two free tickets to our The Old Rifle Range and Underground Norw...
11/05/2026

*COMPETITION CLOSED!*

We are delighted to be giving away two free tickets to our The Old Rifle Range and Underground Norwich Tour. With dates available throughout July, it is the perfect summer outing for you, your friends, or your family.

It has been a fantastic start for this new tour, and we wanted to say thank you for all your support by giving you the chance to join us for free.

It’s simple to enter
Follow our page
Like this post
Share it to your stories
Tag someone you would bring along

There is no limit to how many times you can enter, and you have until midnight on Thursday 14 May to take part. The winner will be selected at random and contacted on Friday.

Good luck, and thank you for supporting us.

-------------------------------------

Terms & Conditions
All entrants must be 18 or over to enter.
The prize is valid for 2 spaces on a Rifle Range tour in the month of July.
The value of the prize is £40. No cash alternative is available.
Winners will be notified by DM. The winner’s prize must be claimed, and the event booked by Friday 22nd of May.
Competition winners will be provided instructions on how to book their prize.
Competition winners details will only be used for the sole purpose of The Shoebox contacting them for their prize.
Once the winner has booked a tour, the booking will be subject to The Shoebox's general booking terms and conditions, which can be found on their website.

It has been nearly two weeks since we launched our latest experience, The Old Rifle Range and Underground Norwich Tour.A...
07/05/2026

It has been nearly two weeks since we launched our latest experience, The Old Rifle Range and Underground Norwich Tour.

And what a reception it has had.

We are sold out for almost all of May and much of June, we have received some incredible feedback, a lovely local write-up, and have welcomed some very kind influencers who have helped us share the experience.

We are working on releasing our summer dates soon, so do keep an eye out. There is also a very exciting competition coming on Monday.

Thank you again for all your support. It genuinely means so much to us, and we cannot wait to share more of this experience with you.

That's it, the unofficial start of summer here and done, the May Bank Holiday. Which, for many people, can only mean one...
05/05/2026

That's it, the unofficial start of summer here and done, the May Bank Holiday.

Which, for many people, can only mean one thing. Pub garden weather.

But what could be better than a pub garden we hear you ask. Adding a little history into the mix.

Our Tipsy Tavern Trail Tours explore some of Norwich’s most iconic pubs, each with stories that stretch far beyond what you see at the bar.

It is a relaxed way to spend a few hours seeing the city from a slightly different angle.

The tour is wheelchair accessible and lasts around 3 hours.

If that sounds like your kind of afternoon, you know where to find us.

Do you know the story of Norwich's first female Lord Mayor? On this day in 1923, Ethel Colman became the first female Lo...
30/04/2026

Do you know the story of Norwich's first female Lord Mayor?

On this day in 1923, Ethel Colman became the first female Lord Mayor of Norwich.

Which is impressive enough on its own. But it is only part of the story.

Ethel was already deeply involved in the Suffrage movement, campaigning for women to have a voice at a time when that was far from a popular viewpoint.

She also took a keen interest in the welfare of workers at Carrow Works, pushing for better conditions and a fairer approach to employment. Not always the easiest position to hold, particularly within a large industrial business.

Her sister, Helen, stood alongside her as Lady Mayoress. A small detail, perhaps. But a rather nice one.

Beyond politics and reform, Ethel also edited the Carrow Works magazine and built up a notable and breathtaking art collection. A reminder that even the most public figures have quieter passions running alongside everything else.

By the time she became Lord Mayor, she was not just stepping into history.

She had already been shaping it for quite some time. So here's to Ethel and for the many women of her generation that have shaped the rights and freedoms we have today.

Our Carrow House tour has quickly become one of our most loved experiences.We have been a little blown away by how many ...
28/04/2026

Our Carrow House tour has quickly become one of our most loved experiences.

We have been a little blown away by how many people have rushed to book on and explore the history of this iconic building, and the people within its walls who helped shape Norwich and Norfolk.

We just wanted to take a moment to say thank you.

To everyone who has already visited, and to those who are booked in over the coming months, it really does mean so much to us. Every booking helps support The Shoebox’s mission to help people connect with their communities and lead more fulfilling lives.

If you have visited, we would love to hear what stayed with you.
And if you took any photos, please do share them with us.

22/04/2026

History is about discovery. You could be forgiven for thinking it is fixed, but in reality it is always changing as we uncover more and bring hidden truths to light.

Here are just some of our guides’ favourite things they have learnt about Norwich along the way.

Chris
Did you know that in April 1648 we experienced one of the biggest pre-industrial, man-made explosions in history?
It is referred to as The Great Blowe, and it is estimated that between 80 and 200 people were killed. It happened during a riot which accidentally detonated 98 barrels of gunpowder.
To put that into perspective, Guy Fawkes planned to blow up Parliament with just 36 barrels.
The effects of the blast are still visible today. The west side of St Peter Mancroft Church has no stained glass windows.
I was blown away, no pun intended, that I have lived in Norwich for 37 years and had only recently heard of it.

Gary
Did you know the cathedral spire first blew down in a storm in 1362?
A hundred years later, lightning struck the second spire, causing it to collapse in flames through the roof of the nave.
The one we see today is actually the third spire, completed in 1485.

Kate
Did you know that Norwich was home to the earliest recorded herb garden in medieval England?
It grew plants for medical use, often as single-ingredient herbal remedies. It was located on King Street in the 1260s and was tended by a Jewish physician named Solomon.

What are some of your favourite history facts, or even fiction? We would love to hear them.

And don't forget, historical discovers await you at one of our many tours, from walking around the city's iconic sites, to diving below our Hidden Street, there is always something new to be found.

Have you read our blog on Victorian medicine yet?Not one for the faint of heart. But there is something morbidly fascina...
21/04/2026

Have you read our blog on Victorian medicine yet?

Not one for the faint of heart. But there is something morbidly fascinating about how medicine has evolved over time. Especially during the Victorian period, with developments matching the decades rapid change and expansion.

In the space of around 100 years, we moved from practices that would not have looked out of place in the medieval period to something much closer to what we would recognise today.

Which raises a simple question. How did we get there?

In our latest blog, our guide and local expert Max Darbyshire explores how this period reshaped the foundations of the modern medicine we know today.

Head to the link in our comments to read the full piece and let us know if anything surprised you.

Address

The Shoebox, 21-23 Castle Meadow
Norwich
NR13DH

Opening Hours

Monday 10am - 5pm
Tuesday 10am - 5pm
Wednesday 10am - 5pm
Thursday 10am - 5pm
Friday 10am - 5pm

Telephone

01603 850309

Website

https://www.theshoebox.org.uk/the-shoebox-experiences/private-hi

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