Unwind and Explore Norwich - June Adventures
- Pippa
- May 28
- 5 min read
Unwind & Explore - Personal Favourites for a Slow, Early‑Summer Escape
June is one of my favourite times to enjoy Norwich and the Norfolk Broads. The days feel long and unhurried, the air is warm without being heavy, and everything has that early‑summer freshness before the busy season begins. If you’re staying with us at Poolside Lodges, we are just five miles from both the city and the Broads, perfectly placed for those relaxed days out that blend nature, culture and a little bit of indulgence. Here are a few experiences I always find myself recommending — the kind that stay with you long after you’ve headed home.
Wander the Spectacular East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens
East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens is one of those places that feels almost otherworldly. Every time I visit, I end up wandering far longer than planned, drifting from one beautifully designed space to another. The 32 acres are full of surprises — exotic planting, hidden courtyards, long borders that seem to glow in the June sunshine. My personal favourite is the Desert Garden — it’s where I always find myself drawing inspiration for tropical planting and that sun‑kissed, far‑away feeling. I can never resist stopping to admire the carpet of Californian poppies; they glow in the June light and make the whole space feel alive.
This is the month when the garden really comes alive: roses at their fullest, herbaceous borders bursting with colour, and that soft coastal breeze that makes everything feel calm and open. If you love photography, you’ll be in your element — every turn offers a new frame. And honestly, there’s nothing better than returning to your private hot tub afterwards, letting your legs rest while you replay your favourite corners of the garden.
Explore the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
The Sainsbury Centre is one of those places I never tire of. Even before you step inside, the building — all clean lines and light, designed by Norman Foster — sets the tone for a slow, thoughtful visit. In June, the natural light pours through the huge windows, giving the galleries a soft, airy glow that makes the artwork feel even more alive.
Outside, the Sculpture Park is at its best. The pieces sit among lush greenery and quiet lakes, and it’s the kind of walk where you find yourself stopping often, not because you’re tired, but because something has caught your eye. Bring your camera — the reflections on the water alone are worth it.
Discover the South Asia Collection at the Victorian Ice Rink
The South Asia Collection is one of those Norwich gems that never stops surprising me. Tucked inside the beautifully restored Victorian Ice Rink just off the market square, it’s part museum, part treasure trove — a place where history, craftsmanship and colour all collide. You can wander through fascinating displays and then step straight into a shop filled with handmade bedspreads, Persian rugs, textiles and unique little trinkets you won’t find anywhere else. We’ve visited many times over the years, and every trip still catches me off guard — the stunning architecture, the sense of discovery, and the chance to bring home something truly special.
Take a Leisurely Boat Trip on the Norfolk Broads
There’s something wonderfully grounding about being on the water in June. The Broads feel peaceful and open, with wildlife everywhere and the gentle hum of boats drifting by. Whether you hire your own or join a guided trip, it’s the kind of day that unfolds slowly — reeds swaying, sunlight flickering on the water, and the occasional heron standing perfectly still on the bank.
Many routes take you past waterside pubs or pretty villages, and it’s very easy to turn a simple boat ride into a whole afternoon of exploring, eating and relaxing. If you’re thinking of hiring your own boat, Wroxham Launch Hire is a favourite of ours — local, friendly and always happy to help you get started, even if you’re new to the Broads. And if you’d prefer to sit back and let someone else take the helm, the Southern Comfort paddle steamer at Horning is such a lovely way to experience the waterways. There’s something wonderfully nostalgic about gliding along in comfort, watching the banks drift by and soaking up the calm of the Broads at their best.
Enjoy a Food & Drink Tour in Norwich City Centre - Unwind & Explore
Norwich has such a vibrant food scene, and June is the perfect time to enjoy it.
Think craft beers, local cheeses, small‑batch spirits, artisan cafés and independent restaurants — all with stories behind them. It’s social, delicious, and such a lovely way to get a feel for the city’s character through its flavours. And honestly, the sheer variety of independent eateries in Norwich these days is something to celebrate. In a world where the economy keeps shifting and big corporate chains seem to pop up everywhere, Norwich holds its own with a kind of charm you can’t manufacture. Its independents give the city heart — real people, real passion, and food made with care. It’s exactly the sort of thing we all need right now.
What I love most is that these independents run with heart — real people putting their personality into what they create. And in many ways, that’s exactly how we run Poolside Lodges. We’re small, hands‑on, and genuinely invested in giving guests something warm, personal and memorable. Just like those cafés and restaurants that make Norwich feel so special, we focus on the details, the welcome, and the experience — the things you simply don’t get from big, faceless operations. It’s that same independent spirit that shapes everything we do, and it’s why exploring Norwich’s food scene feels like an extension of the stay itself.
Poolside Lodges Norwich - hot tub lodges with heated pool for summer fun
If you’re planning an escape this June, our cosy, family‑run site offers:
• Three private Norfolk hot tub lodges
• A seasonal outdoor heated pool (open May–September)
• Peaceful countryside surroundings
• Easy access to Norwich, the Norfolk Broads and the coast
• The option to book one lodge — or the whole site for a group of up to 10 adults
Whether you spend your days exploring gardens, galleries, rivers or nature reserves, Poolside Lodges gives you the perfect place to come home to — quiet, comfortable and wonderfully relaxing.
📍 Poolside Lodges, Rackheath, Norwich NR13 6LD
🌐 www.poolsidelodges.co.uk 📧 info@poolsidelodges.co.uk 📞 01603 720000
Unwind and Explore Norwich - June Adventures
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