The Forum
4
7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Monday
7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Friday
7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
About
An iconic building in the centre of Norwich, where free events take place year-round, including The Forum’s own Norfolk Heritage Open Days, Norwich Science Festival, Norfolk Makers Festival and Norwich Guided Tours. There are often fairs, exhibitions, family activities, talks, markets, and more taking place in and around the building. Designed to be accessible, this welcoming space is an essential part of city life and is open to everybody. From the striking architecture to the relaxed outdoor space, The Forum is a must-visit! Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library, the BBC, Pizza Express, Café Bar Marzano, and Citizen’s Advice Bureau can be found in the building. The Forum Car Park offers parking ideal for popping into the city, or catching a show at the nearby theatres. The Forum is available for hire, with affordable rates for all of its spaces. As a registered charity, The Forum reinvests all of its income into sustaining the building, and putting on a programme of free events.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
432 reviews
Excellent
191
Very good
180
Average
41
Poor
14
Terrible
6
SmartDamo
Costessey, UK4,499 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
I love that forum runs these them weeks in conjunction with the university, it really ignites the next generation’s imaginations. I took my, soon to be 6 year old twins there and they loved it! Especially the shark stand, I was also surprised how many sharks we have in our waters. There was lots for them to do and it was really informative she well presented, I particularly enjoyed the stand demonstrating the importance of trees and hedgerows in flood control!
Written February 19, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Babs S
4 contributions
Jun 2022
Lots of variety at the Forum, from a huge Library, Pizza Express, Cafe and there's often displays and exhibitions to look around. A great starting off point when visiting Norwich. (including carpark)
Written June 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julie P
United Kingdom1,666 contributions
Sep 2022
One of the few places in Norwich I have visited before. It's modern and is a focal point and the starting point for trails, as it's a distinctive landmark. It contains a cafe, BBC and the library with sundry other smaller organisations found in the atrium entrance. The library is on two floors, situated behind a glass interior. Opposite is St Peter Mancroft church and nearby the Market Place.
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Thank you for taking the time to review The Forum, Julie, we really appreciate it!
Written September 26, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ldobingw
Wroxham, UK9 contributions
Jun 2022
This is a superb facility which enhances the city, both aesthetically and by way of providing a variety of services and event to the public. Having chatted to a member of staff, what I and many other people are not aware of, is that the Forum is a charity, not a business. Yes there are businesses within the building, but they provide financial support to the Forum charity. Having also read other reviews, it is clear that people have given a bad review due to their experience at the coffee or pizza places, so there reviews are actually on the wrong page.
Written June 24, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
chris j
Norwich, UK24 contributions
Dec 2022
visited the Forum Norwich for Carols with the King concert on 4th December. It was absolutely freezing temperatures and we all sat with coats Scarves and Gloves on. Half of us left within the hour as could not stand the freezing conditions. Was told it is difficult to heat the place so the question I ask is....why choose this venue in the depths of Winter???
Won't be going next year and neither will any of our party..20 of lost sales!!
Won't be going next year and neither will any of our party..20 of lost sales!!
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ChrisC46
Basingstoke, UK267 contributions
Feb 2020
Set high above the historic open market and magnificent church of St Peter Mancroft
the ultramodern Forum is the scene of many cultural displays and exhibitions for the citizens of Norwich and visitors alike.This February was no exception but of all the exhibits at the Norfolk Maker's Festival one was outstanding the remarkable knitted model of Sandringham House created by 90 year old great-grandmother Margaret Seaman.Other exhibits and workshops were available although on the Saturday my wife who was looking for a knitting workshop had to be disappointed. There were opportunities however to draw from a life model class.
the ultramodern Forum is the scene of many cultural displays and exhibitions for the citizens of Norwich and visitors alike.This February was no exception but of all the exhibits at the Norfolk Maker's Festival one was outstanding the remarkable knitted model of Sandringham House created by 90 year old great-grandmother Margaret Seaman.Other exhibits and workshops were available although on the Saturday my wife who was looking for a knitting workshop had to be disappointed. There were opportunities however to draw from a life model class.
Written March 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
dan
Horning, UK2 contributions
Dec 2021 • Friends
Poor service from the staff especially the blonde girl, who decided the table next to us was a larger table so the tip for 6 would be bigger so ignored us. When we finally got served the waitress was very welcoming but was ruined by the initial 45 minute wait for even a drink.
Not sure if coming back
Not sure if coming back
Written December 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Elle H
Norfolk, UK11 contributions
May 2022
Nice place to have a coffee and observe the world. I visit the library regularly and usually stop for a coffee and cake at the cafe. I sometimes work from here too as WiFi is good. Can be very noisy especially when it’s school holidays so I always avoid.
Written June 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jan W
Lowestoft, UK12 contributions
Feb 2020
The Forum often has exhibitions and no exception is the Makers Market in February each year. Wonderful selection of crafts fro all over Norfolk, with workshops and time to see and watch what's going on. A bonus is a wonderful coffee shop with plenty of seating. Plus The Forum is right in the centre of Norwich, handy for the shops and market.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kissane
Perth, Australia938 contributions
Dec 2019
A new building, centrally located. Lovely spacious feel, and worth a visit even if you don't intend shopping. The excellent Norwich Tourist Information Service is located here and is certainly worth a visit by itself. (They have an excellent free map of the city and staff are very helpful.)
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kernow47
London, UK12 contributions
Can we take the dog in on a lead?
Mike S
London, UK480 contributions
I can't actually remember seeing any restriction, but doesn't help you.....
When I went a couple of months ago a dog was sat with it's lead outside the Tourist Information where someone had put a water bowl. That seems OK for short visits but if you're heading inside the main facilities for a couple of hours that wouldn't work.
The variety of the different units could mean a conflict could arise unless all areas had similar restrictions, so I expect that there is an overall/all-areas ban, (although assistance dogs might be exempt).
Sorry I can't help more.
The Forum (Norwich) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about The Forum
- The Forum is open:
- Sun - Sat 7:00 AM - 12:00 AM
- Hotels near The Forum:
- (0.06 mi) The Assembly House
- (0.12 mi) 38 St Giles Boutique Bed & Breakfast
- (0.15 mi) St Giles House Hotel
- (0.27 mi) Travelodge Norwich Central
- (0.18 mi) St Giles Serviced Appartments
- Restaurants near The Forum:
- (0.01 mi) Pizza Express
- (0.01 mi) Cafe Bar Marzano
- (0.07 mi) Brick Pizza
- (0.06 mi) The Assembly House
- (0.10 mi) Paolo's Restaurant