Norfolk Showground, Norwich Travel Guide

Free Guide: East Anglia's vibrant 150-acre events hub: Royal Norfolk Show, antiques fairs, festivals, and corporate gatherings amid landscaped parkland, with free parking and seamless A47 access.

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A brief summary of Norfolk Showground

East Anglia's vibrant 150-acre events hub: Royal Norfolk Show, antiques fairs, festivals, and corporate gatherings amid landscaped parkland, with free parking and seamless A47 access.

East Anglia's premier events venue on 150 acres of landscaped parkland just outside Norwich. Home to the Royal Norfolk Show and hosts diverse events from antiques fairs to fitness festivals, corporate functions, and family outings. Features indoor arenas, halls, food hall, free parking, and easy A47 access.

2–8 hrsTime to spend

FreeFree entry

Indoor & outdoorSetting

5 / 5Mobile signal

4.4 Very good · 523 Google reviews

Plan your visit

Opening hours

Every day9 am–5 pm

Opening hours as listed on the venue’s Google Business Profile. Hours can change for services and special events, so check with the venue before you go.

Address: Norfolk Showground, Dereham Rd, New Costessey, Norwich NR5 0TT
Phone
Website

Getting there

Car

From A47 Norwich Southern Bypass, exit at A1074 Longwater Interchange (NR5 0TT). Free on-site parking directed by marshals; 5-10 min from Norwich center, peak traffic 9-11am.

Bus

X4 shuttle from Norwich Bus Station every 20 min (07:10 start, until 20:45); Konectbus Route 4 from Dereham hourly. Direct to main entrance, £3-5 one-way.

Train + Bus

Norwich Station (7 miles away), then X4 bus or taxi (15-20 min, £10-15). Cycle parking available near Dereham Rd gate.

Discover more about Norfolk Showground

Overview

The Norfolk Showground spans 150 acres of beautifully landscaped parkland on the outskirts of Norwich, serving as East Anglia's leading venue for large-scale events, exhibitions, and gatherings. Established as the permanent home of the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association since 1954, it hosts everything from the county's flagship agricultural show to antiques markets, music festivals, and corporate conferences. With versatile indoor and outdoor spaces, it caters to thousands of visitors annually, blending rural charm with modern facilities.

Signature Events

Best known for the Royal Norfolk Show in late June, featuring over 700 trade stands, 3,000 animals, Grand Ring demonstrations, and Norfolk's largest food and drink experience. The 2026 edition celebrates 'Culture & Collaboration,' highlighting local traditions, innovation, and community partnerships. Year-round calendar includes the Norfolk Antiques Fair, Garden Show, equestrian sales, drone shows, yarn festivals, and music events like Balloons & Tunes.

Venues and Facilities

Key spaces include the 3,000 sqm Norfolk Events Centre for conventions, St Walstan Hall for up to 500 guests, Summer Pavilions for seasonal parties, expansive outdoor areas for festivals, and the Norfolk Food Hall showcasing local produce with a 220-seater restaurant. Additional amenities encompass meeting rooms, a fully equipped kitchen, ample free parking, restrooms, and secure fencing.

History and Community Role

Founded in 1847, the Royal Norfolk Agricultural Association gained its royal prefix in 1908. The showground evolved from temporary sites to a state-of-the-art hub, supporting business needs like office space and storage while fostering community through charity events, fitness activities, and family-oriented programming.

Practical Information

Located off the A47 at Longwater Interchange (NR5 0TT), it's easily accessible with free parking, bus shuttles from Norwich, and cycle facilities. Open daily 9am-5pm for general access, with event-specific timings. Ideal for day trips combining events with nearby retail parks and Sainsbury's.

Evendo Review Centre

Reviews from

Google

By star rating

Guest reviews

Best time to go

Quietest: Jan, Feb & Nov · before 7am or from 9pm

How busy it gets, month by month Estimated

Jan: 20% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
Feb: 20% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
Mar: 30% of the busiest month
Apr: 50% of the busiest month
May: 40% of the busiest month
Jun: 100% of the busiest month
Jul: 80% of the busiest month
Aug: 60% of the busiest month
Sep: 50% of the busiest month
Oct: 30% of the busiest month
Nov: 20% of the busiest month, one of the quietest
Dec: 20% of the busiest month

How busy it gets, hour by hour Estimated

6am: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
7am: 30% of the busiest hour
8am: 50% of the busiest hour
9am: 80% of the busiest hour
10am: 100% of the busiest hour
11am: 90% of the busiest hour
12pm: 80% of the busiest hour
1pm: 70% of the busiest hour
2pm: 70% of the busiest hour
3pm: 60% of the busiest hour
4pm: 50% of the busiest hour
5pm: 40% of the busiest hour
6pm: 30% of the busiest hour
7pm: 40% of the busiest hour
8pm: 30% of the busiest hour
9pm: 20% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest
10pm: 10% of the busiest hour, one of the quietest

Busy times are Evendo estimates for a typical year, to help you plan. Actual crowds vary with events, school holidays and the weather.

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