Halloween Family Imagination Day
Create your own Wicked Witch and cause some mischief at our Halloween Family Imagination Day.
This Halloween, a coven of witches has taken over Dragon Hall!
Join the National Centre for Writing as they transform their medieval home and its enclosed garden into a vibrant, safe space for play and storytelling. Unleash your creativity with hands-on craft activities designed to spark the imagination of all ages. Relax in the book nook, borrow an explorer bag, play giant games outside, and get involved with drawing and colouring.
Between 10am–12.30pm you can also join Rootling Theatre for some pop-up puppet making. Bring folk stories to life by creating your own Wicked Witch and cause some mischief! First-come first-served, no booking required.
All ages welcome!
Programmed by the National Centre for Writing for Norwich Book Festival
Help us to celebrate the Big Draw!
The Big Draw Festival is the world’s largest celebration of drawing, bringing people together through the power of creativity.
To mark this, and Where the River Meets Us 2026, the Great Hall will be transformed into an enchanted paper forest, threaded by a winding River Wensum. Children and families will be invited to leave their mark by creating and decorating boats carrying their hopes and wishes, then setting them afloat on a journey downstream, past the dragon’s lair.
Free to participate!
Rootling Theatre
A puppetry company based in Norfolk, Rootling Theatre creates family entertainment that dives into mythic and fantastical stories from the past, creating something new and exciting from our shared heritage. One half of Rootling Theatre, Ella Daymond (pictured) is a puppet maker and facilitator whose work focuses on accessible and engaging opportunities for young people to make their own stories.
Family Imagination Days are made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Further supported by Norwich Freemen’s Charity.
Plan your visit
National Centre for Writing is located in the heart of Norwich city centre by the river, and is easily accessible by foot and by public transport. Plan your visit with our guide to the local area, including transport and nearby attractions, as well as full details on accessibility on site.
Accessibility
We want to ensure that Dragon Hall is open and accessible for all. It is largely wheelchair accessible and is equipped with two raising platform lifts, disabled access toilets, hearing loop facilities and some dimmable lighting. Click below for details on parking, access into the building, a breakdown of terrain, facilities, and more.
Box office & shop
Our box office and shop is located within the entrance space of Dragon Hall. Visit us between 10am–3pm on Sundays & Mondays. Payment by card only. Outside of these hours, book online via the website or call us at 01603 877177.
Explore more activities for families
Family Imagination Days
Join us as we transform Dragon Hall and our enclosed garden into a vibrant, safe space for play and storytelling.
Monday 26 October – Tuesday 16 February
The Imaginarium at Norwich Book Festival
Meet us at the Imaginarium! Illustrate your own short story, create a unique bookmark, and get involved in engaging Tabletop Roleplay Games.
Wednesday 28 October
Bears vs Gravity! with Isabel Thomas
Bring your favourite soft toy along for a STEMM adventure with science author Isabel Thomas.
Saturday 20 February