Family Imagination Days
Join us as we transform Dragon Hall and our enclosed garden into a vibrant, safe space for play and storytelling.
Looking for a creative activity or new space to explore?
Join us as we transform Dragon Hall and our 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 every generation.
- Play giant games
- Read a story in the book nook
- Pick up an activity bag and explore our spaces
- Get involved with creative play and storytelling activities led by local artists and performers
- Take a self-led tour using our activity sheets
- Do some colouring
- Take part in pop-up craft activities (see below!)
- Bring your lunch and enjoy a picnic in the garden!
Drop-in any time, no booking required.
Pop-up activities
Our pop-up activities run from 10am–12.30pm on the dates advertised below. These are free to join, no booking necessary!
Witch puppets with Rootling Theatre
Monday 26 October, 10am–12.30pm
Bring folk stories to life by creating your own Wicked Witch puppet and cause some mischief at our Halloween Family Imagination Day!
Folklore Passport: build your own folklore adventure
Tuesday 27 October, 10am–12.30pm
In this fun, creative writing session, children get to become Folklore Adventurers: uncovering a lost folktale character, learning how to use an imaginary magical object to save them, and racing against the clock to get them back home! Led by Singaporean author Erni Salleh.
Funded by National Arts Council Singapore.
The Big Draw
Monday 26 October & Tuesday 27 October, 10am–3pm
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.
Returning to Light
Monday 15 February & Tuesday 16 February, 10am–12.30pm
Emerge out of dark winter days and return to light! We will be creating an ‘illuminated city’ through shadow puppetry, projection, and sun catchers! A magical lighting up of the building.
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.
Family Imagination Days are made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Further supported by Norwich Freemen’s Charity.
Explore more activities for families
Halloween Family Imagination Day
Create your own Wicked Witch and cause some mischief at our Halloween Family Imagination Day.
Monday 26 October
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