Flint the Fox aims to inspire children about the story of Norwich Cathedral this summer

For generations a little stone fox has been quietly hidden within the ancient architecture of Norwich Cathedral, but this summer the character will be stepping out of the stonework to tell children about the Cathedral’s story.

The stone carving found in one of the Cathedral’s archways is the inspiration for Flint the Fox, a new character who will help families explore the 900-year-old Cathedral from this summer.

Two children’s activity days during the school holidays will have a Flint the Fox theme – a Follow the Fox day on Thursday 25 July and a Cathedral Alphabet day on Thursday 15 August when F will be for fox!

There will also be a free Cloister Club for primary school-aged children every Tuesday with different free activities to enjoy each week, meanwhile on Thursdays under sevens can enjoy a special Fox’s Tales story time session.

In addition to this, from Thursday 25 July families visiting the Cathedral can pick up a Follow the Fox trail leaflet to help them explore the Cathedral independently and Flint will also be the new face of the Cathedral’s Explorer Backpacks which children aged five to 11 years old can borrow. The bags are packed full of items to help children engage with the Cathedral, including a set of binoculars, a torch, magnifying glass, compass, tape measure and mirror.

Clare Williams, the Cathedral’s Head of Schools and Family Learning, said: “We are delighted to introduce Flint the Fox to everyone this summer and beyond. We hope this will add to the feeling that the Cathedral is a place for all ages to explore and enjoy.

“Flint’s story is something which can capture the imagination and encourage greater engagement for our younger visitors. Watch this space for much more Flint fun to come!”

Norwich Cathedral’s full summer holiday programme for children:

Cloister Club

Every Tuesday from 23 July to 27 August, 11am-3pm

Families are invited to join us for Cloister Club every Tuesday during the school holidays!

Every Tuesday there will be different drop-in activities for children to enjoy, all exploring the life and history of the Cathedral. The activities will run from 11am to 3pm in the Cloister and families are welcome to stay and play for as long as they like.

The activities are free but donations are welcome.

The activities are for primary school-aged children and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

Fox’s Tales

Every Thursday from 25 July to 29 August, 11.30am

Enjoy story time every Thursday with Flint the Fox, our new family character inspired by a carving in the Cathedral!

Fox's Tales are half-hour sessions of story, song, rhyme and simple crafts and activities aimed at children under seven with their parents or carers.

The sessions will take place every Thursday in the school holidays.

They are free of charge but donations are welcome.

Follow the Fox Children’s Activity Day

Thursday 25 July, 10am-2pm

Join us for our Follow the Fox Family Activity Day and meet our new family character Flint!

Flint can be found carved in the Cathedral's architecture but has stepped out from the stonework to help tell families the amazing story of Norwich Cathedral.

Follow Flint around the Cathedral to discover lots of activities, games, crafts, stories, music and more.

Collect stamps as you go and you will also receive a free gift at the end of your journey!

Activities are aimed at primary school-aged children and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

The event costs £3.50 per child. There is no need to book - just drop in and pay on the day.

Cathedral Alphabet Children’s Activity Day

Thursday 15 August, 10am-2pm

Explore the Cathedral from A to Z during our children's activity day inspired by the alphabet.

F will be for Fox as our new family character Flint the Fox will be joining in the fun!

Flint can be found carved in the Cathedral's architecture but steps out from the stonework to help tell families the amazing story of Norwich Cathedral.

Pick up an alphabet trail sheet on the day and enjoy discovering activities, games and crafts based on the letters A to Z as you journey around the Cathedral.

Activities are aimed at primary school-aged children and all children must be accompanied by an adult.

The event costs £3.50 per child.

There is no need to book in advance - just drop in and pay on the day.

Follow the Fox Trail

Free to pick up at the Cathedral from Thursday 25 July

A free independent trail for all the family to enjoy which takes you around the whole Cathedral, pointing out 10 highlights ranging from the Cathedral’s mighty organ to the stunning Trinity Windows which cast a kaleidoscope of colourful light onto the Cathedral’s walls.

Explorer Backpacks

Free to borrow most days at the Cathedral

Children aged five to 11 years old can enjoy finding out more about Norwich Cathedral with the help of our free Explorer Backpacks.

The bags are packed full of items to help children engage with the Cathedral, including a set of binoculars, a torch, magnifying glass, compass, tape measure and mirror, plus a pencil to help them complete a special trail.

Young explorers who complete their quest receive a free gift when they return their Explorer Backpacks.