Jack Valentine

Woo your loved one with some of Norwich’s unique Valentine’s traditions and impress your loved one with something quirky and different in the city of stories.

Did you know that Norwich used to have its own unique Valentine celebrations? During Victorian times it was customary to exchange gifts on Valentine’s Eve – 13th February – not just with your lover but all your loved ones, young and old alike. City shop windows were full of unusual gifts; clocks, umbrellas, vases, jigsaws, even writing desks!

While this tradition has faded into the past, today the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell tells the full story with a dazzling visual display of presents and hand-embroidered cards. This year, 13th February, they are also celebrating the romantic date with a special one-off ‘museum late’ having teamed up with independent local truffle makers Booja-Booja . This event will present a wonderful evening of local history and chocolate. Visitors will be able to hear about the history of chocolate and chocolate making in Norwich, while sampling Booja-Booja’s delicious, organic, dairy-free chocolate truffles. The museum will be open between 6pm-9pm, for tickets call 01603 629127. This is just one of many chocolate events happening at the museum over half-term, visit their website to find out details of everything that is going on.

Another Norwich and Norfolk Valentine tradition is Jack Valentine. This mysterious Norfolk character (historically we don’t know where he comes from or what he looks like) would visit households across the county, leaving anonymous gifts on doorsteps for children and families. For the second year running, the award winning Norwich Lanes are reviving this tradition. Jack Valentine himself will be taking to the cobbled streets on Valentine’s Eve, giving away goody-bags of Lanes postcards and tasty treats from local traders and sharing the love by dropping into Lanes shops and bars to surprise you!