Norwich Cathedral is celebrated as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe.
The Refectory Restaurant has views of the Cathedral and its picturesque
Close and the Cathedral’s new £10m
Hostry, or visitor centre, due to open later this year.
The Norwich School, in the grounds of the Close, was attended by naval hero
Lord Nelson. At the end of the Close,
Pull's Ferry, an old watergate, stands on the
River Wensum.
The 12th century
Castle is one of the finest Norman secular buildings in Europe. Today, as the county's principal museum,
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, it is packed with treasures. Its resident collections are of national importance and visiting exhibitions include works from the Tate.
In contrast to the City's medieval buildings, is the architecturally stunning
Forum; not only home to the
Tourist Information Centre, this unique award-winning venue also hosts a remarkable 24 meter digital gallery displaying a changing programme of film, image and sound. Events include free exhibitions, Covent Garden style street entertainment in summer and an outdoor ice rink at Christmas.
The Forum is also home to the regional
BBC studios and Norwich's public library. Enjoy superb views of
St Peter Mancroft church (the largest church in Norwich) and beyond, from the first floor restaurant.
Norwich has over
30 medieval churches within the city walls alone. Many still function as parish churches, but others have been imaginatively converted to other uses such as
Norwich Arts Centre and
Norwich Puppet Theatre. The city is also home to the impressive 20th century
St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, standing imposingly at the top of Grapes Hill. On Saturday mornings you are able to take tower tours to admire the breathtaking views of the city.
Norwich has a large number of beautifully ornate and well maintained parks and gardens and is justifiably proud of it floral displays. A notable example is the lovingly restored Victorian
Plantation Garden, Norwich’s secret garden, set in the heart of the city it is breathtakingly calm and beautiful, an absolute must see. Another example is the
Castle Gardens where during the summer you can see outdoor theatre and cinema adding that little extra sparkle to a day or evening out.
Chapelfield Gardens situated next to
Chapelfield Shopping Centre has a working bandstand and during the year is one of the main venues for the utterly wonderful
Norfolk and Norwich Festival, the international arts festival for the East of England.
Norwich has also always been a great place for a night out with stylish café bars, pubs, clubs, cinemas, theatres, restaurants, nightclubs, concerts, exhibitions and festivals. The choice is endless so whether you’re into alternative comedy, classical music, top West End musicals or indy films and bands Norwich with its plethora of arts venues and year long programme of entertainment will always have something for you.
Norwich Tourist Information Centre
The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich
Tel: 01603 213999 or 00 44 1603 213999
Fax: 01603 213990
Email: tourism@norwich.gov.uk
