Build Your Own Norwich Itinerary
29 January 2026
Build Your Own Norwich Itinerary
by Katie Thompson
When better than spring for a city break, with the sun shining and the anticipation of discovering somewhere new?
Getting your head around somewhere you’ve not visited before can sometimes mean missing out on something really special if you head off without a plan. And with so much to see and do in Norwich, you want to make sure you cover it all (and make sure it’s catered to your tastes)!
So, what better way to make it your own than to build your own itinerary? Here’s our guide for a first timers’ visit to Norwich- a pick ‘n’ mix list of experiences, sightseeing and activities you’ll want to send a postcard home about! Which combination will you choose?
Top Tip: We suggest combining 3 or 4 experiences for a relaxed day in the City of Stories. Think a mix of fascinating culture, delicious food and a spot of shopping. Or pick 2 to fill your morning or afternoon!
Arts & Culture
Norwich is full of hidden gems- including the South Asia Collection and Country & Eastern
1. Admire Skyline Views from Norwich Castle
Where to start but Norwich Castle? This icon is bursting with history (the Keep reopened last summer after a £27.5 million refurbishment), from a Gallery of Medieval Life (in partnership with the British Museum) spotlighting incredible artefacts to the recreated rooms of a royal palace (adults from £15.30, children from £13.05 when you book in advance online, £2.50 twilight ticket 1 hour before closing). Be awed by modern art, fine art, Egyptian mummies and more, before heading to the battlements where breathtaking panoramic views of our fine city await you.
2. Not One, But Two, Cathedrals
Norwich is one of few cities with two cathedrals. Atop Grapes Hill, step into impressive Victorian Gothic Revival architecture of The Cathedral of St John the Baptist (free). Discover their vivid stained glass and unusual frosterly marble (made from fossils), and explore the library for a moment of quiet, before a slice of cake amid the bees and blooms on the patio of their Garden Cafe.
Or follow the UK’s second tallest spire to the Harry Potter-esque cloisters of Norwich Cathedral (free). Take a free 1-hour tour of this beautiful Romanesque building, uncovering hidden graffiti and lesser-known tales and visiting their impressive library, before wandering Cathedral Close, its fragrant herb garden and fluttering blossom trees.
3. Visit the South Asia Collection
One of our favourite hidden gems is the South Asia Collection (free). Housed in a former Victorian roller-skating rink- take a look at the building’s incredible beamed ceiling, this museum preserves the culture, crafts and history of South Asian countries. And you can treat yourself to a piece of it in their large and rather fabulous County and Eastern shop!
4. Must-Visit Museums
Strangers’ Hall is a fascinating museum that takes you back in time through Norwich’s history (adults from £7.10, children from £6.20, open Wednesday, Saturday & Sunday from February). In this 14th century building, immerse yourself in Tudor, Georgian and Victorian interiors before discovering one of the city’s best kept secrets- their tranquil knot garden!
Across the Lanes, the Museum of Norwich invites you to experience Norwich’s social history (adults from £8.20, children from £6.90, Tuesday – Saturday). From the fascinating tales of Peter the Wild Boy and Samson and Hercules, to incredible displays of our shoemaking and textiles industries, get to know Norwich a little better.
The Sainsbury Centre allows you to get up close to the likes of Henry Moore (you can even hug one!)
5. See Picasso, Giacometti, Bacon and Moore (see what we did there?) at the Sainsbury Centre
At the Sainsbury Centre, art takes on new meaning because here art is living (pay what you can to enter, Tuesday – Sunday). Here you can hug a Henry Moore or recline on a chaise longue as you admire a Giacometti. From Mesoamerican ceramics to 21st century paintings, not to mention a series of thought-provoking exhibitions, the Sainsbury Centre is truly an art museum like no other. The building was even designed by Sir Norman Foster.
6. A Show at Norwich Theatre
Laugh the night away at Norwich Theatre. From the intimate 300-seat Playhouse– known as one of the best fringe venues for comedy in the country- to the Theatre Royal, where it’s not uncommon to see West End shows, ballets, operas and more! Treat yourself to a cultural theatre break in the City of Stories (with ticket prices much lower than the West End) and embrace balmy evenings on the Playhouse Bar’s idyllic riverside terrace for a drink beforehand!
7. Explore Elm Hill
Possibly the city’s most picturesque spot, Elm Hill is the most complete medieval street in Norwich, with traditional beams, higgledy-piggledy pastel buildings and charming cobbles. Stroll along this quaint area, stepping into unique independents and admiring your surrounds beneath the dappled shade of its leafy London plane tree.
Shopping
The Norwich Lanes are home to loads of buzzing independents
1. Atwin in the Norwich Lanes
When it comes to shopping, there’s one area you can’t miss- the Lanes. These winding and buzzing streets are lined with a myriad of must-visit independent stores, like Atwin. This curated lifestyle store is lined with eco-conscious womens– and menswear (think 100% natural fibres), sustainable beauty and handcrafted homeware all championing local makers and creatives!
2. The Royal Arcade
Not only is the Royal Arcade an architectural gem- the beautiful Art Nouveau building was designed by local architect George Skipper, but also a hub of independents. Spend your time perusing- where you’ll discover everything from quirky homeware to conscious beauty, one-of-a-kind art pieces to vintage-inspired clothing and a macaron thrown in for good measure!
3. Jarrolds
Jarrolds has been a mainstay in the Norwich shopping scene for 250 years. And with 5 floors and over 50 departments of fashion, lifestyle, beauty, food and drink, and more, it’s easy to spend an hour (or two) here. With a mix of well-known names and local brands, it’s a great stop for a souvenir of your time in the City of Stories, too.
Food & Drink
You can’t go wrong with an ice cream at Cafe Gelato- at all times of year!
1. Beforenoon Tea at The Assembly House
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and with The Assembly House’s Beforenoon Tea, you’ll certainly be set up for the day ahead. This amazing breakfast-themed take on their iconic treat includes a small hot breakfast alongside three tiers of sweet and savoury delights- wow! Thankfully, you can take it home to finish off!
2. Authentic Italian Ice Cream at Cafe Gelato
Artisanal Italian gelato is always a good idea. That’s where Cafe Gelato comes in. This family-run gelateria boasts a mouthwatering array of flavours fit for every taste- from Norfolk strawberry and raspberry to dark chocolate sorbet, fig and mascarpone, and tiramisu. (We suggest two scoops!)
3. Sweet and Savoury at The Waffle House
The Waffle House has carved a niche for mouthwatering- you guessed it- waffles. This unique dining experience has been a favourite of Norwich locals for 45 years- and it’s somewhere you can dine for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Our suggestions? Tuck into the bang bang chicken but keep room for the chocolate and honeycomb mousse!
Try a unique food and drink experience with a Beer & Cheese tour by Cheryl Cade
4. Small Plates Alfresco at Benedicts
Benedicts: where alfresco fine dining meets Michelin Guide standards and delicious local produce. Benedicts are known for their incredible Norfolk cuisine, so we suggest pairing a crisp glass of wine with a selection of delectable small plates and watch the world go by as you dine under the sun on buzzing St Benedicts Street.
5. Happy Hour in an Old Shoe Factory at The Last
Norwich is known for its brilliant mix of old and new, thanks to its thriving food and drink scene and stunning architecture. So, treat yourself to happy hour at The Last– a stylish wine bar and restaurant in St George’s Street, once home to the city’s shoemaking industry, and sip on a carefully crafted cocktail or two!
6. Beer & Cheese Tour with Cheryl Cade
Surely there are few things better than local beer and cheese with a bit of historical sightseeing thrown in! Luckily you can do exactly that with Cheryl Cade tours. And Cheryl is a certified Beer & Cheese Sommelier, so it’s safe to say you’re in good hands! This is a walking tour with a difference, where you’ll learn about our fine city and its stories as you make your way between each venue- ones to take note of for your next visit.
7. Rooftop Drinks at Gonzo’s Tea Room
When the sun is shining, it’s hard to resist a refreshment under blue skies! So, why not quench your thirst with a rooftop drink at Gonzo’s Tea Room? At the top of this unassuming building is a cool rooftop bar festooned in glowing lights. Sip on a spritz or treat yourself to a specially crafted cocktail (including alcohol-free options) with views above the city.
Go Outdoors
End your day with a peaceful paddle and slice of pizza!
1. Hire a Boat with Bishy Barney Boats
With Bishy Barney Boats, you can discover the Broads National Park from Norwich. Hire an electric boat (from £25 per hour for up to 4 people) and make your way along the River Wensum, passing by peaceful villages like Bramerton and Surlingham. We recommend a pub garden lunch next to this rippling waterway before heading back into the city.
2. Pub & Paddle & Pizza
Make mid-week evenings memorable with Pub and Paddle’s Pub & Paddle & Pizza (£24pp for 2-hours hire and pizza, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings). Gently paddle your way along the luscious River Wensum, gliding past Norwich sights like Cow Tower and Pull’s Ferry, before heading back to local pub the Ribs of Beef on Fye Bridge for a tasty pizza.
3. Picnic in Plantation Garden
Slow down in Norwich’s secret garden (£2). This city centre oasis is a lovely spot all year round, but especially in spring and summer, when trickling water from the Victorian Gothic fountain becomes a soundtrack for butterflies flitting from flower to flower, footsteps patting along its Italianate Terrace and visitors flipping pages of a book or chattering over a picnic.
