Norwich: Old City, New Attitude

Norwich: Old City, New Attitude

by Katie Thompson

Norwich is a maverick city- don’t let our old walls fool you. It’s like nowhere else, one that’s creative, welcoming and full of tales to tell. So, when you’re looking for a mid-week stay or short trip away, where else than the City of Stories? 

Follow our 3-day, 2-night itinerary below- we may be biased, but we think you’ll be wowed. Make your way from the outside in, from our tranquil natural spaces to our impressive Norman architecture. Throw in a sauna with a view, lunch at our 900-year-old market and moreish menus brimming with local produce- all made for discerning visitors. 

Take your time, take it all in and explore the City of Stories!

Image: VisitNorwich

Itinerary Inspiration
For Couples: A Short Break | For Friends: 72 Hours in Norwich | For Families: A Family Break

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Did you know Norwich is an ideal break from Cambridge and London? If you’re driving, it’s just 1hr 30m from Cambridge and 2hrs from London via the A11. And for those taking the train, it’s only 1hr 45m from London Liverpool Street and 1hr 15m from Cambridge, both with Greater Anglia. So, there’s really no better time for a seasonal stay in the City of Stories!

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Day One
The Lanes/ Norwich Cathedral/ Yalm 

//See & Do: Norwich Cathedral, Monday – Sunday.
//Eat: Yalm, Monday – Sunday; Namaste Village, Monday – Sunday.
//Stay: 38 St Giles, from £140 per night for 2 adults, room only. 

Morning 

Arrive in Norwich and take a slower pace. Amble through the Norwich Lanes, letting our cobbled streets guide you past the city’s myriad of independent stores, eateries and venues. Each one is home to a wealth of one-of-a-kind, handcrafted or unexpected curations, whether you’re a lover of vinyl, vintage, trinkets or plants. From minimalist galleries to quirky gifts, stylish fashion and award-winning bookshops, make sure to head along Lower Goat Lane, Pottergate and Bridewell Alley while you’re here!  

These ones we suggest adding to your list? Lisa Angel for fun and pretty jewellery- the sort you’d see your friend wearing and want to know where they got it from; Elm for an eclectic mix of design-led pottery, prints and homeware (as well as succulents); St Gregory’s church for its maze of antiques and collectables; Catfish and Dogfish for fashion-forward and timeless streetwear; Norfolk Natural Living for fragrance inspired by our county’s landscape. These are the sorts of contemporary souvenirs you’ll treasure and get to use when you return home. 

And as you meander these spirited streets, we wouldn’t blame you for being distracted by the cruffins eyeing you up from Devecchio’s windows on Lobster Lane, especially if they’re strawberries and cream. 

Afternoon 

Idle along to Yalm for a long, leisurely lunch through the beauty of the Royal Arcade, whose striking Art Deco tiles make this a must-see for any appreciator of architecture.  

This buzzing food hall is home to eight different local kitchens, catering to a whole variety of tastes- or for those who like to try a bit of everything! Head upstairs for a front-row view of tempting dishes being plated up or settle in downstairs in a cosy booth, perfect for watching the world go by. (This is also where you’ll find The Boardroom– Yalm’s cool, low-lit games area boasting fast-paced SHUFL Tech shuffleboard and competitive FLYBY Darts (from £.50 for 25 minutes).) 

When you’re ready to order, just scan the QR code and order from your chosen menu- whether you’re in the mood for fresh Mediterranean pan con tomate, a zingy Korean pork rice bowl or moreish Mexican-inspired chilli. And because it’s so easy, there’s nothing stopping you from ordering more- no food envy here! (We like to keep room for Cristophe’s Crepes’ crepe cheesecake.) 

Head out again, following London Street towards our historic Cathedral Quarter. Through the grand Ethelbert Gate, you’ll enter picturesque Cathedral Close (known locally as ‘the village within a city’), where quaint cottages line characterful lanes and fluttering trees stand in 44 acres beneath the towering spire of Norwich Cathedral (FREE). Here you can wander through the largest monastic cloisters in the country. They’re Harry Potter-esque in design, with ornate arches and vaulted walkways crafted from white Caen stone framing the Romanesque spire. No one can take a bad photo here it’s so atmospheric! 

If you’ve time, join a free 1-hour tour to uncover the Cathedral’s secrets, from Elizabethan graffiti to an important pre-Reformation altarpiece. Upstairs is the light and airy Refectory Cafe- it’s a Norwich favourite where locals go for electric-roasted espresso and flaky cinnamon swirls.  

Or if the sun is shining, directly opposite the cloisters’ entrance is an unassuming flint wall. To the right of the blue door is a hidden entrance to the Cathedral’s lovely Herb Garden. No matter when you visit, it’s a place of tranquility, where locals go to read a book beneath a wooden arch woven with roses and it’s common to find gardeners hard at work planting thyme, lavender and more.  

Evening 

For dinner on your first night, we recommend Namaste Village. Housed in a former church school, you’ll be welcomed as if you’ve entered a home. Intricate geometric carvings, jewel-toned furnishings and fresh foliage create cosy booths and tables full of warmth.  

This family-run Indian is bursting with authentic flavours. It’s the rich, aromatic spices that hit you first. Then it’s the colour. The menu is inspired by recipes or popular street food from India’s different states. And every plate is vegetarian or vegan. Meat-eaters, never fear. You won’t miss the meat, trust us. For a true experience of this popular cuisine, why not let the waiters choose for you? Although, if we had to pick, we love Namaste’s dosas and thalis (“the way India eats”). 

Spend the night at 38 St Giles, a luxury guesthouse on St Giles Street (room only), perfectly placed for quiet nights and morning exploration. It’s warm and welcoming, where you can choose when to check in and brownies greet you on arrival. Each room blends characterful elegance with modern sumptuousness. Encounter sleek bathrooms, plush furnishings and king-size beds- a welcome retreat after a day in Norwich.

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Day Two
The Lions’ Den City/ Plantation Garden/ Norwich Market/ Red Lion Bishopgate 

//See & Do: Plantation Garden, Monday – Sunday; The Lions’ Den City, Monday – Sunday.
//Eat: Norwich Market, days and times vary for individual stalls, Monday – Sunday; Gonzo’s Tea Room, Monday – Sunday; Red Lion Bishopgate, Monday – Sunday. 

Morning & Afternoon 

Before breakfast, take a different perspective on Norwich, when the city is just waking up, the sunlight is peeking over rooftops and the call of birdsong echoes. Above our medieval streets is The Lions’ Den City (open from 7am). What could be more inviting than a relaxed hour in their rooftop sauna, soaking in the sights and soaking in Norwich’s love of community? Feel the rejuvenating contrast between intense heat and icy cold plunges, views of 900-year-old Norwich Castle as your backdrop (60-minute sauna session from £14.50). This is an old city with a new attitude- slip into conversation with regular sauna-goers, becoming part of this friendly community, if only for a moment, and facing the chilled waters together. 

Afterwards, enjoy a beautiful breakfast in their welcoming cafe. There’s a smoothie bowl for something fruity, classic sourdough and wild mushrooms, or Turkish eggs for something warming. Plus, choose from their selection of smooth coffees and refreshments will entice you to stay a little longer. 

Time for more exploring- visit one of the city’s most beautiful hidden gems, Plantation Garden (£2). Tucked away on Earlham Road and less than a 10-minute walk from your accommodation, this once overgrown chalk quarry has been transformed into Grade II-listed three-acre green space blooming with sweet smelling flowers and earthy trees.  

Relax on a bench illuminated by shafts of sunlight and take a breath. Admire this urban oasis which offers something special in all seasons. Listen to the soft call of birds. With vivid green lawns, an ornate Italianate terrace, intricate Victorian Gothic fountain and wooded pathways, there’s more here than meets the eye, all waiting to be discovered.  

Crossing the bridge over Grapes Hill, make your way back into Norwich’s bustling centre. When you arrive, you’re bound to be drawn to our thriving medieval marketplace, where you’ll encounter worldwide flavours on every stall. It’s hard to know where to start, so we suggest following your nose! Perhaps you’ll devour a donburi bowl or savour steaming ramen. One thing’s for certain: everything is bursting with flavour! Relish your choice and take a seat looking out across the market’s multi–coloured rooftops towards Norwich Castle. Then see where our streets take you as you while away the rest of the afternoon uncover hidden corners and centuries-old architecture. 

Evening  

Sandwich your day with another rooftop- this time at Gonzo’s Tea Room on London Street. This unassuming bar is ideal for an aperitif under sunny skies. And their cool downstairs bar, complete with chesterfield sofas, purple uplighting and memorabilia-filled shelves, is perfect for those cooler nights. Treat yourself to one of Gonzo’s many house-made cocktails or a locally brewed pint- from caramel stouts to crisp pale ales. And as the sun sets, twinkling fairy lights shimmer like the stars up above, giving the evening a magical quality. 

When the sun has set, make the most of your second evening in Norwich at the Red Lion Bishopgate (a 1-mile walk from your accommodation through our charming Cathedral Quarter). This classic pub sits proudly along our peaceful riverside walk on one of the oldest bridges in the city! As the Wensum flows by, relax surrounded by friends, enjoy a drink or two and tuck into tasty pub dishes- you can book tables of up to eight people online. Opt for a selection of sharing plates- including tempura tiger prawns, burrata and miso-glazed aubergine, or indulge in a moreish main- we’ve got our eye on the crab linguine and sausage and mash. (And a pudding, of course!)   

If you’re looking for after-dinner entertainment, try Norwich Arts Centre for live music- from popular bands to emerging artists- or stop by the Playhouse for stand-out stand-up comedy- this is a top fringe venue for even the biggest comedians.

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Day Three
Pub & Paddle/ Afternoon Tea at The Assembly House 

//See & Do: Pub & Paddle, Monday – Sunday, April – October.
//Eat: Afternoon tea at The Assembly House, Monday – Sunday.

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//Top Tip: We suggest loading the car and packing your suitcases before you head out so you can get the most out of your third day in the city!

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Morning

One of our favourite things to do in Norwich is to experience our natural side. As part of the Broads National Park, the city is abundant in green spaces, the River Wensum flowing through. In warmer months, head out onto the Wensum and see Norwich from the water with Pub and Paddle (from £15 for 2 hours), gliding alongside swans, paddleboarders, boats and weeping willows in your chosen canoe or kayak.  

Out of season, we love Norwich’s riverside walk. No matter the season, this is a peaceful pathway past historic landmarks, striking sights and fresh greenery. If you start at St Crispin’s Bridge and make your way west, all the way to Riverside and Carrow Road, it’s up to 3 miles in length. Watch rippling reflections, darting fish and spy remnants of the city walls. 

Squeeze in one more moment of your visit in Norwich before journeying home. At The Assembly House, afternoon tea is the order of the day, every day (£37.50pp). Book your table (a must) at 12pm, take your time over a couple of hours and you’ll still have the entire afternoon to make your way home. 

And when you see the incredible tower of treats coming your way, you’ll be glad you ended your visit here! Start with a selection of light finger sandwiches and classic combinations (local ham, egg mayo, Cheddar cheese), followed by buttery savouries (importantly including The Assembly House’s sausage roll). Then it’s onto the scones- fruit and cheese- and topped with an array of beautifully presented sweets, they’re almost too good to eat. Almost. From gateau operas to mini macarons, creamy shot glasses to crumbly shortbread, you’ll want to devour it all.