by Katie Thompson
Norwich is a city made for everyone, solo travellers included. Our compact city is welcoming, easily walkable and brimming with history, culture and green spaces. You really do get a bit of everything here.
So, take your time and soak it all in. A visit to Norwich can be as buzzing or as restorative as you make it. From watching the world go by from the window of a cosy cafe to a fascinating walking tour with 1000 years of tales.
This is our guide to solo travel in Norwich!
It’s easier than you think getting to the City of Stories- our Cathedral Quarter is a short walk form Norwich Train Station
Norwich is easy to find your way around. But what about getting here?
With Greater Anglia, you can reach Norwich in 90 minutes from London Liverpool Street (stopping at Stratford, Colchester, and Ipswich). Or if you’re coming cross-country, East Midlands Railway connects Norwich directly to Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Peterborough. Then, it’s just a 10-minute walk from the station to our bustling city centre.
And if you’re driving, it’s a straightforward drive east along the A47 from Leicester and Lincolnshire or directly on the M11 and A11 from Cambridge and London. For visitors from Suffolk, head north on the A140.
All hallows Guesthouse offers a peaceful and affordable stay for single travellers
We always recommend making the most of your time here in Norwich, so give yourself an extra day or two to see everything and fully relax.
At All Hallows Guesthouse, you’ll experience a restful stay. If you love minimalism or are on a tighter budget, All Hallows offers homely and tranquil surroundings, with views of The Julian Shrine and fresh local produce for breakfast- including homemade artisan bread! Single rooms with shared facilities start at £45.
And if it’s historic elegance you’re looking for, book a stay at the Maids Head. In their single rooms, you’ll be situated in the original 800-year-old wing of the hotel, but in contemporary style. Think modern en-suite bathrooms, plush soft furnishings and views across Tombland. Single rooms start at £100 or £115 with breakfast.
From Norwich Market to Upper St Giles, Norwich is home to so many attractive independent eateries
Norwich is a thriving spot for independent eateries (although we have plenty of well-known chains if you’re looking for something a little more familiar).
For lunch, you can’t go wrong with Norwich Market. There’s so much choice, whether you fancy fish and chips or want to step out of your comfort zone with bao buns. Bask in the sun with your tasty meal at the back of the market or overlook the bustling maze of stalls sitting in front of City Hall. And if you’re staying (or came by train), we recommend popping by Sir Toby’s Beers for a pint of their famous cherry beer.
Love a little people watching? We’ve got a fantastic selection of pavement cafes. Make your way to Upper St Giles for a steaming coffee and flaky pastry or take a seat al fresco on St Andrews Plain. For anyone with a sweet tooth, check out Cafe Gelato. Their mouthwatering flavours encompass the traditional and the ‘why haven’t I tried that before?’. Besides, sightseeing is better with an ice cream in hand!
When evening comes around, treat yourself to dinner at Yalm. This buzzing food hall boasts 8 kitchens and 3 bars, so there’s plenty of choice! And as you order via QR code, there’s no rush to make a decision (and you can order more if you’re still hungry). From zingy Mexican tacos to smoky Moroccan grill, wood-fired pizza and towering crepe cheesecakes.
Take a stroll along the River Wensum from the Cathedral Quarter to our Creative Quarter and the Lanes
At Norwich Cathedral, there’s more than meets the eye. This stunning Romanesque building boasts the second tallest spire and the largest monastics cloisters in the UK.
Wander the Cathedral’s charming grounds, discovering sculptural pieces by John Maine and Lynn Chadwick as part of Art in the Close. Or get lost in a good book in the fragrant Herb Garden. We suggest joining a free 1-hour tour to uncover hidden stories you’d otherwise miss- from Elizabethan graffiti to brilliant roof bosses.
Closeby is our riverside walk. Amble along the winding pathway, beneath towering trees, following the River Wensum past local landmarks like Pull’s Ferry and ivy-clad St James Mill. In summer, grand weeping willows offer welcomed shade; in autumn, golden leaves crunch underfoot.
One of our favourite hidden gems is The South Asia Collection. Tucked off Bethel Street, this unassuming museum holds a treasure trove of South Asian arts and crafts, preserving skilled traditions and curating intricate displays of textiles, wax casting, metalwork and ceramics.
And if one-of-a-kind indies are your thing, the Lanes are a must-visit. This warren of pedestrianised streets is lined with unique shops- like lifestyle store Atwin, consciously curated with handcrafted clothing, ceramics, and accessories from local makers. While Jarrolds, our flagship department store has five floors to peruse. Discover their basement food hall with childlike glee- it’s a grotto of locally made food and drink- and treat yourself to a seat at their Wine Bars!
Book a show, workshop or tour to look forward to while you’re here
It’s always worth having something to look forward to.
With tour guide Paul Dickson, you’ll get to know Norwich like a local. Learn about our fine city for an hour or two with ‘Norwich, an Introduction’, or delve into the details with ‘Norwich on the Dark Side’, ‘The Great Market’ and ‘Medieval Norwich’. Tours start at £9pp.
If you’re looking to relax, a class at Yantra will do wonders. This calming wellbeing space offers yoga, Pilates, barre and deep-healing sound baths from some of the city’s most popular teachers. Single classes start from £12 for 45 minutes.
And in the evening, how about a show? Norwich’s many independent venues mean there are single tickets for music, comedy, West End performances and more on every day of the week! From the biggest musicals, ballet and plays at Norwich Theatre to fringe-worth comedy at the Playhouse. For an alternative line-up, there’s Norwich Arts Centre. Think up-and-coming artists (Oasis played here on their first-ever tour), indie bands, and live poetry.
