Explore Norwich with Wandering Words

Explore Norwich with Wandering Words

by Katie Thompson

As the City of Stories, Norwich is a destination with myriad tales- of the people, places and past of those who lived here before us. It’s England’s first UNESCO City of Literature and home to pioneering literary figures. 

Thanks to the National Centre for Writing’s Wandering Words soundscapes (FREE), you can become part of our city’s story on an audio adventure across seven locations. At each one, take a moment, scan the QR code, listen to a poem by a writer with ties to Norwich and immerse yourself in the sounds of the people and places that inspired each of them to put pen to paper. 

So, in this National Year of Reading, why not get to know the rich and captivating heritage of Norwich? Pair Wandering Words with a night away to take it all in- our itinerary is here to guide you. 

Download the Wandering Words Walking Tour map here.

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Day One
Plantation Garden/ Norwich Lanes/ WinePress at the Maids Head 

//Stay: 38 St Giles, from £145 per night for 2 guests.
//See & Do: Plantation Garden; The Cathedral of St John the Baptist; Elm Hill.
//Eat & Drink: Garden Cafe; Saporita; Logans; WinePress at the Maids Head; Chambers Cocktail Company.
//Shop: Jarrolds; Norwich Lanes.

Morning 

Once you’ve arrived in Norwich, begin your Wandering Words journey in the beautiful surrounds of Plantation Garden (£2 entry), just off Earlham Road. This flourishing sunken garden is Grade II-listed and an oasis in our city centre, home to striking architectural features- including a Victorian Gothic fountain and Italianate terrace, pretty flowers and plenty of greenery.  

Here, listen to Plantation Garden by Piers Harrison-Reid, which takes your through the journey of this tranquil space- from chalk quarry to abandonment to a hidden gem brought back to life. 

Plantation Garden sits under the shadow of the impressive Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Step inside to marvel at strikingly detailed stained-glass windows and unusual Frosterley marble features before taking a seat alfresco at the Garden Cafe with a freshly made slice of cake to fuel the day ahead. 

Once you’re feeling satisfied, cross the bridge over Grapes Hill and enter the Norwich Lanes. Follow Upper St Giles and turn left onto Cow Hill- at the bottom, you’ll spot Pottergate’s photographed pink house (time it right in spring and it’ll be draped in fragrant lilac wisteria). Make your way straight down Ten Bells Lane, where you’ll reach St Benedicts Street. Head east, until you get to popular pub The Plough.  

This street is known for its exciting eateries and venues- it’s home to Norwich Arts Centre, enticing restaurants and buzzing vinyl stores. Step into its history with poem St Benedicts Street by Martin Figura.

It’s also part of independents hub the Lanes– where meandering streets and unique shopfronts will draw you in. As you head to your next stop on London Street, make sure to explore the beautiful wares on offer- whether you love vintage fashion, stylish trend-led homeware, or thoughtfully curated books.  

At the end of St Benedicts Street, head up St Gregory’s Alley and east along Pottergate (make a detour to St Gregory’s Antiques and Collectibles in the medieval church and up Lower Goat Lane to Look Twice, Elm and Lisa Angel). Cross the road to Bedford Street and follow the cobbles to The Book Hive on London Street, but not before perusing the five floors of our flagship independent department store Jarrolds! (We love their food hall for tasty treats, an array of local produce and delicious gifts.) 

Now, hear London Street by Hannah Levene, absorbing centuries of history from one spot.  

Afternoon 

If you’re feeling peckish, we recommend nearby Saporita for authentic Italian street food that will transport you to the streets of Sicily (go for the Calabria panzerotto) or Logans– one of the city’s oldest sandwich shops- for fulfilling freshly made wraps, baguettes, salads and more. 

Before discovering the final stop of the day, take note: you can check in (from 2pm) to luxury hotel 38 St Giles (from £145 per night for 2 guests). Housed in an elegantly discreet building on St Giles Street, this boutique stays seamlessly blends heritage and comfort. Rooms boast characterful features, timeless interiors and modern bathrooms, some with walk-in showers and a freestanding, copper bath. Plus, you’ll be treated to homemade goodies on arrival! 

Back to Wandering Words. From London Street, head down St Andrews Hill and east onto Princes Street on the edge of the city’s Creative and Cathedral Quarters. At St Peter Hungate church, you might notice an unusual imprint of a fossilised keyboard in the pavement- this is the legacy of Norwich University of the Arts student Molly Sole.  

From here, make your way to picturesque Elm Hill. As Norwich’s most complete medieval street, admire traditional beamed buildings, a thatched roof and charming cobbles. At the bottom of Elm Hill, turn right onto Wensum Street, before making a left along Palace Street to St Martin-at-Palace church.   

This is where the rebel stone by Andy Bennett is set. It narrates the history of a battle between respected Norwich rebel Robert Kett and the King’s forces in 1549. 

Evening 

End your day with another flavour of the city’s illustrious history at WinePress, the 2AA Rosette restaurant of the Maids Head Hotel. As the oldest site of hospitality in the country- one which once hosted Elizabeth I, no less, WinePress elevates seasonal produce and much-loved classics into mouthwatering plates, like soy-glazed matakite mushrooms with truffle celeriac puree and pan-seared halibut with chorizo crumb and a mini fish pie. We recommend keeping room for dessert, especially with the likes of crème caramel and the Maids Head’s indulgent take on s’mores on the menu! 

For a digestif, sip on local spirits in the hotel’s Jacobean oak-panelled bar or enjoy a fusion of your favourite cocktails at Chambers Cocktail Company, like the Gran Torino, a tart, fruity short drink mixing classics Cosmopolitan and Negroni. 

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Day Two
Norwich Cathedral/ The Julian Shrine 

//See & Do: Norwich Cathedral; The Julian Shrine.
//Eat & Drink: J.C. Pinto; Norwich Market. 

Morning 

After a moreish breakfast at J.C. Pinto– an all-day brunch spot and favourite of locals inspired by antipodean cuisine who’ve partnered with 38 St Giles to offer a discount to guests (go for the breakfast burrito and a fresh orange juice), make your way to Norwich Cathedral (FREE). 

Open early in the morning, embrace a sense of serenity in the presence of this beautiful Romanesque landmark. We suggest joining a free one-hour tour to soak in over 900 years of history. Admire its piercing spire, breathtaking monastic cloister and spot well-known scenes in exquisitely preserved roof bosses above.  

Outside, stop for a souvenir photo with Paddington, before entering the Cathedral’s sweet-smelling Herb Garden. Take a seat among the bees, lavender and wildflowers as you listen to Cuckoo converses with a bishop by Cat Woodward.  

Pass through the ancient Ethelbert Gate (look up at its decorative flintwork- one of the best examples in England) to Tombland. Meaning ‘empty space’, this was once the site of Anglo-Saxon Norvic’s marketplace- Victoria Adukwei Bulley’s On Tombland, or Empty Space explores this story. 

En route to Wandering Words’ final destination, amble south along King Street- one of the longest and oldest thoroughfares in the city. On your right will be St Peter Parmentergate– a medieval church that’s now home to a skatepark. This is just another special place in our old city that’s been imbued with a new attitude.  

Carrying along King Street, you’ll come to medieval merchant’s hall Dragon Hall, home to the National Centre for Writing. (Time it right and you can explore with a free guided tour or, in warmer weather on Sundays and Mondays, relax in their tranquil walled garden for a moment of solace.)  

Opposite is St Julian’s Alley. This will lead you to The Julian Shrine, dedicated to anchoress, mystic and the first woman to be published in English Julian of Norwich, possibly Norwich’s most famous literary figure and one pilgrims still come to pay respect to from across the world. Next door, The Julian Centre offers more insight into her life, her contemporaries and her Revelations of Divine Love. 

Discover the seventh poem in this hallowed space: Fine city by Jessica Streeting, an ode to everyday life in Norwich, where history, creativity and pride go hand in hand.  

Before you leave our fine city, soak in the stories of Wandering Words like a local- with lunch on Norwich Market, of course!