The Best Souvenirs to Buy in Norwich

The Best Souvenirs to Buy in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to Norwich for the hundredth time, everyone loves a souvenir. From the cheesy and the tacky (who can say no to a themed keyring?) to one-of-a-kind, handcrafted pieces that will take centre stage back home.  

Don’t forget to pick up a copy of the Norwich Map– it makes a great reminder of your time here!

So, whether you want to savour the flavour of our fine city or frame a print that will transport you back to the buzz of Norwich’s medieval streets, these are the best souvenirs to buy in Norwich!

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Norwich-Themed Merch

If you’re visiting the City of Stories for the first time, surely you want a souvenir that’s explicitly Norwich? 

Check out our iconic Norwich Market as a first port of call. Harvey’s Cards & Souvenirs (stalls 133, 142 & 143) does exactly what it says on the tin. Head here for classic Norwich-themed postcards, mugs and tea towels with Norfolk dialect and picturesque scenes. On stalls 16 & 19, you’ll encounter For The Love of Norfolk, our go-to for attractive gifts, including quirky, ceramic fridge magnets and graphic Art Deco-style prints of the city’s landmarks! 

Speaking of landmarks, The Julian Centre is not only a contemplative space to discover more about legendary medieval mystic Julian of Norwich, but also somewhere to treat yourself to a translation of her work or a postcard with her famous quote ‘All Shall Be Well’. And at Norwich Cathedral’s gift shop, peruse a selection of attractive gifts, from a photobook on the building’s long history to a bookmark and pin badge of the Cathedral’s resident cat, Budge! 

For Norwich-themed merch with an artistic touch, make your way to Lisa Angel in Chantry Place. Their eye-catching pink and red Norwich Sketch collection boasts coasters, hand-painted baubles and more depicting the city’s unmistakable architecture. In the Lanes, you’ll find similarly stylish pieces at Giggly Goat (alongside a tempting array of locally handcrafted pieces)- think beautiful prints, colourful tote bags and cards you’d want to receive yourself. 

When you’re looking for a hint of humour, it’s got to be a slightly more niche reference. At locally loved DIY store Thorns (a staple in Norwich for over 190 years), you can pick up a t-shirt bearing their 1980s logo- but you’ll have to be quick, they sell out fast! Meanwhile, independent department store Roys (a Norfolk institution whose ‘empire’ in Wroxham recently went viral, with a store on Magdalen Street), sells nostalgic t-shirts, totes, socks, and pencils emblazoned with their retro ‘80s and ‘90s logos.

Food and Drink

Norwich and Norfolk’s food and drink scene is certainly not to be underrated.  

Nowhere epitomises this quite like Jarrolds. In the basement of our flagship independent department store lies a treasure trove of local produce- from indulgent chocolates to hand-pressed oils, moreish biscuits and carefully crafted wine and spirits. We recommend keeping an eye out for Booja Booja, Gnaw, Yare Valley, Chilli Willys and Flint Vineyard. Not to mention R.B Provisions by Benedicts’ Chef Patron, Richard Bainbridge. (We love the family recipe Beetroot Ketchup and BBQ Sauce.)  

When it comes to spirits- be it gin, rum or whisky, treat yourself to a bottle of The English Distillery’s award-winning single malts (if you’re visiting via the A11, plan a detour to their distillery and shop in Roudham) or one of Bullards’ gin cocktail eco pouches – made to share (or to gatekeep!), taste Coastal Negroni, Strawberry Clover Club and Nelson’s Blood Storm. (You can take a sip at the Tipsy Anchor Tasting Bar in Jarrolds while you’re here (Thursday – Saturday)!)

Or if you’ve a taste for beer, make sure to pass by Sir Toby’s on Norwich Market. This craft bottle shop showcases the best in Norfolk real ales, so why not pick up a selection box? Elsewhere, Beer Hatch in Tombland is all about local cans and bottles from Norfolk-based breweries, including Ampersand and Duration. (Plus, they have Beer Hatch merchandise and glasses!) 

One of our other favourites to pick up tasty souvenirs (if you’ve got the will to make them last, that is), is Macarons & More in the Royal Arcade. Founded by former MasterChef finalist Tim Kinnaird, treat yourself to a rainbow-hued array of perfectly domed macarons filled with the likes of buttery caramel and light-as-air fruit cream. 

And if you’re further afield exploring Norfolk, stop by farm shop the Goat Shed– home to a butcher, baker, cheese maker and deli bursting with regional produce. Pick up some sausages for the barbecue, hand stretched pizza for your freezer or a slab of their very own brie-style goat’s cheese for your next picnic.

Unique Pieces

Known for its hub of thriving independents, it’s no surprise that Norwich is a showcase of local makers and creatives- ideal for one-of-a-kind souvenirs that you’ll not stop thinking about! 

First on the list? The Norwich Lanes– known for its abundance of local businesses, from vintage to books to art. One place you don’t want to miss is Atwin, a consciously curated lifestyle store brimming with sustainably made pieces. Think natural fibre knitwear, hand woven basket bags and delicate jewellery crafted on-site, alongside sculpted ceramics, organic beauty and statement accessories. These are souvenirs made for a lifetime and longer. 

The same can be said for Bowhill & Elliott. As the only shoemakers in the UK to still make out the back and sell out the front, investing in a pair of their handcrafted slippers is one you won’t regret. From chic indoor styles to hardwearing, but equally as stylish, outdoor slippers, why not elevate your pair further with a personalised monogram or embroidery? 

Elsewhere, The Cat House should be on your radar for locally made, feline-themed souvenirs. A cat lounge and arts centre, their furry residents are unsurprisingly the stars of paintings, not to mention keyrings, plushies, hats, jigsaws and notebooks! 

And you should never discount our museum shops (you don’t need a ticket to browse their wares either). At the Museum of Norwich, you’ll encounter Norwich-based artists’ prints and products- ones that celebrate the social history of our fine city just like the museum does. In Norwich Castle, expect fascinating publications exploring local history, fun themed trinkets and curios and that all-important Snap the Dragon cuddly toy! 

You’ll find Country & Eastern upstairs in The South Asia Collection. Here, browse South Asian-inspired block print textiles, attractive jewellery, traditional cotton clothing and magnificent woven rugs. And at the Sainsbury Centre, be greeted by quirky homeware, frame-worthy postcards and even mini figurines of the art museum’s popular (and adorable) Walking hippopotamus!