A Day in the Life of a Norwich Local

A Day in the Life of a Norwich Local

by Katie Thompson

When you’re visiting a destination, be it brand new to you or a favourite you return to, we all like to see the city the locals know, right? I know I do and that goes for the rest of the VisitNorwich team, too. 

So, with so much on offer in Norwich, here’s how a native spends their Saturday. Taking in culture, eating plenty of “this-is-SO-good”-inducing food and mooching in and out of the city’s independents.

Image: VisitNorwich

The Best Places in Norwich, Chosen by Locals | Live Like a Local on a Norwich City Break

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Morning

//See & Do: Norwich Lanes.
//Eat & Drink: The William & Florence, Monday – Sunday; Devecchio, Tuesday – Sunday.
//Shop: Atwin & Co, Monday – Sunday; Jarrolds, Monday – Sunday; Elixirion, Monday – Sunday; Norfolk Natural Living, Monday – Sunday.

Begin your morning in one of Norwich’s buzziest neighbourhoods– NR2, a hive around the many indie businesses along Unthank Road. 

You want to make the most of your day and take your time, so head out between 9am and 10am. As you amble along this leafy tributary towards Norwich’s centre, make a pitstop at The William & Florence for a freshly squeezed orange juice (sit in or take away). Its zingy flavour is a welcome wake-up for the day ahead. 

Passing through Chapelfield Gardens (ideal for young families and groups of friends alike) towards the Norwich Lanes, look out for the elusive black rabbit and listen to the tuneful twittering of blue tits, robins and jays. Take note: this is also the site of our favourite 99 in Norwich- Nothing Fancy. 

As you make your way past Norwich Market’s multi-coloured rooftops, reaching towards Norwich Castle standing tall, take in the abundance of attractive heritage. When the sun shines on Millennium Plain, it illuminates our modern Forum (a go-to for local makers markets, by the way), Art Deco City Hall and flint-knapped Guildhall. (It’s a scene that fills my phone gallery at intervals across the year.) 

Enter the Lanes at Lower Goat Lane. These winding cobbles are thriving with indie businesses- from inviting eateries, each one with their own je ne sais quoi, to vintage treasures to curated lifestyle stores to award-winning bookshops.  

Here, we recommend paying a visit to Imelda’s for quirky footwear, Lisa Angel for delicate jewellery and Elm for alternative prints, homeware and plants. Then head east along Pottergate to Sevenwolves, a popular menswear store, also home to Catfish womenswear, where you’ll encounter thoughtfully crafted pieces from Ganni, Folk and Norse Projects.  

(And if you’re feeling peckish- and, let’s face it, even if you’re not, you’ll have spotted bakery Devecchio. A newer addition to Norwich, but an immediate local go-to, we love their perfectly laminated, sugar-dusted cruffins!) 

Then it’s time to step into Jarrolds, a Norwich institution and our flagship independent department store. Across five floors of fashion, beauty, homeware and food, you’ll soon be taken in by shelves brimming with mouthwatering delights, timeless style and unique, Norfolk-created pieces.  

Before making your way to lunch, Bridewell Alley is a must. With the most recent additions of Norfolk Natural Living and Elixirion, you could easily while away an hour here. Treat yourself to a velvety hand cream at the former before a Greek Freddo at the latter (this deli is Hellenic at heart and one where the city’s Greek community stop by for their daily coffee).  

Elsewhere, peruse stylish second-hand in Sue Ryder Vintage and try to stop your wish list growing in Atwin & Co. A showcase of sustainably conscious, Norwich and Norfolk-made fashion, beauty, ceramics and more, we love their own-label trousers and pastel knitted vests from Yetton. 

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Afternoon

//See & Do: Riverside walk; Norwich Cathedral, Monday – Sunday; matinee at Norwich Theatre Royal.
//Shop: Pedlars Vintage, Wednesday – Saturday.
//Eat & Drink: Carberrys, Monday – Saturday; Café Gelato, Tuesday – Sunday.

It’s a scenic stroll to your lunchtime spot along our rippling River Wensum. 

But before you head east towards Wensum Street, pop to Pedlars Vintage on St Georges for a collection of carefully sourced ’70s Americana, classic ’80s graphic tees and special ’60s pieces for both men and women.  

Starting at the charming buildings of Norwich University of the Arts (St Georges is reminiscent of Norwich’s former textile trade, while West Garth, a former monastery, is a symbol of the city’s once religious prominence), amble along to Fye Bridge, then to Carberrys cafe for lunch. A personal haunt of our City Hosts, Carberrys’ sun-drenched courtyard is ideal for a post-shop sandwich.  

Refuelled, head along the rest of our tranquil waterside pathway, past historic landmarks like Cow Tower (if you time it right, you can look inside!) and ivy-clad St James Mill, and beneath fluttering willow trees. In spring, it’s a blanket of vivid daffodils; in autumn, the path is strewn with golden leaves.  

When you arrive at Pull’s Ferry, follow the cobbles towards Norwich Cathedral– its towering spire acting as your guide. Embrace the characterful charm of the Close’s quintessential cottages and well-kept gardens. We love the fragrant roses and blush pink blossom trees.  

If you have time, wander through the Cathedral’s magical cloister. It’s the largest in the country and a beautiful example of Romanesque Norman architecture. When light illuminates the cloisters’ arches, each delicately carved detail is silhouetted onto the white stone. 

Now for more culture: a matinee at Norwich Theatre Royal. From captivating ballets to heart-soaring musicals, orchestras and plays, an afternoon show at the East of England’s biggest stage has something of the West End about it. Glass of fizz in hand, step out onto the balcony overlooking Theatre Street, people-watching below as you embrace the anticipation of the next few hours. 

On your way, it would be wrong not to treat yourself to a creamy scoop from Café Gelato. You won’t regret this authentic Italian goodness, especially when you opt for chocolate sorbet, coconut, or Norfolk strawberry.  

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Evening

//Eat & Drink: The Unthank Arms, Monday – Sunday. 

Soak in the spectacle of your chosen show and bring your day to a close with a moreish dinner at one of Norwich’s many delicious food destinations.  

Our top picks include Donnelli’s for fresh stone-baked pizzas (go for the Pisa accompanied by dough balls) and Haggle for Middle Eastern dishes like chargrilled aubergine, filo-encased halloumi and succulent lamb skewers. 

Or you can’t go wrong with a traditional neighbourhood pub. Come full circle to NR2 with a meal at The Unthank Arms. Here, it’s all about pub classics and modern dishes in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, festooned with twinkling fairy lights. Think perennial favourites like ale-battered fish and chips and sticky toffee pudding alongside moules mariniere, asparagus gnocchi and Pina Colada panna cotta. Is your mouth watering, too? 

End your evening with one final night cap- local craft beers and spirits are the norm around these parts- at nearby The Warwick Arms or the Hop Rocket, both buzzing as the sun sets and the moon rises.