by Katie Thompson
Everyone loves a city break- exploring somewhere new, immersing yourself in history, discovering hidden gems, charming shops and delicious places to eat. But if you don’t drive, you shouldn’t let that stop you!
Norwich may be the capital of Norfolk, but we’re easily accessible by public transport. Our city is a hub of culture, history and nature. It’s just a short stroll from one charming spot to the next. And it’s a straightforward journey to see what the county has on offer too.
Compact, walkable and with loads to see, this is our guide to visiting Norwich without a car.
Norwich Train Station is only a 10-minute walk from the city centre
Getting to Norwich is easier than you think.
If you’re travelling from London (via Essex and Suffolk), just hop onto a Greater Anglia service direct from London Liverpool Street. Trains only take 1hr 45 every half an hour (hourly on Sundays), so you’ll soon be here in time for lunch.
Did you know it’s easy to get here with East Midlands Railway too? You can reach Norwich direct from Liverpool via big cities like Manchester, Sheffield, and Nottingham every hour. (From Liverpool, the journey takes 5hr 20.)
Take the picturesque route into Norwich via our Riverside Walk
And once you arrive, Norwich Train Station is just a 10-minute walk from the centre! You can take the more direct route via Rose Lane or Prince of Wales Road, but we recommend the relaxed route- along our peaceful Riverside Walk (start at the Compleat Angler pub) and up Ferry Lane through to the charming Cathedral Close.
Stay in The Assembly House at the heart of the action
There’s nothing like staying in the heart of the action, just minutes from the buzz of independent shops, venues, and medieval streets- not to mention our 900-year-old market!
The Assembly House offers a luxurious B&B experience (from £170 per night for 2 adults). Think individually decorated bedrooms with plush furnishings, indulgent king size beds and modern bathrooms as well as a generous freshly cooked breakfast awaiting you the next morning! This Grade-I listed Georgian building is just a short stroll from Norwich Market (3 minutes), Norwich Castle (7 minutes) and the Lanes (5 minutes).
A stay at the Maids Head Hotel is full of historic charm
And if you’re into your history, there’s nowhere better than the Maids Head Hotel (from £130 per night for 2 adults). Set in Tombland in Norwich’s Cathedral Quarter, the Maids Head is known as the oldest site of hospitality in the country! With unique character and 84 stylish ensuites to choose from, you’ll wake up to views of the magnificent Norwich Cathedral from your four-poster bed. From here, the Cathedral is a 1-minute walk, while our most complete medieval street Elm Hill and picturesque Quayside are just 2 minutes away.
Check out our Stay page for even more great accommodation in and around the City of Stories!
Don’t miss Norwich Cathedral (and just a short walk from Norwich Castle too!)
Thanks to its compact medieval street pattern, Norwich truly is a walkable city- whether you’re rolling or strolling. This makes it ideal for a city break without the need for a car.
If you’re a history lover, make a beeline for Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral. Both built by the Normans, both with 900 years of stories to tell, these are two iconic sights that shouldn’t be missed! And they’re just a 10-minute walk apart.
Start at Norwich Castle, where you can discover the legacy of Anglo-Saxon East Anglia all the way to Norwich School artists and contemporary exhibitions. Follow Castle Meadow, turning left to Bank Plain and right onto Queen Street, which will take you into Cathedral Close via Erpingham Gate. Here, explore Norwich Cathedral’s magnificent monastic cloisters, nave and secrets with a free 1-hour tour.
The Norwich Lanes are buzzing with independents
Surrounded by impressive architecture on all sides (our 21st century The Forum, Art Deco City Hall, flint-knapped Guildhall and Art Nouveau Royal Arcade), Norwich Market is a great base for all things independents- from food to fashion. It’s a maze of mutlicoloured stalls, with fantastic new flavours and enticing aromas around every corner. You’ll want to give yourself some time to explore it all- and have a bite (or two) to eat along the way!
From here, the Lanes are just a 1-minute walk. Head up St Giles Street for bakeries and galleries or down Lower Goat Lane for quirky lifestyle stores and the bars and eateries of St Benedicts and Pottergate. Or make your way towards London Street and pay a visit to Jarrolds– our award-winning independent department store. (If you’re short on time, prioritise their food hall downstairs!).
Hop off the bus on Earlham Road to explore The Cathedral of St John the Baptist
And for any art aficionados visiting Norwich, the Sainsbury Centre is a go-to. To get here, take the 26/26A bus from Red Lion Street- it’s only a 30-minute journey and buses depart every 8 minutes. Once you’ve arrived, pay what you can to enter and experience art a little differently. Here, art is living, exhibitions ask the big questions, and their Sculpture Park blends outside exploration with creativity.
On your return- disembark at the top of Earlham Road opposite The Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Explore the building’s grand Victorian Gothic architecture before walking to Plantation Garden (1 minute away). This beautiful sunken garden is a hidden gem popular with locals, home to a well-manicured lawn, Victorian Gothic fountain, Italianate terrace and more! Plus, it’s easy to walk back to the centre via Grapes Hill’s footbridge and Upper St Giles (10 minutes).
Head to Cromer for a traditional seaside day trip
Norwich is a great base for seeing more of our county- whether you’re taking a boat into the Broads National Park (check out Bishy Barney Boats) or heading to the coast for a quintessential seaside experience.
We suggest a day trip to Cromer. With bundles of traditional charm, it’s easy to spend the day here- think Blue Flag beaches, local independents, and, of course, fish and chips galore!
From Norwich, the journey is easy. Head to Norwich Bus Station on Surrey Street- just a short 8-minute walk from your accommodation. At Stand N, the X40 departs every 15 – 20 minutes (check their timetable for specific times) direct to Cromer in just over an hour.
When you arrive, it’s time to explore! Wander Cromer’s charming pedestrianised streets, try your hand in the arcades or clifftop mini golf before a stroll along the promenade. Make sure to visit Cromer Pier (top tip: this is great spot for crabbing)! And when you’re peckish, there’s nothing more fitting than a 99 on the beach.
Take your time and enjoy it- the last bus departs at 22:10, arriving in Norwich at 23:27, where your bed will be waiting for you.
