by Katie Thompson
Who says you can’t have your cake and eat it? Spend an unforgettable summer’s day in Norwich, but one that’s a little less obvious, recommended by someone who truly knows.
With our itinerary, we take you on a journey of medieval sightseeing, local dining and boating in the Broads National Park. And it’s all possible in a day! Though we would always suggest staying at least one night in the City of Stories to truly experience it!
10am: Hire an electric day boat in the Broads National Park (book here)
1pm: Lunch on 900-year-old Norwich Market and experience delicious street food
2pm: Wander down Norwich’s most complete medieval street Elm Hill and then onto Norwich Cathedral– a 44-acre site with the country’s largest monastic cloister (think Harry Potter!)
4pm: Head over the road to one of Norwich’s oldest bridges Fye Bridge- site of the Witchfinder General’s ducking stool- to find the riverside terrace of the Ribs of Beef pub
Start the day with a motorboat from Bishy Barney Boats
Make the most of those balmy summer mornings and take the 15 or 16 bus from Castle Meadow to River Green in Thorpe St Andrew (3 miles) where you can jump into an electric boat from Bishy Barnaby Boats! Traditional day boats (up to 4 people) can be hired for £25 for 1 hour (up to 4 hours at £60) for you to explore the tranquil waters of the Broads National Park.
Take your time meandering along these peaceful waterways and motor to the picturesque Broads village of Brundall, taking in riverside stops along the way at Bramerton and Surlingham. While you’re at it, try and spot the Broads’ multitude of wildlife. Look out for otters and even the elusive kingfisher with its stunning flash of turquoise.
Once you’ve arrived back in the City of Stories, head to our 900-year-old market for lunch. If you’re searching for street food, this is the place to be! Here in Norwich Market, you can find anything from New York-style sandwiches to light-as-air Bao Buns to moreish Mexican tacos, authentic tapas with a glass of wine, Indian curries and good old British fish and chips! Is your mouth watering yet?
After lunch at Norwich Market, discover everything on offer in the Lanes
We suggest a relaxing stroll after all that eating! Start on the road well-travelled through our ancient Lanes, where independents line cobbled streets and every corner offers something new. Head along London Street to Swan Lane and Bedford Street, before taking a left onto Bridewell Alley (a go-to for vintage). If you fancy a little shopping along the way- Norwich is home to a wealth of independents that are something different from home. We recommend stopping off at Jarrolds for food and drink, Dipples for any jewellery or watch lovers, The Granary if you’re an interiors enthusiast, and Atwin for local and conscious fashion and lifestyle pieces.
Make your way to St Andrews Plain- this will take you away from the Lanes and into our beautiful Cathedral Quarter- then head up Princes Street to the top of Elm Hill (our most complete medieval street and one straight out of a fairytale). Here, you can admire the incredible architecture. Look up at the traditional beams, higgledy-piggledy silhouettes and even a thatched roof or two! You might recognise this little street from films such as Stardust and Jingle Jangle.
End the day in our beautiful Cathedral Quarter- home to Elm Hill, Tombland and Norwich Cathedral
At the bottom of Elm Hill, turn right towards Tombland- meaning ‘open space’ and once home to Anglo-Saxon Norvic’s market, past the Maids Head Hotel (the oldest site of hospitality in the country) and through Erpingham Gate into Cathedral Close. You can always use Norwich Cathedral’s spire as your guide!
Our 900-year-old Romanesque cathedral is a beautiful sight to behold. With a towering spire, the largest monastic cloisters in the country- aka the perfect place to pretend you’re in a scene straight out of Hogwarts, and surrounded by 44-acres of charming grounds, this is an iconic spot to explore for an hour or two. We suggest a free hour-long tour followed by a sweet treat in the Refectory Cafe and a visit to the fragrant herb garden.
Worked up a thirst? Head back on yourself along Wensum Street towards the river and you’ll see The Ribs of Beef perched on Fye Bridge. (Remember to take in the colourful buildings of Quayside opposite, too!) Head downstairs and bag yourself a seat in the sun on their riverside terrace for a glass of something refreshing and chat about your day, still watching out for that kingfisher!
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