A Slow City Break in Norwich

30 January 2026

A Slow City Break in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

It’s easy to find serenity in the City of Stories. Take your time. Appreciate our peaceful green spaces. Indulge in fresh flavours and contemplate the history that surrounds you.

And in those moments of calm when the city is coming into bloom, you’ll feel like a local. Tread well-worn routes and immerse yourself in Norwich’s natural side. Think little crowds, an abundance of outside space and sun kissed spots reserved for those in the know.

For a night away at an unhurried pace, why not choose Norwich? Follow our itinerary, ambling along our winding river, finding tranquility at a place of pilgrimage and beholding our 900-year-old skyline before a pint at a centuries-old pub. One thing’s for certain- you’ll leave feeling fulfilled. 

This is a slow city break in Norwich!

Itinerary Inspiration
For First-Timers: A Weekend Getaway | Short but Sweet: Norwich: Old City, New Attitude | Feeling Hungry?: A Foodie’s Weekend

---

Day One
The Julian Shrine/ Riverside Walk/ Evening Meal

//Stay: All Hallows Guesthouse, 2 adults from £120 (shared facilities), including breakfast.
//See & Do: The Julian Shrine, Monday – Sunday; Riverside Walk; The Lions’ Den River, Monday – Sunday, al fresco sauna and SUP by the river; Pub & Paddle, daily, March – October.
//Eat: Giggling Squid, Monday – Sunday; WinePress at the Maids Head, Monday – Sunday.

For a peaceful retreat, look no further than All Hallows Guesthouse (2 adults from £120, shared facilities). This unique B&B is ideal for a restful stay and it’s just a short walk from our bustling city centre.  

With a focus on simplicity, sustainability and comfort, you’ll be well taken care of. Each room has been carefully considered, with thoughtful touches like cocooning soft furnishings, crisp organic cotton bedding and a writing desk.  

After checking in (between 2pm – 6pm), make sure to explore the lovely communal spaces- from a cosy sitting room, complete with log fire (perfect for cooler spring evenings) and walls lined with books, to a well-kept garden where you can bask in the sunshine and look out across St Julian’s church. Embrace this tranquil space and the sights and sounds of nature– beautiful snowdrops, sweet-scented apple and cherry blossom trees and brightly coloured heritage roses take it in turns to bloom. Or if the evening is warm enough, you can make the most of the fire pit!

Speaking of St Julian’s, All Hallows Guesthouse is part of The Julian Shrine– you can head next door to discover this place of pilgrimage. Although the church is dedicated to the (male) French saint, the shrine honours one of the city’s most important (and female) literary figures: Julian of Norwich.  

As an anchoress in the 14th century, this is where Julian of Norwich wrote her ‘Revelations of Divine Love’- the first book by a woman to be published in English. Today, you can follow in the footsteps of pilgrims across the world as you soak in the shrine’s serenity. 

From here, make your way east across King Street to our riverside walk. Starting at Riverside, head north along the tree-lined pathways, following the meandering River Wensum towards our historic Cathedral Quarter. Breathe in the earthy scent of leafy trees as you pass buzzing waterside pubs and picturesque local landmarks. From the flint walls of Pull’s Ferry to the medieval Cow Tower, Norwich’s rich history unfolds with every step you take.

Along the way, you’ll spot The Lions’ Den tucked away near Bishop Bridge. This is a go-to spot for outdoor wellness in Norwich. Beneath a canvas canopy and ensconced by weeping willows, you can embrace these green surroundings, matcha in hand. Unwind under dappled shade or cosy up in blankets around open fires on those fresh spring days. And throughout the year, why not try their wood-fired sauna (river view included)? A Lions’ Den Sauna Session includes cold plunges and a refreshing cold shower, too- perfect for unwinding (from £16.50 for 60 minutes)! And if you’re in the centre, The Lions’ Den City is a soothing escape with rooftop saunas, skyline views and inviting community spaces where you’ll meet like-minded locals and visitors welcoming a slower pace.

Once you reach Jarrold Bridge, we suggest a well-deserved pitstop at the Adam and Eve- the oldest pub (and one of the most popular) in Norwich. Nestled close to Norwich Cathedral, enjoy its characterful oak beams- mind your head!- before taking a seat outside with a crisp pint amid fragrant flowers.

If you love to get out onto the water, follow the path a little further, past the ivy-clad St James Mill, to ancient Fye Bridge. Here you’ll find Pub and Paddle (from £14pp, March – October). Hire a canoe, kayak or paddle board on the rippling river that flows through Norwich. With swans gliding gracefully and greenery trailing alongside you, take your time and take it all in before heading back to base for a refreshing drink on the Ribs of Beef pub’s waterside terrace.

You’ll sleep even better after a mouthwatering meal at Giggling Squid. Just a 7-minute stroll along our ancient cobbles, this contemporary Thai restaurant boasts a menu bursting with flavour. Each dish is freshly prepared with zingy ingredients and a hint of spice, from traditional classics to street food and coastal specialities. You can’t go wrong with their signature lamb massaman curry and Pandan tres leches cake. Yum!

Or try WinePress at the Maids Head. This historic hotel’s pretty courtyard is decorated with seasonal flowers and pops of purple wisteria. Soak up the last rays of the day with a delicious dinner of local produce from their Classics menu, where you can indulge in the likes of butternut squash and blue cheese risotto before a fruity Eton mess. And when the evening chills, there are blankets and heaters on hand to keep the evening going until the sun has set.

---

Day Two
Mousehold Heath/ Late Lunch

//See & Do: Mousehold Heath.
//Eat: Middletons, Monday – Sunday; Namaste Village, Monday – Sunday.

After a soothing night’s sleep, you’ll wake up ready for the day ahead! Between 8am –10am, tuck into to All Hallows’ moreish continental breakfast. This is a taste of Norfolk’s best produce. Think organic ingredients, seasonal fruit from Norwich Market, local honey and homemade artisanal sourdough! (Throughout your stay, you can also use the kitchen for self-catering.) 

Check-out is at 10.30am, giving you plenty of time to take in Norwich’s best views. Today is all about Mousehold Heath (a 2-mile walk from your accommodation or 25-minute journey on the no. 5 bus). Breathe in fresh springtime scents as you make your way to this local nature reserve.

Mousehold Heath is home to over 184 acres of woodland and heathland- and all just moments from Norwich city centre. Escape into nature and unwind in this quiet landscape, listening to the whisper of trees, the chirping of birds and insects and the soft crunch of grass underfoot. There are miles of trails to follow, including the Earth Heritage Trail, a short 1.3-mile loop showcasing the site’s rich biodiversity and ancient geology. Or you can make your own way, passing native trees, ponds and a wealth of wildlife along the route. It’s a popular spot for dog-walkers, so you’ll soon know the area like a local.

Mousehold Heath has plenty of history too- much like the rest of Norwich! It’s known for Kett’s Rebellion, when, in 1549, Robert Kett led an army of over 16,000 to Norwich in a protest over farmland enclosures. Mousehold Heath was the site of their encampment. Although Kett was unsuccessful (he was imprisoned and executed at Norwich Castle), his tale has been immortalised in both history and literature. 

And it’s also one of the best spots for views over our fine city, whatever the season. Stop and admire the skyline. In spring, the bright sunshine illuminates our city streets, from The Cathedral of St John the Baptist all the way to Norwich Cathedral, with the tops of City Hall, St Peter Mancroft and, of course, Norwich Castle visible in between.

Before heading home, we think a , we think a late lunch is well justified! Middletons is a welcoming restaurant boasting a menu that includes delicious grilled meats, juicy burgers, modern seafood dishes and indulgent desserts. You’ll be spoilt for choice. And on a Sunday, it’s got to be a roast with all the trimmings, right?

Or how does an authentic Indian meal sound? At family-run Namaste Village, each dish is made with care, inspired by traditional flavours from the country’s region. Everything is vegetarian or vegan completely delicious– think spice and smokiness, zesty herbs and fruity aromas. 

If one night isn’t enough, you can’t go wrong with a night in the surrounding Norfolk countryside too! Or head to our breathtaking coastline with a stay at The Victoria’s Scandi-inspired shepherd huts on Holkham Estate (35 miles, a 1-hour drive northwest).