by Katie Thompson
As more of us start to live and travel more sustainably, eco-conscious city breaks are a great way to discover new destinations and explore the UK. Luckily, Norwich has plenty to offer for a sustainable visit.
With a whole host of green spaces, strong independent spirit and menus made for sampling local produce, this is our guide to a sustainable city break in Norwich!
Norwich is a city filled with green spaces- like the oasis that is The Plantation Garden.
As the only English city in a national park, Norwich is a destination where city life blends seamlessly with nature.
For starters, we have a wealth of beautiful green spaces. Walk along the rippling River Wensum beneath a curtain of green or stop at one of our grassy parks for a picnic beneath wide skies. There’s Plantation Garden– a 3-acre, Grade-I listed sunken garden with woodland walkways, blooming lawns and architectural features. Whilst just a stone’s throw away is Taverham Mill, a tranquil nature reserve with lakes, wildflower meadows and grassland.
One way to get to know the city is with a walking tour– and we’ve got plenty to choose from! For a thorough background on Norwich’s history, look no further than Paul Dickson. If you’re looking for something quirkier, take a tour with Norwich Story Walks, or for something spooky, Norwich Ghost Walks is the one for you.
There’s something about seeing Norwich from the river. Paddle along this former medieval trade route in a canoe or kayak with Pub and Paddle, stopping for refreshment at waterside pitstops. Or hire an electric boat from Bishy Barney Boats for up to 4 hours to explore further into the Broads National Park.
And if you’re heading south into Norfolk- or perhaps you’re on your way home- stop off at The English Distillery (just off the A11 at Roudham, 20 miles from Norwich). Using locally grown barley, this Norfolk-based distillery supports our county’s farmers, protects our environment, and minimises waste. Appreciate their craft with a tour!
Brix and Bones is one of the best spots to savour Norfolk produce
Where to eat- one of the most important questions of your visit! Luckily for you, Norwich is known for its food and drink, meaning we’ve got some special spots with seriously good grub created from locally sourced, seasonal produce.
For fine dining, Benedicts is known for their relationship with Norwich- and Norfolk-based suppliers. From organic ingredients to local meat, fish and veg, their dishes are equally delicious as they are sustainable.
And we had to mention Brix & Bones. This intimate restaurant offers seasonal menus with ingredients sourced in Norfolk and the UK and even foraged! What’s more, they try to limit waste as much as possible, too.
A Norwich staple that’s a local go-to, The Waffle House is known for its unique menu. With a variety of sweet and savoury options, their focus is on fresh, local and fair-trade- even some of their ice creams are made in house! And elsewhere in the Lanes, Slice + Dice’s menu is completely plant based- and completely yummy! We’ve got our eye on the oyster mushroom burrito with mango salsa.
Other sustainable eateries include Bare Food Deli for local and organic and The Feed, a charity supporting Norwich’s communities through their cafe at Waterloo Park (and other projects).
And when it comes to drinks, the Maids Head Hotel’s bar has a brilliant selection of local beers, wines and spirits.
The Lanes is full of independent and eco-conscious stores
One of the most sustainable ways to shop is to support local businesses- so you’re certainly in the right place! The Norwich Lanes is the bustling heart of Norwich’s independents. Here you can find handcrafted homewares, vintage fashion and more.
Atwin is a consciously curated womenswear store which promotes handmade jewellery, ceramics and fashion, natural materials and local makers, while Jarrolds– our 250-year-old independent department store- boasts an amazing array of Norfolk delicacies in their food hall. Think chocolate, cheese, condiments and everything in between.
And in the Royal Arcade (opposite Norwich Market), you’ll find Sonkai, a family-run jewellers who craft in their open plan studio workshop! Whilst you’re here, you’ll also discover eco-friendly Norfolk gin and sustainable cosmetics.
All Hallows Guesthouse is a peaceful retreat catering to the sustainably minded
To stay sustainably in the City of Stories, we recommend All Hallows Guesthouse. This is a peaceful retreat located on the site of The Julian Shrine- where Julian of Norwich lived and wrote Revelations of Divine Love and just a few minutes’ walk from everything Norwich has to offer.
A stay at All Hallows Guesthouse is comfortable, relaxing and conscious (rooms from £45 per night single occupancy, rooms for two are also available). Think simple, yet modern, rooms, bright and airy interiors, and organic cotton bedlinen. With a focus on community and tranquillity (no TVs here!), there’s a cosy living room, well-equipped sparkling shared kitchen and calming garden. For breakfast, you’ll be treated to a continental spread, with well-sourced, quality ingredients (fair trade and organic when possible from Norwich Market)- not to mention artisan bread freshly baked in house!
Whitlingham is just a short bus journey from Norwich’s centre
Norwich is a compact city so it’s easy to get around on foot, especially with most of our main sights (Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral included) all within a 15-minute walk from each other. You certainly don’t need a car here!
To get to and from the City of Stories- as well as into the Broads National Park and to the Norfolk Coast- we recommend taking the train. Greater Anglia has direct links to London, Essex and Suffolk, whilst Wroxham (Broads National Park, 15 minutes), Great Yarmouth (east coast, 35 minutes) and Cromer (north Norfolk, 45 minutes) are all reachable within an hour.
There’s also a wide range of bus routes to and around the city and into the countryside. These are great for day trips further afield. Visit the Sainsbury Centre or head off for walks at Whitlingham Country Park, both a short distance from the city centre reached by bus in 10 minutes and around 25 respectively.
