by Katie Thompson
Norwich is a city made for when you need to get away from it all. A city you don’t pass by. From our bustling marketplace to our independent sprit to our peaceful riverside walk, escape from everyday life and uncover somewhere new.
Indulge in good food, contemporary culture and luscious green spaces. Immerse yourselves in a thousand years of history. Relax. Here’s our itinerary for a 3-day weekend getaway in the City of Stories!
For city centre accommodation and more, check out our Stay page!
Norwich has an abundance of incredible architecture spanning 1000 years
Arrive in the Norwich in the afternoon, drop your bags off and settle in.
Amble through the city centre, perusing shop windows and popping in and out of thriving independents. Let your eyes wander Norwich Market’s colourful stalls- where stacks of sweet treats are surrounded by piles of fresh fruit and moreish street food.
Admire the abundance of architecture. From our glass-fronted Forum and Art Deco City Hall to grand medieval churches, a flint-knapped guildhall and elegant Georgian gems. Norwich’s history is everywhere you look and ready to charm you.
Yalm is a buzzing food hall in our beautiful Royal Arcade
Make your way to Jarrolds, our flagship independent department store. Each floor is home to a wonderful selection of well-known names in fashion, lifestyle and more. On the ground floor, discover Store Folk- a showcase of local artisans and small businesses, then head downstairs to their food hall where a wealth of local delights awaits you. (Don’t go home without treating yourself to Norfolk-made spirits or chocolate!)
From here, head along Gentleman’s Walk to our Art Nouveau Royal Arcade. Beautiful tiles lead you past eye-catching windows to Yalm, a buzzing food hall and popular foodie destination.
Outside, their zingy orange tables offer alfresco dining. Inside, an array of global kitchens serves mouthwatering dishes for you to choose from. Long tables hum with anticipation. All you have to do is order through the QR code! We suggest a bowl of steaming ramen, followed by a creamy crepe cheesecake- yum!
Enjoy a great evening of entertainment at Norwich Playhouse
End your first evening with an hour or two of entertainment at Norwich Playhouse (7 minutes’ walk). This intimate theatre is one of the best fringe venues in the country- so chances are you’ll stumble upon a hilarious night of comedy or entrancing up-and-coming performer. Shows regularly sell out, so we recommend booking in advance!
And beforehand, you can sip on a drink in the Playhouse Bar. Its speak easy-style interior is cosy and quirky, while the leafy terrace is always popular with locals.
The Details
Eat: Yalm, Tuesday – Sunday.
Shop: Jarrolds, Monday – Sunday.
Do: Norwich Theatre Playhouse, Monday – Saturday.
Paul Dickson’s tours are a fantastic way to discover the history of Norwich
On your second day, it’s time to get to know Norwich. And there’s no-one better to show you than Paul Dickson.
With such a vast choice of walking tours, one of the best ways to discover our rich history is with ‘Norwich, An Introduction’. Or how about ‘Boardman and Skipper‘ (architecture), ‘The Great Market’, or ‘Norwich on the Dark Side’ (crime and punishment)? Paul has 18 tours in Norwich alone- so you’ll be spoilt for choice!
After all that walking, you’ll need some food! On St Andrews Hill, you’ll find Saporita. This family-run Italian is a go-to for authentic street food. Think pizza, paninis, panzerotti and focaccia filled with fresh combinations of aubergine, tomatoes, mozzarella and more! And for a sweet something, treat yourself to a slice of salame al cioccolato (that’s chocolate salami)- you won’t regret it!
Norwich Cathedral’s has the largest monastic cloister in the country
From here, head into our charming Cathedral Quarter via Elm Hill. It’s the most complete medieval street in Norwich and one of the most picturesque thanks to its cobbles and traditional buildings! It’s also home to inviting independents like Elm Hill Craft Shop, The Jade Tree and The Bear Shop– any teddy-lover’s dream.
Amble towards Norwich Cathedral. You can take the scenic route along the rippling River Wensum, past landmarks like ivy-covered St James Mill. Or make your way via historic Tombland and Erpingham Gate.
Norwich Cathedral is a staple in the city’s skyline. Not only does it boast the second tallest spire in the country (home to a resident peregrine falcon family), it also has the largest monastic cloister, too. Wander beneath these enchanting Harry Potter-esque arches, explore the cathedral’s beautiful nave, and pay a visit to the fragrant Herb Garden.
End your evening with a stylish dinner at WinePress
Finish your day in the City of Stories with a mouthwatering meal at WinePress. At the heart of the Maids Head Hotel– the oldest site of hospitality in the country- this stylish 2AA Rosette restaurant offers modern fine dining alongside delicious classics. With a focus on local and seasonal produce, you can enjoy dishes like slow-roasted pork belly or wild mushroom risotto, followed by sticky toffee pudding and perfectly paired with a crisp Norfolk wine!
The Details
Eat: Saporita, Tuesday – Saturday; WinePress, Monday – Sunday.
Shop: The Bear Shop, Monday – Saturday.
Visit: Norwich Cathedral, Monday – Sunday; Elm Hill.
Do: Paul Dickson Tours.
Plantation Garden is a peaceful city centre oasis
End your time in Norwich in the tranquil surrounds of Plantation Garden. Tucked away at the top of Earlham Road, this city-centre oasis is easily accessible via the Lanes and across the footbridge over Grapes Hill.
Stroll through the 3-acre Grade II listed garden, along woodland walkways and past blooming borders. How many tadpoles can you spot in the Victorian Gothic fountain? Top tip: for wonderful views, head to the Italianate terrace before wandering along the pathway to a 10-metre Victorian-style greenhouse. Towering above, you get a unique view of the western end of The Cathedral of St John the Baptist. That’s our next stop!
The Cathedral of St John the Baptist hides a secret garden straight from the cafe
Just next door, this impressive Victorian Gothic Revival cathedral stands tall. Its interior is architecturally breathtaking. Think grand arches, colourful stained-glass windows with hidden details and decorative Frosterley Marble. Fun fact: this speckled appearance is actually hundreds of small fossils!
Before heading home, treat yourself to lunch (and a slice of freshly made cake!) in the cathedral’s Garden Cafe. With views of flower-filled lawns, you can enjoy a tasty selection of light meals in their Narthex or under parasols on the patio.
The Details
Eat: Garden Cafe, Monday – Saturday.
Visit: Plantation Garden, Monday – Sunday; The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Monday – Sunday.
