Getting your head around a city you’ve not visited before can sometimes mean missing out on something really special if you head off without a plan. And with so much to see and do in Norwich, you want to make sure you cover it all (and make sure it’s catered to your tastes)!
So, what better way to make it your own than to build your own itinerary? Here’s our guide for a first timers’ visit to Norwich- a pick ‘n’ mix list of experiences, sightseeing and activities you’ll want to send a postcard home about! (Or for an Instagram pic ‘n’ mix- sorry we could resist!) Which combination will you choose?
Norwich is full of hidden gems- including the South Asia Collection and Country & Eastern
One of our favourite hidden gems is the South Asia Collection (free to enter). Housed in a former Victorian roller-skating rink- take a look at the building’s incredible beamed ceiling, this museum preserves the culture, crafts and history of South Asian countries. And you can treat yourself to a piece of it in their County and Eastern shop!
Norwich and Norfolk are garnering a reputation for its craft beer. And one of the best spots to learn more is Redwell Brewery. Take a tour of their taproom and find out what it takes to brew their beers (and try a few along the way!), before treating yourself to a refreshing pint in their beer garden to the background of live music.
Strangers’ Hall is a fascinating museum that takes you back in time through Norwich’s history. This 14th century building is like the city’s own doll’s house where you can immerse yourself in Tudor, Georgian and Victorian interiors. And one of the city’s best kept secrets- their tranquil knot garden- is a lovely spot for a picnic!
The Sainsbury Centre allows you to get up close to the likes of Henry Moore (you can even hug one!)
At the Sainsbury Centre, art takes on new meaning because here art is living (pay what you can to enter, Tuesday – Sunday). Here you can hug a Henry Moore or recline on a chaise longue as you admire a Giacometti. From Mesoamerican ceramics to 21st century paintings, not to mention a series of thought-provoking exhibitions, the Sainsbury Centre is truly an art museum like no other.
With Bishy Barney Boats, you can discover the Broads National Park from Norwich. Hire an electric boat (from £25 per hour for up to 4 people) and make your way along the River Wensum, passing by peaceful villages like Bramerton and Surlingham. We recommend a pub lunch before heading back into the city.
The Norwich Lanes are home to loads of buzzing independents
When it comes to shopping, there’s one area you can’t miss- the Lanes. These winding cobbled streets are lined with a myriad of independent stores. It’s an area known for its menswear stores and vintage fashion, family-run jewellers and attractive lifestyle brands- we recommend a couple of hours to really see what’s on offer.
Not only is the Royal Arcade an architectural gem- the beautiful Art Nouveau building was designed by local architect George Skipper, but also a hub of independents. Spend your time perusing- where you’ll discover everything from quirky homeware to conscious beauty, one-of-a-kind art pieces to vintage-inspired clothing and a macaron thrown in for good measure!
Jarrolds has been a mainstay in the Norwich shopping scene for 250 years. And with 5 floors and over 50 departments of fashion, lifestyle, beauty, food and drink, and more, it’s easy to spend an hour (or two) here. With a mix of well-known names and local brands, it’s a great stop for a souvenir of your time in the City of Stories, too.
You can’t go wrong with an ice cream at Cafe Gelato- at all times of year!
We all know that breakfast is the most important meal of the day and with The Assembly House’s Beforenoon Tea, you’ll certainly be set up for the day ahead. This amazing breakfast-themed take on their iconic treat includes a small hot breakfast alongside three tiers of sweet and savoury delights- wow! Thankfully, you can take it home to finish off!
Artisanal Italian gelato is always a good idea. That’s where Cafe Gelato comes in. This family-run gelateria boasts a mouthwatering array of flavours fit for every taste- from Norfolk strawberry and raspberry to dark chocolate sorbet, fig and mascarpone and tiramisu. (We suggest two scoops!)
The Waffle House has carved a niche for mouthwatering- you guessed it- waffles. This unique dining experience has been a favourite of Norwich locals for 45 years- and it’s somewhere you can dine for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Our suggestions? Tuck into the bang bang chicken but keep room for the chocolate and honeycomb mousse!
Try a unique food and drink experience with a Beer & Cheese tour by Cheryl Cade
Benedicts: where alfresco fine dining meets Michelin Guide standards and delicious local produce. Benedicts are known for their incredible Norfolk cuisine, so we suggest pairing a crisp glass of wine with a selection of delectable small plates and watch the world go by as you dine under the sun on buzzing St Benedicts Street.
Take afternoon tea to the next level at the award-winning Namaste Village. Their India-inspired menu (£29.95pp, Saturdays & Sundays, 12pm – 4pm) is bursting with flavours and expertly combines traditional British and Indian fare. Think sandwiches accompanied by house chutneys, street food savouries, buttery Indian desserts and, of course, scones!
Norwich is known for its brilliant mix of old and new, thanks to its thriving food and drink scene and stunning architecture. So, treat yourself to happy hour at The Last– a stylish wine bar and restaurant in St George’s Street, once home to the city’s shoemaking industry, and sip on a carefully crafted cocktail or two!
Surely there are few things better than local beer and cheese with a bit of historical sightseeing thrown in! Luckily you can do exactly that with Cheryl Cade tours. And Cheryl is a certified Beer & Cheese Sommelier, so it’s safe to say you’re in good hands! This is a walking tour with a difference, where you’ll learn about our fine city and its stories as you make your way between each venue- ones to take note of for your next visit.
End your day with a peaceful paddle and slice of pizza!
Make mid-week evenings memorable with Pub and Paddle’s Pub & Paddle & Pizza (£24pp for 2-hours hire and pizza, Tuesday and Wednesday evenings). Gently paddle your way along the River Wensum, gliding past Norwich sights like Cow Tower and Pull’s Ferry, before heading back to local pub the Ribs of Beef on Fye Bridge for a tasty pizza.
Where better for a night out than Gonzo’s Two Room, winner of the Best Venue (UK and Europe) category at the BBC Radio 1 Dance Awards? This exciting club space hums with a line-up of well-known dance acts spanning a whole range of music styles, where the dancefloor is always full and the crowd moves beneath festoons of disco balls. You’ll want to stay until the sun comes up!
Laugh the night away at Norwich Theatre Playhouse. This intimate 300-seat theatre is buzzing- and it’s known as one of the best fringe venues in the country! Celebrating 30 years in 2025, it’s a great place to see sell-out comedy and up-and-coming shows. Plus, the Playhouse Bar is an idyllic riverside spot for a drink beforehand!
