Christmas Shopping in the Norwich Lanes
The historic shopping and dining quarter known as the Norwich Lanes is pretty stunning any time of the year, but during Christmas, it really shines. Think cobbled lanes crisscrossed with sparkling lights, festive shopping displays and warm cups of coffee from indie cafes.
In other words, everything you want from Christmas. Wondering where to begin? We’ve mapped out your perfect shopping day in the Norwich Lanes, complete with extra foodie pit stops to keep you going.
If you’re after Christmas markets, take a look at our round-up of Christmas markets in Norwich & Norfolk 2022! Or have a read of theChristmas events happening in Norwich in 2022 here.
Start your day with coffee at Strangers
For a spin through the Norwich Lanes, you’re going to need a little fuel. Start your trip at Strangers, Norwich’s very own indie coffee roaster, and grab yourself a drink. They’ve also got snacks like cakes and sandwiches too if you need a little something extra. On your trip through the Lanes you might notice another Strangers nearby – that’s the roasters, where you can see firsthand the production side of the business. Like what you taste? You can grab a bag of beans to take home here, too. Or you can order from their online store.
Photo: coffee at Strangers
Bag a houseplant at Elm
Once you’ve snagged a cup of coffee, head back up Lower Goat Lane to Elm, the ultimate spot for gifts and the generally beautiful extra for your home. Elm boasts high-quality, design-led homewares and gifts like ceramics made by owner and in-house ceramicist Paige Mitchell, gorgeous stationary and accessories, as well as a killer card selection. Elm’s plant selection is legendary, and features everything from house plants to hanging plants, succulents and even dried flowers. It’s also a top spot to pick up hard-to-find houseplants, so grab a few here while you can – just don’t forget a hand-painted plant pot.
Photo: Plants from Elm
Grab a personalised gift at Lisa Angel
Just up a few shops from Elm, you’ll find Lisa Angel – it’s an accessories-lover’s dream. What we love most about Lisa Angel is that much of what you find here—jewellery, bags, homeware and even scarves—can be personalised, so whatever you get is unique to you. Just pick out what you want, map out the personalisation, and staff will have it sent to your home in time for Christmas.
Photo: Lisa Angel
Wander through St. Gregory’s Antiques and Collectibles
If you’re someone that just loves a wander, St. Gregory’s Antiques and Collectibles is about to be your new favourite hangout. Once a church, this cavernous, Grade I listed space is now home to a treasure trove of antiques. Step inside, and you’ll quickly see how easy it is to get lost in the maze of collectibles. Here, you’ll find everything from vintage vinyl to jewellery and handbags, china, statues, clothing and everything in between.
Peruse the racks at Mod One
Keeping in line with the vintage vein, once you’ve pulled yourself away from St. Gregory’s, head down Pottergate up to Mod One, an indie shop specialising in vintage-inspired clothing. It’s the place to go for a stand-out Christmas party outfit or inspiration to create your own Mod look for the New Year. Mod One carries a number of vintage-inspired clothing brands, including Merc London, which has been around since the swinging sixties. Each piece exudes the boldness and pop art fun of the era, so if you’re looking for authenticity, you’ve come to the right place.
Festive fun at Jarrold
With five floors, 52 departments, and 3 restaurants, there’s hours of fun to be had at Jarrold. Widely regarded as the flagship independent store in Norwich, it’s home to high-end fashion brands, beauty products, furniture, homeware, and much more. They also stock a superb range of products from Norfolk and Norwich, including delicious goodies in their deli and incredible spirits and liqueurs (we’d recommend the Rum & Coconut liqueur from Sisserou!). Jarrold have named themselves ‘the home of Christmas’, and with an offering like that, we have to agree!
Photo: Jarrold, Credit Chris Harvey
Lunch at Grosvenors Fish Bar
Last but definitely not least, you’ll want to round off your trip with lunch at Grosvenors Fish Bar, one of the top foodie spots in the city. They’re a traditional fish and chip shop with a modern feel. Not a traditional fish and chip fan? Not to worry – Grosvenors also dishes up sandwiches, sausages, burgers and chicken, not to mention a practically floor-length list of fish varieties. And just because you’ve finished every last crumb in your takeaway box, that’s not to say your trip to the Norwich Lanes has to end here. There are still streets-worth of shops to explore, so grab your bags, consider another coffee and get moving.
Photo credit ©Simon Finlay Photography.
