Follow an Urban Safari in Norwich

Follow an Urban Safari in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

As the capital of Norfolk and the only English city in a national park, Norwich is no stranger to wildlife. (If you’re really lucky, you may even spot our resident otter in the River Wensum!) 

So, have you ever considered an urban safari? It’s an exciting blend of wildlife exploration in urban environments. From unexpected animals to statues, signs and symbols all adorned with creatures and ready to be discovered.  

Use our list below to find them (this is a fun and FREE family activity idea for school holidays) and see if there are any other animals we could add! 

Here are the best spots for an urban safari in Norwich!

Look up! Spot the impressive swan clock on Swan Lane. Credit: VisitNorwich

Otter- River Wensum 

As we mentioned above, one of the most incredible encounters with wildlife can come when you least expect it. If your timing is right, you’ll be greeted with the sight of Norwich’s resident otter (let’s call him Ray) zipping along the River Wensum near St Georges Street and Norwich Playhouse! 

Swans- River Wensum

Elsewhere on the River Wensum, it’s not unusual to spot a stunning white bevy of swans gliding along the water. They often flock near Pull’s Ferry, including their fuzzy cygnets come springtime. You can even float alongside them on paddleboards, canoes and motorboats! 

And in the city centre, there’s Swan Lane in the Norwich Lanes, characterised by a large swan clock above Dipples jewellers. 

There are two Flints in this photo- can you see them? Credit: VisitNorwich

Cats- Cathedral Quarter Did you know that Norwich Cathedral is home to Budge the cat? The building’s resident feline can often be seen curled up in the sunshine, whether in the cloisters, the pews, the organ or even the Nativity scene! 

Close by, you can spy a cat-shaped ‘hole’ in a gate in the Close- as well as in Norris Court Gardens, just off Waggon and Horses Lane. Then, see if you can spot the cat, mouse and dinosaur silhouettes on the former stables along the cobbled road leading to Pull’s Ferry. 

For more friendly felines, The Cat House is a must-visit! With 20 cat residents, you can enjoy an hour-long lounge session (£10pp) meeting and admiring them.

Foxes- Norwich Cathedral 

Also a resident of Norwich Cathedral, Flint the Fox. Carved in the Cathedral’s stone, Flint has been hidden in the ancient architecture for hundreds of years. Spot him peeking out of the archways at the eastern end.  

While you’re here, pick up a free Flint the Fox trail leaflet and enjoy eye-catching highlights of the building and its long history. 

Venture up to Castle Gardens to see the city’s parrot sculpture. Credit: VisitNorwich

Bears- Cathedral Quarter 

Ready to welcome you at Norwich Cathedral, our Paddington bench! Take a seat beside him for a souvenir photo- just don’t forget to pack your marmalade sandwiches. 

Then head up charming Elm Hill to The Bear Shop. Whether you’re a collector of Steiff and Charlie Bears or just love a teddy, this independent’s glowing windows are sure to entice you in. 

Parrots and Parakeets- Castle Gardens 

When it comes to birds, you may be surprised to find a parrot in Castle Gardens! The bronze sculpture, Parrot Head Rubio, was crafted by local artist Bernard Reynolds, who had a love of the natural environment. 

And if you’re venturing into the local neighbourhoods of NR2, notably near Earlham Road, you may hear a parakeet or two, squawking into the sky as the sun sets. 

At Norwich Castle, you can see Margaret Fountaine’s beautiful butterfly collection. Credit: Norfolk Museums Service

Butterflies- Norwich Castle 

Have you heard the name Margaret Fountaine? If not, pay a visit to Norwich Castle to marvel at the magnificent Fountaine-Demy butterfly collection. Fountaine was a pioneering female lepidopterist in a male-dominated area, donating her kaleidoscopic finds to the Castle. 

Lobsters- Lobster Lane 

The Norwich Lanes are home to the unusually named Lobster Lane. Like many of these streets, it’s one of Norwich’s many pubs that gives it its name. And although the pub may not be there today, you can admire one of the Lanes’ posts, carved in the shape of two lobsters. 

When you’re visiting the Royal Arcade, we also love shop Lazy Lobster for quirky gifts and homeware! 

Spy the goat post in the Norwich lanes- one of many! Credit: VisitNorwich

Goats- Lower Goat Lane 

Other Lanes posts to look out for include that on Lower Goat Lane (adjacent to Upper Goat Lane). A buck sits proudly on the southern entrance to this cobbled street, which is also home to the aptly named Giggliy Goat art, craft and gift shop.  

In Norfolk, pay a visit to the Goat Shed. Home to a herd of Boer goats, you’ll notice their long, silky brown ears and playful nature. Treat yourself to their goat’s cheese from the farm shop!

Lions- City Centre 

Lions have long been a recognisable sight in Norwich- you’ll even see one on our coat of arms. They represent Norwich’s standing as England’s former second city, one in favour with the royal family during medieval times. Norwich’s coat of arms appears throughout the city, including on George Skipper’s design for St Giles House, old Norwich maps and a stained-glass window in the Guildhall. 

Today, you can spot two Assyrian-inspired lions flanking the entrance to City Hall– unusually they aren’t complete reflections of each other- and as the logo of our longest-running family business, Jarrolds.

Can you spot Dragon Hall’s last remaining carving? Credit: National Centre for Writing

Dragons- King Street 

Norwich has a long relationship with dragons. It’s not uncommon to see mention of Snap the Dragon, a costumed character who appears during the annual Lord Mayor’s Parade, descended from medieval celebrations of St George. You can see a complete snapdragon costume in the Museum of Norwich and admire a detailed mural of him above Red Lion Street. 

Most obviously, there’s medieval merchant’s hall Dragon Hall (home to the National Centre for Writing). Once, the beamed Great Hall was adorned with many a dragon carving. Today, there’s only one remaining. See if you can spot it! 

And if you’re venturing past bookshops Bookbugs and Dragon Tales, look down! You’ll spy a happy dragon peeking up at you from beneath your feet. 

Canaries- Riverside 

Synonymous with the city (and its football club) today, canaries were first brought to the City of Stories with the Strangers’- Flemish weavers escaping persecution from Spanish Catholicism in the mid-1500s. The Strangers’ canaries became a symbol of their Huguenot homeland and, consequently, a symbol of their new Norwich home. So much so, it was taken up as the nickname for and emblem of Norwich City Football Club. 

Elsewhere, there’s the Fat Cat and Canary pub, a popular spot for a pre-match pint!

When you’re visiting the Sainsbury Centre’s Living Art display, make sure to look out for the hippopotamus! Credit: VisitNorwich

Hippopotamus- Sainsbury Centre 

The Sainsbury Centre boasts a wonderful collection of art spanning thousands of years. 

One of our favourites? Walking hippopotamus (c.1880 BC). Originating in Egypt, this small sculpture-modelled from faience- was likely an amulet found in a Middle Kingdom burial. We love its soft, rounded edges and coppery green colour. (You can even purchase mini versions to take home in their lovely shop!)

Bonus! Terrapins- UEA 

Not only is the University of East Anglia home to the Sainsbury Centre; it’s also home to UEA Broad– known for its luscious mix of marshland, woodland and meadows. And… terrapins! 

Often seen basking in the sunshine, the terrapins (most likely former pets) have made the lake their home, which also houses a brilliant variety of birds, moths, mammals, amphibians and reptiles. All on our doorstep!

And if you’re heading out into Norfolk, some of our favourite spots to see amazing wildlife include Taverham Mill for their famous Highland cows, impressive flamingos and cranes at Pensthorpe, migrating birds (including the rare spoonbill) at Holkham Nature Reserve, and beautiful, endangered animals like tigers, alligators and gibbons at Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens!