By Katie Thompson
One of the best ways to get acquainted with a city is sightseeing, whether you’re visiting for the first time or the tenth time. It’s an especially great way to make the most of your visit if you’re short on time or are looking for free things to do.
Luckily, Norwich has many amazing buildings, streets and sights to see- and they’re easily walkable too. From amazing architecture to artistic trails, scenic streets and more, you can soak in over 1000 years of history! For locals looking for a fresh perspective or the budget-conscious traveller, here are our top picks for free sightseeing in Norwich.
Discover more about Norwich Cathedral with a free guided tour
One of the best sights to start at is Norwich Cathedral. Its striking Romanesque design dates from Norman times, when Caen stone from Normandy was transported up the River Wensum specifically for its construction! As well as boasting the second tallest spire in England and the largest monastic cloister, Norwich Cathedral is a peaceful spot that’s packed with history.
To find out more, you can join a free guided tour (Monday – Saturday, hourly from 10am – 3pm), where the cathedral comes to life with stories, secrets and details you might otherwise have missed!
Admire the impressive Victorian Gothic architecture at The Cathedral of St John the Baptist
Here in Norwich, we’re lucky to have not just one, but two impressive cathedrals! The Cathedral of St John the Baptist sits at the top of Earlham Road overlooking Grapes Hill. You’ll first be taken by its magnificent Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and inside it’s no different. It’s free to enter- so make sure you do! With grand arches, intricate stained-glass windows and Frosterley marble features, there’s more to St John the Baptist than meets the eye.
(Top tip: you can see both cathedrals (and more) from the top of Mousehold Heath– the go-to spot for skyline, sunrise and sunsets views in Norwich!)
The Forum, City Hall and the Guidhall are all part of the Norwich 12
Sightseeing in Norwich, you may have noticed the abundance of incredible- and varied- architecture. The Norwich 12 is a group of historically significant (and beautiful) buildings that you can see dotted around the city. So, if you want to discover the best architecture in Norwich, this is a great place to start!
The Norwich 12 includes icons like our Norman castle and two cathedrals, modern buildings like The Forum and our Art Deco City Hall, and lesser-known gems such as The Great Hospital and St James Mill. Alongside, there’s The Guildhall, The Halls, Dragon Hall, The Assembly House and Marble Hall in Surrey House (whose breathtaking marble interior is free to visit).
It’s easy to be captivated by Elm Hill’s charm
Probably the most famous street in Norwich, Elm Hill is also the city’s most complete medieval street. You might notice it from films like Stardust and Jingle Jangle!
After a great fire in 1507, Elm Hill was rebuilt and, today, perfectly preserved timber frame buildings line the cobbles (keep your eyes peeled for one of the city’s only thatched rooves too). It’s a charming spot straight from a postcard, home to craft shops, cafes and galleries- so give yourself time to take photos!
Discover out city and our literary heritage with the Norwich Book Bench Trail!
Did you know Norwich was England’s first UNESCO City of Literature?
One of the best ways to enjoy our literary heritage is through our Book Bench trail, which, at 3.5 miles long, will take you from Gentleman’s Walk, through Norwich’s 8 districts, ending at Upper St Giles in the Norwich Lanes. Each bench is beautifully designed from stone, wood or metal- as a stack of books, open spine, bookshelf and more. It’s also a great excuse to stop and try some of our many eateries along the way!
This trail will also take you past Norwich Castle, which, while not free to enter, is certainly an unmissable landmark to see during your time here.
The Herb Garden in Cathedral Close is just one location for the Wandering Words soundscapes
As home to the National Centre for Writing, it’s safe to say Norwich truly is a City of Stories. And many of these stories are thanks to the people that live and have lived here.
With Wandering Words, you can experience 7 carefully chosen places in Norwich through unique poems and soundscapes by 7 different writers. You’ll gain new perspectives on the likes of St Benedicts Street, Norwich Cathedral’s Herb Garden, Tombland and St Julian’s Church. All you need to do is download the Wandering Words app!
Norwich is a City of Sanctuary, known for welcoming refugees, Strangers and people from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Stories from the Quarter celebrates the city’s diverse Bengali and Sylheti-speaking communities, taking you on a journey from Norwich Central Mosque and Islamic Community Centre in NR3 through the city centre to The Cathedral of St John the Baptist.
Spot Snap the Dragon on our urban art trail!
Norwich is known as a fine city, and it’s also a creative one- just take a look at our striking urban art trail.
If you’re into art, history or want to get to know the city a little better, then there are 8 eye-catching murals to tick off (as well as 12 smaller pieces within Norwich Market). Each one reveals something about our rich heritage, be it literary connections as a UNESCO City of Literature, historic figures like Boudicca, or our 900-year-old marketplace. From Timber Hill to Pottergate, Riverside to the Royal Arcade.
Spot St Peter Mancroft from Norwich Market, The Forum and Hay Hill!
As a city (and county for that matter) known for its abundance of churches- from Anglo-Saxon to Norman, Medieval to Victorian, another great option for sightseeing is Norwich’s churches! Two of these must-see architectural spots are St Peter Mancroft and St Peter Hungate.
You’ll find St Peter Mancroft right in the city centre on Millennium Plain- there has been a chruch on this site since 1075! The church features knapped flintwork, a mighty tower with lead-covered fleche and 14 bells, a fine stained-glass East Window and hammerbeam arch-braced roof decorated with wooden angels. And at the West End of the church, you might be lucky enough to see the Mancroft tapestry, expertly woven by refugee Flemish weavers (also known as Strangers) in 1573 showing the resurrection of Christ.
Whilst on Princes Street (parallel to Elm Hill), is St Peter Hungate– a must-visit for any art lover. This 13th century church houses a beautiful collection of medieval stained-glass windows, vibrant with deep reds, blues, greens, and golds. Most of the glass still dates from 15th century and depicts scenes of angels, the Apostles and more. It’s home to Hungate Medieval Art, a charity which exhibits aspects of medieval art and architecture, as well as heritage-inspired contemporary works.
