Solo Travel in Norwich

Solo Travel in Norwich

by Katie Thompson

Norwich is a city made for everyone, solo travellers included. Our compact city is welcoming, easily walkable and brimming with history, culture and green spaces. You really do get a bit of everything here. 

So, take your time and soak it all in. A visit to Norwich can be as buzzing or as restorative as you make it– what you do is up to you and no-one else. Whether it’s watching the world go by from the window of a cosy cafe or a fascinating walking tour with 1000 years of tales.

This is our guide to solo travel in Norwich!

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Arriving in the City of Stories 

Norwich is easy to find your way around. But what about getting here? 

With Greater Anglia, you can reach Norwich in 90 minutes from London Liverpool Street (stopping at Stratford, Colchester, and Ipswich). Or if you’re coming cross-country, East Midlands Railway connects Norwich directly to Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, Nottingham and Peterborough. Then, it’s just a 10-minute walk from the station to our bustling city centre (or you can take the scenic route via Cathedral Close). 

And if you’re driving, it’s a straightforward drive east along the A47 from Leicester and Lincolnshire or directly on the M11 and A11 from Cambridge and London. For visitors from Suffolk, head north via the A140.

Solo Stays 

We always recommend making the most of your time here in Norwich, so give yourself an extra day or two to see everything and fully relax.  

At All Hallows Guesthouse, you’ll experience a restful stay. If you love minimalism or are on a tighter budget, All Hallows offers homely and tranquil surroundings, with views of The Julian Shrine and fresh local produce for breakfast- including homemade artisan bread! Single rooms with shared facilities start at £50. 

And if it’s historic elegance you’re looking for, book a stay at the Maids Head. In their quirky single rooms, you’ll be situated in the original 800-year-old wing of the hotel, but in contemporary style. Think plush soft furnishings and modern en-suite bathrooms whose tiles offer a special nod to the city. Single rooms start at £105, or £123 with breakfast. 

Indie Eateries for Independent Travellers 

Norwich is a thriving spot for independent eateries (although we have plenty of well-known chains if you’re looking for something a little more familiar).  

For lunch, you can’t go wrong with Norwich Market. There’s so much choice, whether you fancy fish and chips or want to step out of your comfort zone with bao buns. Bask in the sun with your tasty meal at the back of the market or overlook the bustling maze of stalls sitting in front of City Hall. And if you’re staying (or came by train), we recommend popping by Sir Toby’s Beers for a pint of their famous cherry beer. 

Love a little people watching? We’ve got a fantastic selection of pavement cafes. Pick up a book and make your way to Pottergate for a steaming coffee and flaky pastry or take a seat al fresco on St Andrews Plain. For anyone with a sweet tooth, check out Cafe Gelato. Their mouthwatering flavours encompass the traditional and the ‘why haven’t I tried that before?’. Besides, sightseeing is better with an ice cream in hand! 

When evening comes around, treat yourself to dinner at Yalm. This buzzing food hall boasts 8 kitchens and 3 bars, so there’s plenty of choice! And as you order via QR code, there’s no rush to make a decision (and you can order more if you’re still hungry). From zingy Mexican tacos to smoky Mediterranean grill, wood-fired pizza and towering crepe cheesecakes.

If you’re looking for somewhere familiar, we recommend Rosa’s Thai. Their weekday set lunch menu lets you choose 3 dishes for £15, including homemade lemonade and their popular panang curry! Elsewhere, Giggling Squid is bright and welcoming. Opt for a window seat and while away an hour or two watching the bustle of Tombland while you tuck into delicious drunken noodles and warming stir fries.  

Endless Exploring 

At Norwich Cathedral (FREE), there’s more than meets the eye. This stunning Romanesque building boasts the second tallest spire and the largest monastics cloisters in the UK. 

Wander the Cathedral’s charming grounds, dotted with typical English cottages and flower-strewn gardens. Or get lost in a good book in the fragrant Herb Garden. We suggest joining a free 1-hour tour to uncover hidden stories you’d otherwise miss- from Elizabethan graffiti to brilliant roof bosses.  

Closeby is our riverside walk. Amble along the winding pathway, beneath towering trees, following the River Wensum past local landmarks like Pull’s Ferry and ivy-clad St James Mill. In summer, grand weeping willows offer welcomed shade; in autumn, golden leaves crunch underfoot. 

One of our favourite hidden gems is The South Asia Collection (FREE). Tucked off Bethel Street, this unassuming museum holds a treasure trove of South Asian arts and crafts, preserving skilled traditions and curating intricate displays of textiles, wax casting, metalwork and ceramics.  

And if one-of-a-kind indies are your thing, the Lanes are a must-visit. This warren of pedestrianised streets is lined with unique shops- like lifestyle store Atwin, consciously curated with handcrafted clothing, ceramics, and accessories from local makers. While Jarrolds, our flagship department store has five floors to peruse. Discover their basement food hall with childlike glee- it’s a grotto of locally made food and drink- and treat yourself to a seat at their Wine Bars!

When you want to explore a little further, don’t leave without visiting the Sainsbury Centre (pay what you can, it’s a just a short bus journey on the 25/26 bus or a 3-mile walk from the city centre). This innovative art museum is all about ditching the glass and inviting you to experience art anew, from hugging Henry Moore’s ‘Mother and Child’ to ambling outdoors amid sculpture by Antony Gormley and Lynn Chadwick. Enjoy a moment of calm in the Modern Life Cafe, coffee in hand, before diving into their thought-provoking exhibition seasons. 

Shows, Workshops and Tours 

It’s always worth having something to look forward to. 

With tour guide Paul Dickson, you’ll get to know Norwich like a local. Learn about our fine city for an hour or two with ‘Norwich, an Introduction’, or delve into the details with ‘Norwich on the Dark Side’, ‘The Great Market’ and ‘Medieval Norwich’. Tours start at £9pp. 

At The Lions’ Den watch the sun rise or unwind in the evening with a relaxing sauna session and reinvigorating cold plunges (from £11 for 30 minutes). At their River location, embrace natural surroundings- you feel a world away from city life- and toast marshmallows under twinkling fairy lights. In the City, embrace The Lions’ Den’s community sauna and admire fantastic rooftop views as you loosen up before heading downstairs to their welcoming cafe-turned-alcohol-free-bar, where you can meet like-minded wellness lovers on your own terms. 

Or if it’s something energetic that takes your fancy, Court de Padel (single courts from £18 per hour) is a welcoming space for every level of padel lover with 8 super panoramic indoor courts (so you needn’t worry about the weather)- and their Pilates studio offers a chic space to relax afterwards. Elsewhere, Taverham’s Pace Padel’s indoor and outdoor courts (double courts from £35 per hour, a 40-minute bus journey) are the perfect way to meet new people whilst being active and spending time under the sun!

And in the evening, how about a show? Norwich’s many independent venues mean there are single tickets for music, comedy, West End performances and more on every day of the week! From the biggest musicals, ballet and plays at Norwich Theatre to fringe-worth comedy at the Playhouse. For an alternative line-up, there’s Norwich Arts Centre. Think up-and-coming artists (Oasis played here on their first-ever tour), indie bands, and live poetry.