By Katie Thompson
As the only city in England set in a national park (the Broads, in case you were wondering), Norwich is blessed with a wealth of beautiful, tranquil and varied green spaces.
It’s easy to act natural here- from the rippling River Wensum to verdant gardens with manicured lawns. You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to walks, picnics and days spent outdoors. And that’s before you venture into Norfolk- a county known for its luscious countryside and wild coastline.
Read on for the best green spaces in Norwich and Norfolk!
The Plantation Garden is one of Norwich’s hidden gems
As one of Norwich’s best hidden gems, Plantation Garden is an oasis tucked away from our buzzing city streets (£2 entrance honesty box). A local favourite, this 3-acre Grade II-listed garden has many details to discover. Whether it’s a huge Gothic fountain, impressive Italianate terrace, leafy woodland walkways or blooming flower beds.
It’s a lovely spot to explore, settle down with a good book or spend the afternoon basking in the sun- especially in summer when there’s live music on Sundays- and afternoon tea- to enjoy!
Stroll along the River Wensum amid our city’s nature
Once a medieval trade route, the River Wensum flows through the heart of Norwich. Lined with grassy banks, weeping willows and historic landmarks, its riverside walk is a peaceful way to while away a morning or afternoon. In summer, dappled shade offers respite from the heat, while in autumn, golden leaves crunch underfoot. This is a route with history- pass by Cow Tower, Pull’s Ferry and St James Mill.
You can get out onto the water too. Glide alongside swans, ducks and geese (and maybe an otter if you’re very very lucky), as you float along in a canoe from Pub & Paddle (Elm Hill Quay) or boat from Bishy Barney Boats (Thorpe Green).
Whitlingham Country Park has fun for all the family, cyclists, picnickers, walkers and more
Whitlingham Country Park sits on the outskirts of Norwich, just a 30-minute walk from the centre (free). With over 280 acres to explore, this is a perfect spot for walkers, cyclists and birdwatchers alike- whether you’re travelling solo, on a family outing or spending time just the two of you.
Amble along the 2-mile walk around Whitlingham Broad or adventure onto the water and have a go at sailing, windsurfing, canoeing or kayaking.
Mousehold Heath has some of the best views in Norwich!
Here at VisitNorwich, we believe there’s nowhere better for stunning views of the Norwich skyline than Mousehold Heath. From The Forum to City Hall, Norwich Cathedral to The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, and everything in between, these are views not to be missed- especially at sunrise or sunset.
And as well as its breathtaking vistas, Mousehold Heath is home to over 184 acres of wood- and heathland, twisting trails (dog walkers, this is the spot for you!) and is known for its thriving wildlife, which includes birds, lizards, and butterflies.
Eaton Park is just one of the city’s Green Flag parks
As Norwich’s largest park, Eaton Park can be as peaceful or as energetic as you make it. Take a stroll through its 80 acres and watch as model yachts bob up and down on the boating lake. Or, there are football fields, tennis courts, mini golf and even a miniature railway.
Alongside Eaton Park, Norwich’s Waterloo, Heigham and Wensum parks are recognised for their heritage, Grade II-listed and Green Flag status. In spring, Waterloo Park blooms with wisteria, while Wensum Park is great for waterside wanderings and Heigham Park is a local hub thanks to its playground, tennis courts and bowling green.
Art, nature, wildlife- this is UEA Broad
If you’re west of the city centre, make sure to visit UEA Broad (easily accessible by the 25 and 26 buses)- part of the university’s award-winning green campus. An area of ecological conservation and rich in biodiversity, the Broad’s boardwalks will take you along the River Yare and through Marston Marshes, past whispering reeds and twittering birds.
UEA Broad also forms part of the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park. Here, you can discover pieces by world-famous artists like Antony Gormley and Lynn Chadwick, not to mention the newest addition- Kirstine Roepstorff’s Lightning Rod.
On the other side of UEA is Earlham Park- another glorious green space where children can paddle in the river or run around to their heart’s content. For summer festivals, Earlham Park is the place, whether its music, food or performance, or, in the case of Rock N Roll Cirus, all three!
Norwich is lucky to have lovely city centre parks like Chapelfield and Castle Gardens
Norwich is a city best explored rolling or strolling, so take a moment in Castle Gardens or Chapelfield Gardens when you’re in need of relaxation.
As the name suggests, you’ll find Castle Gardens next to Norwich Castle. Dotted with picnic benches, open grass and a small playground, this is a lovely central spot to stop for food or enjoying the sun!
At the western end of Theatre Street is Chapelfield Gardens. This space is great for dog-walkers, families, groups of friends and everyone in between, with green lawns, leafy trees, a bandstand, play areas, kiosk and cafe. Each May, the park plays host to Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s Festival Gardens, with food stalls, bar and Spiegeltent!
Norfolk has so many varied green spaces- from the coast to the countryside to the Broads
As home to the Broads National Park, 90 miles of stunning coastline and acres of countryside to explore, you could call Norfolk’s rural landscape one of our country’s best green spaces. And within this amazing scenery, you’ll find nature reserves, meadows, woodland, beaches, marshland and so much more.
And of course, there’s the wildlife that goes with it. It’s not uncommon to spot birds of prey soaring overhead and rare migratory birds nesting along the shore.
Holkham’s parkland (free to enter, parking £6, entrance to the Hall is extra, as is The Walled Garden) home to a herd of deer, as well as a mile-long lake, flower-filled walled garden and trails to walk or cycle. Across the coast road is Holkham beach- sweeping golden sands backed by dunes and a nature reserve of diverse habitats under expansive skies.
A former home of BBC Springwatch, Pensthorpe (paid entrance) is a nature reserve that’s all about enjoying wildlife. There’s over 700 acres for outdoor enthusiasts, bird watchers and adventurous families, from five stunning gardens to their popular flamingo flock!
Closer to the Broads, Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden (paid entrance) is 130 acres of ancient woodland and waterways. Throughout the year, wild and cultivated flora and fauna line their walkways- from rhododendrons to bluebells to azaleas. And as long as the weather is okay, you can enjoy a boat trip on the Broad and onto the River Bure all year round!
