The Top Hidden Gems for Shopping in Norwich

21 March 2023

The Top Hidden Gems for Shopping in Norwich 

For both locals and visitors alike, Norwich’s eclectic shopping scene is truly something to admire. From the vast options in Castle Quarter, Chantry Place, and Jarrolds, to the smaller independents in The Lanes, Cathedral Quarter and Magdalen Street, there’s nothing like it anywhere else.  

But it can be easy to keep with what we know. Whether that’s sticking to the same shops every visit, walking the same route around the City of Stories, or both! There are some seriously good hidden gems in Norwich – they might be right under your nose! Read on for our top hidden gems to visit on your next trip… 

The Granary 

If you’re a regular visitor of Jarrolds, The Granary might sound familiar to you. Previously part of the department store’s home section, The Granary outgrew its space, and now stands apart as its own distinct shop on Bedford Street. 

Now, The Granary occupies a Grade II-listed building nestled away in the Lanes, full of contemporary inspiring furniture collections, accessories, and gifts. If you’re looking for anything new for your home, whether it’s as large as an entire room revamp, or something as small as a mug stand, you’ll find it at The Granary.  

Each brand and their products are carefully researched to ensure they’re right for the store’s principles, quality craftsmanship, individual style, and enduring design. Truly a hidden gem, be sure to pop in the next time you’re wandering the Lanes. But be warned, you’ll leave feeling inspired to redecorate the whole house! 

Country & Eastern 

A shop with a small museum like you’ve never known – Country & Eastern is the definition of a hidden gem. Tucked away and just a stone’s throw away from the Norwich Market, you’ll find this marvellous shop, with the collections of the South Asia Collection on Bethel Street, free to enter and enjoy. 

Taking inspiration from the museum, you’ll be able to purchase a huge range of items from Country & Eastern, and not just the usual pencil or rubber… Instead, find gorgeous rugs, jewellery, large pieces of one-off furniture or comfortable kimonos – all from South Asia – and that’s just a few examples!  

Redecorate the house, or reinvent your own look. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time, however, these two combined can make up at least a couple of hours.  

Slayyy Vintage 

For another must-visit, look no further than Slayyy Vintage. Located on the very edge of the Lanes on St Giles Street, this vintage store is all about hidden gems themselves. Here, you’ll find a huge range of 90s and 2000s clothing in great condition – at great prices too!  

Every item that comes through their doors is hand-picked by founder, Rosie Dearlove, including items to rework, like turning jeans into tote bags, or altering clothing into a new look entirely.  

Stocking popular brands such as Nike, Adidas, Dickies, Carhartt, Polo Ralph Lauren, Harley Davidson, and more, you’ll find some seriously good preloved clothing here. And, if you’re just as passionate about reusing and recycling as Slayyy Vintage are, you’ll certainly be back for more!

Looses Emporium 

We all love a bit of antiques and collectables shopping, don’t we? There’s something so exhilarating about doing our best impression of ‘Antiques Road Trip’ while looking for the next mantlepiece adornment or big fortune find. And where better to go than Looses Emporium on Magdalen Street?  

We’re convinced that Looses have seen everything – there’s such a terrific range to explore here, and everything has history behind it. And it’s huge. You could spend easily 3 hours looking over 2 floors and the outdoor area. But that’s not surprising – we are in the City of Stories after all! 

With such a large selection, there really is something for every intrigue. Whether you’re just having a quick (no such thing here actually) browse or if you’re looking for something to really take people’s breaths away, you’ll find it here at Looses.  

The Bear Shop

An iconic shop on Elm Hill and a stunning place to visit, The Bear Shop has lit up the cobbled streets since 1990. The clue is in the name – this quaint shop sells the biggest and best names to teddy bear lovers, whether child, adult, or collector! 

The Bear Shop is truly magical, with a warm welcome from staff who provide a personal service to every individual that walks through their door. They encourage visitors to take the bears from their shelves and give them a hold to make sure they’ve found the perfect bear. 

We couldn’t possibly fit every brand of teddy bear they stock at The Bear Shop, but one look from the outside and you’ll understand why. There’s practically bears flowing out of the windows, so you’d do a really good job to not find one you love instantly. They can even order bears in specifically to order, so the choices are endless!  

Booksbugs and Dragon Tales 

If you’ve never visited, Bookbugs and Dragon Tales is a wonderful place to introduce the children (or those young at heart) to. As an independent bookshop located on Timberhill, there’s no better way to nurture your child’s imagination than with the vast stories they have here. 

The best bit? It’s more than just a bookshop. Bookbugs and Dragon Tales regularly hold exciting events for the little ones, lifting the stories off the pages and making them so much more. 

Dipples

One of the longest-running family businesses in Norwich, Dipples Jewellers has been making moments special since it was founded in 1878 and has lit up Swan Lane in the City of Stories since 1894. Now in its fifth generation, Dipples continues to pride itself on finding something for everyone, no matter the budget. 

If you’ve never visited Dipples, you’re missing out on a remarkable foundation of Norwich. There’s so much sparkling and shining in their counters, it’s a good thing their incredibly friendly staff are on hand to go through exactly what you’re looking for.  

Their Norwich store even has an on-site workshop, where their master jeweller designs and makes many bespoke items by hand, so you can even own a one-of-one piece like no other. 

If you’re not looking for jewellery, but perhaps a watch to pass down the generations, some new China to impress guests, or even a beautiful clock for your home, Dipples can help with that too! 

Gyre & Gimble Gin Academy & Shop 

If you’re looking for the right place to discover some new flavours in your drinks, the Gyre and Gimble Gin Academy and Shop in the Royal Arcade is perfect for you. With a whole host of options between their very own gin and vodka, you’re sure to find something to love. 

Need some advice on what mixer pairs best with what Gyre & Gimble product? Just ask one of their knowledgeable team, then look forward to that first sip of something exciting and new! 

If you’re feeling extra creative, what better way to find a new favourite than by making it yourself with their Gin Academy experience? There really is nothing else like this in the city centre. This two-hour activity, hosted by master distillers, will see you guided through 30 botanicals to choose from, while also serving you gin & tonics throughout!  

After, you’ll be able to take your gin home to enjoy. Once you’re done and wanting more, Gyre & Gimble even keep your recipe on their system, so you can go back and get another bottle as easy as any other flavour! Book your experience here.

 

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts Shop 

Another two-in-one experience, the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts collection and shop are both unmissable for a day out in Norwich. Just a 10-15-minute drive from the city centre, this beautiful building, designed by Norman Foster, houses some of the most stunning pieces of art you’ll find in the region. 

The real hidden gem here, though, is the shop. Quite easy to miss through all the excitement of getting to the Sainsbury Centre’s permanent collection, be sure to take the time to admire all on offer. From toys and puzzles for the kids, to artwork and sculptures for the adults, it’s a worthwhile stop. 

Plus, the Sainsbury Centre is now running a ‘pay if and what you can’ scheme, so that’s even more reason to go and indulge in everything they have to show!