by Katie Thompson
Norwich is a city with so much to see and do. Whether it’s arts and culture, food and drink, history and heritage. So, you’ll want to cover as much as possible, right?
Whether you’re a first-timer to the City of Stories or want to discover even more about our fine city, we’ve compiled a list of the things you shouldn’t miss. And as you tick them off, learn some fun facts along the way!
From must-visit icons to lesser-known hidden gems, this is the ultimate Norwich bucket list!
Following its incredible restoration, Norwich Castle is an amazing attractions for all ages
Possibly the city’s most iconic attraction, 900-year-old Norwich Castle is the UK’s most accessible castle. Housing a museum and gallery, you can learn all about local history like Boudicca and the Romans and soak in major exhibitions of names like Turner. Then it’s all about the Keep. Following a multi-million-pound restoration, take in sky high views from the battlements, explore reinstated royal apartments and be awed by the Gallery of Medieval Life (in partnership with the British Museum).
Fun fact: In the 1000s, noblewoman Emma de Guader successfully defended Norwich Castle from siege by William the Conqueror after her brother and husband plotted a rebellion against him. She refused to give in, forcing William to compromise and offer Emma and her troops safe passage to Brittany.
The Julian Shrine is a destination of international pilgrimage and the site of anchoress Julian of Norwich’s cell. Following 16 visions, here she wrote ‘Revelations of Divine Love’, the first book published in English by a woman. Visit the site of her cell in St Julian’s Church before discovering more about her life and literary legacy at The Julian Centre.
Fun fact: Although called St Julian’s Church, the building is named for French (and male) Saint Julian of Le Mans, not Lady Julian of Norwich.
Towering over our city skyline is England’s second tallest spire. Norwich Cathedral holds over 900 years of history; is home to the country’s largest monastic cloister and the final resting place of Edith Cavell. After a free and fascinating 1-hour tour, explore the fragrant Herb Garden and charming grounds of Cathedral Close.
Fun fact: In August 1578, Queen Elizabeth I visited Norwich Cathedral to pay respect to her Boleyn ancestors- see if you can spot the burial of Anne Boleyn’s great-grandmother- and enjoyed hospitality at nearby Maids Head Hotel.
If you haven’t already been enticed by Norwich Market’s colourful stalls, then the delicious aromas will make sure you are!
Norwich is home to not one but two cathedrals! The Victorian Gothic Revival Cathedral of St John the Baptist boasts impressive architecture, brilliant stained-glass windows and a monumental interior. Not to mention its hidden garden and buzzing cafe!
Fun fact: Columns, pillars and even the font are crafted from black Frosterley marble. The rock’s appearance is due to thousands of white fossils!
Housed in the historic Dragon Hall, the National Centre for Writing celebrates and explores the artistic and social power of creative writing and literary translation. With workshops, free activities and tours, where better to start in England’s first UNESCO City of Literature?
Fun fact: Dragon Hall was built in 1427, but there’s evidence of Saxon dwellings on the site from 1000AD. Since then, the former merchant’s hall has been home to a butcher’s, rectory, pub and more.
It’s not a visit to our fine city without a bite to eat on Norwich Market! The heart of the city, be swept up in mouthwatering aromas and a melting pot of multicultural flavours. Whether you’re craving a flaky pastry, albondigas, slow-cooked chilli or New York-style sandwiches, make sure you’ve saved room!
Fun fact: Norwich Market has stood on the same site for over 900 years. But before the Norman conquest, you’d have found the Anglo-Saxon market of Norvic in Tombland- meaning ‘empty space’.
One of our favourite ways to discover Norwich is from the river!
Norwich is known for its fierce independent spirit and nowhere is this truer than the Lanes. With a treasure trove of eateries, venues and stores (from fashion to lifestyle to books and vintage), you could lose a whole day popping in and out of these unique local businesses.
Fun fact: When wandering the Lanes, look down! Almost 50 carved paving slabs (and over 10 posts) depict the history, people and industries of these cobbled streets.
One of the best ways to see Norwich? From the river! Gain a new perspective gliding alongside swans and beneath grand weeping willows or head further into the nature of the Broads National Park, pit stopping at waterside pubs. Hire a boat from Bishy Barney Boats or canoe the River Wensum with Pub & Paddle.
Fun fact: The River Wensum was a former trading route and even used to bring Caen stone from Normandy into the city for the construction of Norwich Cathedral.
For 17 days each May, Norfolk & Norwich Festival takes over the city with a vibrant programme of arts and culture. Throughout Norwich’s many venues, you can expect music, dance, circus performance, poetry, literature, talks and more.
Fun fact: The Norfolk & Norwich Festival is one of the oldest festivals in the country, at over 200 years old, it began in 1824 and has roots tracing back to 1772.
Spend a morning or afternoon in Plantation Garden with a good book or a picnic
Norwich’s many histories, secrets and stories are best discovered by walking tour. From Paul Dickson and Norwich Story Walks to Cheryl Cade, Norwich Ghost Walks and Go Quest Adventures. There’s even a hidden underground street to uncover with The Shoebox Experiences.
Fun fact: One of The Shoebox Experiences’ tours takes you to Marble Hall. Designed by George Skipper (who also designed the Royal Arcade and Jarrolds), the eye-catching marble was originally intended for Westminster Cathedral and features a skeleton clock created for The Great Exhibition in 1851!
As Norwich’s most complete medieval street, Elm Hill is picture-perfect, with colourful beamed buildings lining cobblestones on each side. Home to independent shops, galleries and eateries, and one of the city’s only thatched buildings, it’s a popular film location.
Fun fact: Elm Hill was the site of Paston House, owned by the wealthy eponymous family and authors of the Paston Letters, which provide insight into life in early Tudor England during the Wars of the Roses.
This Grade II listed garden is an oasis in the middle of the city. Just off Earlham Road, you can explore 3 acres of well-manicured lawns, blooming borders and woodland trails. There’s an intricate Victorian Gothic fountain and Italianate terrace with views from end to end.
Fun fact: The Plantation Garden was formerly a chalk quarry before being transformed by Henry Trevor until his death in 1897 and rediscovered in 1980. Today it is run by volunteers.
The South Asia Collection is one of Norwich’s hidden gems and well worth a visit!
Housed in a futuristic Norman Foster-designed building, the innovative Sainsbury Centre is an art museum where art is seen as living. Discover their forward-thinking exhibition seasons which explore pressing questions like ‘Why Do We Take Drugs?’, art from Mesoamerica to 21st century Britain, their free outdoor Sculpture Park and even hug a Henry Moore!
Fun fact: You may recognise the Sainsbury Centre as Avengers HQ from the Marvel blockbuster film series, including Avengers: Age of Ultron and Avengers: Infinity War, Captain America: Civil War and Spider-Man: Homecoming.
Serving three tiers of beautiful treats, The Assembly House is known for its mouthwatering afternoon teas. Throughout the year, you can treat yourself to a different theme of sweets and savouries- from fairytales and films to seasonal flavours.
Fun fact: In Georgian times, The Assembly House became a hub for entertainment for the upper class, with ballrooms holding celebrations for local naval hero Nelson’s Trafalgar victory, Queen Charlotte’s birthday and a Madame Tussauds waxworks exhibition.
Tucked away off Bethel Street is The South Asia Collection. This free-to-visit museum preserves and showcases incredible and detailed Asian arts and crafts from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Indonesia and beyond. From woodwork to ironwork, immerse yourself in the displays before exploring their Country & Eastern shop.
Fun fact: The South Asia Collection’s building (designed by local architect Edward Boardman) opened as a roller-skating rink in September 1876. Just look at the impressive wooden beamed ceiling!
