City centre strolls

Norwich is truly best explored on foot. Winding cobbled streets, riverside walks, and iconic buildings to explore.

Norwich Cathedral grounds

Norwich’s magnificent Romanesque Cathedral is open to visitors of all faiths and none. Set in 44 acres of beautiful grounds (known locally as the ‘village within the city’) it’s an awe-inspiring, welcoming building with spectacular architecture, magnificent art and a fascinating history. Explore the open grounds as you take in stunning town houses, riverside views, and picturesque landmarks such as Pulls Ferry and Cow Tower.

Norwich Cathedral Grounds

Elm Hill

This beautiful, cobbled street is the most complete medieval street in Norwich, lined with merchants houses, quaint homes, and the thatched Britons Arms (one of only 5 thatched buildings in Norwich), dating back to 1507. It’s no wonder that Elm Hill has featured as the backdrop to multiple blockbuster movies like ‘Stardust’ and Netflix’s ‘Jingle Jangle’! Elm Hill is also a photographer’s dream; whatever the season it retains its character and beauty. Grab a coffee and your camera and take a wander back in time!

Set-jetting on Elm Hill, Norwich

Elm Hill, Norwich

Norwich Lanes

Winner of Great British High Street of the Year, the Norwich Lanes is a hub of independent businesses. With over 300 independent retailers, cafès, restaurants, pubs and bars, these winding streets offer up hours of adventure and exploration. Grab a takeaway coffee from award-winning roasters and coffee shops, enjoy delicious pastries from Bread Source, or relax on St Gregory’s Green with fish & chips from the iconic Grosvenor Fish Bar.

Norwich Lanes

Urban art trails

Norwich is renowned for its thriving arts scene, which can be seen all across the city centre. And it’s home to some incredible urban art, including 12 murals through Norwich Market which were designed by local and international artists. Take a walk around the city and see if you can discover them all. Look out for Snap the Dragon guarding Red Lion Street, or the cats hiding in the walls above The Little Red Roaster!

Discover urban art.

Boudicca mural in Norwich market, created by artist Joey La Meche

Plantation Garden

So this one is technically just outside of the city centre, but it’s a must-visit for any resident or visitor to Norwich. Often referred to as Norwich’s ‘secret garden’, Plantation Garden is a 3-acre Grade II English Heritage registered garden that offers the perfect escape from the rush of the city. Explore beautiful flower beds and gardens, huge gothic fountains, woodland walkways, and stunning Victorian-style greenhouses. Usually on summer Sunday Afternoons they offer homemade teas.

Escape the everyday in Norfolk this Autumn

Plantation Garden

UEA Broads and The Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Park

Venture further out of the city and you’ll find the University of East Anglia’s stunning campus, complete with its very own lake and countryside walks. The lakeside walk is a popular circular route for families and dog walkers, and it’s also a popular picnic spot in the summer months! Once you’ve finished exploring the lake, take a wander through the Sculpture Park, the Sainsbury Centre’s free, outdoor park that’s home to sculptures by Henry Moore, Elizabeth Frink, Antony Gormley and more.

Free things to do in Norwich

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts