7 Things to Do at 7am in Norwich & Norfolk
7 Things to Do at 7am in Norwich & Norfolk
by Katie Thompson
With the promise of midsummer on the horizon, lean into lighter mornings and longer days before everyone else.
Beneath soft blue skies and hazy sunshine, in peaceful solitude to the songful soundtrack of the dawn chorus, see Norwich before the city wakes up. From soaking in our rich heritage to a reinvigorating cold plunge with skyline views, here are 7 things to do at 7am in Norwich and Norfolk.
Encounter solace in the surrounds of Norwich Cathedral on early summer mornings
1. Visit Norwich Cathedral and Cloister
Start your morning slow and welcome the hush of Norwich Cathedral (open daily, 7am – 6.30pm). Take in its Romanesque architecture- spy soaring peregrines nesting on the piercing spire and wonder at the unique beauty of the landmark’s copper font. Then stroll through the beautiful cloister- the largest in the country and punctuated with eye-catching roof bosses- and watch as brilliant shafts of sunlight illuminate hundreds of years of history beneath your feet.
From here, contemplate the bravery of WWI heroine Edith Cavell at her final resting place before admiring the character of Cathedral Close’s quintessentially English cottages.
2. Start the Day with a Sauna and Cold Plunge
Feel recharged and restored for the rest of the day with a reinvigorating sauna session at The Lions’ Den City (from £16.50, open from 7am). Embrace the heat in their rooftop sauna (East Anglia’s first) and feel any tension dissolve. All with views of our city’s impressive landmarks- from Norwich Castle to St Peter Mancroft and The Forum. Move at your own pace and add in a series of icy cold plunges for a truly energising boost- you’ll feel amazing afterwards.
Then take a seat in The Lions’ Den City’s cafe with a nourishing smoothie bowl and silky chai latte, watching Norwich’s residents begin their day in our medieval streets below.
(They’re even holding a Summer Solstice Sunrise Paddle at Salhouse Broad (Sunday 21 June, from £25).)
Where else but the Sculpture Park can you encounter works of art on your dog walk?
3. Walk Your Dog in a Sculpture Park
Before the day warms up, head out with your furry friend for a breath of fresh air. Instead of your normal dog-walking route, why not head to the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park? Set in the sprawling grounds of the University of East Anglia’s award-winning green campus, you’ll come face to face with striking sculpture.
Stroll along UEA Broad’s boardwalk and across ‘Mathematical Bridge’, making your way through the wild surrounds of this biodiverse fen and wetland- the shimmering water is a mirror of Brutalist buildings and myriad trees. Here, Laurence Edwards’ Man of Stones (2019) emerges unexpectedly from the woodland, while Anthony Caro’s Goodwood Steps (1996) stand proudly opposite.
4. Sip Coffee on Norwich Market
Before the bustle of locals and visitors stopping by for street food, the walkways of Norwich Market are quiet and peaceful, save for the coo of a pigeon or two. Sunlight streams through and the warm shade is a welcome solace from already-strong rays.
This early in the morning, there’s only one place to go: Deb’s. Standing at the top of Row E, enjoy a steaming coffee and admire Norwich Market from above as the rising sun illuminates multicoloured rooves and you can people watch from City Hall to Norwich Castle.
Soak up the day’s first sun rays as they illuminate Norwich Market’s striped rooftops
5. Soak in the Solitude of Elm Hill
Under the dappled shade of Elm Hill’s towering plane tree, take in the picture-postcard charm of storybook cobbles and traditional Tudor beamed buildings. As Norwich’s most complete medieval street, Elm Hill is straight out of a film (quite literally!). It’s home to one of the city’s five thatched-roof buildings, a warren of courtyards and quirky independent businesses.
Amble along this ancient hill, peeking around corners and admiring shop windows- there’s history to be learnt here- it was once the home of prominent Norfolk family, The Pastons– and a sense of tranquillity that’s unmatched on an early morning.
6. Admire the Sunrise from Mousehold Heath
No matter the time of day, we always recommend heading to the top of Mousehold Heath for views across Norwich. Reaching across the skyline, you can admire our vast architectural styles, from cathedral to cathedral, whether it’s the modern millennium Forum or Art Deco City Hall.
And as the sun rises, you’ll be treated to a sense of serenity. This nature reserve is one of wild heathland, woodland and open green space, loved for its rich wildlife- where soft breezes whisper in the grass and flitting butterflies rest on lilac heather as the sun peeks over the treetops.
Recharge with a sauna and energising cold plunges with skyline views at 7am
7. Eat Breakfast on Cromer Beach
If you’re heading to the beautiful Norfolk coast, Cromer has a little bit of everything. Stroll along pastel-hued streets and take in pebbled shores and stretches of sand at a time when it’s only fisherman going about their daily routine.
Pack a picnic- how about a bacon roll and flask of coffee?- and spread it out a blanket close to the water’s edge, listening to waves lap moments away. Stretching in front of you, our county’s wide-open skies meet the horizon, a wash of blue. Or take a seat on Cromer Pier, looking back at this Victorian seaside town above clear waters and grassy cliffs.
