You’re here because you want to go off the beaten path. You want to veer onto the road-less-travelled to see something new. You’ve come to the right place. This is our pick of Hidden Gems in Norwich. The secrets out.
The South Asia Collection Museum and Shop, also known as Country & Eastern is a fabulous collection of furniture, jewelry, textiles and more from India, Pakistan, Thailand, Indonesia, Burma and China. Housed in a Grade II listed Victorian ice skating rink, there’s more to marvel at than just the contents, with the building an architectural gem!
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is an inspirational art museum in a world-class Norman Foster designed building at the University of East Anglia (UEA). It is home to world art that spans from the modern day to over 5000 years ago.
Most recently, the Sainsbury Centre became the first museum in the country to adopt a ‘pay if and what you can scheme’, and the first in the world to see art as living, reflected in their new permanent exhibition, ‘Living Art’.
Art really is at the heart of Norwich. But not all art is housed in galleries or displayed in our museums, you only have to look up to find some of Norwich’s most breath-taking urban artwork. Explore these winding streets and you’ll quickly discover incredible installations and artwork that tells the stories of Norwich’s rich history.
The Plantation Garden is a 3-acre, Grade II listed registered garden, established over 100 years ago in an abandoned quarry just 600 metres from the city centre. Take a romantic stroll, or have a break and enjoy a picnic. There couldn’t be more beautiful surroundings to soak up while you do.
This little street is most definitely one of Norwich’s best kept secrets. Its church surrounded by wisteria is a beautiful stop to make for some Instagram snaps. And wander up a little further to find scrumptious baked goods, artisan coffees, exotic plants and more.
Marriott’s way is a popular route for walkers and cyclists. 26 miles long and beginning in Norwich, you can attempt the full route, and end up in the market town of Alysham. Or, there are shorter circular routes to try. Keep an eye out for train and railway inspired public art along the way.
Home of vintage wonderlands. Magdalen Street is the place to go for lovers of shopping. Unique finds are waiting in quirky vintage and antique shops, as well as charity shop bargains. Head to Looses Emporium or Aladdin’s Cave for furniture, collectors items and novelties. And when you’re feeling peckish, there’s plenty of independent restaurants and cafes you can stop off at.
This pretty little cruciform church sits at the top of Elm Hill on Princes Street. Take in its 15th century features, and pay particular attention to the stunning stained glass windows. The perfect stop for lovers of history, architecture and art.
The Bear Shop in Elm Hill is one of the most unique shops in the city. Packed full of teddy bears for all ages, whether you want something special for the little ones, or you’re an avid collector, this is the place for you. A small, charming shop, it’s worth a visit just to marvel at the hundreds of bears housed within.
St Julian’s Church, found between King Street and Rouen Road, is famed for being the site of seclusion for Lady Julian of Norwich, the first woman to write a book in the English language. It was here that, during a period of illness, she saw 16 mystical visions about Christianity which she would later write about, forming the book Revelations of Divine Love. The Church is open every day for prayer, quiet visits, and daily worship.
