By Katie Thompson
Here, city life and the natural world are all in one place. Norwich is part of the Broads National Park, full of luscious greenery and breathtaking bodies of water. At every turn, you’ll discover secret gardens, beautiful waterways and big skies, making it easy to act natural. While away your afternoon paddling peacefully along the Wensum or head to the top of Mousehold Heath for spectacular sunset views.
Norwich is a city that can be explored by foot, kayak or canoe! Here are our suggestions for the best places to connect with nature in our fine city.
You’ll have noticed that the river Wensum flows through our City of Stories. It was once a medieval trade route that’s now populated by swans, kayaks and even the occasional otter! This meandering riverside walk is the perfect place to embrace Norwich’s green side. Alongside swaying willow trees and rippling waterways, you’ll uncover ancient bridges and local landmarks, like Cow Tower and Pull’s Ferry.
Walk, paddle or kayak along the river Wensum
Why not observe Norwich a little differently? Between spring and autumn get a new perspective on the city when you recline in a paddle boat (let someone else do the rowing!) and glide beside the swans. It’s called Pub & Paddle for a reason.
Norwich used to have a pub for every day of the year, as locals, we like to remember this incredible fact and there are still a lot of city pubs to try! One we particularly recommend is The Ribs of Beef for handcrafted pizza eaten on the waterside terrace, best served in warm weather. It makes for a tasty end to a relaxing afternoon or evening.
From here, you’re in the perfect place to wander up cobbled historic Elm Hill. Pop in one or two of the delightful independent shops. Or (if you fancy an invigorating walk with great reward) head east to Mousehold Heath, known for Kett’s Rebellion in 1549. It’s a half an hour walk away: cross Bishop Bridge and head toward the bottom of Kett’s Hill. Carry on straight over the roundabout, following Gurney Road for approximately 15 minutes up the hill until you reach the football pitch. The top of the heath is where Kett set up camp!
Not only is Mousehold Heath rich in history, it’s also rich in wildlife. And it’s a dog walkers’ favourite. Follow the trails before admiring the spectacular skyline, possibly the best view in the city (we think so!). Our tip: go at sunset for twinkling lights underneath big skies all the way from the cathedral’s spire to City Hall.
Where better than Mousehold Heath for a sunset view of Norwich?
Another peaceful spot nearby is Cathedral Close- a picturesque cluster of 80 characterful listed buildings spanning 44 acres with Norwich Cathedral as its sky-high centrepiece. The calm open spaces of The Close are ideal if you fancy a picnic in any season. This is somewhere to get lost in a book or just have a relaxing walk. While you amble the cobbled streets, look out for the Herb Garden. In this lovingly maintained space, embrace the unmistakable freshness of rosemary, lavender and other aromatic herbs.
Across the Close, you’ll find Bishop’s House. Did you know that hiding behind these flint walls is a stunning 4-acre walled garden dating back to the 12th century? Every year, it opens as part of the National Garden Scheme (as well as selected dates in summer for charity), inviting you into a nature-filled haven at the heart of historic Norwich. Full of lush foliage, here, herbaceous borders and yew hedges encase rose beds, a meadow labyrinth and bamboo walk.
If you’re feeling peckish, we recommend a light lunch at Bread Source in the Refectory Café above the cathedral cloisters. Our choice would have to be a warm flaky sausage roll. Sitting beneath England’s second tallest spire, you might even spot its resident peregrine falcons soaring above.
The Details
Eat: The Refectory Café; Giggling Squid; The Ribs of Beef.
Drink: Adam and Eve pub; Maids Head Hotel.
Shop: Tombland Bookshop; Antiques and Interiors on Elm Hill.
Just 10 minutes’ walk west from Norwich centre and you’ll be in the Golden Triangle. This is an area with a village-like feel full of independent shops, eateries and some of our favourite green spaces.
Eaton Park is one of Norwich’s 23 heritage parks
Hop on the 25 bus to Eaton Park, one of the city’s 23 historic parks that’s nestled amongst its residential streets. It’s a beautifully kept heritage park that’s made for visitors and locals alike!
While you’re here, wander along tree-lined paths, look out for lotuses on the lily pond and enjoy its blooming rose garden. The park’s 1928 boat pond is one of the finest in Europe, holding regattas from spring to autumn. We recommend heading for the pavilion- often busy with community events and activities- before settling down with a sweet treat in Eaton Park Café. Before you leave, how about a game of tennis on one of the many courts?
Before heading back into the city centre, take the chance to visit Plantation Garden (only 10 minutes’ walk west from Norwich marketplace), an enchanting sunken Grade II English Heritage Garden tucked off Earlham Road. (This is one of Norwich’s hidden treasures- and the perfect place to act natural amidst the city streets.)
Plantation garden: a secret oasis at the heart of the city
Expect to see bright flower beds lining clean-cut lawns cocooned in medieval flint walls, whilst walking woodland tracks that lead to an Italianate terrace and gothic fountain. We think this serene oasis is one of the city’s best kept secrets and well worth the £2 donation to enter.
At the top of Earlham Road, opposite the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, and across the bridge into Upper St Giles (an unexpectedly great spot for sunset views, by the way), is the Norwich Book Bench Trail. Have we mentioned that Norwich is a UNESCO City of Literature, aptly named the City of Stories, and home to the National Centre for Writing?
In spring enjoy the beauty of the wisteria-clad St Giles on the Hill church, where you’ll find one of 8 benches dotted around the city, this one being dedicated to some of our city’s most notable authors (including Anna Sewell of Black Beauty fame). Crafted from stone, wood and metal, this route will lead you to Norwich marketplace, along the river and even into Cathedral Close. The whole trail takes approximately one hour and is fully accessible, as well as being a great opportunity to pass by Norwich’s many independent shops, sights and eateries. Perhaps you’ll even find a new favourite!
While you’re here, explore the quaint shop fronts of Upper St Giles for yourself. We recommend a freshly brewed coffee from Kofra or even a glass of wine and a cheeseboard whilst people watching for a late afternoon treat at golden hour.
The Details
Eat: Eaton Park Café; The Exchange in Jarrolds, next to Norwich Market.
Drink: Kofra Coffee; St Giles Pantry.
Shop: Handstand on Earlham Road; Lisa Angel on Lower Goat Lane.
In Norwich, there’s no shortage of green spaces to choose from. And even slightly further from the city centre, they’re still only a hop, skip or a paddle away.
If you’re making your way east, why not pay a visit to Whitlingham Country Park? This 280-acre destination is well-worth the 2 mile walk from Norwich’s centre because it’s the gateway to the Broads- did we tell you that Norwich is located in a national park? (Or you can opt for a 1 mile walk from Trowse Common after a 5-minute bus journey on the 40A.)
At the park’s heart is the lake- walk or cycle around the 2-mile perimeter or, if you’re feeling brave, check out Whitlingham Adventure outdoor activity centre.
The Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park perfectly combines art with nature
If art’s more your thing, head west on the 25 bus to the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park. Sitting in the middle of the University of East Anglia’s 350-acre award-winning campus, you’ll discover over 20 sculptures by the likes of Henry Moore, Anthony Gormley and Lynn Chadwick. All for free!
Onto another conservation area, Taverham Mill is about a 20-minute drive northwest from Norwich. It’s a scenic nature reserve that feels separate to buzzing city life thanks to its expansive views, clear waterways and wildflower meadows- take a deep breath and listen to the surrounding landscape.
Taverham Mill is a serene conservation area not far from the city
Passing by Taverham Mill is Marriott’s Way, a 26-mile path between Norwich and Aylsham. Start the Way where Barn Road meets Barker Street, marking your progress with art created from old railway track and admiring the rural beauty of leaves’ changing colours. If you’re lucky you might even spot some wildlife! Squirrels, hedgehogs and roe deer aren’t uncommon here.
The Details
Eat: Café Gelato and Saporita in the Lanes.
Drink: Norwich Theatre Playhouse Bar; The Weavers Arms pub.
Shop: The Sainsbury Centre shop.
