by Katie Thompson
Here in Norwich and Norfolk, there’s no shortage of lovely places for a walk- whether it’s a relaxing stroll or an invigorating breath of fresh air. And with circular routes and different trails to choose from, your walk can be as short or as long as you make it.
It’s a great opportunity to get your steps in, drink in our famous Norfolk panoramas (without trekking up too many hills!) and spend some quality time with friends, family or with your own thoughts. Depending on where you choose, it’s likely you’ll get to take in a little wildlife, too. So, whether it’s rambling along sandy shores and grassy dunes on the Norfolk coast, admiring snowdrop scattered scenes in the Broads, or roaming peaceful trails just a stone’s throw from the city centre, keep reading for our favourite walks in Norwich and Norfolk!
Walk the 2-mile loop around Whitlingham Country Park’s Broad
Just a few miles from Norwich city centre- you can get there in 30 minutes on the Charcoal bus line- is Whitlingham Country Park. It recently won a coveted Green Flag Award thanks to its safe and welcoming space, cared for by Whitlingham Charitable Trust and its dedicated volunteers.
Here, you can walk the 2-mile loop around the park’s Broad, which is dotted with benches and bird watching spots. On summer days, swans glide over the placid waters, while in the winter months you can hear the slapping of sails going by on the River Yare. For families, there are trails to follow and water sports to try, while a snack in the sun outside their café (all made with local produce) is enough to tempt anyone to stay a little longer.
Our favourite bit about Whitlingham? It’s a natural oasis that’s still part of our buzzing city.
One of the things we like best at UEA Broad is its blanket of bluebells in April and May
UEA’s luscious campus is another that’s been awarded the prestigious Green Flag Award. Not least thanks to its Broad and wildlife trails, which meander through the reeds and rushes of the Yare Valley and Marston Marshes.
Each trail showcases Norfolk’s natural habitats, trees, and species- and offer a little challenge trying to spot them along the way! The wet woodlands are home to flitting bats, hidden otters and even two non-native terrapins! Listen closely and you’ll also hear the thrum of insects and the songs of willow warblers.
But one of the things we like best is the Broad’s blanket of bluebells. Between April and May, its woodland is covered in brilliantly violet flowers- you’re sure to spot this burst of colour.
And while you’re at it, keep an eye out for a sculpture or two! UEA Broad is part of the Sainsbury Centre’s Sculpture Park, home to Antony Gormleys, Henry Moores and more. So why not embrace this unique mix of contemporary culture and conservation?
Follow our meandering riverside path past some of Norwich’s iconic landmarks
From the old Bullards Brewery to St James’ Mill, past Cow Tower and along towards Norwich City Football Club, the river Wensum flows through our fine city.
You can follow its meandering riverside path past some of our iconic landmarks- spot Norwich cathedral spire, slowly taking in the abundance of culture around you. Weeping willows line the riverbanks, while swans swim alongside paddleboarders and kayakers. We suggest a pitstop at the Ribs of Beef when you’re feeling thirsty- their waterside terrace is a lovely place to watch the world go by on a summer’s evening.
If you want to discover a little more about the history and heritage of our medieval city streets, then we recommend following our Book Bench trail– a certain marmalade-loving bear also makes an appearance! Or get lost in the immersive poems of the National Centre for Writing’s Wandering Words trail as you celebrate the architecture, independents, and tales of the City of Stories.
Fairhaven is a great spot for different flowers acorss the year- including snowdrops and azaleas!
With nearly 4 miles of accessible woodland walks, Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden is the ideal spot to see snowdrops when you’re visiting the Norfolk Broads.
During the colder months, Fairhaven is a go-to for this favourite flower thanks to its 130 acres of ancient woodland. The garden’s eclectic mix of wild and cultivated plants means that the rest of the year you can see bluebells, rhododendron, azaleas, and even native wildflowers. Not to mention rare birds only found in the Broads.
If you’re exploring North Norfolk, Pensthorpe is a must-visit
And if you’re venturing into North Norfolk, then Pensthorpe is well worth a visit. This nature reserve is all about encouraging nature-lovers of every age to come and explore the great outdoors- whether you’re a bird watcher, wildlife enthusiast or garden grower. Plus, with over 700 acres to explore, you can spot everything from butterflies and dragonflies to wading birds and farm animals.
If you visit early in the year, it’s not just frost that punctuates the pathways of Pensthorpe. Swathes of snowdrops create a stunning white blanket across their Wave Garden, which look particularly beautiful in the late afternoon golden sun.
It’s difficult not to be tempted by a refreshing walk along Holkham’s beach
Whether you’re locals like us or visiting for a relaxing getaway, it’s hard to stay away from the Norfolk coast. From the dunes of Great Yarmouth and Winterton to Hunstanton’s carrstone cliffs, the Deep History Coast between Sheringham and Cromer and, of course, the windswept sands of Wells-next-the-Sea and Holkham.
As well as its grand Palladian Hall, Holkham is home to a wonderful nature reserve that supports rare species of birds, flora, and fauna. This is an unspoilt landscape that will take your breath away.
We suggest a circular walk to nearby Wells-next-the-Sea. Here, you’ll wander through the sweet-smelling pinewoods, past picture-perfect pastel beach huts, along the tops of grassy dunes and along the wild shores of the Holkham beach. (And there’s a café at each end for well-deserved refreshments!) This walk is perfect for families, couples and friends or a solo stroll along the beach, with or without a furry friend. If you’re lucky, you might spot a seal bobbing in the sea or, at the right time in summer, be treated to the Household Cavalry galloping past.
Elsewhere in Norfolk, we’ve got loads of lovely places to walk- and all year round, too. This includes miles-long routes through our beautiful countryside like Marriott’s, Walsingham, and Boudicca Way. You can see vivid greens in late spring and early summer, hear the crunch of crisp golden leaves in autumn, and embrace the invigorating openness of wide winter skies.
And if you time it right, you’ll be treated to wonderful arrays of colourful flowers. Honourable mentions include Blickling, Oxburgh, and Raveningham Halls and Walsingham Abbey for snowdrops, Foxley Wood (a half an hour drive from Norwich) for bluebells, and Sandringham and Sheringham Country Park for rhododendrons.
