by Katie Thompson
Norwich. East Anglia’s cultured capital, also known as the City of Stories.
We’re an under the radar city- and a fine one at that.
Our medieval streets are brimming with literary heritage and historic charm. Norwich is a city of mavericks- it’s England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, after all. And as home to the first woman to be published in English (Julian of Norwich for those who want to know), the National Centre for Writing, and the UK’s only American Library, we can see why.
Then there’s the stories of the people who have shaped our cobbled lanes. From towering Norman architecture founded by none other than William the Conqueror (you may have noticed our iconic castle keep) to churches and pubs aplenty, Norwich has played host to characters like Robert Kett, and, of course, Strangers. Plus, many a pioneering female figure such as Edith Cavell. And our inclusive history is still reflected in the welcoming and creative community we have today. Just take a look at our multicultural marketplace.
Norwich likes to do its own thing. And it’s home to an abundance of culture besides.
We have a flair for independents– from consciously curated bookshops to innovative eateries full of local flavours. You can enjoy exciting events across the year and be captivated by first-class entertainment at our buzzing independent venues. Whether it’s handcrafted jewellery decorating shop windows, up-and-coming artists selling out shows or Norfolk shellfish straight from the sea on our plates.
On top of that, Norwich is the gateway to the Broads– and, fun fact, the only English city situated in a national park. With rippling waterways, big blue skies and luscious green spaces, this city makes for a peaceful escape. And just a stone’s throw (or short bus ride) away, opens up endless possibilities along our breathtaking coastline. From seals hidden in sandy dunes to birds thriving in marshlands. Throw in golden beaches, a pier on pebbled shores and clifftop views, there are so many spots to stroll, splash and soak up the sun.
In Norwich, there’s an undeniable passion for our city and our county- it’s the star of the show.
Here, visitors and Norfolk natives rub shoulders on a daily basis. Here, you can uncover hidden gems like a local before tucking in at celebrated eateries. Here, you can step into nature straight from your doorstep. So, where better to discover somewhere new than Norwich?
Check out our reasons why Norwich should be your next travel destination below.
Norwich’s multicoloured rooves hold a myriad of multicultural flavours
Norwich isn’t a place you travel through, but somewhere you travel to. So how else will you get to taste its wonderful flavours and myriad of independent eateries?
There’s something tempting about the hustle and bustle of a local market. Its sights, smells, sounds and tastes offer exciting new discoveries and tales to take home.
Where to start but the rainbow rooves of Norwich Market? It’s been the centrepiece to our city for almost 950 years, thriving thanks to its variety of stalls and melting pot of flavours. You could easily tuck into breakfast, lunch, and dinner here. From the sweet scent of flaky pastry and the sharpness of vinegary fish and chips to the irresistible aromas of freshly cooked chillis, sweet and sour noodles, albondigas smothered in tomato sauce, and more. We recommend winding down with an ice-cold pint as you people-watch from Sir Toby’s Beers.
Dining in Norwich offers a true taste of Norfolk’s produce
Elsewhere, it’s a feast from the east. Here in Norwich and Norfolk, organic, local, and seasonal produce has long been the order of the day. That means sustainability is embedded into local dining, too.
This is especially true when it comes to seafood caught on the Norfolk coast. Whether it’s our famous Cromer crab, smoked fish, local lobster (whose pots make up the Wells Christmas tree!), or Brancaster oysters and mussels, each one is undeniably fresh. In the city, you can find these crisp flavours at the likes of The Last, Yalm and Benedicts (whose St Benedicts Street location has been said to give London a run for its money).
At VisitNorwich, we’re firm believers that it’s never too cold for ice cream. And what a good excuse to try Café Gelato’s amazing array of flavours. When it comes to their Norfolk Strawberry or Raspberry, traditionally made with local milk, you’ll find it hard to beat!
We also recommend sipping on a Norfolk spirit or two. Across the city you’ll find local wines, ales, gins and more in restaurants, hotels, breweries, and food halls. If you’re staying at the Maids Head Hotel, be sure to stop for a nightcap in their historic oak-panelled bar, before buying a bottle of English Distillery whisky to take home from Jarrolds Food Hall or paying a visit to Redwell Brewery for a Norwich-brewed beer in their working taproom.
Whether you’re staying, shopping, or dining, it’s easy to get a true taste of Norwich.
Take it easy along the river Wensum
Slow you down. It’s a saying we have here in Norfolk. Stepping off the train at the end of the line, you can feel the pace of life ease in Norwich- something that’s an increasingly rare experience. Sit alfresco at a city centre cafe and just watch the world go by. It’s not hard to find a seat- there’s no overtourism here. A statement today which is positive.
And a city centre stay doesn’t mean you’re cut off from nature because Norwich sits calmly within the Broads National Park. Rippling waterways and placid expanses of water are just a short stroll or bus ride away. At UEA Broad, you can mix culture and conservation with an amble around the boardwalk and onto Marston Marshes, taking in the thrum of birdwings beside the Sainsbury Centre’s thought-provoking sculptures. Or further east, Whitlingham Country Park offers views of wide skies and rustling reeds along its circular route.
For ramblers and cyclists, there’s Marriott’s Way, a luscious green trail with 26 miles to explore, whilst nearby Taverham Mill nature reserve is a picturesque haven for anglers and nature-lovers amid their lakes, mill pool and meadows.
Plantation Garden is a hidden city oasis
Or if you want to try your hand at paddling the river Wensum (home to our very own otter), why not canoe along our willow-lined banks with Pub & Paddle? For those who are less inclined to getting wet, you can mirror the meandering waterway with our riverside walk, taking in the city’s heritage at Cow Tower, Pull’s Ferry, and St James’ Mill along the way. Especially in late summer, warm evenings demand long strolls and pub garden pitstops with views over the water.
There are so many green spaces in the City of Stories to while away your afternoon. We suggest hidden gems like the fragrant herb garden in Norwich Cathedral’s Cathedral Close (a great place to get lost in a book) or picnicking amongst the bright blooms in Plantation Garden beneath the shadow of the grand St John the Baptist Catholic Cathedral.
Find a peaceful escape on the Broads’ waterways
We’re also surrounded by hundreds of acres of countryside, wide open water, and wildlife.
Drink in the views as you travel to the tranquil centre of the Broads (just a short bus, train, or car journey away). You would never know how close you are to our bustling urban capital.
It’s a bird-watchers paradise. Where the reeds create a soul soothing soundtrack and chattering calls mark the changing seasons. At RSPB Berney Marshes and Breydon Water, wildfowl and wading birds flock in their thousands. Even winter is busy, as birds like pink-footed geese, avocets and birds of prey hunt for snacks in the mud. And along the North Norfolk coast, pay a visit to Cley Marshes, where the echo of booming bitterns is heard every spring. If you’re lucky, you might sight a rare spoonbill in the shallow pools!
It may require driving a little further, getting up a little earlier, but with timeless escapes and some of the country’s best beaches (we think so, anyway!) right on our doorstep, it would be too good an opportunity to miss them while you’re in Norwich.
Holkham’s golden sands are great for walks and family days out
We suggest seeing the sunrise from the beach at Cromer. Or spend your day winding along the coast road before watching the sun set on the vast sands of Holkham. Ideally with fish and chips in hand- lashings of vinegar optional.
Another way of reconnecting with nature is the Japanese practice of forest bathing. Hear us out. These arboreal adventures are a therapeutic experience, increasing wellbeing and releasing tension. Even a wander through towering trees away from the whispers of roads is enough to make you feel more relaxed. And from the earthy pines at Wells-next-the-Sea to the 47,000 acres of woodland at Thetford Forest (easily accessible from the A11 on your way to or from Norwich), Norfolk has plenty of places to start.
It’s time to discover this lesser-known location. Think the same stunning views full of beauty, but without the crowds. A trip to Norwich is one we’re sure you won’t forget any time soon.
What’s a trip to Norwich without seeing Elm Hill?
The City of Stories sits in a region that’s dripping with history- it was once England’s second city. When you look around, medieval architecture abounds on all corners. There’s our flint-knapped Guildhall, our sky piercing cathedrals (yes, we have two) and we couldn’t forget Elm Hill, one of the most complete medieval streets in the country. That’s before mentioning the beautiful Art Nouveau Royal Arcade, our Art Deco City Hall and groundbreaking Norman Foster-designed art museum the Sainsbury Centre.
Norwich is a sampling platter of old England mixed with modern marvels. It’s old meets now; the path less travelled but one rich in culture.
Our favourite way to take it all in? One of Norwich’s many wonderful walking tours. This is the perfect way to while away a morning or afternoon and experience the city to the full- whether you’re uncovering the city’s hidden streets or taking a food-themed tour to one of our many pubs.
The city’s independent scene is thriving
And that long history is bursting with creativity. In a city once renowned for its booming textile, then shoemaking, trade, you’ll see traditional arts and crafts are fiercely preserved. At independents throughout the city, there are plenty of one-of-a-kind pieces to be had. On London Street, Bowhill & Elliott boasts a 150-year history where their luxurious velvet slippers are still made in the back and sold in the front. In Atwin, you’ll discover sustainably crafted jewellery, natural fibres and unique homeware. Elsewhere, see your surroundings reflected in Sonkai’s bespoke creations, which take inspiration from our local history, heritage, and geography. You can also discover culture and craft at The South Asia Collection or Museum of Norwich.
And at night, the creativity doesn’t stop. Norwich houses theatres small and large, community arts centres and venues in converted churches. It’s home to the arty and unexpected, where you can see comedy, dance, music, poetry, theatre and more seven nights a week. Take note of Norwich Arts Centre, Norwich Theatre Royal, Stage Two and the Playhouse, the Maddermarket Theatre, Norwich Puppet Theatre and The Garage.
Norwich’s train station is only 10-minutes away from the action of the centre!
Norwich is a city you don’t pass by, but one you make a conscious decision to travel to.
And thanks to fast and frequent train services, it’s easy to get here from London, Essex, Cambridgeshire, and Suffolk with Greater Anglia. It’s also a direct journey with East Midlands Railway from Liverpool, Manchester, Sheffield, and Nottingham further north.
We recommend a few days in the City of Stories to make the most of it all, and at a slower pace. So, if you’ve got a little longer, why not use Norwich as a base to the Broads or the coast? Both are easily accessible by train (we suggest disembarking at Salhouse for an amble along the boardwalk). And all year round, the Coasthopper bus links towns and villages along the coast, so you can visit them all the way from Mundesley to Wells-next-the-Sea. Then hop on the Coastliner to reach Brancaster, Hunstanton and King’s Lynn. Our favourites at VisitNorwich include both popular and lesser-known spots like Blakeney and East Runton.
So, if you’re travelling as a couple, a family, with a group or friends, or even by yourself, in Norwich, culture, culinary experiences and the great outdoors are all in one place.
Why not have a look at our Stay page to book your break in the City of Stories?
