Everyone’s idea of an escape is different, whether you’re escaping half an hour up the road or driving a few hours for a unique adventure. Escaping the everyday means you’re escaping your usual routine and doing something different, discovering new places, meeting new people, trying new foods and experiences. Now, is the perfect time for a change of scene and Norwich is the place to be! A city full of unexpected urban walks, beautiful historical buildings, cosy bars, restaurants and more! It is a city full of space which you can make your own.
Norwich is a city full of colour, atmosphere, and walkable streets. A city to enjoy hundreds of years of history and architecture, an award-winning marketplace where small local businesses sell everything from local produce to vintage clothes. Come and discover hidden gardens, soaring cathedral spires, stunning riverside walks, and more.
Norwich Cathedral
Discover Norwich Cathedral’s secrets. Search for medieval graffiti and their c.1382 Despenser Retable.
Explore The Norwich Lanes
Meander The Norwich Lanes including Upper St Giles to find beautiful architecture, blue plaques, etched pavement slabs about the area’s history, independent shops, coffee houses, pubs, ancient churches and many restaurants.
Plantation Garden
Take a picnic to Plantation Garden and while away a couple of hours. This is one of Norwich’s best kept secrets. Entry £2. Put your picnic together at Norwich Market or from the deli in Jarrold department store.
Mousehold Heath
Make time to watch the sunset from Mousehold Heath with a flask of something to toast when day turns into night.
Boutique Hotel Break
Relax and unwind at the award-winning, 4-star Maids Head Hotel. As well as a stunning range of rooms, the hotel boasts several self-contained suites that are perfect for a romantic weekend away or a unique family break.
Paul Dickson Tours
Look back but move forward. Enjoy a marvellous walking tour in Norwich or further afield with Paul Dickson Tours (there are plenty to choose from). Prices start at £7 per person.
Whitlingham Country Park
Norwich is the only city in the country within a national park. The Broads National Park can be enjoyed just 2 miles from Norwich city centre either at Whitlingham Country Park (over 200 acres of countryside and large Broads) or across the railway bridge at the corner of 56 Yarmouth Road. Both areas are an oasis of reeds, grasses, natural habitats, pathways, and riverside walks.
Whitlingham day for Broads Authority. Photo: Simon Finlay © 2004
Outdoor escape games
Play Revolting Earl’s & Body Snatching Bishops with City Escape Games, featuring History Mystery – a new outdoor experience in the city. Or why not book an augmented reality Magic Portal outdoor game with Cryptic Escape. From £45 up to 6 people, plus indoor escape games too.
Eaton Park
Play crazy golf at Norwich’s heritage park Eaton Park then watch the model boats on the boating lake. Followed by a bite to eat in the delightful café. This is one of the best parks for planting, architecture and things to do in Norwich.
Marriott’s Way
Walk or cycle 26 miles through Marriott’s Way from the centre of Norwich. Start behind the roundabout where Barn Road meets Barker Street.
Music and Performance
Norwich has a thriving nightlife, taking you from theatre or gig to bar or cosy city pub. Music is also a huge part of Norwich’s nightlife, with regular performances from Norwich Philharmonic and Norwich and Norfolk Chamber Music to international extravaganzas as part of the 14-day Norfolk & Norwich Festival every May.
Urban art trails
Find all 8 large urban art murals across Norwich, then look for 12 smaller ones dotted around our wonderful Norwich Market.
Eat your way around the city
If you have the appetite. We’ve got slow food and fast food, vegan food and comfort food. Food for refined palettes and food for families. You’ll never be hungry in the City of Stories. The Cosy Club is the perfect place for relaxed dining, drinking and lounging in a fabulous, welcoming setting. You can see more of our Norwich restaurants here.
Set-jet around Norwich
Set-jetting – the trend of visiting locations that were first seen in movies or books – has become a very popular trend amongst holiday makers, and Norwich has a detailed history of book, film and TV tie-ins. We’ve Assembled Avengers, slayed giants, and played host to the stars. Come and walk the same paths as some of Hollywood’s biggest names! And why not, walk past one of only five thatched Norwich buildings, The Britons Arms.
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
Kick back with nature and outdoor sculpture at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts Sculpture Park. See works by Thomas Moore, Antony Gormley and Elizabeth Frink. The indoor arts collection is spectacular too. Both are free.
