by Katie Thompson
Image: Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Park | Credit: Chloe Samways
Whether it’s the beginning of a new year or you’re looking for that back-to-work refresh, prioritising your wellness is always a great way to feel good and get your energy up. And here in Norwich, we’ve got plenty of ways to improve your wellbeing.
After all, our fine city has been named ‘Most Peaceful City’ thanks to its abundance of green spaces, spas and treatment spots, and relaxed atmosphere. And that’s without mentioning our proximity to the Norfolk coast and the Broads National Park!
So, if you want to walk, run, read, or treat yourself to a little pampering, here are our recommendations for wellness in Norwich.
Try hot yoga, gong baths, Pilates, barre and more at Yantra Studio
Tucked away on Norwich’s King Street is Yantra Studio, a unique wellness space. They offer a wonderful array of fitness classes and special workshops for all ages and abilities, which is enhanced by their warm welcome and modern, airy interior.
Their restorative classes include favourites like yoga, Pilates, and barre, as well as meditative gong baths and detoxing hot yoga. And because each instructor has been chosen thanks to their expertise, this authentic boutique studio crafts a therapeutic and enjoyable experience for all.
Eaton Park is just one of the picturesque places to partake in a park run in Norwich
Did you know that the Norwich area is home to 6 park runs? This free weekly event is a great way to feel energised, meet new people and discover some lesser-known parts of the city. This includes Eaton Park, one of Norwich’s heritage parks and home to an almost 100-year-old boat pond, miniature railway, and tennis courts.
Norfolk also boasts some of the prettiest park runs, including Sheringham, Blickling and Holkham. Here you can jog with views of Holkham and Blickling Halls and, in warmer weather, Sheringham Park is filled with fragrant rhododendrons. Plus, it’s a great excuse to visit the Norfolk coast afterwards!
If you’re looking for a challenge, Great Yarmouth park run is just a short journey away, too. It’s said to be one of the most difficult, taking place along the town’s sandy north beach, but we bet it’s also one of the most rewarding!
Norwich Cathedral’s Herb Garden is a lovely spot to read a book
At VisitNorwich, we love to read for a bit of escapism after a long day. And with Norwich’s rich literary heritage- we’re England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, after all- there’s loads of book-themed things to do in our City of Stories.
You can follow the Norwich book bench trail, celebrating some of our famous authors, alumni and novels set in the city. Each bench is creatively designed to replicate a book, be it resting on its spine or with its pages open.
And don’t forget to visit Dragon Hall- a medieval trading hall. It’s open between spring and autumn for free tours or taking a seat in their gorgeous courtyard garden- we suggest perusing a book with a coffee or picnic. Dragon Hall is home to the National Centre for Writing, which celebrates and explores the artistic and social power of creative writing. With a programme that includes face-to-face workshops, festivals, and residencies, anyone is welcome to take part. They also offer online courses, tuition and plenty of advice. Don’t miss their City of Literature weekend at the annual Norfolk & Norwich Festival each May! It’s worth travelling for.
We also have some lovely places to get lost in a good book. Settle down on a sun-drenched bench in Cathedral Close or Norwich Cathedral’s fragrant Herb Garden or take a picnic blanket to the peaceful surrounds of Plantation Garden.
Visit Fairhaven for a peaceful stroll or a reinvigorating wild swim!
When you want to get out in nature, Norwich has loads of wonderful walks for a refreshing stroll.
In the city centre, you’ll find our meandering riverside walk. Just a short bus ride southwest is UEA broad (park for free at the car park on Colney Lane). Here, you can wonder along the wooden boardwalk, passing the Sainsbury Centre’s sculptures, and on to the wetlands at Marston Marsh.
Or travel northwest to Taverham Mill, a picturesque nature reserve with lakes, a weir, and a mill pool. It’s just £6 entry for adults, which contributes to conservation and protecting our wildlife.
Across the city, you can visit Whitlingham Country Park, home to another of our famous Broads. Follow the 2-mile loop for an amble past birds, boats, and paddleboards (with a stop for cake in their café afterwards!).
Slightly further afield, there’s Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden. Located in the peaceful surroundings of the Norfolk Broads, Fairhaven has almost 4 miles of pathways winding through 130 acres of towering trees, colourful flowers, and along rippling waterways. Plus, it’s open all year round!
And if you fancy a reinvigorating wild swim on a Saturday morning, then try Fairhaven’s 1-hour open session in their private broad (5 April – 27 September 2025, £11, 9am – 10am). Note this is one for the hardy- there aren’t any changing rooms, so prepare accordingly. Just don’t forget to pre-order breakfast to reward your efforts!
Sometimes only a spa treatment will do, so head to The Norfolk Mead
Sometimes only a spa treatment will do. And when it’s easily accessible in the heart of Norwich’s city centre, even better.
You can find Jarrolds’ newly-opened The Retreat above their ground-floor Beauty Hall. It’s a tranquil space with an extensive range of beauty treatments. From pampering pedicures to rejuvenating massages and facials, as well as a specially crafted list of men’s treatments, everyone is catered for. Plus, their Skin Lounge space offers treatments targeted at individuals’ concerns with a blend of holistic and scientific practices.
Top off your me-time with a visit to Ora. This wellness café in the beautiful Art Nouveau Royal Arcade specialises in healthy brunches and light lunches, including power toasties and açai bowls. Plus, keep an eye out for their evening events for fun and wholesome workshops to spend time with friends and connect with new people.
And although it’s a short drive out of the city, we can’t not mention the state-of-the-art spa at The Norfolk Mead. You can spend 4 hours unwinding between their thermal suite hydrotherapy pool, herbal steam room, aromatic sauna and more for only £50. All the tension will soon leave your body. Then why not hire their luxury motorboat for a picnic on the Broads and sail the tranquil waters of this magical area?
