A peaceful area of towering spires and rippling waterways, where you can explore centuries old buildings by day and enjoy food and drink with friends in the evening.
A place of sanctuary and community, rebellion and repentance – discover our liveliest streets and oldest monuments.
Our Norman Cathedral dominates the city skyline with its famous 315-foot spire, (it’s the second tallest in the country!); Ethelbert Gate was constructed as penance for the city’s excommunication; Elm Hill is one of the most complete medieval streets in the UK, and Cow Tower has defended the River Wensum since the 1300s. We can see why Norwich’s Cathedral Quarter is one of the city’s most popular spots.
For starters, there’s plenty to see when you visit. You can’t miss Norwich Cathedral. Literally. Overlooking the whole city and visible for miles, the whole building measures 461ft long. It was built in the 11th century, however the history of the area reaches beyond that: St Michael at Plea church is set on one of the earliest Anglo-Saxon Church foundations in Norwich. Archaeological observations indicate that the religious site was a pagan Anglo-Saxon cremation cemetery in the 5th or 6th century, making this area over 1500 years old.
Tombland may have an ominous-sounding name, but it actually comes from an old Scandinavian word for ‘empty space’. After all, Tombland was the city’s marketplace during the late Saxon period (and before it was moved after the Norman Conquest)- today it’s a hub for nightlife. In Tombland Alley, see 16th century Augustine Steward’s House, at one time headquarters for the suppression of Kett’s rebellion in 1549.
Elsewhere, Elm Hill can be found winding its way from Wensum Street to Princes Street. Here, there are more medieval buildings than the City of London! This was once home to Norwich’s merchants and traders, thanks to its advantageous position by the river. A huge fire destroyed most of the street in 1537, but one building survived (today The Britons Arms) and can still be seen today. The rest of the street was rebuilt in a sturdy, Tudor style, which is why so much of Elm Hill is still intact today. Not only is this cobbled, meandering street an historic icon of our city, but it’s also home to some of Norwich’s most unique independent shops.
