When it comes to choosing your next staycation or day out, there’s more than enough reason for the destination to be Norwich, but there’s one aspect that really sets us apart from the rest that might just seal the deal…
Imagine, in just minutes, being able to go from urban exploration to riverside rambling, unwinding in tranquil parks, taking in gorgeous views, enjoying a picnic, taking in a breath of fresh air, or all of the above! That and so much more are all exactly what you’ll be able to find here in the City of Stories. And the best bit is, nearly all of them are completely free to enjoy. Fancy hearing more? Read on for our recommendations!
One of Norwich’s most beautiful outdoor spaces, the Norwich Cathedral Grounds are a vast, serene, and free escape for anyone looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. You’d never believe that such a calming space could be so close to the city, with the Cathedral Grounds right next to our lively Tombland – it’s known as the ‘village within the city’ for good reason!
Our favourite part of the Norwich Cathedral Grounds is the variation. Whether you want to prop yourself up along the perimeter of the towering Cathedral or unwind with a good book in the monastic cloisters (which are the largest of their kind in the country, by the way), you’ll be spoilt for choice. Do make time to have a walk around inside while you’re there, that’s free too, although donations are welcome, and it’s absolutely stunning.
Once you’ve wrapped up at the Cathedral Grounds, head around the back (the opposite side from Tombland) and have a wander. Just a few minutes of strolling past the gorgeous houses and flora, you’ll come out by the River Wensum. From there, it’s simple – enjoy! Find a bench and take in the sights of canoers and wildlife or follow the river as far as your heart desires. We’d recommend a walk past Pulls Ferry before doubling back on yourself to see Cow Tower. They’re beautiful.
Norwich Cathedral’s Grounds are a serene haven for anyone looking for a bit of peace and quiet in the city!
Not only will you find one of the most amazing views of Norwich on Mousehold Heath, but you’ll also be setting foot on one of the most historically significant sites in the city’s history. And those two alone are reason enough to visit!
So, what makes this forested part of the City of Stories so important? The story goes all the way back to 1549, when Mousehold Heath housed Robert Kett’s 16,000 strong army during the last public revolt in England, aptly named ‘Kett’s Rebellion’. We won’t explain the story of Kett’s Rebellion too much, we’d be here all day, but you can find the full gruesome tale here, or check out Paul Dickson’s Walking Tours for an incredible telling of this story and many more.
Nowadays, Mousehold Heath is a favourite spot for many locals, and a must-see for a beautiful panoramic view of the City of Stories. Here, you can find football pitches for kickabouts, a course made for pitch & putt or footgolf (which are affordable but paid activities!), skateparks, calming waymarked walks through the forest, and much more. It’s a lovely little corner of Norwich, and really does have something for everyone.
Another greenspace perfect for escaping the buzz of the city centre now, and Chapelfield Gardens is one not to miss. Just across the road from Chantry Place, Norwich Theatre, and the rest of our thriving city, you’ll find this picturesque pocket park offering everything you could need, including a playground, an ice cream vendor, plenty of places to unwind (including shaded areas for those warmer days!), and Café 33, one of the city’s most revered breakfast and lunch spots. It’s the perfect location for a digital detox, whether you’re enjoying a picnic, reading a book, or spending some quality time with loved ones.
Plus, Chapelfield Gardens plays its part as the setting to many an event throughout the year, including Norwich Wine Week, Lord Mayor’s Weekend, and the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, which brings with it the Adnams Spiegeltent. For those who don’t know, a spiegeltent is a huge tent which historically was brought to towns and villages who didn’t have a dance hall for their fairs. Nowadays, there’s only a handful left in the world, and we’re lucky enough to have one right here in the City of Stories throughout May every year.
Chapelfield Gardens is the perfect stop for an ice cream, a spot of brunch, or a little lie down in the sun!
There are very few places that offer a view like Castle Gardens, making it one of the most unique parks in all of England, let alone Norfolk! As you walk through this gorgeous city centre garden, you’ll be able to catch a sight of Norwich’s iconic landmark, Norwich Castle, which has watched over the City of Stories for nearly a millennium.
Take a stroll through Castle Gardens while in the city centre for a breath of fresh air!
For whatever reason you visit the city, we’d highly recommend a stroll or a stop through here. Bring a picnic to enjoy with a view like no other, or even bring a football for a kickaround. It’s wonderful, and right next to Castle Quarter if you want to pop in for a bit of shopping or to enjoy their vast range of leisure activities!
A bit further out from the city centre, but still within walking distance and certainly worth a visit, Whitlingham Country Park is a sprawling, 280-acre greenspace that you would never think is so close to Norwich. It’s like being out in the countryside! And with that feeling comes all the benefits of being in a rural environment.
Inside this beautiful park, you’ll find cycle and walking paths accompanied by amazing views, a picnic meadow, a visitors’ centre complete with a café, as well as opportunity for land sports and a gigantic body of water, perfect for sailing, windsurfing, canoeing, kayaking, and much more with Whitlingham Adventure (note, these are paid activities!). It’s the ideal place to be for just about anyone at any time of year. And it’s free to get in and explore. You can’t miss it, especially if you’re visiting Norwich for the first time.
Whitlingham Country Park is a beautiful spot for any visitor, new or old!
Following two disused railway lines, Marriott’s Way is a 26-mile-long stretch between Norwich and the historic market town of Aylsham and is a popular route for walkers and cyclists looking for a longer day spent in the rural outdoors. It’s a seriously gorgeous route, but please note it’s best for those who are up for the challenge!
Along your way, you’ll find dozens of varieties of flora, fauna, woodland, and wild meadows, no matter when you choose to go. In the summer, you’ll spot butterflies and dragonflies darting, as well as geese meandering in nearby fields and kestrels, owls, magpies and ducks. And in autumn, watch the spectacular shift of colour as stoats and weasels make their tracks through leafy pathways, as well as squirrels and hedgehogs preparing for the winter ahead. It’s truly magical. Find out more about Marriott’s Way, how to get there, and what to expect here.
Marriott’s Way is the perfect stretch for anyone looking for a longer adventure in the countryside!
