Set-jetting – the trend of travelling to destinations that are first seen in movies – has become a 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!
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts houses some of the most ground-breaking displays and exhibitions in the UK. But eagle-eyed viewers will also know that the Sainsbury Centre is home to Marvel’s ‘The Avengers’! The art gallery, located at the University of East Anglia, was used as the Avengers HQ in several Avengers movies, and stars such as Robert Downey Jr, Scarlett Johansson, Chris Evans and Chris Hemsworth all appeared on campus during filming.
Boasting the the second tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England, Norwich Cathedral is already a must-visit venue. But did you know, the Cathedral was used as a backdrop for scenes in 2016’s ‘Jack the Giant Slayer’? As was ‘Tulip Fever’, a period drama set in 17th century Amsterdam starring Dame Judi Dench, Alicia Vikander, and Christoph Waltz!
Known to be Norwich’s most complete Medieval street, Elm Hill is a picturesque paradise that looks like it belongs in a Dickens novel! This stunning street, with it’s cobbled paths and thatched houses, was used as a backdrop to 2007’s ‘Stardust’ – a fairy-tale blockbuster starring Robert de Niro, Michelle Pfeiffer and Clare Danes. More recently, Elm Hill was used as the set for ‘Jingle Jangle’, an upcoming Christmas musical produced by John Legend and starring Forest Whitaker. Jingle Jangle will be landing on Netflix this Christmas, so keep an eye out for Elm Hill!
The Assembly House is well-known for its 11 beautiful guest rooms and its delicious afternoon teas. But did you know that in 2015 The Assembly House played host to the crew of ’45 Years’, a British romantic drama film directed by Andrew Haigh. This picture, centred around a couple celebrating their 45th wedding anniversary, received excellent reviews, with leading-lady Charlotte Rampling being nominated for Best Actress at the 2016 Academy Awards! The film was also shot at other key Norwich locations, including St Benedicts Street, the Royal Arcade, Jarrolds department store, and W.R. Bullen on London Street.
A favourite walking spot for residents of Norwich, Mousehold Heath boasts over 180 acres of woodland for you to explore. Steeped in history, the site is well-known for its ties to Kett’s Rebellion, which took place in 1549. Over 16,000 troops set up camp for months on Mousehold Heath, before being defeated by the Royal Army. The story of Kett’s Rebellion was recently written about in CJ Sansome’s novel ‘Tombland’ where the lead character Matthew Shardlake is sent to Norwich to investigate the death of a relative of Henry VIII.
Award-winning writers guide you through Norwich, the UNESCO City of Literature. Enjoy walks around the city, accompanied by stories and memoires from some of the best writers who were born or live in the city. The work ranges from real life experiences from the authors, to imagine tales and short stories based on famous landmarks and walking routes. You can pick up a copy of the ‘Walking Norwich’ guide from independent bookshops in the city, or download the pdf version online so you can read while you walk
