Nestled in the heart of Norfolk is a city that sometimes goes under the radar, but is fast becoming a bustling haven for young creatives, foodies and antique renegades.
I’m talking about Norwich. Norfolk is known for the Broads, and perhaps as the home of cringe TV presenter Alan Partridge. But the city also makes a fun place for a long weekend, with plenty to see and do.
We headed to Norfolk to explore and discover what this East Anglian city has to offer. Find out what to see and do in Norfolk with our quick guide.
Where is Norwich?
Resting snugly in the East of England, Norwich is framed by the North Sea to the north and east, and it enjoys excellent connectivity to other parts of the UK and mainland Europe. A combination of rural appeal, historical monuments and contemporary lifestyle aptly paints a quintessential English city picture.
How to get to Norwich?
Norwich is well connected to most of the rest of the UK by road, bus and rail services.
By car, routes A11 and A47 directly link Norwich from London and the Midlands. Norwich also enjoys excellent rail links with Greater Anglia services running from London Liverpool Street station, whisking you to Norwich in less than two hours.
For air links, the city does have its own airport, Norwich International Airport. However it mostly serves tourist destinations and with some connectivity to European city hubs too
What to see in Norwich?
There are a number of things to see and do in Norwich and the surrounding Norfolk and East Anglian area. Our pick of the top things to see includes:
Norwich Cathedral
Constructive in 1096, Norwich Cathedral is an astonishing example of Romanesque architecture. Ornamented with an outstanding collection of medieval roof boss sculptures, it offers a blend of tranquillity and historic intrigue in one go. A must-visit for history seekers, and it’s free!
Norfolk Broads
Just a short drive from the city centre, the Norfolk Broads is a scenic network of waterways offering an adventurous escapade into the wildlife and beauty of the Norfolk countryside. Hiring a boat for the day will give you a unique perspective of this amazing landscape.
Holkham Hall
Holkham Hall is an 18th-century Palladian country house and offers a maze of nature trails, waymarked paths and a splendid walled garden to venture around. With tickets priced at £16 for adults, it is a must for history buffs and nature enthusiasts alike.
Sandringham Estate
A mere 45-minute drive from Norwich, visiting the Queen’s winter retreat is an enchanting escape. The grandeur of the stately house, the fascinating museum and the beautiful gardens makes it worthy of the £12 adult entry price.
Norwich Castle
Initially a medieval royal fortification, today’s Norwich Castle serves as a museum and art gallery. Its diverse collection, ranging from archaeology and art to natural history, ensures enriching things to do in Norwich.
Strangers’ Hall
A trip back in time to visualize domestic life from the 14th century beckons at Strangers’ Hall. The well-preserved artefacts and regional furnishings bring history to life in this compact city mansion for just £5.50.
Norfolk Coast AONB
The Norfolk Coast AONB is a natural paradise that reflects the distinctive character of the area. Explore the sandy beaches, rolling dunes and stunning beauty of this free-to-access reserve.
BeWILDerwood
Ideal for children and families, BeWILDerwood is a fantasy world of outdoor tree houses, slippery slopes, and storytelling. Price varies on height, but the interactive elements and immersive play experiences are worth every penny.
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
An architectural masterpiece by Sir Norman Foster, the centre houses outstanding works from around the globe. Though exhibitions are ticketed, the rich visual treats make the spend worthwhile.
Norwich Market
A city staple since the 11th century, Norwich Market is full of locally sourced produce, vintage finds, world food and lots more. Entrance is free, however, the aromatic food stalls and handcrafted goods might nudge you to spend a few pounds.
Where to eat and drink in Norwich?
Norwich has become such a culinary quarter, that it’s hard to hero restaurants without feeling you’ve neglected one of its neighbours.
However, if you’re looking for a guaranteed good time, YALM is the foodhall you’ve been waiting for. Situated a short stroll from the market square along the Royal Arcade, this two-story metropolis of independent kitchens has a real festival feel – with chef shacks surrounding huge communal seating, complete with chalkboard menus and authentic flavours from around the world.
From North African grill dishes to pizza with lime and honey, and not forgetting a conveyor belt bar with rotating cheeses, you’ll be in a fully content food coma. A cool digital tick is that you can order to your pleasure and leisure via their app, meaning you don’t even need to leave your seat. Winner!
Roger Hickman’s Restaurant in the city centre offers exquisite fine dining, whilst The Wallow offers a fantastic range of world wines and local charcuterie. For a more casual affair, visit The Belgian Monk for an authentic Belgian dining experience flaunting vast beer options.
Antiques hotspot
For all you home interior aficionados, Norwich has got an array of emporiums to get your living room in check. Magdalen Street is famed for Looses, where you can easily get lost in its treasure maze. From vintage arcade games to exquisite chaise lounges and old school vinyls, you’d be hard pushed to not come away with something, whatever your budget. In fact, wherever you wander in Norwich, you’ll likely encounter an antique shop by accident. There’s All Saints church which has been wonderfully taken over by vintage clothing and china knickknacks, to Aladdin’s Cave which needs no further explanation.
The best hotels in Norwich?
- The Assembly House – A Georgian gem located right in the center of the city.
- St Giles House Hotel – Dynamic and distinctive, this boutique hotel is bound to impress.
- The Maids Head Hotel – Proudly flaunting the title of the oldest hotel in Britain.
The George Hotel on 10 Arlington Lane is a perfect hub for your city stay. With boutique charm it genuinely feels like a home-from-home, it’s dog friendly, and serves up a mean full English breakfast packed with local ingredients.
If you’re with a group of friends, definitely upgrade your experience to The Garden House, a walled garden private apartment.
Nightlife in Norwich
Norwich comes alive at night. The restaurants along Benedict Street have a continental vibe with outside candle lit seating and tapas joints. Theatre Royal brings West End faves this way, and for more offbeat humour and speakeasy type art, the Norwich Playhouse has it all. Film goers look no further than the Picturehouse for independent flicks, and for bars that do things differently, Gonzo’s Tea Room is the coolest dungeon for discos and dirty burgers.
