Norwich Travel Guide

Discover the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Norwich with this comprehensive travel guide.


Introduction to Norwich

Nestled in the county of Norfolk in the East of England, Norwich is a beautiful city with a rich history that dates back to the Roman times. The city is known for its medieval architecture, magnificent cathedrals, and natural beauty.

List of Places to Visit in Norwich

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery - located in a 12th-century castle, the museum houses a collection of art and historical artifacts that tell the story of Norwich.
  • Cathedral of St. John the Baptist - a magnificent Roman Catholic cathedral featuring stunning architecture.
  • The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell - discover the history of Norfolk’s capital city through the collections, displays, and exhibitions in this museum.
  • Dragon Hall - an impressive 15th-century merchant’s hall that features many historical and cultural exhibits.

Natural Attractions of Norwich: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Norwich Cathedral Close - a peaceful oasis in the heart of the city that is perfect for a leisurely walk.
  • The Broads - a network of rivers and lakes that offer stunning scenery and outdoor activities like boating, fishing, and bird watching.
  • Eaton Park - a beautiful park with an ornamental lake, gardens, and sports facilities.
  • Mousehold Heath - a large area of heathland that offers panoramic views of the city.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Norwich

  • Marriott’s Way - a 26-mile long trail that follows a former railway line and is ideal for cycling and walking.
  • The Boudicca Way - a 36-mile trail that goes through scenic countryside and offers stunning views.

Best Things to Do in Norwich: Activities and Tours

  • Norwich Market - one of the largest open-air markets in England, featuring a diverse range of stalls selling fresh produce, clothing, and more.
  • Norwich Ghost Walks - take a guided tour of the city’s haunted sites and learn about the city’s darker history.
  • Norwich Theatre Royal - catch a show at one of the country’s leading regional theaters.
  • Riverside Walk - stroll along the riverside and enjoy the scenery.

Week-Long Itinerary for Norwich

Day Activity
1 Visit Norwich Cathedral and take a stroll through the Cathedral Close
2 Explore Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery and take a ghost walk in the evening
3 Take a boat tour of The Broads
4 Go for a hike/bike ride along Marriott’s Way
5 Visit the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell and enjoy a picnic in Eaton Park
6 Explore the city’s independent shops and boutiques
7 Take a day trip to the seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea

Food and Drink Scene of Norwich

Must-Try Dishes

  • Norfolk Smoked Haddock Chowder - a warming seafood soup.
  • Cromer Crab - fresh crab meat from the nearby seaside town of Cromer.
  • Bangers and Mash - a classic British comfort food dish.

Local Beverages

  • Adnams Ghost Ship - a popular locally brewed beer.
  • Bullards Norwich Dry Gin - a premium gin made from local botanicals.
  • Norfolk Nog - a creamy dark ale with notes of caramel and coffee.

Where to Stay in Norwich: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

  • The Maids Head Hotel - a historic hotel with a central location and luxurious rooms.
  • Norwich Backpackers - a budget-friendly hostel located in the heart of the city with clean and comfortable rooms.
  • Number 17 - a charming guesthouse with a cozy and welcoming atmosphere.

What to Buy in Norwich: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Colman’s Mustard - a tangy and spicy English mustard that has been made in Norwich since 1814.
  • Norfolk Lavender - a range of lavender products including candles, toiletries, and even edible treats.
  • Saffron - grown in nearby Suffolk, this spice is used in many local dishes.

Local Culture and Customs of Norwich

  • Respect the city’s historical architecture and follow the signage to help preserve the city’s history.
  • Norwich has a strong sense of community, and locals are friendly and welcoming to visitors.

Best Time to Visit Norwich

The best time to visit Norwich is between May and September, where you can experience the warm temperatures and long daylight hours. Expect the city to be bustling with visitors during the summer months, with many events and festivals taking place.

Do’s and Don’ts of Norwich

Do:

  • Visit the local markets and support small businesses.
  • Be respectful of the city’s history and architecture.
  • Take a ghost walk to learn about the city’s darker side.

Don’t:

  • Litter in public spaces.
  • Disrespect the local culture and customs.
  • Visit any attractions that exploit animals for entertainment like circuses or zoos.

Safety and Health

Safety in Norwich

Norwich is a safe city for tourists, but like any other city, it is important to take necessary precautions like being aware of your surroundings, avoiding any areas that may appear unsafe, and keeping valuables out of sight.

Health in Norwich

Norwich has a good healthcare system, and visitors can access healthcare through the local NHS hospitals and clinics.

Getting to Norwich: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Norwich

Norwich International Airport is the closest airport to the city, located just a few miles north of the city center. It offers flights to various destinations in the UK and Europe.

Bus Stations Near Norwich

Norwich Bus Station is the main bus station that serves the city and provides local and regional bus services.

Other Options

Norwich is well-connected to the rest of the UK by train, with regular services from London taking approximately two hours. Car rental services are also available for those who prefer to drive.

How to Get Around in Norwich

Norwich is a walkable city, and most of the main attractions are located within a short distance from each other. However, there are also various transportation options like buses, taxis, and rental bikes available.

Where to Go Next from Norwich: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

  • The Norfolk Broads - explore more of the beautiful waterways and natural beauty of the region.
  • Cromer - a charming seaside town that offers traditional seaside attractions like fish and chips and an amusement pier.
  • Cambridge - a historic university town with beautiful architecture and a thriving cultural scene.

Conclusion

Norwich is a charming city with a rich history, stunning architecture, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventures. With this comprehensive travel guide, you can make the most of your visit by discovering the best places to visit, things to do, where to stay, and where to eat in Norwich.

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