Norwich UK

A City Of Culture, History And Modern Day Living

Norwich UK is a city which is vibrant, in touch with today’s world, but at the same time steeped in history and overflowing with culture. And during the 11th Century, this superb city was the largest city in England, after London - impressive!

Why Norwich?

Norwich is a city where history isn’t just confined to museums but lives and breathes in the streets and buildings.

From its medieval origins as England’s second city to its thriving modern arts scene, Norwich offers a unique blend of experiences that will appeal to everyone:

• Over 1,000 years of history woven into the city fabric
• Once, there was a medieval church for every week of the year
• A thriving market culture dating back centuries
• A mix of historic architecture and modern vibrancy

Stroll Along The River Wensum

The River Wensum is the lifeblood of Norwich’s history. It shaped trade, defence, and daily life for centuries.  You can take a lovely short circular stroll along the river from the Cathedral down to Pulls Ferry and then along, passing Cow Tower.

• Pulls Ferry: A wonderfully peaceful walk along its banks reveals Pulls Ferry, an old flint archway and once served as the main entrance for boats bringing stone and goods to Norwich’s cathedral and city. Named after the Pull family who operated the ferry here for centuries, this archway stands as a vivid reminder of Norwich’s bustling river trade and the vital role the Wensum played in shaping the city’s growth and heritage.
• Cow Tower: Continue to walk alongside the river and you’ll also come across Cow Tower which also stands proudly on the banks of the River Wensum.  This is a  striking 14th-century brick tower built to defend Norwich from river borne attacks. Its thick walls, arrow slits, and commanding position reveal a city once vigilant against invasion, guarding the vital waterway that shaped its fortunes
• Bishop Bridge:   Bishop Bridge was the lowest crossing over the River Wensum/Yare, forcing those without boats to detour 20 miles inland. 

Wander Norwich’s Medieval Lanes

Elm Hill is one of Norwich’s most beautiful streets. With its crooked timbered houses and cobbled steps, it really does feels like stepping into a film set — but every detail is real! Here you’ll find:

• Antique shops brimming with curiosities
• Tiny art galleries with local talent
• The Britons Arms, now a coffee shopt, is the oldest pub in Norwich that survived the great fire of 1507 – great coffee!

Discover Secret Crypts and Lost Churches

Norwich once boasted a church for every week of the year - however, many now stand empty.

Near King Street, St. Julian’s Church holds a special place in history. Inside, you’ll find the cell where Julian of Norwich lived as an anchoress and wrote the oldest surviving book in English by a woman.

In fact, you start the Walsingham Way Pilgrimage Walk from Norwich and Julian of Norwich is an important part of discovery at the beginning of this walk for many.

Visit Norwich’s Iconic Landmarks

Both Norwich Cathedral and Norwich Castle Museum are within easy walking distance in the city and both are definite “must see” experiences.   You can easily take a whole day to visit both of these sites, particularly the museum; it has so many diverse and interesting exhibits, there is literally something for everyone here.

Norwich Cathedral

Norwich Cathedral will impress you.   

The cathedral is one of the oldest places of Christian worship in the city and is truly stunning. 

It really has that WOW factor.  The vaulted ceiling, the cloisters and the interior are really awe inspiring. 

There's also a rather nice tea room!

Norwich Castle Museum

You can spend a long time wandering around Norwich Castle Museum.

It has been restored so well that you could easily believe you were visiting something new in the 21st century.

The castle is owned by the City of Norwich and is also a Grade I listed building. This means that it has been recognised as of great historic importance and it has been restored so well that it could easily be mistaken for being new.   

It houses a huge number of exhibits from all over the world, along with some important art work, and has a range of events throughout the year.

Norwich Entertainment

If you fancy a trip to a Norwich theatre you won’t be disappointed.   Norwich actually has 5 theatres, those being the Norwich Theatre Royal (opened in 1785), Maddermarket Theatre, the Norwich Playhouse, Norwich Puppet Theatre and the Sewell Barn Theatre – you are once again spoilt for choice.

For entertainment, you can:

• Book tickets at one of the many theatres including the Norwich Theatre Royal
• Watch the latest film at one of three cinemas
• Take a punting trip or a cruise boat along the River Wensum
• Watch a game at Norwich City Football Club.   Book some tickets and enjoy being part of Norfolk

Norwich City Football Club, situated on Carrow Road and a stone’s throw away from the city centre, is Norfolk’s premier football club and has a huge following.  And for those that don’t know, Norwich City f.c. has as their mascot the Canary – and the history behind the canary is that it was introduced by Flemish refugees who brought their textile techniques to Norwich UK, as well as their pet yellow canaries which they bred locally.  This then became the devoted and beloved mascot of Norwich City fc.

Norwich Retail Therapy!

For retail therapy :

• Use the Park and Ride, or park in one of the many car parks in the middle of Norwich and spend the day shopping, some people love it, others hate it!
• Shop amongst the chain stores, but if you want to get away from the shops seen in every high street up and down the country, you can also wander along The Lanes, cobbled Tudor streets,  where you’ll  find masses of little independent shops, cafes and galleries to amuse you.
• Wander up and down the rows of the well known covered Norwich Market with 200 stalls and one of the largest outdoor markets in the England.

Norwich Market has been in the centre of the city for over 900 years, and is older than any of the buildings which surround it, and that’s saying something.  In its time it has had many makeovers, but with 200 stalls, and always sheltered from the rain, this is a market which is open every day, except Sunday.  No waiting for market day in Norwich, it’s always on (except Sunday)!

You also have other museums and galleries such as:

• the Bridewell Museum
• Strangers Hall (the oldest building in Norwich UK)
• Dragon Hall, all dating back to the Tudor times
• as well as the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, a very modern art gallery within the University of East Anglia complex, slightly outside Norwich city centre.

Walking Tours

The Tourist Information Centre put on lots of different walks, usually in the summer months.  As it's a city steeped in history, taking one of the tours, which lasts for a couple of hours, is really interesting and gives you a very good understanding of how important Norwich was years ago.  Here you can read about one I went on called "Passages Through The Past".

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Norwich UK is such a delightful city, with so much to do, that Norfolk is proud to have Norwich as its capital city!  Come and enjoy the experience.

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