The ultimate guide to Norwich!

I can’t believe I’ve written twelve articles and still not once mentioned my country of origin: the United Kingdom! To make up for this, today I’m going to be running through everything you need to know about the wonderful cathedral city, Norwich. One of my best friends studies at the university there, so I frequently go to visit her, and have seen all the main sights in town. It’s got features to excite shopaholics and history buffs alike, and is a fantastic day trip destination if you’re staying nearby.

When to go

If you know anything about England, you’ll have heard that our number one topic of conversation is the weather. Why? Because it’s constantly changing – we've had heatwaves in February, and snow in July! Because of this, there isn’t really one time that’s better to visit than another. Having said this, Norwich is best to visit when there are fewer tourists around, so if you can, arrange to come on a weekday outside the school holidays (i.e. in any month apart from April, July, August, and December).

Where to stay

I’ve actually always stayed at my friend's place while visiting Norwich, so don’t have any specific hotels or hostels to recommend. I will just say that it’s definitely worth finding accommodation in the centre of town. That way, you won’t have to pay for public transport.

What to do

Visit Norwich Cathedral

If there’s one thing you’ve got to see while in Norwich, it’s the stunning Norman cathedral. This place of worship is free to enter, and is complete with cloisters, a treasury, and an education centre, where art exhibitions are frequently held. Make sure, after your visit, to go and admire the beautiful Georgian houses in The Close, the area surrounding the cathedral.

Visit the castle

If your cravings for history still aren't satisfied, head to Norwich’s medieval castle! Now a museum and art gallery, it’s the perfect place to spend a cultural afternoon, and with artefacts dating back to the Ancient Egyptian times, the institution’s extensive collection certainly won’t disappoint! Be sure to book a tour, if you want to visit the old dungeons!

Go to Elm Hill

Elm Hill is a beautiful cobbled street near the cathedral that’s definitely worth a visit. Filled with gorgeous Tudor houses, it’s the perfect place to pose for travel photos, or just sit and relax (there’s a circle of benches surrounding a tree in the middle of the road). If you get peckish, be sure to sure to pop into the Briton Arms for some lunch or afternoon tea!

Go shopping

Looking to engage in a bit of retail therapy? Norwich certainly isn't a bad place to start! For all the classic high street brands, head to Castle Mall or intu Chapelfield. If independent stores are more up your street, pop into the Royal Arcade, browse the stalls of the central market, or wander through the Norwich Lanes.

My two absolute favourite outlets in the city are actually both located away from the popular shopping areas. The first is All Saints Antiques Centre, a church that’s been converted into a fabulous vintage market! It’s the perfect place to look for cheap and funky second-hand clothing. The second – a pretty similar place, as it happens – is Looses Emporium. Here, you'll find two floors packed with all sorts of used goods: clothes, shoes, furniture… They’ve even got some antique fridges!

Look around the university

Norwich is home to one of the UK’s leading higher education institutions: the University of East Anglia, which is just a short bus ride from the city centre. If you’re a prospective student, be sure to check out some of the places undergraduates love hanging out: the LCR (a music and club night venue), the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (a museum and art gallery on campus), and the many cafés and bars dotted around the site. Afterwards, enjoy a stroll around – or picnic next to – the beautiful lake (a.k.a. the UEA Broad).

Go to Whitlingham Country Park

If the UEA Broad leaves you wanting more, head to Whitlingham Country Park, and do a lap of the Whitlingham Great Broad! You’ll see some beautiful flora and fauna along the way, and will be able to watch people sailing and paddle boarding on the lake. And, if you’re feeling particularly active, why not book a sports taster session and join them?!

Go rollerskating

If you’re stuck for things to do in the evenings, a great place to check out is Funkys Rollerskating & Adventure Play. No need to book: just rock up to this activity centre and spend an hour rollerskating to the latest tunes! If you get thirsty, be sure to order a slush puppy at the café. Beware that this place is slightly outside town – we travelled to and from it by taxi – but it’s definitely worth the journey!

Walk along the river

Alternatively, take an evening stroll along Norwich’s River Wensum! There are pathways running all along the water’s edge, and you can admire the charming boats and riverside houses (see some below) as you walk. Set out just before dinner, and once the sun has set, stop in the Compleat Angler – just across the road from the station, so ideal for day-trippers! – for a pub dinner. My favourite dish on the menu is the scampi and chips!

Where to eat

Since we’re on the topic of food, here are three more eating establishments I’d recommend:

Grosvenor Fish Bar

If you’re visiting England from another country, you’ve got to try fish and chips during your stay, and there's no better place to do so in Norwich than the Grosvenor Fish Bar! Not only is the food fantastic, but also the interior design of the restaurant – head downstairs and you can enjoy your meal in what feels like a spacious air raid shelter!

Olive’s Café

For another national delicacy – the English breakfast – head to Olive’s Café! Here, you can enjoy a classic fry-up (veggie and vegan options are available, too), surrounded by leafy plants and cacti. If you feel like treating yourself that little bit more, I’d recommend washing down your meal with an Oreo milkshake.

Biddy’s Tea Room

I don’t think I’ve ever been to Norwich without making a trip to Biddy’s Tea Room! Located just off the market square, this little café is my favourite place in the city to indulge in some sweet treats. Each day, there are new, freshly-made cakes and brownies available, always scrumptious, and usually rich enough to keep you full for the rest of the day! This place also has an extensive tea menu, on which you can read about the health benefits of some of the brews. Even thought I’m not a huge fan of hot drinks, I always order something here. My favourite has got to be the raspberry and elderflower tisane.

Finally, this place is great because of its quirky interior. Each booth is different from the next: some are surrounded by plants, others by lanterns, and others still by books and glass bottles. You may even find that you’ve been seated not at a table, but at a treasure chest!

Getting around

Norwich is a fairly small town, so it can be easily explored on foot. However, there are buses available – tickets must be bought onboard, but you can now make Contactless payments if you’re short of loose change – as well as a taxi rank in front of the station. Regular trains run direct from here to cities such as Cambridge and London. Book your journey in advance, and you may be able to bag a cheaper fare!

That’s it, folks!

So there you have it: the ultimate guide to Norwich! It really is a lovely city to visit, and has something for everyone. Whether you spend the day perfecting your boating skills or expanding your historical knowledge, you’re sure to have a fantastic time!

Photo gallery