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Norwich is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the UK, and completely walkable due to its medieval street pattern.
This means that a wander around Norwich means you can truly live its historic charm, cultural richness, and distinctive atmosphere as well as its natural beauty because it is one of the UK’s greenest cities. In fact, with the river Wensum winding through it, it makes Norwich a part of The Broads National Park.
The skyline of Norwich from Mousehold Heath showing the city’s two cathedrals.
Architectural treasures not to miss includes two cathedrals, Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, 31 medieval churches, Norwich Market and The Royal Arcade as well as an array of beautiful buildings from all eras in The Norwich Lanes and the Cathedral Quarter. There are also a number of hidden gems.
The American Library in The Forum, Norwich.
The US 8th Air Force and Norwich
At one time during WWII, there were around 50,000 USAAF personnel of the US 8th Air Force stationed within a 30-mile radius of Norwich. Today, a visit to The American Library at The Forum in the centre of Norwich holds 4,000 books on all aspects of American life and culture, plus a collection devoted to the Second Air Division’s history, which includes rare group histories privately published at the end of the hostilities. Other collections include film, memorabilia and display items.
They also offer a digital collection of over 30,000 images of original photographs, letters, memoirs and other documents for viewing or researching. The Second Air Division Archive at the Norfolk Record Office (located in Norwich) also contains more than 200 boxes of unique material: personal papers, diaries, maps, photographs, manuals and other memorabilia as well as records that veterans, their families, local people and researchers have donated to the Memorial Library.
Whilst The East Anglian Film Archive include films relating to USAAF servicemen based in East Anglia during the Second World War. Many of these films have been digitised and can be watched through the East Anglian Film Archive website.
The medieval heart of Norwich includes The Lanes where you’ll find many independent shops, boutiques and eateries.
Getting around
Book yourself on one or more walking tours of Norwich. It’s one of the best ways of orientating yourself and learning all at the same time! Tours cover all themes from history to cheese and beer! There’s even a Tipsy Tavern tour which we highly recommend! And a tour of Norwich Market with tastings from Paul Dickson who is one of our favourite local historians.
Also, pick up a Norwich map from venues across Norwich or one of its City Hosts (spot them in their blue tabards) to help you get yourself around, its full of great information of where to head to.
The Museum of Norwich and Strangers’ Hall are also two amazing museums to visit to explain more about Norwich’s history and the people who have made the city what it is today.
Norwich Castle’s Keep reopens this year as Royal Palace Reborn.
Don’t miss
In summer 2024, Norwich Castle’s Keep re-opens, which will then make the castle one of the UK’s premier heritage attractions. Dating back to William the Conqueror in 1067, visitors will be transported to the heyday of Norman England through interactive displays and immersive experiences.
The re-launched Keep will also have The British Museum’s first medieval gallery outside of London with over 1000 artefacts and treasures to view. From basement to battlements the redevelopment will give an extraordinary sense of what it was like to live in a royal castle.
The Georgian Assembly House is one of many places you can take Afternoon Tea in Norwich.
Discover the taste
Norwich benefits from the rich local produce grown and sourced around Norfolk which means the chefs of Norwich use local, seasonal produce wherever they can. Make sure you eat on Norwich Market and that you enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea at least once on a stay here.
The Assembly House in Norwich is a splendid Georgian House where you can take tea in the ballroom like a king or queen. Think Bridgerton. Or for a less formal affair but equally delightful, book afternoon tea at one of Norwich’s oldest eateries – The Briton’s Arms on Norwich’s most complete medieval street, Elm Hill. It’s one of only five thatched buildings in the city centre and is as quaint as they come dating back to the 13th century.
Discover the varied stalls selling everything imaginable in Norwich market, the largest permanent covered market in Europe.
Live like a local
To feel like a local when you are a visitor is a real experience and the people of Norwich know how to give a warm welcome, they also like to chat! Head to Norwich Market for a beer at Sir Toby’s Beers where many a resident heads – this is Norwich’s smallest bar and one of its most popular.
Then take a look around Jarrolds – Norwich’s independent department store. Over 5-floors, this is the place to shop.
Mix with the locals in the medieval streets in the city centre.
Enjoying a walk in the grounds of Norwich Cathedral described locally ‘as the village within the city’ is relaxing and grounding. The cathedral was built between 1096-1145 so is a little younger than Norwich Castle. Discover 1000 carved roof bosses in the cathedral and cloisters, more than any other Christian church. The Cathedral Close is the largest to survive in England and the cathedral has the largest surviving monastic cloisters in England. Think Harry Potter, and it gives you an idea of what to expect!
Norwich was England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2012. Follow the Norwich Book Bench trail around the city to discover the authors and works which have come out of our City of Stories from the 13th century to today. The benches make up stacked books, open books and more of stone and wood and have been creatively and imaginatively designed.
Useful website Visit Norwich
