Norwich is known as the City of Stories for good reason; the city oozes history, a radical independent spirit and thriving creativity. Above all, is an inherent association with books, writers, and words. Norwich was home to the first woman to be published in English, boasts a renowned Creative Writing MA, a wealth of independent bookshops and the National Centre for Writing. Countless writers live and frequently visit the city, and there is a vibrant programme of literature events all year round.
It’s no surprise that Norwich was England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Here’s a glimpse of the experiences that await book lovers in the City of Stories.
Wandering Words is a great way to explore the city. Photo Joanna Millington
Exploring the City
There are two ways that you can add a literary twist to exploring the city.
First up, the Wandering Words self-guided tour will take you through eclectic streets to landmarks, bookshops, a herb garden; at each of the seven stops you will hear a specially commissioned poem about that place. Stop 7 is St Julian’s Church, where anchoress Julian of Norwich wrote Revelations of Divine Love, thought to be the earliest writings in English by a woman.
If you like the idea of a walk with plenty of time to stop, sit, maybe read for a while, then try the Book Benches trail. Eight very different benches augment this route, paying tribute to the many writers associated with Norfolk – from Anna Sewell and Philip Pulman to Sarah Perry and Stephen Fry – in total 43 different books are featured! At Stop 6, you will find yourself close to Norwich Cathedral – stray off your route for a short time and head to another bench to snap a quick selfie with Norwich’s newest resident – Paddington Bear.
Fans of historical fiction should look out for Paul Dickinson’s tours of Shardlake’s Norwich that follow the action of CJ Sansom’s best-selling novel Tombland, set during the Ketts’ Rebellion of 1549
Norwich Book Festival at Dragon Hall, home to the National Centre for Writing
The National Centre for Writing
Housed in a Grade I listed medieval merchant’s trading hall – captivatingly named Dragon Hall – the National Centre for Writing is a thriving literature house. Established and aspiring writers and literary translators can benefit from myriad courses, a cottage for writing residencies and bookable writing rooms, whilst readers can enjoy a wide range of author events. Open to the public for free from spring to autumn, Dragon Hall is a building brimming with its own stories. Thoughtfully designed trails encourage both children and adults to unleash their creativity as they explore, and on a sunny day the garden makes a perfect reading sanctuary.
Festivals and events
Norwich’s pride in its literary credentials can be easily seen in a year-round programme of events. In addition to the National Centre for Writing’s programme is UEA Live – which platforms a wide range of writers and thinkers at the University of East Anglia, home to a world-famous Creative Writing MA. At Norwich Arts Centre you will find True Stories, a welcoming and intimate event inviting audiences to share their personal stories; and at venues across the city – and the wider region – TOAST poetry holds live events featuring leading poets and storytellers, and showcasing new voices.
TOAST Poetry. Photo Rosie Mills-Smith
Norfolk & Norwich Festival, in May, dedicates a whole weekend to its City of Literature programme, curated by the National Centre for Writing. Authors discuss their latest works and tackle a range of topics, from gardening to consumerism. Poets perform on stage, writers lead workshops, and families are captivated by immersive storytelling. And each year a leading figure is invited to deliver the Harriet Martineau Lecture – celebrating the radical spirit of yet another of the city’s most notable daughters.
In October is Norwich Book Festival. Launched in 2024, the inaugural Festival brought together partners across the city – including bookshops and libraries – for over 40 author events, panel talks and experiences for book lovers of all ages. The second chapter is now announced for October 2025, with a programme to be revealed.
Page Against the Machine at Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s City of Literature Weekend
A wealth of bookshops
In a city with such literary chops – and a stunning array of indie businesses – you would expect to find a wealth of independent bookshops. And you won’t be disappointed. One of the largest and most varied is the iconic Book Hive, a bustling shop and favourite spot of Margaret Atwood that also houses Propolis Books, one of many independent publishers thriving in Norwich. In fact, the city is one of the country’s leading hubs for publishers outside of London. The delightful Bookbugs and Dragon Tales made headlines in 2022 when actor Russell Crowe donated to a crowdfunding campaign to secure the future of the shop; and readers will be grateful that this gem was saved. At street level are a wealth of kids’ books and graphic novels, whilst downstairs is a small and beautifully curated room of books with comfy chairs. If second-hand books are your thing, dive into the packed shelves at Tombland Books, Dormouse Books or J R & R K Ellis. And it would be remis not to mention the Millennium Library, in the heart of the city, one of the country’s most frequented libraries and home to the UK’s only American Library.
The Book Hive on London Street. Photo Joanna Millington
Whether you want to read, write, listen or explore, you will be spoilt for choice in the City of Stories.
For more suggestions on how to spend your time in Norwich, other cultural highlights and also where to enjoy great food and drink, check out our Day in Norwich Lanes itinerary or head to VisitNorwich.
