Being the first UNESCO city of literature, Norwich is a destination where people love to be and take a long time to go back. This belief was even glorified by the CEO of Vietnam Airlines. Duong Tri Thanh, has termed Norwich a serene and irresistible destination for tourists on a par with an Indonesian island. In this blog, let us know why he is right and discover the cool things to do in Norwich and great fun-fulling activities at your visit with your loved ones.
Table of Contents
1. What is the best time of year to explore Norwich attractions?
2. Is Norwich a good place for families and kids to visit?
3. Are there any guided tours available in Norwich?
4. Can you explore Norwich on foot, or is transport needed?
5. Are there student-friendly attractions or hangout spots in Norwich?
Norwich boasts several museums and a vibrant city centre with a pleasant pedestrian area in the locality of modern businesses and thriving nightlife. Several things to do in Norwich for great fun are listed below.
Norwich Cathedral was founded in 1096 and spread across 44 acres, finest example of Romanesque buildings in Europe and has the highest tower and the biggest monastic cloisters in England. The cathedral tells the history of 1000 years of Norwich culture . It is the Norwich attractions that is a living centre for worship, learning and hospitality. The cathedral is linked to literary figures like Sir Thomas Erpingham and is said to be buried within the building.
Key Attraction: The Cathedral houses over 1000 medieval roof bosses.
Felbrigg Halls is a historic country house, making it a tourist attractions in Norwich, managed by National Trust. The place is best known for its 17th-century Jacobean architecture and Georgian art. Hall preserves the Georgian collection of art, furniture and heirlooms, giving a glimpse into the lives of people from the past. The Fellbrigg hosts gardens, woodlands and parkland. It is also designated as a 'special scientific interest site'. The woodland and lakes are open for exploration, and other walled gardens are also popular.
Key Attractions: The Ice House, which is designed to look like a ruin.
The Broads National Park is located in East Anglia and is the best tourist attractions in Norwich because of the manmade waterways, diverse wildlife and rich cultural heritage. It is the largest protected wetland, a vital area for natural view and home to the rarest species in the UK. The Broad offers a wide range of activities and recreational activities, responsible for the conservation and management of waterways, thus providing access for tourists.
Key Attractions: Photograph the rare swallowtail butterfly
Norwich Castle was initially built as a prison. It is now a museum and art gallery, showcasing a range of collections, such as fine art, archaeology and natural history. The Castle was built with Caen limestone, which was shipped from France. If you visit Norwich, Castle is the must exploring place as it gives you the glimpse of historic events. You will know an interesting fact about it, no Norman kings are known to have lived there, except for a Christmas visit by Henry I in 1121. At present Castle is undergoing a redevelopment to restore it to its former grandeur with a reopening which is planned in 2025.
Key Attractions: Explore displays on topics like Boudice, the Iceni
It is a beautiful Victorian garden and sub gardens are the perfect places to visit in Norwich, spread across 3 acres, and managed by volunteers for the benefit of the community. The term “Plantation Garden” refers to a garden that has been developed on what was formerly an industrial site. It is also known as a secret garden and tucked far away from the city centre, gives you a peaceful retreat as the best Norwich attractions in the UK. In the summer season, the garden hosts a variety of events such as music, outdoor cinema and Sunday afternoon tea.
Key Attractions: Gothic fountain, Italianate terrace
East Ruston Old Vicarage garden spreads across 32 acres near the Norfolk coast. It offers unique and diverse planting styles, such as exotic, sub-tropical and Mediterranean gardens. Vicarage Garden hosts a variety of plants, such as yuccas, puyas and dasylirions, thus known as Desert Wash and one of the best places in Norwich for adventure. The gardens are protected from rough winds by a shelter belt of pines. This is by creating a unique microclimate and allowing for a small plant to survive.
Key Attraction: Monumental Fruit Cage
Elm Hill is a historic place. It is popular for its medieval architecture and rich history. Elm Hill places in Norwich is a top destination for filming destinations for movies and television, such as Stardust and Jingle Jangle. It would not be wrong to say that Elm Hill is a blend of history, architecture and commerce, making it the best tourist destination. Tourists can visit a variety of shops, cafes, and other businesses, providing a unique shopping experience.
Key Attraction: Briton arms date back to 1507
Norwich market is a large, outdoor and oldest and largest open-air market in the UK. The market has been continuing to serve its customers for the past 1000 years. Norwich market is a dynamic and engaging space where you can explore a variety of goods. People visit the Norwich market to shop for unique crafts, clothing, jewellery, and household items. For food lovers, it serves sections of food stalls, such as local produce, cheese, baked goods and ready-to-eat options, like fish and chips.
Key Attractions: Guildhall, St. Peter Mancroft church
The City of Norwich Aviation Museum is located near the Norwich Airport. It is the first things to do in Norwich as soon as you land at Norwich airport or when your flight gets delayed at return. The museum started as an aviation enthusiastic group in the year of 1977 and later expanded in 1982. The museum exhibits nearly 30 aircraft, cockpit sections and Hawker Hunter, Fokker F27 and Spacecat Jaguar. The Memorial is dedicated to the personnel of the 458th Bomb group, who flew from the site during World War II.
Key Attractions: Open Cockpit Days, a special event for aviation enthusiasts.
Attending Norwich Theatre's royal events is the best things to do in Norwich, it hosts musicals events, drama, dance, opera comedy, and concerts. The professionals are bought from the west end of London as part of national tours. The theatre remains open from Monday to Saturday. You are welcome to call in for tea or cake or a bite to eat at lunchtime. Moreover, pre-show meals are also available from 5 pm. Norwich Theatre Royal is fully accessible and family-friendly.
Key Attraction: The Buddy Holly Story musical event
Now, what to do in Norwich in spare time after roaming for a whole day from one place to another. You can try your hand at new activities that are given in the next section.
Rock N Roll circus show is like no other in Norwich, and you will generally feel this is the best things to do in Norwich during the whole trip. Circus shows combine the best musical talent and entertainment shows for the public. Every weekend, you will be able to see famous artists, such as Blue, Scouting for Girls, Pixie Lott, Sam Ryder and many. Moreover, you can enjoy various local food and drinks during the stage show at the circus.
Norwich is the home of the 24th Paddington statue and the perfect places to visit in Norwich, referring to the iconic Paddington bear character. It is a popular figure in the Paddington visit trail, celebrating the character and the famous release of the movie Paddington in Peru. Paddington is the most loved character from the books, known for their adventurous spirit and love of marmalade sandwiches. Photography with the Paddington is a unique thing to do in Norwich, and you will also stuff for your Instagram feeds.
Exploring the city via outdoor art is the best joyful experience in Norwich. Art is the perfect way to express the city stories itself through art and is free and accessible for all. The decorated building structures are the best canvas since 2016. Norwich urban art trails have attracted locals and visitors as well. Types of urban art trails at Norwich are as follows:
Slice + Dice is a lively and welcoming game in Norwich. It combines the joy of gaming with the pleasure of food bites. It offers more than 400 board games, giving you a cosy vibe. Slice + Dice welcomes the guests with seasoned games. Moreover, apart from the gaming library, they serve delicious vegan food. Thus, it is a fantastic activity to do in Norwich for casual dining and special gatherings.
Norwich hosts various experiences, but there are very special ones which everyone must feel during the vacation. Thus, in the next section some unknown but great places to visit in Norwich for your venture.
Norwich provides diverse sightseeing options through walking, cultural, bus and historical tours. One can visualize the landmarks, beaches and other stunning places. It hosts numerous green spaces, such as The Broad National Park, Plantation Garden etc., which justify the CEO of Vietnamese Airlines. Hence, do not miss the sightseeing from the list of great things to do in Norwich, and get ready for the tour.
Brasteds, Benedicts, and Stoke Mill Contemporary fine dining are the best restaurant options for family dinners. You can feel the taste of traditional English cuisines and international flavours with a strong emphasis on local produce. As a local special dish, you can enjoy local asparagus, potatoes, lamb, port and Norfolk port pies. Moreover, for drinks, you can visit The Assembly House, Marlborough Arms and The Wallow.
Prince of Wales Road and Mantra Club & Lounge are best known for clubbing. Boom Battle Bar and Castle Quarters provide different couple games and activities. Moreover, for live musical events, the LCR at the University of East Anglia hosts singing events and club night, which is near to Norwich students accommodation, so even students can attend.
Wrapping up! The blog gives you the gist of the Norwich trip. One can explore natural beauty, architectural marvels and many more places. Norwich City has thriving urban art trails, museums and natural parks, and is a nice blend of natural beauty with thrilling activities. Moreover, the city not only provides facilities to tourists, rather it also hosts several affordable student accommodation in UK, well-equipped with modern facilities.
Spring and Autumn season offers a nice balance of pleasant weather. At this time, the crowd is also less, summer is good for festivals and street life. Moreover, the whole year is good for your visit except for some uncertain conditions. Norwich City is family-friendly and safe, so you can visit Norwich in groups too.
Absolutely yes! Norwich is a good destination for families and kids. It is a lively city and offers various family-friendly activities such as museums, parks and interactive spaces like Space + Dice café. The attractions include Norwich Castle, a puppet theatre etc. Moreover, many events have free entry, like Dippy the Diplodocus at the Cathedral.
Yes, many trusted guiding tours are available in Norwich. There are many area-specific tours, such as Colegate and Elm Hill. Moreover, various themed tours and ghost tours are also available to discover the hidden dark folk stories of Norwich. If you like your own company and are a good Google surfer, you can even enjoy a self-guided tour.
Norwich city centre is best known for the pedestrian Friendly, as many streets and spaces are designed for foot traffic. It is possible to walk across the city in about 30 minutes. Just within the walkable area, you can explore museums, shops, restaurants, pubs, bus stations and many more.
Yes, Norwich offers many student-friendly attractions and hangout spots, catering the various interests. Chantry Place, Castle Quarters, riverside entertainment and Cinema City are good places for the students to explore. Moreover, you can see various student accommodation options, such as private studios, flats, apartments and dorm halls that are well-equipped and furnished.
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