The Norfolk Explorer

Norfolk has only one city, but it certainly doesn’t need another, not with everything Norwich has to offer!

The vibrancy of the local scene, the hip art vibes emulating from the uni and not one but two stunning cathedrals – what are you waiting for? Here’s the very best things to do in Norwich City.

Shop like a local

To get a taste of the city’s thriving local scene, begin by visiting the cobblestoned array of streets known as the Lanes. Alleyways and lanes intertwine with many an independent shop, bar and café. For shopping head to Lower Goat Lane where you will find bespoke delights such as Lisa Angel, head to Bridewell Alley for the best pastries in the city – the raspberry and pistachio swirl from Bread Source will change your life. And pop down St Benedict’s and be spoilt for choice with restaurants and bars – try Pinocchios for a taste of Italy or Benedict’s for Michelin dining and finish off with personally bespoke cocktails in an candle-lit 20s style bar.

Delve into history

Make your way towards the historic Norman Castle sitting atop its city centre mound. The castle was founded in the aftermath of the Norman conquest and since 1894 has been home to the Norwich Museum, which displays objects from the region. Along with visiting the castle you can explore its surrounding gardens, the Castle Quarter, and get some great views over the city. And if you visit in the winter, get your skates on for some festive fun on the ice rink. Also, If you’re travelling with a family then there are some really great activities for children, such as Scribe School and Super Stitches.

Peruse the fruit and veg

If you head through the beautiful Royal Arcade and out onto Gentlemans Walk, you’ll be met with the award winning outdoor market. Recognisable by its colourful beach hut style facade, it has been proudly serving the people of Norwich for over 900 years. The market is home to street food from all over the world, tasty local produce and some vintage clothing treats. You are spoilt for choice with lunch – head to Bun Box for some tasty bao buns, Falafel and Friends for Moroccan delicacies and Lucy’s Chips for classic, top notch fish and chips.

Soak in the Cathedral

The stunning gothic Norwich Cathedral stands amongst beautiful grounds which are all free to walk around, as is the cathedral itself. There are more than 80 listed buildings which surround the cathedral so it is well worth a stroll, each one has it’s own unique beauty. The cathedral is also home to the grave of Edith Cavell, a nurse from Norfolk who in World War 1 helped soldiers from both sides of the conflict. She also helped over 200 soldiers escape into neutral Holland before being executed for betrayal. She is remembered highly in Norwich and her resting place can be found at the east end of the cathedral.

Head to the river

From the cathedral you can begin a quaint riverside walk that takes you around the parameter of the city. Head down Ferry Lane, which starts in the cathedral grounds, and towards Pulls Ferry that starts the walk. This unique looking 15^th Century watergate used to be where boats came to unload their stone and other building materials that the city needed. Today it remains privately owned and makes for a great start to your riverside walk. Follow the water as it passes Cow Tower; a former artillery tower that was built to defend Norwich from invasion, Jarrold Bridge; a striking rust-coloured bridge and St James Mill; an old Industrial Revolution Mill which used to house the Jarrold Printing press.

Hit the bars

Independent bars are rife in Norwich, with a rooftop bar to boot. Located on Rose Land, in an unassuming office block, is Rooftop Gardens which has a view that looks directly out over Norwich Cathedral. Come night time you can enjoy some delicious food and cocktails whilst gazing out at the illuminated cathedral spire. Other excellent bars of note include the swanky Chambers Cocktails and wine bar The Wallow.

Experience Pub and Paddle

It’s one thing to explore Norwich by foot, but you need to see it by boat! There are a fair few companies that allow you to rent a canoe, kayak or paddle board to explore the river, I recommend Pub and Paddle – combining paddling the river with a pint at one of the riverside pubs.

To start your pub and paddle experience, head to Fye Bridge Street to the Mischief pub where you’ll board your canoe. You can do varying lengths of journeys that take you to pubs along the water, the shortest will take you to the quaint village of Thorpe where you can eat at either The River Garden or The Rushcutters Arms and enjoy the great view and food.

This trip will take you five hours to do, it takes roughly two hours to paddle to the pub, an hour for food and then two hours for the return journey. It’s worth booking your trip for the morning so you can still have a bit of the day left to explore more of Norwich.

There’s two cathedrals?

As if one beautiful cathedral wasn’t enough, there is also the stunning Cathedral of St John The Baptist located just outside of the city. Make your way through the centre and then out of the city towards Unthank Road where on the corner of Earlham Road the cathedral sits. Take the time to look around inside at the stunning architecture and appreciate how much quieter it is!

Visit a true hidden gem of a garden

Adjacent to the cathedral, and really the true meaning of a hidden gem, are Plantation Gardens. What was once a lime quarry is now a sunken Victorian garden that blends English and Italian design seamlessly. Take a walk through the iron gates and you will be greeted with beautiful flower beds, tall trees, a manicured lawn and a Gothic water fountain. It makes for a great place to relax away from the centre of the city, and if you get thirsty, just down the road is The Black Horse.

Built in the 18^th century, you’ll find a wonderful selection of local brewed ales, fine wines and delicious food at this city pub. It has a sprawling outdoor area which was once used as a bowling green during the Victoria and Edwardian times.