The Norfolk Explorer

With Norwich being a city right in the heart of the plush Norfolk countryside, it probably comes as no surprise that it is home to a great array of parks and green spaces.

And with a lot of them walkable from the city centre, they make for a great addition to your Norwich itinerary.

Waterloo Park

This is my favourite park in Norwich. There I said it.

Waterloo Park is a haven of bright flowers, wisteria pergola walkways, a bandstand, winding paths and tennis courts to boot. All year round the park is filled with Sunday strollers, family gatherings, keen runners and many, many dog walkers.

There is a café located in the pavillion, in the middle, and is run by the amazing charity The Feed, who through the power of food, empower communities in Norwich, ensuring each and every person has the support to eat well, live well, and feel connected.

Eaton Park

Located south west of the city with a slightly longer walk of about 45 minutes, Eaton Park is a delight to visit.

It stands out amongst the crowd with a historic boating lake, circular pavillion and a frequent visitor of a heron, no less.

The park is very family friendly with a café located in the middle, plenty of paths to enjoy a walk and even a miniature railway.

It’s also located conveniently more or less next to the UEA, which itself has a lovely spot of greenery right by it’s lake and walkways, so you can make a longer day of it.

Wensum Park

As is in the name, this park has the River Wensum running right through its middle, which makes for a great spot to sun and bask in the sun and watch the world go by.

And by watch the world go by I mean canoes. In the spring and summer months you’ll see many canoes, kayaks and paddleboarders taking to the water and travelling all along the river.

This park is situated in the north west of the city, and again about a 30 minute walk away. It’s also what some people consider the extended start of the Marriots Way – a 26 mile long walk from Norwich to Aylsham going along the old railway line.

You can walk directly from Wensum Park to the start of the trail, and I always love to start here.

Plantation Gardens

Okay so this ties as my favourite with Waterloo Park. And it’s such a hidden gem (yes I’m using that term).

The people of Norwich very much know it exists, but if you were visiting, you would really easily be able to miss this place, and that’s why I love it so much.

A stone’s throw away from the city centre you’ll find Norwich’s second cathedral, the Cathedral of St John the Baptist. Not only is this a magnificent building, it’s also right next to the gardens, but you really wouldn’t know it.

Head along Earlham Road, where the cathedral sits on the corner, and just down from the cathedral entrance you’ll see signs for Plantation Gardens. When approaching the entrance you’ll think you’ve got the wrong place. The unassuming gates (will a small honesty box entrance fee of £2) will lead you down the hill and into what was an old chalk quarry and into what is now a green Victorian paradise.

You’ll find terraces, rockeries, a huge variety of plants and flowers, woodland walkways and a gothic water fountain.

Mousehold Heath

This park is less of a park and more of a forest, or woodland. It’s just on the edge of the city, to the east, and when followed to the top you get a brilliant view over the city. Probably the best view.

There’s so many walks you can take through the woodland, with lots of lovely areas you can sit and just be in nature.

When you get to the top, you will find a very pretty, old, building the stands behind you as you look out over Norwich. This is in fact the prison! But it’s still a very nice looking building. And it’s a prime spot to catch the sunset.

The green spaces that Norwich has is one of my favourite thing about the city. It ensures you can get that blend of city life and green calm, and I love it.