Norwich
You can’t come to Norfolk without spending a day in Norwich. Rich in heritage, culture, and with a vibrant shopping offer and foodie scene, this medieval city will have you coming back for more.
Norwich, the city of stories, is a city like no other. It has rich history yet a vibrant art scene, cosmopolitan shopping together with the quirky Norwich Lanes, and an independent spirit made obvious by the plethora of cafés, coffee shops, boutiques, galleries and award-winning Norwich Market. All this takes place under the spire of Norwich Cathedral – which at 96m is the second tallest spire in the country.
It’s a city of artists, makers, bankers, lawyers, students, foodies, and followers of fashion (or should we say leaders of fashion with there being Norwich University of the Arts at the helm). Students tend to stay, leavers find themselves returning, and visitors keep coming back for more.
History lovers will enjoy a visit to Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Castle, Strangers Hall, Dragon Hall, and the Museum of Norwich. As well as ducking in and out of the antique centres and shops throughout the city. Art lovers will relish the many galleries, the Sainsbury Centre and the fact that Norwich is home to the National Centre for Writing. Culture vultures will get goose bumps at the sound of five theatres – Norwich Theatre Royal, The Playhouse, Maddermarket Theatre, Stage Two, and the Norwich Puppet Theatre. And that’s not to mention all of the festivals the city plays host to, and the almost nightly live music on offer at Norwich Arts Centre, The Waterfront, LCR, and numerous pubs and bars.
Shoppers will delight browsing independent and award-winning department store, Jarrolds. Which, alongside Norwich Lanes brimming with independent shops, complements the high street shopping offer of Gentlemen’s Walk, John Lewis and two popular shopping malls. Sat centrally in the city is the permanent and covered Norwich Market, and modern Forum which holds the city’s library and looks out over historic St Peter Mancroft Church.
Finally, it’s worth mentioning Norwich’s bustling foodie scene, with independent coffee shops, cafés and restaurants very much alive and kicking. Add this to the many artisan food producers to be found within Norwich Market, and you have one of the best foodie experiences outside of London.
You can find everything you need to help plan your visit on the Visit Norwich website. Getting to Norwich from Wells is around an hour by car, and there are bus services from Wells and a direct train from Cromer. We recommend spending a whole day in Norwich and look forward to hearing all about it when you return back to Pinewoods.
