Read Next:
I brought my family to a Bestival – it cost less than traditional school holiday child care.

Several individuals fail to go beyond Cambridge when thinking about a getaway in East Anglia. That’s an error.
Norwich
Boasts an equal amount of history and artistic flair, yet avoids the throngs of people and expensive costs. The two cathedrals, numerous bars, and local shops found in The Lanes along with the indoor marketplace provide more than sufficient attractions.
long weekend,
However, there is more to it than just that. With over 20,000 students from Norwich University of the Arts and the University of East Anglia, they contribute significantly to keeping the city’s pubs, theaters, and live music spots thriving.

The town’s badger-like streets, some paved and flanked by timber-framed structures, reflect its historical background. Following a five-year renovation, the distinctive Norman castle tower is now open for visitors—making this an ideal moment to come.

Directions to reach here and navigating the area

Norwich Station is operated by Greater Anglia and East Midlands Railway. It offers direct routes to London, Cambridge, Ipswich, Nottingham, and Sheffield. Additionally, there are regional services providing access to the Broads and the eastern and northern coastlines of Norfolk. The area itself is…
walkable
and 10 minutes’ walk from the railway station. Regular bus services operate between the station and the city center.

Where to stay

The
Maids Head Hotel
can rightly be considered one of England’s oldest hotels, with sections dating back to the 15th century. It features a maze of rooms with exposed beams as well as those styled in the 1960s, all newly updated, along with independent ownership and a top-notch dining establishment offering
simple dishes
Steak dishes, seafood platters, and traditional fish and chips, as well as bolder set-menu and chef’s tasting options are offered here. The establishment features an iconic bar believed to be where Admiral Horatio Nelson had his initial glass of beer. Situated conveniently in Tombland—once the historic heart of Saxon Norwich—it lies near the cathedral. Double rooms begin at £149 per night, excluding breakfast. A wheelchair-accessible room is available.

Near the central plaza,
The Assembly House
Dates back to 1754 when a townhouse was constructed on the location of a medieval chapel. The property features 16 distinct rooms, each offering a unique style, complete with original fireplaces, chandeliers, and four-poster beds. Double accommodations start at £170 per night. Rooms for accessibility are available.

At the border of the city’s upscale “Golden Triangle”, the
Georgian Townhouse
offers an excellent value option, featuring modern rooms and apartments along with a friendly bar and dining area. Double occupancy rooms available from £90.

Things to See and Do

The hub is filled with fascinating distractions, such as
Strangers’ Hall
a captivating Tudor home featuring an concealed Elizabethan garden which is open at no cost this summer.

Currently, the top-performing one is the
Castle
a 12th-century structure situated atop an artificial hill visible from nearly every part of the city. The impressive tower has recently opened again following a costly restoration project that revived its original Norman foundations, providing valuable glimpses into medieval living as well as magnificent vistas of the city from its accessible ramparts for wheelchairs.

The Anglican cathedral’s
The cloisters and various structures take up a large part of the city center. Wandering through this area is among the true pleasures of Norwich. Consider making a visit to the
Great Hospital
a sophisticated structure constructed 800 years ago intended for accommodating the impoverished and aged, continuing to serve this purpose up until now.

Conclude all this history with a visit to the
Lion’s Den
along the waterway, featuring stand-up paddleboards, canoes, and a waterfront cafe and spa, adjacent to one of Norwich’s finest bars, The Red Lion.

Where should I go for lunch?

A relative newcomer is
Yalm
A small food court located at the end of the Royal Arcade (known for its picturesque mix of Victorian and Art Nouveau design). Yalm offers choices such as Eric’s pizzas along with dishes from Mexico and the Middle East.

Think about exploring the shops in the indoor marketplace, at one side of the
Royal Arcade.
Originating from the Norman era, the market is among the oldest and
largest in Europe.
Amidst its food carts (some offering tables), you can discover dishes like fish and chips, jerk chicken, and bacon sandwiches. Norwich’s local bakery chain,
Bread Source
, offers delicious sweet and savory snacks with multiple outlets throughout the city center. If you’re looking for a place to relax, you might enjoy breakfast at
JC Pinto
in The Lanes.

Where to shop

The Lanes offer excellent options for independent retail. Norwich’s locally owned department store,
Jarrolds
, anchors the Lanes and the marketplace – drop by for its food court, even if just for that. Nearby
Book Hive
includes fictional works, non-fiction titles, and children’s literature, along with an active calendar of writer events featuring Ben Youngs, Esther Freud, and Adam Buxton in the near future.

Around the corner, the
Tombland
The bookshop’s selection of used books might occupy you for many hours. Music enthusiasts might appreciate the
Venus Vinyl
on Magdalen Street, or
SoundClash Records
on St Benedicts St.

Best places to have a nightcap

Norwich once had a bar dedicated to each day of the year, and even though this has reduced to approximately one per week, these establishments remain notable aspects of the city. Begin your visit in the evening at
The Garnet
right on the Market, managed by one of the city’s most likable young business owners (Lauren Greggory, who has also opened a trendy store across the street). On the opposite side of the market,
Sir Toby’s
is an established beer stand offering limited seating that has recently launched a Belgium-inspired bar called Bier Draak, located just a short stroll away.
The Plasterers Arms,
A cozy bar located on Magdalen Street in the vibrant NR3 area offers excellent beers and live entertainment for friendly regulars, just like this one.
The Fat Cat
a well-known small brewery and pub with two branches – one located further along NR3, near Unthank and Dereham Road.

Where to eat for dinner

For an easy option, go to
Brick Pizza
near the marketplace. Savor their top-notch pizzas at the cozy eatery or at the Garnet bar across the street – just request delivery to your seat. For additional Italian cuisine,
Benoli
is a well-known urban area, whereas
The Steam Packet
is a revived pub offering excellent bar bites and features an outstanding upper-level dining area (don’t miss their homemade rillettes served with bread). For a special experience, reserve a seat at the consistently tasty Benedicts — it is managed by Richard Bainbridge, who has appeared on the
Great British Menu
four times.

Summer walks

The Riverside Walk
traces the Wensum starting from the train station, past the cathedral grounds, and leads to the boats at
Pub and Paddle
Just beyond the heart of the city, a two-mile stroll around Whitlingham Broad offers a glimpse of the Broads scenery without requiring extensive travel. However, the National Park is right nearby. Consider taking the train to Salhouse, from which you can embark on authentic countryside hikes or head down to Salhouse Broad, renting a canoe and enjoying time on the water during your visit. As with many excellent rural walks, this route features a fine pub at both ends:
the Stag in Salhouse
and
The Fur & Feather
just past the Broad.

Three facts you may be unaware of regarding Norwich…

1. It marked the origin of the nation’s initial postal code – NR1 1AA.
2. The city was where St. Julian of Norwich lived, believed to be the first female writer in the English language. She composed “Revelations of Divine Love” in 1373. Her church and shrine, located near old King Street, welcome visitors.
3. It previously boasted more medieval churches than any other city in Northern Europe.