Looking for a city break? Norwich recently launched The City of Stories – celebrating the rich heritage, food, culture and characters of the city – after being awarded Unesco World City of Literature status.
It is the only city in England to have this and one of only seven in the world. There’s still time to enjoy one of the special events during the 12-week campaign, take a look at www.cityofstories.co.uk.
Norwich boasts an abundance of cafes, gastro pubs and restaurants using local produce, the UK’s largest Monday-to-Saturday open-air market, great boutiques and much, much more.
Take a look at the Top 10 things to do in Norwich:
Norwich Cathedral
Norwich’s magnificent Romanesque Cathedral is one of the finest complete Romanesque cathedrals in Europe, with the second tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England. Set in 44 acres of picturesque grounds, it’s a building of spectacular architecture to be enjoyed in the heart of the city. Peregrine falcons (ab0ve) make the Cathedral their home during the summer. Free entry and tours, donations welcome.
See www.cathedral.org.uk/
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (SCVA)
This Inspirational public art museum in a world-class Norman Foster building at the University of East Anglia (UEA) is a sight to behold and then you step over the threshold! Built to house the Robert and Lisa Sainsbury Collection see sculpture, painting and ceramics, ritual and ceremonial art and objects from daily life around the globe spanning 5,000 years. Free entry to permanent galleries. Picture: Pete Huggins
See www.scva.ac.uk/
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
One of the city’s most iconic landmarks, Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago. Now a museum and art gallery, it is home to some of the most outstanding collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history. Picture: Jacqueline Wyatt
See www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/Visit_Us/Norwich_Castle/index.htm
St John Baptist Cathedral and The Narthex
Norwich is very fortunate to boast not one but two spectacular cathedrals. The Roman Catholic cathedral of St John the Baptist is the second largest in the country, a Grade 1 listed building and one of the finest examples of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture. Free entry.
See www.sjbcathedral.org.uk/
The Museum of Norwich at The Bridewell
From the textile trade which was at the heart of the city’s wealth, to the production of shoes, chocolate and mustard, the story of how Norwich constantly adapted to changing fortunes, and coped with two World Wars is told in 10 galleries over two floors. A major refurbishment project completed in 2012 has turned this museum into a Norwich treasure.
See www.museumsnorfolk.org.uk/the-bridewell
Strangers’ Hall
Home to wealthy merchants and mayors when Norwich was in its heyday, this beautifully preserved building dates back to 1320. Wander through a maze of passages to discover a series of inter-linked rooms with period settings. See the Tudor Great Hall, the Georgian Dining Room and the magnificent stone-vaulted undercroft. Admire Lady Paine’s 17thC bedroom and the panelled Walnut Room.
See www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/Visit_Us/Strangers_Hall/index.htm
Plantation Garden
Enjoy this wonderful three-acre Grade II English Heritage registered garden established over 100 years ago in an abandoned chalk quarry, 600 yards from the city centre. It’s one of Norwich’s great treasures. Discover a huge gothic fountain, flower beds, lawns, Italianate terrace, ‘Medieval’ terrace wall, woodland walkways, 10 metre long Victorian-style greenhouse and rustic bridge. Picture: Melanie March
See www.plantationgarden.co.uk/
Country and Eastern
This stunning warehouse at The Old Skating Rink Gallery in the centre of Norwich is a WOW feature for the city. Formally a Victorian skating rink it is now home to the South Asian Decorative Arts and Crafts Collection, an extensive collection depicting the everyday arts, crafts and cultures of South Asia. It is also a shop selling South Asia artefacts and furniture. Free entry.
See www.countryandeastern.co.uk/
Colman’s Mustard Shop and Museum
Housed in the historic art nouveau Royal Arcade, the shop is a careful replica of a Victorian trade premises – and it’s the only one of its kind in the world! Visitors will find an extensive range of mustards, including a number of exclusive specialities (mustard chocolate!) plus a wide selection of Colman’s memorabilia – for all your mustard needs! Free entry.
See www.mustardshopnorwich.co.uk/
Whitlingham Country Park
Whitlingham Country Park sits only minutes from the centre of Norwich and is the gateway to the Broads, Britain’s magical waterland. With over 280 acres of beautiful south Norfolk countryside this is a perfect spot for walkers, cyclists, birdwatchers and family outings. The park has cycle paths, a picnic meadow, and a visitors centre with a café and if you want to get out onto the water you can take lessons in sailing, windsurfing, canoeing and sculling at the Outdoor Education Centre. Picture: Mike Page
See www.south-norfolk.gov.uk/leisure/1226.asp
For more information see www.visitnorwich.co.uk and www.cityofstories.co.uk
