Norwich

Norfolk's vibrant county town featuring a magnificent medieval cathedral, Norman castle, and charming riverside areas. It's the cultural heart of East Anglia with excellent museums, independent shops, and a thriving food scene.

Things to do

• Norwich Cathedral — Explore this stunning 11th-century Norman cathedral with its soaring spire, intricate cloisters, and beautiful stained glass windows.
• Norwich Castle — Climb to the top of this iconic Norman keep for panoramic city views and visit the museum housing art, archaeology, and local history exhibits.
• The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts — View an exceptional collection of modern and ancient art in this award-winning building designed by Norman Foster on the University of East Anglia campus.
• Norwich Market — Browse over 200 independent stalls in this vibrant covered market selling local produce, crafts, and street food in the heart of the city centre.
• River Wensum Walk — Stroll along the picturesque riverside paths passing medieval bridges, boathouses, and riverside pubs with views of the cathedral.
• Norwich Lanes — Wander through a maze of independent boutiques, vintage shops, galleries, and quirky cafés tucked into historic alleyways and courtyards.
• Colman's Mustard Shop & Museum — Discover the history of Norwich's famous mustard maker with interactive exhibits and a gift shop selling the iconic yellow condiment.

Food to try

• Cromer Crab — Sweet, tender crab caught from the nearby Norfolk coast, traditionally served cold with crusty bread or in a simple salad at local seafood restaurants.
• Norfolk Dumplings — Hearty suet dumplings served in rich gravy, a traditional local comfort food that reflects Norfolk's agricultural heritage and working-class roots.
• Colman's Mustard — Norwich's most famous export, this pungent English mustard has been made here since 1814 and is a staple condiment at traditional British tables.
• Cockles and Whelks — Fresh shellfish from Norfolk's coastal waters, traditionally enjoyed as a street food snack or in fish and chip shops with a splash of vinegar.
• Breckland Chicken — High-quality free-range chicken from Norfolk's rural Breckland area, featured in many local restaurants as a premium meat choice.
• Norfolk Asparagus — Seasonal spring vegetable prized for its delicate flavour, celebrated on local menus and at Norwich Market during the brief May-June harvest.

Local customs & good to know

• Market Day Tradition — Norwich Market has operated continuously for over 900 years and remains the social heart of the city; visit mid-week for a more relaxed atmosphere or Saturday for full vibrancy.
• Independent Spirit — Norwich has a strong independent business culture with many locally-owned cafés, shops, and restaurants; chain stores are less dominant than in other UK cities.
• Riverside Boating Heritage — The River Wensum is integral to Norwich's identity; watching wherries (traditional Norfolk boats) and enjoying riverside pubs reflects the city's maritime connection despite being inland.
• Literary Legacy — Norwich has deep connections to English literature through writers like George Borrow and the Norwich School of painters; literary and artistic heritage is celebrated throughout the city's museums and venues.