Top 10 Best Things To Do In Norwich, England

best things to do in norwich uk
Irwan Shah
Irwan Shah 
Updated
| 4 min read

The beautiful city of Norwich has a long and glorious history which stretches back a millennium. It was once home to the Romans and also the Normans and afterward, one of the biggest cities outside of London. Now, it is a thriving city and hailed as England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. Located a mere 161 kilometers (100 miles) outside of London, the city of Norwich displays a stunning array of ancient architecture mixed with loads of places of interests which will bring out the curious child in you. We’ve compiled a list of awe inspiring places that will leave you smiling. Here are the top 10 things to do in Norwich, UK

1. Norwich Cathedral

The exterior of the Norwich Cathedral
Source: Pixabay

The beautiful Norwich Cathedral has a history that spans way before the Middle Ages. Construction of this cathedral began in 1096 and was completed around 1145. Signs of Norman architecture is most prevalent in this cathedral. The original Norman tower has survived the test of time and can still be seen today up high with a wooden spire covered with lead. The cloister within the cathedral and the area within the cathedral close is one of the largest in England.

Norwich Cathedral

Address: 65 The Close, NR1 4DH Norwich, UK

Website: Norwich Cathedral

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2. Cathedral of St. John The Baptist

Norwich Cathedral St John the Baptist
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user NorwichRCC.JPG used under PUBLIC DOMAIN

Another beautiful cathedral to look out for is the Cathedral of St. John The Baptist. Though not as old as the Norwich Cathedral, this cathedral has an equally important role in Norwich. Built between the year 1882 and 1910, the cathedral was originally designated as a parish church dedicated to John the Baptist.

It was funded by the 15th Duke of Norfolk as a gift to the Catholics of Norwich. In 1976 however, it was consecrated as a cathedral and became the seat of the Bishop of East Anglia until now. The magnificent cathedral is currently the second biggest Roman Catholic cathedral in England.

Cathedral of St. John The Baptist

Address: Unthank Rd, NR2 2PA Norwich, UK

Website: Cathedral of St John The Baptist

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3. Plantation Garden


Sitting right next to the Cathedral of St. John The Baptist is the Plantation Garden. It is a restored Victorian town garden which was established 140 years ago by Henry Trevor, a Norwich shopkeeper. For a small fee of 2.60 USD, you can visit this garden and be whirled back in time into the Victorian era. The 19th-century architectural details are widespread in this garden, including in the Italianate terrace and the Gothic fountain. The tranquility of this garden is unparalleled and it will lure you to discover more of the garden’s alluring compound.

Plantation Garden

Address: 4 Earlham Rd, NR2 3DB Norwich, UK

Website: Plantation Garden

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4. Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery

Norwich Castle keep, 2009
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Andrew Hurley used under CC BY-SA 2.0

The Norwich castle was founded by the famous and first Norman King of England, William the Conqueror during the 11th century. It was meant to be a fortified area in East Anglia but it became the Norman King’s only castle there since then. In 1894, the Norwich Museum moved into the castle’s premises and have been there ever since. You can explore the castle’s history within the museum and get up close and personal with a collection of fine art, archaeology and many more treasures set to captivate anyone who comes by.

Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery

Address: 24 Castle Meadow, NR1 3JU Norwich , UK

Website: Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery

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5. Adam & Eve

Adam and Eve, Bishop Gate, Norwich
Source: Photo by user Elliott Brown used under CC BY 2.0

Just beside the Norwich castle lies the famed Adam & Eve pub. It is widely known as the oldest pub in Norwich with its earliest references dating back to 1249. It was once used as a brewhouse for the workmen who were doing construction at the cathedral. Their hard work and labor were paid for in bread and ale. It was owned by the Benedictine monks during that time but now, it is one of the pubs that you must go during your visit here in Norwich.

Adam & Eve

Address: 17 Bishopgate, NR3 1RZ Norwich, UK

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6. Blickling Hall

Blickling Hall 20080718-1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Hans A. Rosbach used under CC BY-SA 3.0

The Blickling Hall is a magnificent stately home within the compounds of the Blickling Estate. It was once owned by Sir John Fastolf of Caister, an English knight during the Hundred Years War. The possession of the house was transferred to the Boleyn family, where the famous Anne Boleyn hails from. Legend has it that on the anniversary of her execution, her headless ghost will arrive at the Blickling Estate while riding a horse carriage. Despite the morbid legend, the estate surrounding the hall has a huge beautiful garden which can be visited by the public.

Blickling Hall

Address: Blickling, NR11 6NF Norwich, UK

Website: Blickling Hall

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7. Felbrigg Hall

Felbrigg Hall
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user James Long used under CC BY 2.0

The magnificent Felbrig Hall is located within the Felbrigg Estate. The hall is listed as Grade I on National Heritage List for England. The whole estate was owned first by the Felbrigg family but afterward, they belong to the Wyndham family until the ‘60s. Without any heir to the estate, the ownership was transferred to the National Trust. The huge estate surrounding the Felbrigg Hall includes two huge gardens with different styles and architecture on both.

Felbrigg Hall

Address: Felbrigg, NR11 8PR Norwich, UK

Website: Felbrigg Hall

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8. Norwich Market

Norwich Market
Source: Photo by Flickr user Michael John Button used under CC BY 2.0

Dubbed the largest open-air market in England, the Norwich Market has been in operation for the past 900 years. The market is open from Monday to Saturday from 8.30 a.m. - 5.30 p.m. and is a mecca for those who would like to have a taste of the local Norwich produce as well as other trinkets such as clothing, henna and so much more. It is a popular spot in Norwich not to be missed as everyone from around the world will visit this market at least once during their time here.

Norwich Market

Address: 1 Market Pl, NR2 1ND Norwich, UK

Website: Norwich Market

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9. Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Oxyman used under CC BY 2.5

The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is a beautiful art gallery and museum within the campus of the University of East Anglia. The building was designed by the then unknown architect, Norman Foster. It houses an array of works from many different European artists from different periods. Most of the collection was conceived when Sir Robert Sainsbury and his wife donated their art collection to the university. It is an interesting place for those who have an innate interest in the arts.

Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

Address: University of East Anglia, Norfolk Rd, NR4 7TJ Norwich, UK

Website: Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts

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10. The Broads


The Broads are a whole network of rivers and lakes which were formed by the flooding of peat workings. Though it looks natural, the Broads were actually man-made as a result of medieval peat diggings. It was once thought to be natural up until the 1950s when Dr. Joyce Lambert realized the sides of the deep lakes were vertical instead of it being gently sloped like a natural lake. The area now is a picturesque landscape with a serene atmosphere which will captivate anybody who navigates its waters.

The Broads

Address: Broads National Park, NR1 1RY Norwich, United Kingdom

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Discover Norwich

The beauties of Norwich are endless. The range is massive and the amount of fun is extraordinary. For those of you who are craving for marvels and beauty like no other, Norwich’s doors welcome you to a new and spectacular experience that you can get nowhere except here. Now step in and discover Norwich and be dazzled by its exquisite beauty.

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Irwan Shah weaves enchanting tales that capture global hearts. As a solo backpacker, he immerses himself in diverse destinations, learning about local cultures and street talk. Irwan's zeal for...Read more

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