Norwich
Why we love Norwich
Discover medieval heritage throughout Norwich’s history-rich streets and visit Norwich Castle with its recently refurbished Keep. Explore the locations that welcomed the actual ‘Masters of the Air’, the United States Eighth Air Force, during World War Two. Look out for annual events like the Norfolk and Norwich Festival and Norwich Wine Week, savouring local flavours and meeting the people behind the brands. Thrill seekers will love adventure sports in the countryside, while art lovers can explore The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. Norwich has something for every pace of life.
Norfolk and Norwich Festival
With 17 days of international music, theatre, literature, dance and more, the Norfolk & Norwich Festival is the flagship festival for the East of England. Taking place from 9 – 25 May 2025, look out for performances at Norwich Theatre Royal, Norwich Playhouse, Chapelfield Gardens and St Andrew’s Hall, as well as other locations in Norfolk.
Masters of the Air historic locations
Discover the historic locations behind the United States Eighth Air Force’s friendly occupation across Norwich and Norfolk during World War Two. Visit the museum at Old Buckenham Aerodrome, a short drive out of the city centre, and see where some of the forces were based. Head back to the city and visit the American Library, with its collection of books, artefacts and photos detailing the United States Air Force’s involvement in the war.
The Sainsbury Centre
The impressive Norman Foster building is reason to visit alone and what’s inside this public art museum will entertain for hours. Check out the ‘Living Art’ permanent display, and hug or tell a secret to the artworks. Not forgetting to explore the 300 acres of grounds, explore the sculpture park featuring works by Elisabeth Frink and Antony Gormley.
Eaton Park
For green space with acres to explore, head to this tranquil haven which has something for all the family. Head to the band stand and enjoy a summer concert, drink in the scent of the rose garden, see model boats bobbing on the boat pond, or take a trip on the miniature railway.
Bure Valley Railway
Set off an a nostalgic steam adventure to the Norfolk Broads on Norfolk’s longest narrow gauge steam railway. Running from the historic market town of Aylsham and Wroxham, the 18-mile (29km) round trip takes in the Bure Valley countryside, with wheelchair accessible coaches. Look out for the model railway shop, and book a Driver Experience to live out those childhood dreams.
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Paddle, kayak or cruise along the River Wensum, Norwich’s gateway to the Broads National Park.
Admire the architecture of Britain’s most complete medieval city, including Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Castle and Dragon Hall.
Explore a shopper’s paradise: from top department stores to independent boutiques, and Europe’s largest permanent covered market.
Discover a buzzing year-round festival scene, crowned by the Norwich & Norfolk Festival each spring.
Fun fact
Fun fact
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts has a surprising Hollywood connection. In 2014, it transformed into Avengers HQ for Avengers: Age of Ultron, starring Chris Evans, Robert Downey Junior and Chris Hemsworth.
Did you know?
Did you know?
- Norwich became England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2012, but its story dates back over 900 years - the Norwich & Norfolk Festival celebrates the city’s literary heritage with immersive storytelling experiences and workshops.
- Norwich has a flourishing shopping scene and 40% of its shops are independently owned, with a highlight being family-run department store Jarrolds, with its award-winning book department.
- The South Asia Collection’s exhibitions, displays and talks programme is one of Norwich’s artistic gems, housed in a former Victorian roller-skating rink.
- Norwich Puppet Theatre is one of only three building-based puppet theatres in England and puts on original shows, activities and workshops for fun-seekers young and old.
- Norfolk boasts more microbreweries than any other British county thanks to its perfect conditions for growing malt barley, a crucial ingredient for beer.
Things to do in Norwich
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Featured things to do
Paddle adventures await
Relax and unwind while exploring Norwich from the water on a Norwich paddleboarding adventure. Try a SUP yoga retreat, learn how to paddleboard for the first time, or book a sunset paddleboard adventure.
Try paddleboarding with Norwich Paddleboard Hire
Norwich Wine Week Festival
Norwich Wine Week Festival returns for its second year from 14 - 16 June 2024, celebrating producers and merchants from across the East of England. Expect workshops, live music, local food and plenty of wine tasting!
Glasses at the ready for Norwich Wine Week
Get spooky
With such a rich history, it's not wonder some believe that past residents have never truly left this ancient city. Take a tour after hours with Norwich Ghost Walks and journey through some of the cities most haunted areas.
Wrap up warm for this chilling walk
Christmas Markets in Norwich
With pop-up festive fairs and the city's permanent outdoor market getting a Christmassy makeover, Christmas markets in Norwich serve up plenty of winter cheer. Look out for al fresco mulled wine, carol singers, and festive treat for furry friends, too!
Enjoy the holidays at Norwich Christmas marketsPlaces to stay in Norwich
Norwich city centre
Find yourself in the heart of the historic action with a stay in a Grade II listed bed and breakfast, or boutique hotel.
Norwich Golden Triangle
A short walk from the city centre, with a collection of local pubs, bars and restaurants, the community feel and friendly atmosphere of the Golden Triangle is a big pull.
Norwich countryside
Venture to the surrounding countryside for a stay in a stately home, spa resort, or get back to nature camping or glamping.
Explore nearby
Getting to Norwich
Norwich sits in the East of England, approximately 100 miles (160 kilometres) north-east of London. Norwich Airport welcomes flights from Europe and the rest of the UK, and is only a 15-minute drive from the city centre.
A direct train by Greater Anglia operates from London Liverpool Street to Norwich, taking around one hour and 50 minutes. National Express and megabus offer coach travel from London to Norwich, taking just over two hours. Harwich International ferry port, around a two-hour drive away, has daily ferry services to and from the Netherlands.
By bus
Travelling around Norwich by bus is easy. There are local services with family travel passes, as well as sight seeing bus tours and a park and ride.
By bike
The Beryl bike hire scheme offers e-bikes and e-scooters, a great way to experience the city and explore its sights.
By foot
A compact city, Norwich was built for walking, with many pedestrianised streets in much of the city centre.
Want to know more?
Want to know more?
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