A Fascinating Weekend in Norwich – What to See, Eat, Do

Last updated: 30 July 2023

Are you planning a break over the weekend in Norwich? If so, you’re in for a treat because Norwich is a rich and dynamic city with much to offer visitors.

From the Middle Ages until the Industrial Revolution, Norwich was the largest city in England after London, and one of the most important. As time passed and the settlement grew, it merged with others to become the largest walled town in medieval England. Today Norwich is a prominent University city that is well worth discovering over a weekend.

Norwich is a great city break, the Cathedral Quarter is very pretty and the Cathedral itself is certainly worth a visit. To explore further afield, Norwich makes a great jumping off point to explore the Norfolk Broads and the gorgeous north Norfolk coastline. In this post we will cover everything you need to know about how to make the most of your weekend break in Norwich. 

[lwptoc]

This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you make a purchase then, at no extra cost to you, we may earn a small commission. This helps us keep the lights on at Roaming Required HQ and we sincerely thank you for your support. 

Map for Your Weekend in Norwich, England

This interactive map is created using Google Maps. Click on this  symbol on the map above to expand the map legend or click on any pin for more information:

• Things to do in Norwich – Red pins
• Where to eat in Norwich – Green pins
• Where to drink in Norwich – Blue pins
• Where to stay in Norwich – Orange pins

Things to Do in Norwich

Norwich Cathedral

The most complete Norman Cathedral in England and one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe. The 315-foot spire rising above the city skyline, Norwich Cathedral is an ancient beauty of stained glass, and cream-coloured Caen limestone. It’s home to a booming organ and hushed Monastic cloisters, the largest in the country.

If you have time, join one of the free hour-long tours that depart from the rear of the Nave, 10am-3pm (Mon to Sat). Failing that, take time to wander down these sweeping vaulted walkways, which would not be out of place on the set of a Harry Potter movie. With elegantly carved stonework and medieval roof bosses it’s a jaw dropping experience of wonder.  

The Cathedral is situated in The Close, a 44 acre haven containing more than 80 listed buildings. If it’s a sunny day, make the time for a stroll through the lower end of The Close where you will find quaint Georgian properties overlooking a large green. From here you can connect with winding lanes that lead down towards one of Norwich’s most picturesque spots, Pulls Ferry, and the wonderful Riverside Walk.

Birders and bird enthusiasts might be interested in the Norwich Cathedral Peregrines who call the Cathedral spire their home during the summer months. The Hawk and Owl Trust work closely with the Cathedral to protect their breeding spot which has yielded chicks every summer since 2012.   

Norwich Castle

Perched high up on the hill overlooking the modern city of Norwich is Norwich Castle.

One of the city’s most famous landmarks, Norwich Castle was built by the Normans as a Royal Palace 900 years ago in the aftermath of the Norman conquest of England when William the Conqueror ordered its construction because he wished to have a fortified place in the town of Norwich. (Interested in more about William the Conqueror, read Russ’s post about Battle Abbey!)

Today it’s a museum and art gallery, it is home to some of the most outstanding collections of fine art, archaeology, and natural history with treasures to inspire and intrigue visitors of all ages.

Cathedral of St John the Baptist 

Often overlooked by it’s larger sibling, Norwich is fortunate to be home to not one, but two cathedrals.  

Official tours of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist are £5 but you can drop in and take a look around by yourself without charge, the cathedral is open from 7.30am until 6:30pm every day of the year.

For a birds eye view of the city, climb the 280 step spiral staircase of Tower of the Cathedral of St John the Baptist for a 360 degree view of the historic centre. Tours run on Saturdays between May & September.

Royal Arcade

The Royal Arcade is one of the most beautiful covered shopping streets in the country. 

This oasis of calm is one of Norwich’s hidden treasures, packed with classic and independent boutiques sitting proudly as the Jewel in the Norwich Crown.

Norwich Lanes

This treasure trove of medieval architecture is filled with modern independent retailers, cafes, restaurants and pubs. There’s also a number of entertainment venues including community theatre, independent cinema, galleries and a number of live music venues.  Put on your walking shoes and get lost amongst the series of alleyways, courtyards and open spaces within Norwich City Centre.

Sainsbury Centre

Set slightly out of the city centre, on acres of countryside by the river, the Sainsbury Centre is this art museum in a world-class Norman Foster building situated at the University of East Anglia.

On a fine day, explore the sculpture garden and outdoor art exhibitions by Henry Moore. 

Inside hosts a collection of works spanning 5000 years of human creativity was largely donated by Lord and Lady Sainsbury, including works by Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon, and Edgar Degas. Entry to the main gallery is free, charges apply for some exhibitions.

The latest exhibition for the first half of 2020 is Art Deco by the Sea, exploring how the Art Deco style shaped sports, activities and amusements of the modern seaside during the 1920s and 30s. (Tickets: £13 or free for members).

Ancient City Walls

From 1280 to 1340 walls were built around the city. At around 2 1⁄2 miles (4km), these walls, along with the river, enclosed an area larger than that of the City of London. 

However, when the city walls were constructed it was made illegal to build outside them, inhibiting expansion of the city. Around this time, the city was made a county corporate and became the seat of one of the most densely populated and prosperous counties of England. Part of these walls remain standing today.

Elm Hill

As the most complete medieval street in the city, Elm Hill is without a doubt, the most famous street in Norwich. A major fire ravaged the area in 1507 and destroyed almost everything except the Britons Arms. Following the fire, a major rebuild project resulted in the thatched merchant houses lining the cobblestone street we see today.

Out of Town 

The Brecks

The Brecks are steeped in human history stretching back to the Stone Age.  A Neolithic flint mine, rabbit warrens, Christian buildings, landed estates and infamous inhabitants all have stories waiting to be discovered.

Pub & Paddle 

Whether you want to drift gently downstream or spend a full day exploring, it’s possible to do an active pub crawl in Norwich with a Pub & Paddle experience.  

Starting from the historic Bishop’s Bridge, and paddle into breathtaking countryside, while stopping off at a handful of idyllic riverside pubs.

Where to Eat in Norwich

If you find yourself in Norwich after 8pm on a rainy weekday evening, you might be SOL in finding a restaurant open.  Despite the early bedtime of most restauranters, Norwich has a surprisingly solid and diverse food scene.

Brick Pizza

Brick Pizza located in the very centre of the city, just up from the market, has a very specific menu comprised of everything from the traditional and simple Margherita to the gourmet and vegan friendly options using tomato, vegan ‘cheese’, mixed seasonal veg. 

Making pizzas the way they were meant to be made, with love and a wood-fired brick oven. The cooking method results in a quality, leopard-spotted cornicione (edge).

Grosvenor Fish Bar

If it’s one meal the British are staunchly proud of, it’s fish & chips. If you’re in Norwich for the weekend, then a meal at Grosvenor is required. Their subterranean bunker expansion, referred to as a Grotto, seats up to 70. 

Norwich Market

I am really proud to live in a time when people are starting again appreciate the value of independent restaurants and small businesses are starting to make a recovery. 

Norwich Market is home to an outdoor market consisting of around 200 stalls, one of the largest markets in Britain. 

In the 11th century, following the Norman conquest of England, the market was founded to supply Norman merchants and settlers moving to the area.  Today, it’s identifiable by the systematic grid layout, and iconic striped awnings which house merchants selling clothing, flowers, fruit and veg that sit alongside stalls selling artisanal bakers, vegan eateries, numerous chippies and a popups selling a diverse global cuisine which have brought in a younger crowd. 

Britons Arms Coffee House

Situated in iconic Grade II* listed building in the heart of the Medieval city, the team behind Britons Arms are staunchly proud of their commitment to fresh, local and seasonal produce and making everything in-house. 

Utilising small local suppliers, Britons Arms has a blackboard of specials that changes daily while offering interesting and affordable food to the masses. 

Saporita

If I had to describe Italian street food then Saporita would be it. The cafe offers pizza by the slice, piadina, panini, focaccia, and a delicious platter of meat and cheese that would not be out of place at an Italian aperitivo accompanied by a Spritz or a Negroni.

There’s also a dessert menu with semifreddo or a sweet piadina with nutella and nuts, but it’s the Tiramisu that has me coming back for seconds. 

Amaretto Delicatessen

Operating for a decade, run by Fabrizio Fiaschi from Tuscany, this little deli serves up homemade pizza, fresh cakes, sandwiches, sausage-rolls, pastries and our daily hot dishes – the menu for which is published on their Facebook page.

As you would expect, there’s Italian coffee, hot chocolate, tea and one of my personal faves, affogato fresh Italian ice-cream with hot coffee; decadent and delicious!

The Belgian Monk

Selling in excess of 15 tonnes of Mussels every year, the Belgian Monk is known for their mussels.  Sourcing local supplies from Norfolk, and from UK coastlines of Suffolk, and the subarctic archipelago that is the Shetland Isles, as far east as Italy and north to Denmark. 

Offering the full Belgian experience, the Belgian Monk serves up beer from four small regional Belgian breweries that are not available anywhere else in the UK. Combine this with a lengthy menu with pages of different ways to serve mussels, and a homely warm atmosphere in the heart of Norwich, you’re sure to have a great evening.

The Wallow

Wine dispensed by the taster, glass and bottle, The Wallow is a great little place for a date night.  

Offering platters made to order in combinations of meat, fish, cheese and veggie, the Wallow caters for vegetarians and omnivores.

An added bonus is that The Wallow is dog friendly, so you just might get a pooch cuddle alongside your wine and cheese.  Do we need to say anymore? 

Where to Drink in Norwich

Rooftop Gardens

Probably the bar with the best view in the city, from the top floor of the Union Building in Norwich. At the Rooftop Gardens, you can sip cocktails or dine with a view of the Norwich skyline in the city’s first restaurant rooftop bar and restaurant. 

Located down the hill from Norwich Castle, Rooftop Gardens offers 360 degree panoramic views of Norwich and uninterrupted views across to the stunning Norwich Cathedral.

A note for non-smokers, the heated covered outdoor seating does allow smoking although there is a non-partitioned section for non smokers.

Microbreweries

30 years ago there was just one brewer of beer in Norfolk. Today, Norfolk has over 50 microbreweries across the county proving a wonderful array of pubs with locally brewed ales.

Situated in the heart of Norwich is St Andrews Brew House, these guys are passionate about three things: great beer, great food and great service. 

Steve, the Brewer, runs Brewery tours for those who want to know a bit more about St Andrews and the brewing process. Quick tours run for 20 mins and include tasters of the house ales. Longer tours include a more comprehensive experience with a brewery tour with an ale tasting tray & include a bite to eat.

The ultimate experience is a full brewing day helping to brew one of the house beers. Dates for 2020 are still to be confirmed, but you will get to take home a 3 bottle pack of your choice of house beers.

Fat Cat Brewery was formed in 2005. The Brewery has won several awards at beer festivals all across the UK as well as numeral regional Beer of the Year awards. 

At present there’s six core ales and a rotating seasonal range. The newest addition to the line up is an Earl Grey IPA, made in collaboration with local purveyors of tea and coffee, Wilkinsons of Norwich. Ales produced at the brewery are available at the three Fat Cat pubs in Norwich; The Fat Cat Pub, Fat Cat & Canary, and the Fat Cat Brewery Tap. 

While a few can be found in Norwich, most are situated out of the town centre. Like Redwell, which is about a mile from Norwich. Established in 2013, this brewery produces lagers and American influenced craft beers and has six core drinks, Stout, IPA x 2, Pale Larger, Pale ale and steam lager.  Their USP is that they’re one of the first UK craft breweries to make our entire range certified vegan and gluten free.

Big beer fans should consider visiting Norwich during the ‘City Of Ale’ festival (21-31 May 2020) which celebrates pubs and inns while serving up pints of the local Norfolk ales.

Where to Stay in Norwich

Simple (£)

Situated in Tombland, the name for the ancient part of the City of Norwich, the Maids Head Hotel is situated a stone’s throw from the Norman Cathedral. 

Considered the UK’s oldest hotel, the inn is first mentioned in Norwich Court records in 1287 but reportedly the same site has been one of continuous hospitality since the mid 1090s! 

You might say that the Maids Head Hotel is fit for a Queen. A suite within the hotel is named after Queen Elizabeth I, following her five-day visit to the city in 1587. 

The character of the decor is strong with low hanging exposed beams, intricately embroidered fabrics as was common at the time and the piece de la resistance is the original feature headboard and furniture from the 16th century.

For those of you keen to seek out the paranormal then you’ll be happy to know that the Maids Head Hotel is one of the most haunted hotels in the UK! Russ kept an eye (and ear) open during his overnight stay but alas he didn’t experience any paranormal activity…but that’s what he tells me…

Solid (££)

The St Giles House Hotel is a small independent hotel in the centre of Norwich, perfect for a city break, exploring the county or a night or two away. The onsite parking staying here makes a convenient city break and the solid breakfast menu means starting your day with a full belly. 

Rooms are furnished with plush carpet, robes and portable Dyson fan. While the beds are supremely comfortable. Do yourself a favour and upgrade to a Georgian room for a very spacious clawfoot bathtub.

Swanky (£££)

Situated on The Brecks in Norfolk, Strattons Hotel in Swaffham less than 30 miles from Norwich is this secluded Palladian villa. 

The secluded location feels like a countryside getaway despite being situated in the centre of Swaffham. Styling is eccentric, arty and eclectic, with features of an onsite restaurant praised for it’s locally sourced ingredients such as tasty cheeses and free-range meats. 

Weekend guests need to stay for two nights but there’s plenty in the area to keep you entertained. Including an antiques market and auction on Saturdays, venture into Norwich of the picturesque village of Itteringham. Nice weather should see guests flocking to hire a boat and discover navigable rivers and lakes of the Norfolk broads. 

How to Get to Norwich

Drive

If you have your own vehicle, or prefer to hire a car for independent travel. The city can be accessed via the toll free M11 & A11 motorways and the journey takes roughly 2.5-3.5 hours from London. 

Train

London to Norwich by train is available with Greater Anglia on a direct service. The journey takes just under two hours from London Liverpool St Station.  Book your train tickets early to get the best price. 

Coach

National Express Service (490/491) runs a non-stop service from London Victoria Coach Station direct to Norwich Bus Station. 

This is by far the most affordable option with tickets as low as £4.60 one way, the direct journey takes three and a quarter hours. 

Air

4 miles outside the city centre, easily accessible both by car and public transport. Norwich International Airport (IATA: NWI) serves direct flights to the rest of the UK, and European destinations including Spain, and the Netherlands.

Like this post? Add it to your To Travel List Pinterest Board