Things to do in Norwich
Norwich city centre offers a diverse range of attractions, many of which grant a valuable insight into the city’s history. Ancient attractions include Norwich Castle, Felbrigg Hall, Norwich Cathedral and The Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library. The library outlines Norwich’s rich literary past and has been awarded the title of England’s best library for six years running. The Norfolk Broads National Park and the North Norfolk Coast are also close to the city, for a little rural adventure.
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Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery: This 12th century castle has a fascinating history and was used as a prison in years gone by. The stunning building is now home to a lovely museum and art gallery.
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Bewilderwood: If you need a little break from the culture and history on offer in Norwich, BeWILDerwood is ideal for a fun-filled day out. This wild, imaginative adventure park sports a magical treehouse and lots of little creatures. Parents are encouraged to get involved with activities, ensuring no one's left out at this unique attraction.
- The Old Skating Rink Gallery: This gallery exhibits a breathtaking assortment of arts, crafts and decorative items from many different South Asian cultures. Visitors can browse everything from furniture and textures to unique ritual objects in this old Victorian ice skating rink.
Shopping in Norwich
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in Norwich, as you browse through two city centre shopping malls, independent stores, markets, retail parks and specialist shops. You’ll find popular high street names, unique boutiques and the largest permanent open air market in the whole of England.
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Riverside Retail Park: This well-stocked retail park is conveniently located close to the railway station. Many of the outlets found here – such as Mamas & Papas, Hobbycraft and Matalan – are the only ones of their kind in the city.
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Intu Chapelfield Shopping Centre: In the heart of Norwich you’ll find Intu Chapelfield – a refreshingly modern shopping centre that boasts over 90 shops, cafes and restaurants. You’ll be able to dine, drink and shop till you drop in this excellently positioned shopping hub.
- Norwich Market: Located in the middle of Norwich is the delightful Norwich Market and all of its vividly coloured stalls, open Monday to Saturday from 8.30am – 5.30. Impressively, this outdoor market is the largest in the country, selling clothes, jewellery, toys, flowers, fresh bread, vintage treasures, homemade jams and oh so much more.
Eating and drinking in Norwich
Bustling bars, welcoming pubs, cosy cafés and gourmet restaurants are all on the menu when dining out in Norwich. Whether you have a taste for fine dining or prefer a more informal restaurant experience, you will find exactly what you are looking for.
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Bishop’s Dining Room and Wine Bar: This intimate fine dining restaurant is a real favourite in Norwich, amongst both residents and tourists. Bishop’s radiates elegance and quality, while the expertly crafted menus are always a treat to the taste buds.
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The Waffle House: Do you adore Belgium waffles? If the answer is yes (and how could it not be?) then a trip to The Waffle House should certainly be scheduled into your trip. This coffee house/restaurant offers both sweet and savoury delights, with plenty of organic toppings.
- The Fritton Arms: Saying that the Fritton Arms serves good food and drink would be an understatement. The restaurant combines locally-sourced ingredients to create a variety of hearty and delicious meals, served up in a homely environment. The bar offers quite the eclectic mix of drinks with local ales, a range of spirits and some very rare bottles of bourbon all on offer.
Culture and nightlife in Norwich
Norwich is renowned up and down the country for its rich heritage and cultural offering. You’ll find museums, festivals, gallery’s and unique theatrical performances, many of which are hosted in the city’s historically significant buildings. As if that wasn’t enough culture, Norwich is also England's only UNESCO City of Literature, with plenty of literary festivals to excite the imaginative types.
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Norwich Theatre Royal: This stylish art-deco theatre comfortably seats 300 visitors, putting on a variety of musicals, live musicians, operas, plays and pantomimes. No matter your taste, you are sure to find a performance that will leave you laughing, crying or simply lost for words.
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Norwich Ghost Walks: If you don’t spook easily, then the famous Norwich Ghost Walks are a must. Norwich’s ancient cobbled streets provide the perfect backdrop for stories of phantoms, ghouls, spirits and poltergeists. Your guide and his team of ghosts will share real-life tales of local horrors and hauntings that will leave a chill running down your spine.
- Cinema City: With three screens and 350 seats, this independent cinema is in fact one of the biggest in England. A delectable bar and restaurant (The Dining Room) can also be found inside, boasting an indoor courtyard and outdoor terrace.