Norwich Hotels

Visiting Norwich – A City Guide
The city of Norwich blends history and culture with nightlife and a range of shopping. Visitors like to explore its cathedral and castle, and use the city as a base to discover the Norfolk Broads to the north and beautiful coastline to the east.

Norwich: city layout
Norwich has a compact centre and most places can be reached on foot. The city’s west is dominated by Norwich Castle. The narrow Bedford Street and London Street, home to bustling pubs, form the oldest part of town. The imposing Norwich Cathedral is at the city’s eastern edge. Norwich city centre, close to the art deco City Hall, includes high-street shopping along Haymarket.

The concierge recommends…

• Exploring Norwich Castle. This medieval fort hosts a local history museum and an art gallery. Climbing to the turrets gives visitors panoramic views of the city.
• Discovering the ornate cathedral, an important part of Norwich heritage.
• Taking a trip to the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, a significant collection of modern art including works by Francis Bacon and Picasso.

Hotels in Norwich
Weekend visitors to Norwich enjoy the busy Riverside district. Riverside is a short stroll from the train station and home to bustling bars, restaurants and cinemas. The area is close to the city’s football team ground. The historic streets close to the Castle and are also within walking distance.

Those looking to explore the Norfolk county might like to stay just outside the city centre. The residential north of the city is well situated for Norwich International Airport and day trips to the Norfolk Broads countryside. The quieter south side is perfect for exploring Great Yarmouth and the East Norfolk coastline.

Eating Out in Norwich
You can try pork sausages and mash and traditional Sunday lunches, along with a pint of ale, at pubs along Unthank Road. For a gastronomic dining experience, try restaurants along Tombland. The city’s historic market is in the centre, near City Hall. Here you can buy fresh food including local seafood and pulled pork sandwiches.

The chef recommends...

• Trying a typical Sunday lunch in a traditional pub. Opt for roast turkey with potatoes and gravy, served with a pint of local ale.
• Tasting locally caught shellfish such as cockles and whelks at the city market stalls.

Shopping in Norwich
For upmarket shopping, head to the Royal Arcade, which houses independent boutiques, including Langleys, a traditional English toy shop. Timberhill is also lined with independent shops selling gifts, home accessories and artisanal jewelry. You’ll find big-name brand shops at the Castle Mall, Chapelfield and Haymarket.

Best gifts to buy in Norwich

• Colman’s, known throughout the United Kingdom, has been making mustard in the Norwich area for 200 years. The brand has a shop in the Royal Arcade.
• Bottled local beers and ales can be drunk in pubs or bought from shops throughout the city.
• Rapeseed oil is produced throughout the Norfolk region and is a popular alternative to olive oil.

Culture & Nightlife in Norwich
Visitors can learn about local history at the Museum of Norwich and enjoy the art collection at the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. Norwich is England’s only UNESCO City of Literature and events for book lovers take place year round.

The cosy pubs of Elm Hill offer a traditional English night out. A livelier crowd heads to the bars and clubs of the Riverside district.

Live music in Norwich

• Norwich Art Centre hosts alternative music gigs, comedy nights and theatre performances most nights of the week.
• The Waterfront is a live music venue in the Riverside area and is home to gigs by big-name national and international acts. Check the website for a full schedule.
• Norwich Cathedral has a programme of events including religious and classical music.

Visiting Norwich with a Family
When the weather is good, the historic streets around Norwich Castle and Norwich Cathedral are great to explore. Norwich Puppet Theatre and the Odeon cinema in the Riverside district provide fun entertainment for a rainy day. Further afield, the Norfolk Broads nature reserves are a short car ride away.

Best family attractions in Norwich

• The City of Norwich Aviation Museum, close to the airport, includes classic and restored aeroplanes.
• Bewilderwood is an open-air adventure park featuring rope bridges in the Norfolk Broads.
• Take a trip to Wroxham in the Norfolk Broads. Hire a boat from there and explore the waterways, which teem with birds and wildlife.