MANAGING DIRECTOR
Ian David Heads ian.heads@kingfishermedia.co.uk
COMMERCIAL DIRECTOR
Ian Sinclair ian.sinclair@kingfishermedia.co.uk
EDITORIAL TEAM
World Words info@world-words.com
HEAD OF DESIGN
Becky Abdy becky.abdy@kingfishermedia.co.uk
SENIOR DESIGNER
After my retirement from working offshore, and then as a painter and decorator, I decided to venture into a way of painting I truly adore in my art studio at the heart of the Norfolk Broads, capturing images here and from other beautiful UK scenes – but some are straight from my imagination.
The canvases are created with my twist of glorious colour in acrylic. A friendly, family-run printing business local to me then scans the canvases producing beautiful prints, calendars, greetings cards and postcards/mini prints as I think it important to try and make art accessible to all.
Ashleigh Cook
DESIGN
Ryan Fenwick
PRODUCTION
Lizzie Lawrenson lizzie.lawrenson@kingfishermedia.co.uk
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Joanne James joanne.james@kingfishermedia.co.uk
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT MANAGERS
Jo Hunter • Theresa Mahoney
Gemma Marrin • Hannah Osborne
Susan Pearson • Dawn Tinkler • Lynne Walls
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“SYNONYMOUS WITH EAST ANGLIA SINCE 1784”
BARBOUR • DUBARRY • SCHOFFEL • R M WILLIAMS
PENELOPE CHILVERS • CLARE HAGGAS • AIGLE
LE CHAMEAU • RIDGELINE • ARIAT • SEELAND
HICKS & BROWN • HARKILA • ALAN PAINE TILLEY
JACK MURPHY • HOLEBROOK • WELLIGOGS AND MANY MORE WITH A FABULOUS SELECTION OF TWEEDS
Country Clothing
7 Bedford Street, Norwich NR2 1AR
T. 01603 622845
Lifestyle Clothing (next to Barclays Bank)
11 Red Lion Street, Norwich NR1 3QF T. 01603 767946
www.gallyonsclothing.co.uk
This county is a foodie’s paradise with a host of fantastic restaurants, cafés and pubs – so make sure you bring a healthy appetite.
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Only here for the weekend? Here are some ideas for a memorable short break to Norfolk.
Culture vultures assemble! This cool county offers the perfect mix of galleries, museums, exhibitions and festivals.
The nightlife in Norfolk is thriving, packed with clubs, pubs, bars and live music venues.
Although this county has more than enough to keep you busy, a journey further afield can make for an exciting new adventure.
A final look at the beautiful county of Norfolk – glorious sunrise over the salt marshes near Wells-next-the-Sea.
� Free guided tours
� Stunning medieval cloisters
� England’s second tallest spire
� World-class collection of centuries-old roof bosses
� Choral Evensong with Norwich Cathedral Choir
� Cathedral Close and riverside walk
� Edith Cavell’s grave
� Historic library
� Peregrine falcons
� Refectory Bakery and Café cathedral.org.uk
Awarm welcome to the beautiful county of Norfolk – and may we congratulate you on your choice of destination! You’re visiting a unique part of England, a true county of contrasts.
The modern, bustling city of Norwich is Norfolk’s county town and is the only city in the county. Here you’ll find high-street and independent shops and an abundance of buzzing bars and restaurants.
There’s also a traditional theme running through Norfolk. It really is a county of bucket-and-spade holidays, fish and chips, candy floss and end-of-the-pier entertainment, a nod to a bygone age.
There’s always something to do here with beautiful countryside and coastline, the unique Broadland (the only National Park with a city in it!), and the wild Fens. You can visit country homes and castles, take a boat
trip, have fun with the kids or get lost in a forest – your opportunities for days out in the county are endless.
Get a taste for sumptuous food at the end of a hard day’s shopping at a number of Norfolk’s award-winning restaurants. Our must-visits include the Roger Hickman Restaurant in Norwich, No1 Cromer in Cromer and Wildebeest in Norwich.
If you’re a culture vulture, you’re in luck in Norfolk. Whether you’re after a night out watching comedy to the latest thoughtprovoking play, you won’t be disappointed.
If it’s art you’re looking for, this county’s museums and galleries will more than satisfy your cravings.
Don’t forget that Norfolk is the combined sunniest and driest county in the UK. So please enjoy your visit here and come back and see us soon.
“THERE ARE ALWAYS FUN THINGS TO DO HERE, AND WITH ITS COUNTRYSIDE AND LOVELY COASTLINE, THE OPPORTUNITIES FOR DAYS OUT IN THE COUNTY ARE TRULY ENDLESS”
IN
THIS COUNTY OFFERS AN ABUNDANCE OF THINGS TO DO WITH DAYS OUT AND TOP ATTRACTIONS FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY TO ENJOY
You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to days out in Norfolk. Whether you’re looking to learn about local history, indulge in some peace and quiet in the countryside, or enjoy a family day out at the fair, you’ll always find something fun to do.
Norfolk’s rich history and culture are evident wherever you go. Get further acquainted at the county’s stunning stately homes and castles and visit museums showcasing everything from bronze age architecture to steam trains. You can’t miss Norwich’s hilltop medieval castle, which looms large above the city. Not only is it a spectacular
place to get a 360-degree view of the surrounding area, but you can also discover Norwich’s Anglo-Saxon and Norman heritage.
The castle is currently closed for an extensive restoration, but the castle’s museum is open and contains informative displays about the building’s history, as well as galleries featuring fine art and natural history.
Dust off that National Trust membership (or pick one up!) and head to one of Norfolk’s most spectacular Jacobean buildings, Blickling Hall, for another dose of history. This is where Anne Boleyn lived – and supposedly still haunts – making it the perfect place to visit around Halloween. Explore the fantastic rooms and extensive
• Lots of Friendly Animals
• Indoor & Outdoor Play Areas
• Straw & Sand Play Barns
• Pig Racing (see website for dates)
• Tractor & Trailer Rides
• Homemade Cakes & Lunches
• Seasonal Special Events
• Book Tickets Online
From The National Trust’s Horsey Windpump NR29 4EE
One-hour trips depart morning and afternoon, seven days a week.
Small groups and expert local guide give you the best experience of traditional Broadland you can get.
To book please text your last name, the number of seats required, the date and time you want to come to 07791 526440 07791 526440 before 9.30am. After 9.30am you can turn up to the departure point and book yourself in at the ‘automatic booking office’ (pictured). Private hire and specialist trips are available.
Frequently the first trip gives the most bird sightings.
Times: 0945 hrs; 1100 hrs; 1215 hrs; 1400 hrs; 1515 hrs
Find out more on TripAdvisor
When customers ask for a great experience in Norfolk we do our absolute best to make that happen…
Come visit Norfolk’s rural inland beauty spots, amazing waterways and coastal landscapes. Whether it is a quiet retreat that you need or a large group gathering venue, a North Norfolk cottage or a holiday home on the Norfolk Broads, we have a place that will fit your needs at Norfolk’s Hidden Gems.
Make
Telephone 01263 805053
www.norfolkshiddengems.co.uk
Coastguard Cottage – sleeps 8
gardens while you discover some interesting facts about life in Norfolk back in the olden days.
Immerse yourself in the rural way of life at Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse near Dereham. Whatever the weather, you can learn the ways of farmers in the local countryside thanks to a historic workhouse, traditional farm and lots of indoor displays.
Just off the road between King’s Lynn and Fakenham is Houghton Hall and Gardens, built in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. The parkland is home to white fallow deer as well as a collection of contemporary sculptures by world-renowned artists including Rachael Whiteread, Henry Moore, Stephen Cox and Phillip King.
You can make out that you’re hobnobbing with the royals at Sandringham, the King’s famous country retreat. Check out treasured portraits and ornaments on the main ground floor – still used by the Royal Family when tourists aren’t around. Then visit the church, museum and vast country grounds. The house and gardens are open from April to October, and you’ll have to book in advance.
The Lynn Museum in King’s Lynn is home to the bronzeage timber structure Seahenge, one of Norfolk’s ancient wonders, but you’ll also find more of West Norfolk’s history here, including exhibitions on the Anglo-Saxons and the English Civil War.
For a gin-credible, unique experience to excite those partial to a G&T, WhataHoot distillery offers a range of
make-your-own gin experiences, distillery tours and masterclasses in their historic building on King Street.
Get back to the classroom at WhataHoot’s purpose-built gin school, where each workstation is equipped with its own still. Visitors will have the opportunity to experiment with more than 30 botanicals to design their own gin. Learn the step-by-step process of how gin is distilled and discover how botanicals give each gin its own distinct flavour.
Over in Norwich, you’ll find England’s first whisky distillery, The English Whisky Company, which offers tours for lovers of the water of life.
Enjoy unlimited hop on, hop off travel with our rover tickets, and discounts for advance bookings!
Things to see & do...
Operated almost entirely by volunteers, the Poppy Line has lots to explore:
Steam and Heritage Diesel trains
Historic station buildings
Model railways and bookshops
William Marriot Museum
1930s Railway Cottage
Free activity guides for children
Something extra ...
The Railway also runs special events throughout the year including Steam Back to the Forties, Santa Specials, Norfolk Lights Express and more.
A variety of Dining Trains are also available each year allowing visitors to enjoy traditional favourites on the go.
For timetables, fares, dining train dates and more see www.nnrailway.co.uk
Thetford might have been the filming location for Dad’s Army, but the real history comes from a day spent visiting fascinating sites such as the Castle Mound and the Thetford Priory ruins. You could even work in a visit to Thetford Forest. Either explore on foot or hire bikes from Bike Art at the High Lodge Forest Centre.
Whether you want to spend time in the countryside or you just really love steam trains, work a trip down the Bure Valley Railway into your day. The beautiful 15-gauge steam train runs from Aylsham to Wroxham and covers nine miles in one direction. A jaunt down the line is a fantastic way to see two of Norfolk’s loveliest towns and, if you’re feeling energetic, you can walk the length of the line and get the train back. On the north coast, hop aboard The North Norfolk Railway and wend your way through the county’s most stunning coastal scenery from Sheringham to Holt.
If you want more railway action or just a stroll around picturesque countryside, make for South Norfolk and the Bressingham Gardens and Steam Museum. You can learn about Norfolk’s railways and take a trip on the museum’s four lines. The collection of working locomotives gives you an idea of the mighty power of steam engineering throughout the years.
If the weather takes a turn for the worst (this is England, after all), make a beeline for the Castle Quarter in Norwich.
This entertainment complex is home to Boom Battle Bar, Putt Putt Noodle (an oriental-themed crazy-golf-meetsAsian-street-food-type deal), Vector VR, Si5 SpyMissions, Superbowl, Vue cinema, and even an escape room. You’ll stay fed and watered at Avo Burritos & Beer, Castle Social, Silhouette and Hank’s Dirty fully-vegan restaurant to name a few. These sit alongside a handful of high-street and independent stores, making it the ultimate day out for all.
Another fun way to spend an afternoon in Norwich is with a trip to Clued Up! Escape Rooms. Book your escape room experience and choose from a variety of games suitable for the whole family. If the weather is nice, Clued Up also offers outdoor escape game adventures via an app.
Getting out and about in the fresh air is what Norfolk holidays are made of. Hop on a boat in the Norfolk Broads, visit a wildlife reserve or make the most of the county’s stunning coastline with a day at the beach.
There are few things kids love more than larking about on the beach! Luckily for you, there’s a huge choice of seaside spots in Norfolk. The best way to make the most of the coast is a drive down the North Norfolk coast road where you can see the county’s varied coastline; from Cromer’s cliffs all the way to Stiffkey’s marshes and Snettisham’s mudflats.
“THERE ARE FEW THINGS KIDS LOVE MORE THAN LARKING ABOUT ON THE BEACH – LUCKILY FOR YOU, THERE ARE AN ABUNDANCE OF FANTASTIC SEASIDE SPOTS TO CHOOSE FROM IN NORFOLK”
Expect a warm welcome in Broadland and South Norfolk as you pop in and out of independent shops carrying distinctive local products. Then will it be an atmospheric pub for lunch? Or a tempting tearoom, coffee shop or even a miniature cocktail bar? Discover medieval lanes and alleys where you’d love to live, ancient meadows, sunlit churches, and occasionally a stately home and quirky museums.
All the villages and towns dotted along the coast offer something special, be it Blakeney’s seals; Hunstanton’s traditional seaside feel; Cromer’s No 1 Fish and Chips run by Michelin-starred chef Galton Blackiston; or simply the enjoyment of the drive along the coast.
Old-fashioned oceanside fun can be had at Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach. This waterfront funfair makes for a brilliant day out for all the family. Don’t leave without at least one ride on the wooden rollercoaster, one of Britain’s oldest, built back in 1932. If you fancy the log flume, make it your last ride as it’s not as tame as it looks. You’ll definitely get wet!
For families with small children, Joyland, a little way down the seafront, is a tamer affair. There’s also an American diner here, making it a great place to stop for a bite to eat before you ride the world-famous snails.
One of Norfolk’s most popular attractions is Roarr!
Dinosaur Adventure in Lenwade. The 85-acre family-owned adventure park includes animatronic dinosaurs in natural settings, a splash zone, crazy golf, a race circuit and Norfolk’s largest indoor play area.
The park hosts several themed events throughout the year – with online booking advised for the best prices. Season tickets are available for year-round adventure and individual admission costs vary depending on the time of year.
Families will love the Hilltop Outdoor Centre near Sheringham. Both children and adults can use climbing
walls, try their hand at archery and zip along the treetop trails in a frenzy of forest-based fun.
For a varied and animal-packed trip, visit Wroxham Barns. Parents can poke around the gorgeous shops, while kids can visit the Junior Farm, preferably with a bag of feed so they can make friends with all the goats, sheep, cows, horses and donkeys.
Set along the border with Suffolk, Thetford Forest is a paradise of pines and heathland that’s full of animal and plant life. Explore play areas, follow biking trails or get your adrenaline pumping with a paintball session. Or if you fancy something more relaxed, just go for a stroll and admire the Lynford Stag, a large structure that makes for a great photo opportunity.
If you love to drive, this area is a real joy thanks to amazing roads that wind through the trees. There’s even the chance to do a little off-road driving around the Elveden Estate with Explore 4x4.
Any day out in Norfolk should include a walk of some kind and the Wherryman’s Way takes you on a grand tour of some of the county’s finest countryside. The 35-mile route follows the course of the River Yare between Norwich and Great Yarmouth and covers many of the Norfolk Broads, letting you get well acquainted with this beautiful and important landscape.
Welcome to the only museum of Broadland life. Discover iconic boats, the landscape and wildlife, see how people lived and worked, and find out how invaders shaped the Broads.
• Take a boat trip on our steam boat or our accessible electric boat
• Explore Broads stories
• Have a picnic by the river
• Enjoy activities for all ages
• Dogs are welcome
• 12s and under free for 2023!
Bringing the stories of the Broads alive
T. 01692 581 681 • Stalham Staithe NR12 9DA
branchesrestaurant.co.uk SEE WEBSITE FOR PRICES AND OPENING: WWW.MUSEUMOFTHEBROADS.ORG.UK
Explore 4x4
ultimate in outdoor activities
For individuals, couples, families, corporate and other group events, team build challenges, stag and hen events and product launches. We are based on the stunning Elveden Estate, Norfolk/Suffolk border, complete with restaurant, pub and shops which are open all year round. Pre-booking essential. Come and enjoy something different and have a fantastic day out! Activities include 4x4 off road driving, clay pigeon shooting, skid pan driving, archery, crossbows, air rifles, knife throwing, axe throwing and much more.
Explore 4x4
The Courtyard, Elveden Estate, Elveden, Thetford, Norfolk IP24 3TQ
T: 01787 320640 enquiries@explore-4x4.co.uk www.explore-4x4.co.uk
Getting out and about on the water is all part of the fun, especially for families. Hire a little motorboat and cruise through the Broads and connecting canals or get something larger for an overnight stay. Either way, you’ll find plenty of things to keep you occupied along the way.
Stop off for a shopping trip in Wroxham, perhaps, or pause at Fritton Lake to try your hand at archery and bushcraft. Fancy something more energetic? Hire a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard and explore the Broads under your own steam. You’ll be able to reach areas that a larger boat can’t.
For a walk on the wild side get down to one of Norfolk’s zoos or parks. Thrigby Hall Wildlife Gardens in the East Norfolk countryside features all kinds of exotic animals. You can easily spend a day marvelling over monkeys, red pandas and wild cats including snow leopards and tigers. There are plenty of great places to eat on site and the whole park is fantastic for children eager to learn all about conservation.
It’s all about the tropics at Amazona Zoo, just outside Cromer. You’ll find a host of animals from South America,
from jaguars and pumas to a Brazilian tapir. Test your nerves in the tropical snakes and spiders’ enclosure, then blow off steam with the kids in the indoor and outdoor play areas.
More creepy crawlies are on the agenda at BugzUK Bugz Park just outside Norwich, where you can get your hands on live invertebrates and visit a dedicated tarantula room... if you dare!
Do you love a bit of twitching? Head to Sculthorpe Moor Nature Reserve, managed by the Hawk and Owl Trust, and look out for tawny and barn owls, buzzards, kingfishers and woodpeckers, amongst other feathery friends. A series of hides for watching wildlife are located throughout the reserve and include the elevated, tree-top Volunteer Hide and an Aerial Walkway.
For watching wildlife of the marine persuasion, there’s little better than the Norfolk coast, which is home to the largest colony of Grey and Common seals in the country. Walk across the dunes between Horsey and Winterton and you can spot them in the sea or even lounging on the sand.
Norfolk’s natural playground invites you to bike, hike, go boating and soak up the salty sea air. Visit historic estates deep in the countryside, learn about ancient history at a local museum or give the kids a thrill at a seaside amusement park. With so many exciting days out in Norfolk you can’t fail to be entertained.
ABOVE LEFT TO RIGHT HOLKHAM ESTATE; VISIT THE BURE MARSHES ON THE NORFOLK BROADS; AMAZONA ZOO, CROMER; BELOW HOLKHAM BEACH
“IT’S ALL ABOUT THE TROPICS WHEN YOU VISIT AMAZONA ZOO, WHERE YOU'LL FIND A HOST OF ANIMALS FROM SOUTH AMERICA, FROM JAGUARS AND PUMAS TO A BRAZILIAN TAPIR”
The English Distillery is home to The English Whisky Co, England’s oldest registered whisky distillery, producing award winning whiskies and liqueurs and offering daily tours of the beautiful distillery. In 2022, the distillery were winners of the Tripadvisor Travellers Choice Award.
Tours
We offer a wide range of tours and tastings. The Original Tour & Tasting is our most regular tour and we run this tour seven days per week. Take a guided tour of our magnificent distilling floor and barrel warehouse.
Discover how our wonderful single malt whiskies are made and how The English Distillery became the first distillery in England to produce whisky in over 100 years. Finish your tour with the tasting of 1 award winning English Whisky and one Norfolk Collection Liqueur or a choice of three Norfolk Collection Liqueurs or choose to take your samples home. To see our full range of tours or to book see www.englishwhisky.co.uk.
Shop
Visit our wonderful shop that stocks the English Whisky & Liqueurs and beautiful gifts including a wide range of glassware,
books, personalised gifts, and locally sourced food products.
Location
We are situated in the heart of the Brecks, just 1 mile off the A11 between Norwich and Newmarket on the B1111 at Roudham.
“TAKE A GUIDED TOUR OF OUR MAGNIFICENT DISTILLING FLOOR AND BARREL WAREHOUSE”
A contemporary paint-your-ownpottery studio in Aylsham
Urban Clay is an independent paint-your-own-pottery studio based in the historic market town of Aylsham, Norfolk. It’s a modern, friendly environment in which to unwind and have creative fun with family and friends.
We also offer a fantastic selection of locally-sourced tea, coffee and delicious cake. There is ample space for pushchairs and great baby-changing facilities.
35
Whoever imagined getting locked in a room would be fun? ‘Escape rooms’ have exploded in popularity lately, but if you’ve never played one, there is a natural sense of trepidation… is it dark? Are we really locked in? Is it claustrophobic? And most importantly… is it fun? Spoiler alert... it is!
An escape room is best described as a themed puzzle room. You’ll be whisked into the world conjured up by the escape room and it’s up to you to investigate closely, think outside the box and work with your teammates to solve the clues and escape that room.
Not everything is quite as it seems though… you’ll find all sorts of curious objects and clues which become relevant as the game progresses, so it really is a case of channelling that inner detective!
Find us: 66 Prince of Wales Road, Norwich NR1 1LT
Email: hello@cluedupescapes.co.uk Tel: 01603 960447
WWW.CLUEDUPESCAPES.CO.UK
Red Lion St, Aylsham NR11 6ER • 01263 735463 urbanclaystudio.com
The North Norfolk coast is a haven for walkers, bird watchers and photographers. The way the marshes and mudflats roll into the sea is something to behold and the changing landscape as the tide washes in and out just has to be experienced. There’s great surfing off the coast of Cromer and huge numbers of people visit every year for the big waves. Glide Surf School provides daily surf and SUP (stand-up paddle board) lessons with an extensive range of equipment if you just want to hire.
A trip to Blakeney is a lovely thing in itself but a visit should always include a boat trip out to see the seals. There are a number of companies offering seal tours – usually from Morston Quay – but it’s worth booking, especially during the summer when lots of tourists flock to this part of the world.
Norfolk is well known for its spectacular sunrises over the sea with most of the coast facing to the east but there’s one place where you can get a great view of the sun setting over the water, too. Hunstanton’s west-facing seaside position means you can watch the sun dip below the horizon while enjoying an ice cream.
You might visit a local seafood restaurant to try some samphire or you might go all out and visit a farm shop to pick up lots of lovely ingredients and snacks ahead of a picnic. Norfolk really is a foodie’s paradise, just don’t forget your appetite!
Whether you enjoy pretty cottages nestled in rolling countryside or prefer to stand in the shadow of Norwich’s mighty cathedral or castle, there’s so much beautiful architecture, both new and old, to be seen in Norfolk.
Nestled within 25,000 acres of rolling parkland, Holkham Hall is an 18th-century Palladian-style house, based on designs by William Kent and built by Thomas Coke, 1st Earl of Leicester. You’ll find the Marble Hall a truly breathtaking introduction to your visit, with its impressive 50ft dome ceiling and elegant walls of English alabaster. Visit the lavish staterooms, bed chambers, state dining rooms, libraries and galleries, marvelling at the exquisite architecture as you go. Sweeping landscapes and stunning vistas surround the Hall,
so make sure to get out and explore more than 3,00 acres of parkland.
WALK ON THE WILD SIDE
Norfolk is home to marsh harriers, pretty little kingfishers, boxing brown hares, otters, and even the odd-looking Chinese water deer. You can see some of Norfolk’s diverse wildlife at places like Pensthorpe and RSPB Titchwell Marsh. If you’re interested in native animal life The Norfolk Wildlife Trust is dedicated to conserving the county’s animal and bird life.
INDEPENDENT SHOPS
Wherever you go in the county, you’ll always be able to find an independent shop of some sort. You’re spoilt for choice when it comes to jewellery, beauty products, food and drinks made by locals.
GO CRABBING OFF CROMER PIER
Cromer’s crabs are world-renowned for their sweet taste and this is all thanks to the chalk reef
that sits just off the coast. During the summer months, you can see plenty of people dangling buckets over the railings to catch crabs. You can pick up a bucket and some bait from the entrance to the pier – it’s fun for both kids and adults.
THE NORFOLK & NORWICH FESTIVAL
This quirky festival takes over the county for two weeks of the year in May and is one of the oldest city festivals in England. Most of the fun happens in Norwich, but you can find events throughout the county, ranging from poetry readings to colourful parades. Check the listings to get a feel for what’s on as it varies year-on-year. The programme for the festival is innovative, inspirational and guaranteed to inspire.
SHOPAHOLICS WILL LOVE NORFOLK FOR ITS ECLECTIC MIX OF BOHO-CHIC BOUTIQUES, HIGH-STREET STAPLES AND QUIRKY INDEPENDENTS
It’s easy to get your retail fix in Norfolk, whether you’re into mainstream shopping malls, independent boutiques or bustling produce markets. The county is full of lovely little market towns, so you’ll never be stuck for somewhere to shop.
Aylsham, Sheringham and Holt are good places to start in North Norfolk. If you’re in West Norfolk, Downham Market and King’s Lynn won’t let you down. In South Norfolk, Harleston, Diss and Wymondham are the places to be.
Sometimes you just want to do all your shopping under one roof. Luckily in Norfolk, there’s a wide choice of shopping centres as well as a healthy supply of markets, if you fancy browsing a range of crafts and foodstuffs. Norwich has shopping centres full of the usual high-street chains and eateries.
To stock up on an even wider range of goodies, head to Norwich’s Chantry Place. There’s an Apple Store for all
your technology needs, as well as H&M, Hobbs and Oliver Bonas. The large House of Fraser will reopen in late 2023 with a new and improved look – but the same value and variety covering everything from fashion and beauty to gadgets and toys.
The elegant Art Nouveau Royal Arcade, located just off Gentleman’s Walk, was built in 1899 and has been beautifully restored to its former glory. It is home to some of the city’s most interesting shops, including Gyre & Gimble Gin Academy & Shop, which sells fabulous gin and even offers gin distilling experiences, and Izola, which offers skincare, fine fragrance and grooming for men. Stompers is an upmarket children’s shoe store stocking popular brands including Timberland, Converse, Geox and Birkenstock.
If the urge to shop strikes you in Great Yarmouth, get down to the Market Gates Shopping Centre for all your favourite mainstream brands. You’ll find ample parking, so it’s an excellent way to start a day by the seaside.
In the market for something special? Yarmouth’s Victoria Arcade has a nice line in off-beat boutiques and curios, including the wonderful Victoria Arcade Bookshop for browsing second-hand bargains.
The Vancouver Quarter in King’s Lynn is the town’s main shopping hub, where you’ll find big name retailers such as H&M, New Look and Trespass. You can get more shopping action on Tuesday and Saturday at the town’s main markets. On the second Saturday of every month the farmers’ market comes to town – perfect for stocking up on artisan food and drink!
The market town of Diss is full of country charm – and that extends to its shops and boutiques, too. On Victoria Road you’ll find the welcoming ladies’ boutique Lily & Rose for everything from jeans to occasionwear. Fredricks Fine Foods, in one of the town’s quirky cobbled courtyards, has an impressive deli and a fantastic selection of wines and spirits.
Norwich Market is a veritable institution. This large openair space with its iconic striped canopies hides a cornucopia of shopping gems including stalls selling shoes, bags, clothing, food and more. This is the kind of place where you can buy a unique jacket, find a watch battery, get some shoes repaired and grab something to eat while you wait.
The market runs alongside Gentleman’s Walk where you’ll find more high-street fare for both men and women as well as places to stop off for a coffee or a bite to eat.
There’s a lot of old charm down Magdalen Street in Norwich, too. You’ll find Asian markets for all your international food needs and there are plenty of textile shops that nod back to Norwich’s trade heritage.
In West Norfolk, Downham Market draws people from across the country and beyond to hunt for bargains at its vibrant Friday and Saturday markets. Looking for crafts, collectables or antiques? You may well find them here. And if you don’t, you can console yourself with the town’s wide range of independent shops and fabulous eateries. Make sure to stop by Harleston on a Wednesday for the market that’s said to be 750 years old.
In South Norfolk, Diss has had a market at its heart for more than 500 years. The town now holds regular farmers’ markets and flea markets in its centre and there are a host of other boutiques and shops dotted around.
Bargain department stores can be found all around Norfolk, and Lathams in Potter Heigham is the largest and best known. It’s been serving customers for the past 30 years and is the place to visit if you want to pick up some fishing gear or browse for a bargain. There’s also a little café where you can recharge with a cup of tea and a sausage roll. >>
Wroxham is home to Norfolk department store, Roys of Wroxham, where you’ll find homewares, clothing and a fantastic children’s toy department.
Venture away from the main high streets and shopping malls and you’ll be wowed by independent boutiques, famous markets and a huge choice of vintage shops. Music lovers are well catered to in Norwich, thanks to a range of stores stocking vintage vinyl. For antiques and retro furniture, you’ll find great deals and variety at Looses Emporium and Aladdin’s Cave.
If vintage clothing is more your style, Retreat Vintage is just over the road from Looses. The shop might be small but it’s full of beautiful, hand-picked items and you can’t help but notice the striking shop front. It’s a perfect example of the owners’ style.
For more antiques and retro items, take a trip to Holt where you’ll find the vast showroom that is Holt Antiques and Interiors Centre, just off the main roundabout on
Thornage Road. This eclectic mix of home furnishings, signs, decorative items, art and more is fantastic to explore if you’re not sure what you’re looking for. It’s the kind of place where you can pick up a huge 80s neon sign and a Georgian dresser in the same room.
Want some foliage to go with your new homewares?
Urban Jungle is home to a plethora of plants for house and garden with everything from huge cacti to prairie plants and grasses for your gardening pleasure – all set around a huge koi pond.
If you want to support local businesses, the Norwich Lanes can easily make a full day’s shopping trip. These old streets are full of beautiful little stores where you can pick up gifts, vintage goodies and homewares.
One of your first stops along the Lanes must be the Book Hive. This is a traditional bookshop set across three levels in an old building on London Street. Inside you’ll find all the usual bestsellers as well as local books, some quirky finds and a well-stocked children’s section.
If you want to satisfy a sartorial need, head to Imelda’s Shoe Boutique. This quirky shop stocks women’s shoes from brands such as Irregular Choice, UGG, Vagabond, Fly London and more. A newer addition to Norwich is Three Magdalen Street, a trendy interiors store selling collectable furniture, art and photography.
North Norfolk has independent shops aplenty. Locallyowned boutiques are at the ready at Creake Abbey >> p37
“YOU’LL DISCOVER A PLETHORA OF PLANTS FOR HOUSE AND GARDEN, WITH EVERYTHING FROM HUGE CACTI TO PRAIRIE PLANTS AND GRASSES FOR YOUR GARDENING PLEASURE”
Enjoy over 90 fantastic shops, cafés and restaurants in the heart of Norwich, with convenient city centre parking.
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BELOW ADNAMS IS JUST ONE OF MANY POPULAR BRANDS WHO ARE NATIVE TO NORFOLK –WHY NOT PICK UP A BOTTLE FROM ONE OF THEIR SHOPS DOTTED AROUND THE COUNTY?
Courtyard, whether you’re into high-end homewares, designer children’s toys or fabulous flower arrangements.
Stiffkey Stores on the coast road in Stiffkey is home to a café that sells fantastic cake but also a range of books, home décor and postcards. For your designer fix, Francois Bouttier in Holt has you covered. Here you’ll find designer clothes from greats such as Cavalli, Moschino, Ash Footwear, MaxMara and more.
Heading back to the coast, the seaside experience in Mundesley is enhanced by a few lovely little shops such as Jupe, which sells women’s clothing and accessories from brands including White Stuff, Seasalt, Thought, Cream and Great Plains.
Cromer is well stocked with great shops including Lily B, a cool and independent retailer selling women’s clothing. Little Gems Rock Shop is also worth a visit. It’s a great place to pick up fossils, crystals and jewellery.
The little town of Harleston in West Norfolk is a real joy when it comes to independent retailers and local shopkeepers who know their products inside out. Whatever you’re after, there’s someone who’ll be able to help you here. The town is also home to the Grain Brewery, so do pop
into the beer shop if you’re looking for a delicious souvenir. For more boozy favourites make for Beers of Europe in Setchey, a short drive from King’s Lynn. This is a great place to find a large range of international beers but there’s a lot on offer from Norfolk, too. A trip here is a great chance to pick up gifts or to restock your own drinks cabinet.
Over in Hunstanton, Fenspirits Larder offers its own products alongside other locally-produced food and drink. The brand began in 2016 as a small-batch distiller and has since created and perfected hundreds of products including their famous London dry and raspberry gins, raspberry gin liqueur, rhubarb gin liqueur, lemon liqueur, coffee liqueur, toffee vodka and salted caramel vodka. You’ll find Fenspirits’ shops in both Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea.
Whatever’s on your shopping list, you’re sure to find it in Norfolk, from fine foodie treats and one-of-a-kind antiques to fantastic men’s and women’s clothing. What’s more, you’ll find your retail fix in fantastic surroundings with a warm welcome. It’s well worth spending your hard-earned cash here.
“WHATEVER’S ON YOUR SHOPPING LIST, YOU’RE SURE TO FIND IT IN NORFOLK, FROM FINE FOODIE TREATS TO ONE-OFA-KIND ANTIQUES”SARAH GROVES/ADNAMS
Langham Glass was established in 1979 by Master Glassmaker Paul Miller and is still run as a family business today. Originally located in the village of Langham near the north Norfolk coast, Langham Glass now resides in the popular Norfolk market town of Fakenham. Only 20 minutes from Holkham and the quaint seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea.
Visitors to Langham Glass can marvel at the glassmakers using age old techniques to create a wide range of finest handmade crystal products, including birds, animals, vases, stemware and much more.
Each demonstration has a fascinating informative live commentary, which visitors can enjoy from the seated viewing area. The glassmakers are always ready to answer any questions enabling visitors to appreciate the skill and expertise of this master craft.
Want to have a go yourself... Langham Glass glassmaking experiences provide the opportunity to experience glassmaking, whether it is making a whiskey glass as a gift or the experience of glassblowing: blowing for as long as possible to produce a huge bubble. All experiences are done under the careful supervision and guidance of the glassmakers.
The gift shop stocks the 1st quality products that have been handmade in the glass factory by the Langham Glass master craftsmen, as well as a selection of factory seconds. The factory seconds are only slightly imperfect but carry significant savings on the RRP.
Cafe Nelson
Cafe Nelson at Langham Glass is open 10am to 4pm seven days a week, offering a selection of hot sandwiches, homemade speciality dish of the day and the very popular Sunday roast.
The centre is accessible to all: all on one level, with easy access from the car park. The friendly team at Langham Glass are always on hand ready to assist with any visitor requirements. The Langham Glass website has up-to-date information on opening times, special events and there is also an online booking system where you can purchase your glassmaking demonstration tickets.
Booking is essential – book by calling 01328 863500 or by the online booking system at www.langhamglass.co.uk.
“YOU CAN MARVEL AT GLASSMAKERS USING AGE OLD TECHNIQUES TO CREATE THE FINEST CRYSTAL PRODUCTS”
NORFOLK IS A FOODIE’S PARADISE WITH FANTASTIC RESTAURANTS, CAFÉS AND PUBS – MAKE SURE YOU BRING A HEALTHY APPETITE
Norfolk is a great place for fine food. The sea and coast deliver delicious seafood and fish, but you won’t be stuck for choice when it comes to meat, game and fantastic vegetarian dishes to go with it. You can taste your way around the county’s incredible local produce at atmospheric restaurants, pubs, cafés and seafood shacks.
Norfolk’s long coastline means one thing when it comes to dining: fresh and fabulous seafood. You’ll find it everywhere in this county, whether you’re in an elegant restaurant or enjoying a casual lobster barbeque on the beach.
Rocky Bottoms in Cromer is an excellent example of local food worked into an interesting menu. Crab and lobster are caught just off the coast in the restaurant’s own boat named the Anna Gail.
The menu changes regularly to reflect the season and availability of the shellfish so you’ll always get the freshest local food possible. The views from the restaurant are amazing and, if the weather’s right, you can pick up something from the seafood counter to take down to the beach with a coffee.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay as well as eat, The Grove in Cromer is a guest house with a menu that shows off local, seasonal flavours. The staff are welcoming, and the house is a delight to spend time in throughout the year. Dogs are welcome in the on-site cottages, too, just in case you’re planning a trip to the coast with a canine friend.
Also in the town is No1 Cromer, the latest restaurant from renowned chef, Galton Blackiston. Locally-sourced produce is at the heart of the menu and The Times deemed it the sixth best place to eat by the sea.
Run by crab fisherman John Lee and his wife Donna, Hot Rocks in Cromer serves fabulously fresh seafood with a twist. You can cook your food to your liking over hot stones, right at your table! Choose from lobster, sea bass, scallops and prawns, served with a selection of sides and sauces. There are steaks for the carnivores too.
“Welcome to Norwich – a fine city” – that’s how you’re greeted as you drive into Norwich. It’s a sign that promises visitors style and warmth – and that’s precisely what you get when you book a meal at one of Delia’s two fabulous restaurants at Carrow Road.
If you want something special, where the very best locally sourced ingredients are combined with flair and precision, then you’ll want to head straight to Delia’s – the only restaurant in the world serving Delia’s recipes cooked to her exacting standards by her team of dedicated chefs. It’s a beautiful restaurant – classically chic but understated and relaxed – and, while the food is exceptional, the warm, discreetly attentive service and set-price dinner mean you can just kick back and relax as everything (except the drinks!) is taken care of. Nibbles on arrival are followed by three sumptuous courses, including a selection of beautiful homemade breads, choice of starters, mains and accompanying vegetables and desserts, freshly brewed filter coffee and homemade chocolate truffles.
As well as a friendly sommelier to help you choose from our stunning wine list, we offer a full range of exciting non-alcoholic drinks and masses of free parking (if you’re coming by train, we’re a mere 10-minute amble from the station).
Our menu changes every month but always includes an absolute star dish – we offer the most incredible free-range duck, roasted whole. It’s dried in a room created from Pink Himalayan salt blocks, which draw the moisture out of the air so the meat can dry naturally. The result? The crispiest skin and most moist, succulent flesh. And every month, as the seasons change, we offer a new way to entice you to try it –with Seville orange bigarade sauce, spiced blood oranges, fresh cherries, roasted peaches, apple, prune and shallot confit or dried morello cherries. Is your mouth watering already? Call one of our friendly team at Delia’s Restaurant on 01603 218705 to reserve your table now.
Our neighbourhood restaurant, Yellows, offers the same high standards but with a more casual, artsy vibe. It’s friendly and bustling –and great if you’re short on sightseeing time as it’s said you can see the whole of Norwich from your seat in Yellows. How? Because Yellows is also a cool little art space. During the first lockdown local man Nick Chinnery was as bored and miserable as the rest of us, so he took up painting – and discovered a talent. Emboldened, he used his lockdown walks to create 101 stunning portraits of our fine city –and we loved them so much we bought them all to display in Yellows. They’re a great talking point, a slice of history and a lot of fun.
Of course, they’re not quite as much fun as dipping our fresh, warm doughnuts into smooth yet sharp raspberry puree, rich chocolate sauce and whipped cream, but it’s close. The starters and mains are pretty decent too: we’re known for having the best homemade burgers and ribs in the city, but we’re also rather proud of our hot spicy chicken wings with Korean barbecue sauce, Thai fishcakes with peanut dipping sauce and there are exciting vegetarian options too.
You can drop in for a drink at the bar, a snack or a full three courses. And, for that special half hour or so where the British weather gods smile on us, we even have a small (but perfectly formed) terrace for outdoor dining.
So, what are you waiting for? If you’d rather clean your own oven (weirdo!) we’ve given you our recipe for our fabulous roast duck. But if not – okay, we’re gonna have to say it – let’s be having you! We happily accept walkins, although booking is advised (call Yellow's Bar & Grill on 01603 218209).
Both restaurants based at Norwich City Football Club, Carrow Road, NR1 1JE. You can book either restaurant at deliascanarycatering.com or Open Table. Please call our friendly events team on 01603 721902 (option 4) during office hours if you have any questions.
© Robert Wilson/News LicensingPlease don’t rip this recipe out, take a picture so you can make it at home!
Serves 4
This is it – the best method of roasting duck I've found to date.
It's important to remember, however, that the duck should be as dry as possible, so buy it 24 hours in advance, remove and discard the wrapping and giblets, dry it in a clean tea cloth and leave it uncovered on a plate in the fridge till needed.
1 x 4lb (1.8 kg) salt aged duck
Fresh watercress, to garnish
Coarse sea salt and freshly milled black pepper
For the confit of sour cherries:
3 oz (75 g) dried sour cherries
7 fl oz (200 ml) dry red wine (Cabernet
Sauvignon, for example)
1 oz (25 g) golden granulated sugar
1 tablespoon good-quality red wine vinegar
You will also need a roasting rack or some kitchen foil, and a roasting tin measuring 9 x 11 inches (23 x 28 cm), 2 inches (5 cm) deep.
Method
You need to start this recipe the day before you want to serve it by first soaking
the cherries for the confit in the red wine overnight.
The next day, prepare the duck by wiping it as dry as possible with kitchen paper.
Pre-heat the oven to gas mark 8, 230°C
Now, using a small skewer, prick the fatty bits of the duck's skin, particularly between the legs and the breast. Now either place the duck on the roasting rack in the tin or make a rack yourself by crumpling the kitchen foil and placing it in the bottom of the roasting tin. Season with coarse sea salt and freshly milled black pepper, using quite a lot of salt, as this encourages crunchiness.
Now place the tin on the centre shelf of the pre-heated oven and roast the duck for 1 hour and 50 minutes. During the cooking time, using an oven glove to protect your hands, remove the tin from the oven and drain the fat from the corner of the tin – do this about 3 times (the fat is brilliant for roast potatoes, so don't throw it away).
Meanwhile, to make the confit, place the soaked cherries and wine in a saucepan, along with the sugar and wine vinegar. Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer, give it all
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a good stir and let it barely simmer, without a lid, for 50 minutes to 1 hour, stirring from time to time. What will happen is that the wine will slowly reduce so there's only about 3 tablespoons of free liquid left.
When the cooking time is up, allow the duck to rest for 20 minutes or so, then carve and serve garnished with the fresh watercress, with the sour-cherry confit poured over each portion and the rest handed round separately in a jug.
© Delia’s Complete How to Cook, Delia Smith, BBC Books 2009
Open Wednesday 5pm-11pm & Thursday - Saturday 11am-11pm
Yellows is a friendly neighbourhood restaurant. The best burger and ribs in the city, along with eclectic additions featuring tastes of Italy, Spain and the Far East.
© Miki Duisterhof
Just inland from Cromer, Meadowsweet’s Michelinstarred dining room is all about pared-down elegance and inventive menus. Seafood is big news here – they serve local oysters, lobster and sustainable line-caught fish from just off the coast in dishes such as lobster stuffed courgette flower and wild sea bass with green tomato.
Open from April to October, the Crab Hut on Harbour Way is a no-frills joint that serves up some of the best seafood in the county. Owned by fisherman Simon Letzer it dishes up the best of his daily catch. Simplicity is key. Think dressed crabs and lobster, or crusty baguettes stuffed with prawns or crayfish. Grab a takeaway and eat it on the beach while taking in the stunning views.
Just down the road from the Crab Hut, the White Horse Inn offers delicious local seafood and equally fabulous coastal views over the oyster beds, lobster pots and salt marshes. In winter, settle down to a pot of steaming mussels in the cosy dining room.
In summer, sit outside in the expansive gardens for plates of pan-fried red mullet, butter-roasted cod or Brancaster Bay mussels. Or splash out on an enormous sharing platter packed with scrumptious shellfish.
Set in the picturesque fishing town of Wells-next-the-sea is the intimate Wells Crab House. There are only ten tables at this charming spot, so you’ll have
to book in advance to enjoy a simple and delicious seafood menu. It changes monthly but you’ll find local oysters, bream and cod loin as well as huge seafood platters featuring garlic-buttered lobster, crab, cockles and crayfish tails.
Fresh, local and seasonal food is the calling card of The Victoria Inn, ideally situated at the gates of Holkham Hall, just a few minutes from the golden sands of Holkham Beach. Dine here and you can tuck into shellfish, fish or samphire from the North Norfolk coast, beef from Holkham Estate farms and vegetables from their own walled garden.
Great Yarmouth is full of traditional seaside charm – and that includes several seafront fish and chip shops. If you’d rather eat your fish with a knife and fork, consider Chico’s on Marine Parade. The menu features freshly-caught shellfish, a range of seafood, and steak for meat eaters. For seafood served fine dining-style, with Champagne and expertly mixed cocktails, head to Pamela’s Restaurant.
Norfolk’s bountiful local produce makes its way into the county’s pubs, cafés and restaurants and you’ll always find something delicious to sample, from traditional British to Asian and European.
If you fancy something a little different, Moorish Falafel Bar makes for a great lunch stop when you’re shopping in the city. It’s tucked away on Lower Goat Lane in Norwich’s famous Lanes area and serves up home-made falafel in a pitta with your choice of extras.
ABOVE DINE IN OPULENT SURROUNDINGS AT THE VICTORIA INN, HOLKHAM HALL; OPPOSITE PAGE TOP ENJOY EXQUISITELYPREPARED DISHES AT THE AWARD-WINNING WILDEBEEST IN STOKE HOLY CROSS; MIDDLE RIGHT ROCKY BOTTOMS CATCH THEIR OWN CRAB AND LOBSTER JUST OFF THE COAST AT CROMER
For an interesting take on a British staple, visit Motherchip at The Brewery Tap. Twice-cooked, skin-on chips come loaded with a choice of toppings including Korean pork, chickpea curry and beef stroganoff. They also do a nice line in burgers. Naturally, there are fantastic craft beers to wash it all down with.
If you’re after vegan food, you’re spoilt for choice in Norwich. The Tipsy Vegan on St Benedict’s Street offers a tasty selection of plant-based small plates as well as hearty weekend brunches and delicious roasts on Sundays.
For a fun dinner out in unusual surroundings, head to Yellows, owned by famous local chef and Norwich City Football Club shareholder Delia Smith. It’s situated within Carrow Road Stadium and is the perfect chance to get up close to some of Norfolk’s sporting heritage.
Stunning plates of modern British food greet you at the three AA Rosette Roger Hickman’s Restaurant. Come for one of their five or seven-course tasting menus and you’ll be wowed by the likes for cured salmon with blow-torched cucumber and confit duck with quail egg.
Want to eat your dinner with an impressive view and a martini? The top floor of the Union Building is home to Rooftop Gardens, a restaurant and bar with 360-degree views of Norwich. What’s on the menu? Burgers, steaks and international bistro favourites such as roast pork belly and cauliflower chickpea masala.
Oenophiles should get down to The Wine Cellar, a delightful little restaurant with a sunny courtyard that’s tucked away down an alley off Gaol Hill in the city centre. The wine list is extensive, and the experienced staff can give recommendations based on your tastes and what you’re eating.
For a pint over Sunday lunch head to The Georgian Town House in Norwich’s Golden Triangle. This stylish pub and restaurant has a varied menu with excellent options for vegetarians and meat eaters alike.
The divine, two AA Rosette Wildebeest in Stoke Holy Cross will please even the most discerning of diners. Local, seasonal ingredients are the star of the fine dining menu, which includes dishes such as pan-fried pigeon breast and Holkham venison loin with smoked beetroot purée. Despite the refined food, this place is friendly and welcoming and has no airs and graces.
Venison from the nearby deer park and beef from the local herd are roasted over an open fire at The Gunton Arms. Set deep in the countryside near Cromer, it perfectly combines country charm with chic city vibes thanks to an impressive selection of modern art on the walls,
>> p46
“THE DIVINE, TWO AA ROSETTE WILDEBEEST WILL PLEASE EVEN THE MOST DISCERNING OF DINERS – LOCAL, SEASONAL INGREDIENTS ARE THE STAR OF THE FINE DINING MENU HERE”©ADAM JAIME/UNSPLASH; HOLKHAM ESTATE; LEV DOLGACHOV/MARA ZEMGALIETE/STOCK.ADOBE.COM; ROCKY BOTTOMS; THE WILDEBEEST
including works by Tracey Emin, Damien Hirst and Lucian Freud. As well as fabulous local meat, you can get your chops around the best local seafood, including sea trout, turbot and Cromer crab.
The Hoste Arms in Burnham Market is famous for its delicious local food, much of which is sourced within 30 miles. The menus are innovative and show off the best of British cuisine. The Hoste will also please wine connoisseurs thanks to its extensive drinks list featuring vintage wines from some of the finest estates around the world.
If you’re up for a feast, head down to Mundesley where The Royal Hotel has a large menu and generous portions. The Sunday carvery is deservedly popular, attracting people from all over the area. This traditional pub is full of olde-worlde charm but modern additions to the building – including a bright coffee lounge and outside terrace –bring it right up to date.
You’ll feel the sea breeze in your hair at the Beach Hut Café, where you can grab a bacon roll, coffee or home-made ice cream to go, or sit down for a heartier meal. Either way, the ocean views are stellar!
A little way around the coast in Sheringham you’ll find an eye-catching restaurant in an unusual setting. The Bank is a Nepalese restaurant set in, you guessed it, an old bank. The dining experience is unlike anything else in Norfolk with beautifully-presented curries, rice, naan and vegetarian dishes.
Refined European cuisine can be yours at Marriott’s Warehouse in King’s Lynn. The setting of this restaurant is just as spectacular as its food. You can soak up the sun on
the quayside or head inside to drink in the atmosphere of the 16th-century warehouse.
A 10-minute walk from King’s Lynn’s town centre, you’ll find the Bank House Hotel, a Georgian townhouse serving modern brasserie food. Like many places in Norfolk, the restaurant takes full advantage of the local produce on offer.
Norfolk is home to some amazing local food producers. Sample the goods at a festival or country house hotel or get browsing at a farm shop or deli. Whether you’re into home-made pies, cheese or cured meats, you’re bound to find something tasty to take home.
The farm shops and delis around Norfolk are something to behold. White House Farm on the outskirts of Norwich has all the fabulous local produce you’d expect in its café and farm shop, including some killer sausage rolls and artisan cheeses.
Back to the Garden in Letheringsett includes an on-site restaurant as well as all the local meat, vegetables and store cupboard goods you’d expect. Wells Deli in Wellsnext-the-Sea is a humbler affair but still has plenty of delicious food on offer. Perfect for stocking up for that picnic on the beach!
Keep an eye out for Bray’s Cottage Pork Pies, which you can find in shops and cafés throughout Norfolk. These pies
“AT THIS MICHELIN-STARRED GEM EXPECT HOME-GROWN INGREDIENTS USED ALONGSIDE PRIME PRODUCE FROM AROUND THE UK IN MODERN, GLOBALLY-INFLUENCED DISHES”
are made from local pork pimped up with extra ingredients such as chorizo, onion marmalade and lemon. Of course, you can get a classic version as well.
Another local great is Marsh Pig. These cured meats can be found on charcuterie boards around Norfolk, and you can also pick up packs in farm shops across the county.
If you appreciate good beer, then a trip – or three – to Norwich’s Fat Cat pubs should be on your agenda. There’s the original Fat Cat on West End Street as well as the Fat Cat and Canary on Thorpe Road. Each of the pubs offers a range of Fat Cat beers as well as other British ales, beers and ciders.
The week-long Norwich Beer Festival takes place in The Halls in St Andrew’s in October. Brewers from Norfolk and beyond gather in this stunning building, giving you the chance to sample a wide range of beers. If you fancy a quiet tasting session, go during the day. For more of a party, get yourself a ticket for Saturday night.
Don’t forget that other British seaside staple – ice cream!
The Parravani story started in 1898 when 15-year-old Giuseppe Parravani, armed with little more than his brother’s name and the word “Norwich” scrawled on a piece of paper, left the poor farmlands of Italy and travelled across mainland Europe to Norfolk.
Reunited with brother Domenico, the teenager worked in his sibling’s ice cream business on Ber Street, before starting his own venture from a horse and cart in Bungay. Now the company relies on a handful of stainless-steel machines and a fleet of ice cream vans to sell their 30-plus flavours throughout Norfolk.
For a fabulous treat, you can’t do much better than Michelin-starred, four AA Rosette Morston Hall. The focus is on using the best of Norfolk produce — whether picked from the kitchen garden, foraged from nearby beaches or delivered by local fishermen, the ingredients here are outstanding. As well as seven-course tasting menus and a
four-course Sunday lunch, the restaurant offers a fantastic Champagne afternoon tea that’ll leave you feeling stuffed.
An exciting new addition to the Michelin Star Guide is Store in Stoke Holy Cross. Norwich native Liam Nichols heads up the talented team here, offering seasonallychanging tasting menus.
Expect home-grown ingredients used alongside prime produce from around the UK in modern, globally-influenced dishes. Wine lovers are in luck here, as there’s a top-notch wine pairing menu to boot.
Set deep in the Norfolk countryside, Congham Hall is a beautiful Georgian hotel and spa that’s famed for its delicious food. The two AA Rosette restaurant offers a menu full of locally-sourced ingredients, many of which come from the hotel’s own kitchen garden, herb garden or orchards. Typical dishes include rillette of rabbit with micro herbs and grilled hake with leeks and salsa verde.
Brasted’s sits just four miles outside Norwich, in the village of Framingham Pigot. This high-end lodge has boutique rooms set in glorious grounds, but it’s best known for its award-winning restaurant. The locallysourced menu changes regularly (usually every six to eight weeks) and showcases Norfolk game during the shooting season including grouse, mallard and partridge. The food is British with a decidedly European twist which allows for an extra bit of flair. Think native lobster with tempura Norfolk samphire or salted pork tenderloin.
From delectable seafood to aromatic micro herbs to hearty local game, there’s something for everyone on the menu in Norfolk! Best of all, you can taste the county’s fantastic produce at a range of exciting venues, from simple beachfront shacks to high-end country house hotels.
ONLY HERE FOR THE WEEKEND? HERE ARE SOME IDEAS FOR A MEMORABLE SHORT BREAK TO NORFOLK
Norwich is a great base from which to reach the wider area, so spend your morning exploring the city and going for brunch at No 33. Then take some time to visit Norwich Lanes and see the best of what Norwich’s independents have to offer. Make sure to grab a sweet treat from Cupcake & Co before you hop in the car and head north to the coast.
Drive down towards the beach at Wells-next-the-Sea. You’ll be treated to far-reaching skies, swathes of soft sand and some of the prettiest beach huts you’ll ever see.
Not too far from the seafront is the Beach Café, which is a great place to stop for a coffee in the large outdoor seating area. Make sure you have a camera with you as the views from the beach are spectacular.
Round off your afternoon with a trip to Holkham Hall where you can simply drive through the park or, if you have a bit more time, can take a stroll through the 3,000-acre grounds complete with fallow deer.
A 20-mile drive along the coast will take to you Rocky Bottoms in Cromer where the menu changes with the seasons. All produce is locally sourced and from local suppliers, so you can’t really get any fresher!
Head back to Norwich and, if you’ve still got it in you, head out for a few drinks. If you want somewhere relaxed and not too busy then try pubs like Adam and Eve, The Wig and Pen, and The Rosebery. If you want an evening full of atmosphere, interesting people and maybe some music head to The Rumsey Wells or Gonzo’s Tea Room.
Your second day in the county should be spent on the Broads. Hire a day boat and take your time exploring the little villages connected by these waterways.
You won’t be able to get around all the Broads in one day, so you’ll have to choose carefully. If you want to explore beautiful landscapes dotted with towns where you can stop for ice cream or cake, start your journey in Wroxham.
If you prefer a day focused more on the wildlife of the area, begin at Hickling Broad. The pace of life on the water is slow and relaxed but there’s plenty to see and do.
Make sure to plan an activity in your day to break up time on the water. It might be learning a new skill at one of the local outdoor centres or it might be as simple as mooring up to watch the local wildlife from the land.
In the evening, make your way down the Acle Straight towards Great Yarmouth where you should stop for fish and chips. During the summer, Great Yarmouth Pleasure Beach is open well into the evening, so take this opportunity to experience some seaside fun and perhaps even pick up some souvenirs.
“DRIVE TO THE BEACH AT WELLS-NEXT-THE-SEA WHERE YOU’LL BE TREATED TO FAR-REACHING SKIES, SWATHES OF SOFT SAND AND SOME OF THE PRETTIEST BEACH HUTS YOU’LL EVER SEE”
CULTURE VULTURES ASSEMBLE! NORFOLK OFFERS THE PERFECT
MIX OF GALLERIES, MUSEUMS, EXHIBITIONS AND FESTIVALS
Norfolk has a strong entertainment scene, particularly in Norwich. Whether you’re after a night out watching comedy, the latest thoughtprovoking play, or a rock gig complete with mosh pit, you won’t be disappointed. If it’s art you’re after, Norfolk’s museums and galleries will more than satisfy your cravings.
Looking for a night of live entertainment? There are rich pickings in Norfolk, thanks to a wide choice of theatres putting on everything from serious Shakespeare plays to comedy and puppet shows. Want to make a whole day (or week) of it? Check out the Norfolk & Norwich Festival.
Norwich is well-endowed with music venues and theatres. For the big shows, head to the Theatre Royal where you can see visiting comedians, the latest musicals, Shakespeare, and pantomime.
The Norfolk and Norwich Operatic Society also puts on shows at the Theatre Royal and is one of the leading amateur musical theatre companies in the region. The company has staged well-known plays such as West Side
Story, Sister Act, Made in Dagenham and Sweeney Todd. Steeped in history and offering performances from The Norwich Players and visiting groups, The Maddermarket Theatre stages several in-house plays each year with other companies and artists filling the programme with stand-up comedy, cabaret, talks and music. The theatre also offers fun classes and workshops for amateurs.
For something a little different, treat yourself to an evening at the Norwich Puppet Theatre. This is one of only three building-based puppet theatres in England and it’s home to a family of puppets collected over more than 30 years. All the family-friendly shows are produced in-house and go on to tour the country. Want to have a go yourself? Sign up for one of the regular puppetry workshops.
The Norwich Playhouse is one of the top comedy venues in Norwich but also puts on plays, music and kids’ entertainment. The colourful bar and large outdoor seating
area offer a vibrant spot for a drink, just in case you fancy making a night of it.
There are few settings more dramatic than the cloisters of Norwich Cathedral. Lucky, then, that it’s home to the city’s summer Shakespeare Festival, when you can enjoy the Bard’s best-loved plays against a unique backdrop of medieval magnificence.
Most Norwich residents think of the Norwich Arts Centre as a music venue, but it offers much more besides. If you’re into dance, theatre or spoken word performances you’ll find lots to entertain you here. Over the years the centre has picked up awards including Britain’s Best Small Venue. Norwich Philharmonic Society is a huge part of the city’s musical heart and performs a wide repertoire of large-scale works through the year. Performances take place at venues such as St Andrew’s Hall and the Norfolk Showground and include family-friendly Christmas and Easter performances. For theatre in intimate, cosy surroundings, make a beeline for the Sheringham Little Theatre. This North
Norfolk venue has year-round events including film, art, dance, drama, music and comedy.
During the summer keep an eye on Westacre Theatre, which boasts an 80-seat auditorium and rehearsal and exhibition spaces in the West Norfolk countryside, just 10 miles from King’s Lynn. It also puts on workshops and activities for both adults and children. A place to see great open-air plays and shows is Holkham Hall. Its programme of events runs throughout the summer but watch out for special performances around Christmas.
For good old traditional entertainment, get down to Cromer’s beautiful pier and the Pavilion Theatre. The Cromer Pier Show is one of the few true variety shows left in Britain. Their summer performances are full of great pop music, West End hits and comedy, while the pier’s Christmas show is an exercise in festive cheer!
The Britannia Pier in Great Yarmouth attracts comedy giants from around the country to its in-house theatre. Why not make a day of it and take in the rides, bars and food stalls along its length?
To watch acrobats strut their spectacular stuff, get down to Yarmouth’s family-friendly Hippodrome Circus. The repertoire changes throughout the year so depending on when you visit you may see the water show, a Christmas spectacular or a traditional circus. All of them will have you marvelling at the skill of the performers and the incredible variety of entertainment in such a unique space.
For a night at the movies underneath the stars, check out Norfolk’s open-air film screenings. These happen all over the county throughout the summer so look out for local listings at places such as Thetford Forest,
“NORWICH CATHEDRAL IS HOME TO THE CITY’S SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL, WHERE YOU CAN ENJOY THE BARD’S BEST-LOVED PLAYS AGAINST A BACKDROP OF MEDIEVAL MAGNIFICENCE”
Sandringham Estate, Dunston Hall, and Whitlingham Country Park in Norwich.
The Norfolk & Norwich Festival takes over the county for two weeks of the year in May and is one of the oldest city festivals in England. Its history can be traced back to 1772 when it started out as a concert to raise funds for the Norfolk & Norwich hospital.
Most of the action happens in Norwich, but you’ll find events throughout Norfolk, ranging from music to poetry readings to colourful parades. Check the listings to get a feel for what’s on as it varies year-on-year. The programme for the festival is innovative, inspirational and inspiring.
If you’re into museum and gallery-hopping, you’ve come to the right place. Norfolk has a whole host of arty venues to keep everyone happy.
At Thursford, between Fakenham and Holt, the Thursford Collection offers a unique family day out. Take a look at the world’s biggest selection of steam engines and organs or enjoy the family fun at their spectacular Christmas events.
Want to get the lowdown on the region’s maritime history? Great Yarmouth’s Time and Tide Museum tells you all about the town’s seafaring past – with plenty of tales of shipwrecks and high seas to send a shiver down your spine.
If art is more your style, there are a wealth of places to view the work of local and international artists. As well as showcasing the city’s rich history, Norwich Castle Museum is home to a wide range of art from different eras and genres and puts on regular visiting exhibitions.
The galleries of contemporary and fine art feature artists such as John Crome, John Sell Cotman, Thomas Gainsborough and William Hogarth. The exhibition galleries have displayed the likes of Picasso, Manet, Constable and Jeff Koons over the years.
Head towards the University of East Anglia and you’ll find the Sainsbury Centre, which houses the extraordinary art collection of Robert and Lisa Sainsbury alongside many other collections from donors, and special pieces sourced by the university. If the striking building seems familiar, that’s because it was the Avengers’ headquarters in the Marvel movies.
For something a little different, the South Asia Collection hits the spot. Set in a restored Victorian skating rink, it shows off everything from sculpture to textiles to etchings. The museum shop is a treasure trove of trinkets to take home with you.
Want to visit several different artists’ studios in one day? The Norfolk Open Studios takes place in May and June and is a great way to see and buy art as well as meet the
“IF YOU WANT TO STIMULATE YOUR CREATIVITY, NORFOLK IS AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO DO SO, WITH THEATRES SHOWCASING ALL TYPES OF PERFORMANCES FROM SHAKESPEARE TO CIRCUS SKILLS”
artists who created it. The event also includes art trails around the county as well as artists’ demonstrations, which give you an insight into the creative process.
If you’re keen to explore the Norfolk landscape in art form, visit Pinkfoot Gallery in Cley-next-the-Sea. You’ll find a stunning collection of British nature paintings here and there’s a large part of the gallery dedicated to sculpture, including bronze work and wood carvings.
There are plenty of world-famous writers associated with Norwich, including William Taylor, John Skelton, Anna Sewell and Arnold Wesker. In 2012, Norwich became England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, one of only 28 in the world. Indulge your bookish passions by visiting the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library or signing up for a workshop or talk put on by the National Centre for Writing. Bookworms and storytellers of all stripes will delight in UAE Live, a diverse and dynamic literary festival that takes place at The University of East Anglia. It attracts literary luminaries from around the world – recent guests have included Ian McEwan, Inua Ellams and Hanya Yanagihara.
To indulge in all things bookish by the seaside, make time for The Sea Fever Literary Festival, which brings together big-name authors for readings, discussions and more in Wells-next-the-Sea.
If you want to stimulate your creativity or simply marvel at a work of art, Norfolk is an excellent place to do so. With galleries featuring world-famous artists, theatres showcasing everything from Shakespeare to circus skills and a host of literary events, it’s easy to get your cultural fix in Norfolk.
THE NIGHTLIFE IN NORFOLK IS THRIVING, PACKED WITH CLUBS, PUBS, BARS AND LIVE MUSIC VENUES
Norfolk may be bucolic and laid-back, but it can still show you a fantastic night out! If it’s bars and clubs you’re after, there are options to keep you going until the small hours, while simple country pubs can supply you with a steady stream of excellent local ales. Prefer a night of music or laughter? Check the listings for local gigs and comedy shows.
After a busy day of sightseeing, there’s nothing like relaxing with a beverage, whether you want a quiet pint or cocktails with a glamorous crowd. Luckily for you, you can find both in Norfolk, and a host of other options too!
Norwich is a hive of activity at night and, like in the daytime, there’s something for everyone. Whether you fancy hitting the clubs and bars on Prince of Wales Road or prefer something more sedate, Norwich is alive with atmosphere every single evening.
If you’re into cocktails, Tipsy Jar on Redwell Street is a laid-back, friendly place offering some of the best drinks in town – and a collection and delivery service, too if you’d rather do your drinking at home.
For bags of atmosphere, head down to vintage pharmacy-themed Arboretum, where you can drink old-school cocktails surrounded by antiques. At the Ten Bells, you’ll find an extensive selection of gin with an interesting cocktail menu to match. The bar is also home to Norfolk’s first gin distillery.
For more quirkiness, visit Gonzo’s Tea Room where you can order a cup of tea and then stretch out on one of the comfy sofas to people watch. If you’d rather be on the hard stuff, choose from the extensive cocktail menu – or ask for a classic of your choice – then turn your attention to the big screen where they’re often playing cartoons. While Gonzo’s is known for its cocktails many people come back for the amazing burgers, so there’s no chance of going hungry!
Norwich is full of pubs. In fact, there’s an old adage that says the city has a church for every week of the year and a pub for every day! Choose from old favourites such as The Red Lion Bishopsgate and newer offerings like The Steam Packet, which is recently refurbished and under new ownership. The BrewDog brand has a bar just a short hop from the castle. It’s bright and welcoming with plenty of outdoor seating and a fun atmosphere.
If you like your pubs to come with added entertainment, Last Man Standing puts on live music, open mic nights, poetry readings, drag nights, quiz nights… the list goes on and on. There’s also a gorgeous garden complete with DJ
booth as well as Caribbean food at the Soul Kitchen. Once a year towards the end of October, the Norwich Beer Festival invades the rooms of St Andrew’s Hall. Brewers from all over the country gather to offer interesting beers and ciders to excited punters.
This is the best place to sample some of Norfolk’s finest tipples from the likes of Wolf Brewery, Woodforde’s, Wild Craft, The Norfolk Brewhouse and Redwell Brewing. If it’s cider you’re after, look out for local favourites such as Whin Hill and the Norfolk Cider Company.
GREAT YARMOUTH SCENE
There’s also a lively night out to be had in Great Yarmouth. Start your evening at The Tombstone Saloon Bar, which is full of Wild West character and has its own on-site brewery. Other top choices include The Mariners, which has an impressive selection of real ale, craft beer and cider, and The Pier Tavern, for sea views, late-night DJs and plenty of upbeat party fun.
There are plenty of bars and pubs in King’s Lynn to choose from, most of them around the Vancouver
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“IF YOU LIKE YOUR PUBS WITH ADDED ENTERTAINMENT, LAST MAN STANDING PUTS ON LIVE MUSIC, OPEN MIC NIGHTS, POETRY READINGS, DRAG NIGHTS, QUIZ NIGHTS… THE LIST GOES ON AND ON”
“PRINCE OF WALES ROAD IS WHERE YOU’LL FIND MOST OF NORWICH’S CLUBS. MOJO’S FEATURES R’N’B AND HIP HOP – AT BAR AND BEYOND YOU CAN PARTY TO HOUSE MUSIC AND GET YOUR AIR GUITARS OUT”
Quarter in the town centre. If you’re looking for inventive drinks and sharing plates of food, stop by Archers Kitchen & Cocktail Bar on Purfleet Street. Want to sip cocktails on a bench swing then take a selfie with a 10ft pink flamingo? Hurry on down to Tipsy Teapot Restaurant & Bar. For something comfortable and familiar, head on over to the Globe Hotel, a Wetherspoon pub featuring an extensive and affordable menu with regular deals.
For a night of live music or comedy make your way to The King’s Lynn Corn Exchange. The listings are varied so check to see what’s on during your trip.
Norfolk moves at a slower pace than many other places in the UK, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have a great night out. You’ll find everything from theatres and dining to raucous music venues. It’s not just Norwich that keeps the party going. Even some of the smaller towns have their own nightclubs.
If dance music, sugary cocktails and regular drinks deals are your style, head to Prince of Wales Road. This stretch is where you’ll find most of Norwich’s clubs. Mojo’s features the latest in R’n’B and hip hop, and at Bar and Beyond you can party to house music and get your air guitars out for rock night.
If you like your music on the heavy side, head to The Adrian Flux Waterfront where you’ll find bands of all sizes and genres. The likes of The Darkness, Pulp, Radiohead and even Adam Ant have played here and there are regular indie and rock club nights on Fridays and Saturdays.
The Nick Rayns LCR at the University of East Anglia hosts some of the biggest bands visiting the city. This 1,500-capacity venue has brought big acts such as U2, Kasabian, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Coldplay to Norwich over the years. Look out for the most recent listings to see what’s coming up during your stay.
For more live music from local and touring bands, visit The Brickmakers and its B2 music venue. You can find
everything here from great covers bands to up-and-coming artists. Even if you aren’t looking for something specific, pop along for the friendly atmosphere, talented musicians and a few drinks.
A more intimate setting can be had at the Rumsey Wells, a stylish pick that serves premium drinks, and inventive cocktails, and has a rum bar in the basement. This pub often has live music nights that perfectly complement its hip, alternative style.
Norwich’s Red Card Comedy Club is the place to be for belly laughs and cheap drinks. They put on shows on the last Friday of every month at their Carrow Road venue, as well as regular shows at Norwich City Football Club and an annual comedy festival in Chapelfield Gardens called Laugh in the Park.
Not far from one end of Prince of Wales Road is the Riverside Entertainment Complex, near the train station. If you visit the Odeon cinema or Hollywood Bowl, you’ll be able to get free parking – perfect if you fancy a night on the tiles.
There are plenty of chain restaurants to help you line your stomach and get your night started, including Fridays and Nando’s. If you watch to catch a film with friends in a
more stylish setting, Cinema City makes for a refined experience. With the latest releases on offer as well as cult films and classics, it’s easy to find something to watch while you relax with a drink in hand.
Norwich has a vibrant LGBTQ+ scene with two clubs and friendly little pubs that welcome anyone through their doors. A relaxed evening, perhaps with a little karaoke, starts at the Catherine Wheel on St Augustine’s Street. If you’re looking for a livelier night, start at The Castle pub and its very own nightclub before making your way down to The Loft NR1 on Rose Lane.
There’s also an annual Gay Pride event during the summer where the city covers itself in rainbows and the party lasts a whole weekend. Thetford has its fair share of vibrant nightlife with the Ice Night Club taking centre stage. It’s open Fridays and Saturdays with free entry before 11pm and features two bars, a VIP area, friendly staff and a wide range of DJs. The music varies from funk to drum and bass to classics. Visiting Norfolk isn’t just about sightseeing and the great outdoors. There’s plenty to keep you occupied after the sun goes down.
Whether you choose to sip cocktails, sample craft ales and ciders or go dancing in the bars and clubs of Norwich, you’ll have an evening to remember.
ALTHOUGH NORFOLK HAS MORE THAN ENOUGH TO KEEP YOU BUSY, A JOURNEY FURTHER AFIELD CAN MAKE FOR AN EXCITING NEW ADVENTURE
Norfolk is a big county and it would be difficult to explore all of it, but if you did want to go a little further afield while you’re here, the county borders Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
If you’ve enjoyed Norfolk’s varied coastline, continue along it and south until you reach Southwold. This gorgeous seaside town is almost an island being surrounded on one side by the North Sea on the east with the River Blyth to the south west and Buss Creek to the north.
There’s just one road in and out of the town, making it one of Suffolk’s hidden gems. Beer lovers should definitely take some time out to tour the famous Adnams Brewery during a visit.
Those of you who love wildlife should pay a visit to Dunwich Heath and Beach near Saxmundham. Many birds call this National Trust heath and beach area home, and between July and September the colourful combination of purple heather and yellow gorse really is a beautiful sight to behold.
Suffolk is fantastic for food and one of the events to look out for is the autumn Sausagefest, which takes over the town for one weekend a year. Visitors can taste and rate sausages from local producers who all vye for the awards presented at the end of the event.
Being so close to Cambridge, it would be silly not to visit the famous university. The whole city is beautiful with great shopping and a direct rail link from Norwich.
If you fancy something a bit more adventurous while you’re away from the serenity of Norfolk, visit WildTracks Activity Park. This Suffolk activity centre has a go kart circuit as well as an off-road trail where you can push a 4x4 to its limits or get a bit muddy on a quad bike.
Imperial War Museum Duxford is another great place to visit if you’re interested in military history or planes. There are some fantastic air shows which happen throughout the year so keep an eye out for these as they aren’t to be missed.
Another beautiful place to visit during a trip to Cambridgeshire is Ely. The first thing you’ll notice is the striking cathedral, which is well worth a look around – the ceilings in particular are very impressive.
With such good rail links from Norwich, you really could go anywhere. London Liverpool Street is just two hours by train and this opens up the whole of the south to you.
Of course, you could always spend some time exploring the capital, but don’t forget to catch the last train back to Norwich in the late evening, giving you plenty of time before retreating back to your countryside haven.
“IF YOU’VE ENJOYED NORFOLK’S COASTLINE, CONTINUE ALONG IT UNTIL YOU REACH SOUTHWOLD – THIS SMALL COASTAL TOWN IS SURROUNDED BY THE NORTH SEA AND THE RIVER BLYTH”
Explore the City of Stories like a local. Discover all the best spots to eat, shop, and visit.
With hidden gardens, soaring cathedral spires, stunning riverside walks, and more.
Norwich Cathedral
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
The River Wensum Norwich Summer Sessions
This is a city full of surprises: From cobbled streets to avant-garde galleries, from vintage shops to independent restaurants, the medieval, the modern, and everything in between. In fact, we’re the only city in the UK found in a National Park: Norwich calls the Norfolk Broads its home.
Norwich has seen it all, with over 900 years of tales to tell. Snapshots of the city‘s history can be found on every corner: Tombland, Elm Hill, or Hook’s Walk are all great places to start any adventure. Our medieval Cathedral and Castle have overlooked it all and can’t be missed. Now, it’s your turn to experience what the City of Stories has to offer.
Here you can slow down. Take it easy and admire the sights, relax with a drink in hand in one of our many historic pubs, or grab your favourite food and take in our famous Norwich Market. Whatever you do, you can do it at your own leisure in the City of Stories.
Or pack your day full of exciting activities! Find every shop you need, from household names to the award-winning independents of the Norwich Lanes. Distil your own gin and take a bottle home, visit our popular Theatres, or see world-famous art in world-famous galleries. The only limit here is your imagination.
This is a city where there’s a warm welcome for locals and tourists alike. We can’t wait for you to visit Norwich.