Norwich
Built by the Normans in the 12th century, Norwich Castle is one of the finest Norman secular buildings to be found in Europe. Originally built as a royal palace, the castle is now a museum and art gallery
Norwich is a beautiful city, steeped in history, dating back over 2,000 years. The central streets still follow their medieval course outlined by what remains of the ancient city walls.
Shopping in Norwich - One of the UK's Best Retail Destinations
Norwich takes some beating when it comes to shopping. Independent stores stand shoulder to shoulder with well-known high street retailers in a compact setting that is easily explored on foot. With two extensive shopping malls, large department stores, many independent boutiques and one of the largest outdoor markets in the UK, it is no wonder Norwich is considered one of the best places to visit in the country for a spot of retail therapy.
A timeline of Norwich
Read about some of Norwich’s most important dates in history, including when Norwich Castle, Norwich Cathedral and other historic and important buildings were built. When the Black Death reached Norwich, Kett’s Rebellion and when devasting fires hit the city. See important dates in history for Jarrold Department Store, Colman’s Mustard, The University of East Anglia, Norwich International Airport and Norwich City Football Club.
Sea Wind
Norfolk
This delightful bungalow situated in a quiet cul-de-sac in the popular village of Brancaster offers light and contemporary accommodation with a fully enclosed garden. Ideal for one or two couples or a family looking to be close to the beach, the North Norfolk coastal path and Brancaster Staithe sailing harbour.
Field Corner (4)
Norfolk
Nestled peacefully in the charming village of Docking, Field Corner is a handsome traditional brick and flint terraced barn conversion boasting open countryside views. Located four miles from Brancaster and its stunning expansive sandy beach, this appealing hideaway has been thoughtfully renovated to retain original features that blend with contemporary styling to create a laid-back luxury retreat.
1 Courtyard Barn
Norfolk
Located in the rural, peaceful village of Gimingham, this spacious single-story, semi-detached brick and flint barn is only a few minutes' drive from North Norfolk's stunning heritage coastline. This wonderful bolthole is ideal all year round for a family, small group of friends or couples enjoying a short stay or longer holiday.
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Get startedUpdated November 2026
Norwich visitor guide 2026
Current places to eat, stay and visit in and around Norwich, plus practical visitor information. Opening times change through the year, so check with the venue before you travel.
Visitor essentials
- Getting there
- Norwich station is on the Riverside side of town, a 10-15 minute walk from the centre, with Greater Anglia and East Midlands Railway services (London Liverpool Street takes roughly two hours). By road use the A47, A11, A140 or A146. The airport is about 15 minutes from the centre.
- Parking
- Park & Ride runs from Thickthorn (A11/A47) and Harford (A140), with adult fares from about 3 pounds. Central car parks include Castle Quarter, Chantry Place, John Lewis, Riverside, The Forum, St Andrews, Rose Lane, St Giles and St Stephens. Motorhomes may use city-centre surface car parks but not overnight.
- Tourist information
- The tourist information centre has permanently closed. Use visitnorwich.co.uk; volunteer City Hosts in blue tabards are out and about Monday to Saturday.
- Market days
- Norwich Market trades Monday to Saturday, roughly 8.30am to 5.30pm, with more than 190 stalls; a few stalls open some Sundays.
- Good to know
- Norwich Castle Keep reopened in August 2025 after a 27.5 million pound Royal Palace Reborn project and the castle was shortlisted for the 2026 Art Fund Museum of the Year. Sir Toby's Beers is the market's only licensed bar. The Lanes are compact and walkable; most central sights are within about 20 minutes on foot.
What has changed
We have checked this page against current sources. Updates to the information above:
- The Norwich Tourist Information Centre has closed for good. Visitors are now directed to the VisitNorwich website, and volunteer City Hosts in blue tabards help out in the centre Monday to Saturday. Source
Where to eat in Norwich
Benedicts
Polished tasting-menu cooking built on Norfolk produce, with a lively room and outdoor seating; the menu changes every few weeks.
The Last
British-meets-French dining in a converted shoe factory, with a wine-led list and smart service.
Amelia's
Heritage-minded small plates such as lamb tagine and stuffed sardines.
Brix & Bones
Generous steaks and chops cooked over fire in a moody, dimly lit dining room.
L'Hexagone Bistro Francais
Tiny family-run bistro doing simple French classics; the creme brulee is widely praised.
Benoli
Smart Italian restaurant at the foot of Timber Hill, run by a chef with top-kitchen experience.
Shiki
Relaxed izakaya serving noodles, donburi, small plates and nigiri near the Cathedral.
Namaste Village
All-vegetarian menu covering dishes from across India.
Prelude at Norwich Theatre Royal
Art deco-styled restaurant with a seasonal menu; you do not need a show ticket to dine.
The Red Lion Bishopgate
Pub classics and brunch with a sunny patio close to the river and Cathedral.
Where to stay in Norwich
The Assembly House
Grade I-listed Georgian building known for afternoon tea, with a small number of bedrooms.
38 St Giles
Small, stylish Georgian townhouse stay within easy reach of the Lanes and shops.
The Maids Head Hotel
Four-star hotel in a medieval building beside the Cathedral; consistently strong guest scores.
All Hallows Guesthouse
Simple, good-value rooms at the shrine of Julian of Norwich, with a literary-heritage feel.
Red Lion Apartment
Central apartment above the Red Lion Bishopgate pub.
George Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Friendly mid-range hotel in the Golden Triangle, a short walk from the centre.
Best Western Annesley House Hotel
Three-star hotel a short walk from the centre, handy for the Golden Triangle.
Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort
Large Victorian-style resort with spa and golf, a short drive from the city.
More things to do around Norwich
Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Social history of the city, including its shoemaking and textile trades, in a medieval merchant's house.
Strangers' Hall
Medieval townhouse with period rooms, a hammerbeam Great Hall and a knot garden.
South Asia Collection
Free museum of South Asian art and craft in a Victorian roller-skating rink.
Sainsbury Centre
Modern art including Henry Moore and Giacometti, pay-what-you-can; bus 25, 26 or X25 from the centre.
Plantation Garden
Victorian-style town garden with a fountain and terrace tucked behind the centre.
Bishy Barney Boats
Electric boat hire on the Wensum with access onto the Broads.
Elm Hill
Cobbled, timber-framed lane of independent shops and cafes; St Peter Hungate church is nearby.
Cathedral of St John the Baptist
Free Victorian Gothic Revival Catholic cathedral with fine stained glass and a garden cafe.
Listings are independent suggestions, not paid placements. Spotted something out of date? Let us know.
Live
River levels near Norwich
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Source: Environment Agency real-time flood-monitoring data (Open Government Licence).
Local information
Norwich in numbers
Trains from Norwich
Live departures from Norwich Live arrivals
Live times from National Rail Enquiries.
Top historic buildings in Norwich
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Food hygiene ratings in Norwich
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See all 693 ratings in Norwich
Ratings: Food Standards Agency (Open Government Licence).
Wildlife recorded around Norwich
The most frequently recorded species within 5 km of Norwich since 2022 (122,557 records submitted to the National Biodiversity Network).
Birds
- Woodpigeon
- Robin
- Blue Tit
- Magpie
- Blackbird
- Great Tit
- Wren
- Carrion Crow
- Jackdaw
- Goldfinch
- Dunnock
- Mute Swan
Other wildlife and plants
- Grey Squirrel
- Feral Cat
- Hedgehog
- Common Frog
- Small White
- Meadow Brown
- Green-veined White
- Gatekeeper
- Large White
- Banded Demoiselle
- Common Darter
- 7-spot Ladybird
Source: NBN Atlas – records from Norfolk recorders and conservation groups. Please follow the Countryside Code and keep to paths.
Villages around Norwich
- Trowse Newton 1.6 miles
- Cringleford 2.9 miles
- Arminghall 3.1 miles
- Colney 3.2 miles
- Keswick 3.5 miles
- Kirby Bedon 3.6 miles
- Intwood 3.6 miles
- Horsham St Faith 3.7 miles
- Dunston 3.8 miles
- Spixworth 3.9 miles
- Framingham Pigot 4.0 miles
- Rackheath 4.1 miles
- Postwick 4.2 miles
- Stoke Holy Cross 4.2 miles
- Framingham Earl 4.2 miles
- Great Plumstead 4.3 miles
Live weather
Weather in Norwich
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Updated every time the page loads · Data: Open-Meteo.com (CC BY 4.0)
Norwich guide 2026
Where to eat, where to stay and visitor essentials for Norwich, checked November 2026.
Getting to Norfolk
- Train: Greater Anglia runs direct trains from London Liverpool Street to Norwich, plus lines to Cromer, Sheringham, Great Yarmouth, Lowestoft and Cambridge. National Rail journey planner
- Road: the A11 (from Cambridge and London) and the A47 (east–west) are the main routes.
- Air: Norwich Airport is 4 miles north of the city.
- Bus: plan local journeys on Traveline.
Useful links
- Visit Norfolk – official tourism site
- Visit the Broads – Broads Authority
- Met Office weather warnings
- RNLI beach safety and tide advice
- National Trust in Norfolk
In an emergency
- 999 – police, fire, ambulance and coastguard
- 111 – NHS urgent medical advice
- 101 – Norfolk Police, non-emergency