Norwich

Travel Guide

Mousehold Heath which includes landscape views, heritage elements and a city
Norwich Castle featuring a garden and a bridge
Norwich Guildhall showing night scenes and heritage elements
Strangers Hall Garden
Saint John the Baptist showing heritage architecture

On the River Wensum sits this modern city that retains its strong medieval roots, located within easy reach of the breathtakingly beautiful Norfolk Broads.

The city of Norwich is many things: a modern business hub, a bustling student town and a treasure trove of medieval architecture. It is also the gateway to the Norfolk Broads, a network of scenic lakes and rivers. Fill a weekend here with a mix of sightseeing, shopping, country walks or boating, and don’t forget to make time for the museums.

The city’s oldest landmark is also the hardest to miss. On a hill in the heart of the city stands Norwich Castle, a wonderfully preserved building that dates back to the 11th century. Step through its ancient doorway to discover the museum and gallery now housed inside. A trip here is the best way to learn about the area’s history, while seeing some impressive works of art too. While you are here, pay a visit to the nearby Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum to discover an extensive collection of military uniforms and memorabilia.

Also close by are many other attractions, such as the City Hall and Norwich Guildhall, which was built in the 15th Century. Walk northeast from the castle for less than 10 minutes and you will arrive at Norwich Cathedral. Norwich has the country’s highest density of medieval churches outside of London, and this grand Norman masterpiece is particularly impressive.

Head southeast instead of northeast to reach Dragon Hall, another historic must-see. This wonderfully restored building is close to 600 years old. Join a guided tour to see its beautiful interior.

Not all of Norwich’s charms are ancient, however. It has modern attractions too. Get your souvenir shopping done in the Norwich Lanes, where unusual independent stores can be found in abundance. Or, in the evening, see a stage show at one of the city’s renowned theaters, such as the Theatre Royal. No matter how you choose to spend your time here, make sure you leave time to explore the Norfolk Broads, either on foot or by boat.

Norwich is well connected to most major cities in the United Kingdom. Fly into Norwich airport, or take advantage of the good train connections from London.

Where to stay in Norwich

Saint John the Baptist showing heritage architecture

Norwich City Center

Travellers come to Norwich City Center for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Tombland and Elm Hill while you're in town.

Norwich City Center
The Plantation Garden showing a bridge

Golden Triangle

While visiting Golden Triangle, you might make a stop by sights like The Plantation Garden and St John the Baptist Cathedral.

Golden Triangle

Thorpe Hamlet

While visiting Thorpe Hamlet, you might make a stop by sights like Norfolk Broads and Lion Wood.

Thorpe Hamlet
Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts which includes interior views and art

Earlham

You'll enjoy the museums and parks in Earlham. You might want to make time for a stop at UEA Sportspark or Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts.

Earlham

Bowthorpe

4/5(30 area reviews)

When in Bowthorpe, you can plan a visit to UEA Sportspark and Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bowthorpe

Old Catton

Though Old Catton may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Catton Park and City of Norwich Aviation Museum.

Old Catton
Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club

Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club

4 out of 5
Wroxham Road, Norwich, England
The price is RM327 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
RM327
RM393 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,003 reviews)
"Fantastic experience. Customer Service was brilliant and was offered a room upgrade on arrival."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club
Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort

Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort

4 out of 5
Ipswich Road, Stoke Holy Cross, Norwich, England
The price is RM556 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM556
RM668 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free WiFi, a full-service spa, and a golf course. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,003 reviews)
Great place to stay
"Lovely surroundings and good quallty food and drink."

Reviewed on 18 Jul 2025

Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort
Holiday Inn Norwich by IHG

Holiday Inn Norwich by IHG

4 out of 5
Ipswich Road, Norwich, England
The price is RM359 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
RM359
RM431 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (833 reviews)
"There is nice staff, good facility, recommended"

Reviewed on 8 Jul 2025

Holiday Inn Norwich by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Wellington Apartments

Wellington Apartments

4 out of 5
St Faiths Ln, Norwich, England
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Norwich. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (340 reviews)
Practical flat in central location
"Good size flat, good cooking facilities and a washing machine. Central location, easy walk from station. Helpful staff on reception. Can drop luggage off early."

Reviewed on 15 Jul 2025

Wellington Apartments
Olde Hall

Olde Hall

3.5 out of 5
North Walsham Road, Norwich, England
Stay at this 3.5-star vacation home in Norwich. Enjoy free parking and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Bacton Beach and Mundesley Beach are located ...
"Beautiful property , comfortable bed. Warm friendly welcome. Peaceful and close to the beach. Had a wonderful stay. Local chippy serves delicous food."

Reviewed on 25 Sep 2024

Olde Hall
Number 82 The Unthank

Number 82 The Unthank

4.5 out of 5
Unthank Road, Norwich, England
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury apartment in Norwich. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a 24-hour fitness center. Popular attractions The Plantation Garden and ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (164 reviews)
Glitzy but good
"A great place to stay for a night or two. The room are a decent size and in good condition, If you can look past the trademark glitz. The entrance to my room (entrance 2)down dark, unlit, alleyways, or behind big rubbish bins, so be careful which you book! Overall great value and I’ll definitely ..."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 2025

Number 82 The Unthank
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Norwich

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
174
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
192
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
42
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Did not visit for leisure purposes. Met with friends at Old Ram only.

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

Only there for a night and a day to visit family. Didn’t have any time to sight see .

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Ok, visited Horsey Gap and Norwich briefly.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

Norwich is as the entrance sign says, a fine city, with plenty of shops, restaurants, bars and things to see and do. There's so much history to explore carefully contrasted with modern buildings. A great place to visit.

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Best shopping

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

We went round the cathedral and found a great cafe with the best homemade cakes.