Norwich

Travel Guide
Norwich Castle featuring a bridge and a garden
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 Elm Hill and Norwich Cathedral while you're in town.

Norwich City Center

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 Mousehold Heath.

Old Catton

Bowthorpe

4/5(30 area reviews)

When in Bowthorpe, you can plan a visit to Bowthorpe Marsh and Earlham Park, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Bowthorpe
Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club
Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club
4 out of 5
Wroxham Road, Norwich, England
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €67 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€67
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and breakfast. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,010 reviews)
"Enjoyed the free use of the spa facilities"

Reviewed on 27 Mar 2024

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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is €129 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
€129
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free WiFi, a golf course, and 2 bars/lounges. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. Popular ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,004 reviews)
Wonderful stay
"The staff at Dunston are amazing, so helpful and friendly. They are a credit to Q Hotels. We also enjoyed the food and our room was really nice too. We will be booking to stay at Dunston again."

Reviewed on 28 Mar 2024

Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort
Holiday Inn Norwich City, an IHG Hotel
Holiday Inn Norwich City, an IHG Hotel
4 out of 5
Carrow Road, Norwich, England
The price is €98 per night from 18 Apr to 19 Apr
€98
per night
18 Apr - 19 Apr
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (985 reviews)
Good location
"All good great location for train station. Check in and out efficient. Staff friendly at breakfast."

Reviewed on 24 Mar 2024

Holiday Inn Norwich City, an IHG Hotel
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 and the clean rooms ...
9/10 Wonderful! (216 reviews)
Friends weekend away
"We had a downstairs apartment which smelt a little damp but ok . Quite noisy at night as near bars etc . Some television channels not good but WiFi fine . Left car in multi Storey for 2 nights and cost £28 so quite costly ."

Reviewed on 3 Mar 2024

Wellington Apartments
Comfortable cottage, 2 mins walk to beach, pet friendly, shops and pubs nearby
Comfortable cottage, 2 mins walk to beach, pet friendly, shops and pubs nearby
Norwich
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in Norwich. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Bacton Beach and Happisburgh Lighthouse are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (136 reviews)
Beautiful little cottage
"This was a walking weekend by the sea. Three friends and their dogs. Location is excellent and the beaches are beautiful. The cottage has everything you need and was cosy and warm to come home to after a day of walking. Will definitely be back"

Reviewed on 15 Mar 2024

Comfortable cottage, 2 mins walk to beach, pet friendly, shops and pubs nearby
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 St John the Baptist Cathedral ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (136 reviews)
"Very good staff very helpful lovely rooms if I had 1 fault we couldn’t get the thermostat to work in the room to turn the heating up so the room was a little bit chilly"

Reviewed on 20 Nov 2023

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 42.64705882352941%
4 - Good
192
" "4 - Good 47.05882352941177%
3 - Okay
42
" "3 - Okay 10.294117647058824%
2 - Disappointing
0
" "2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
17 Mar 2020

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
15 Mar 2020

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
27 Feb 2020

Ok, visited Horsey Gap and Norwich briefly.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Feb 2020

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
23 Feb 2020

Best shopping

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Feb 2020

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