Within easy reach of Norwich are the Norfolk Broads and stunning areas of coastline that are always popular tourist attractions. Make sure you rent a car for your stay in Norwich to make the most of what Norfolk has to offer.
In the City
Norwich has a pedestrianised city centre and is a great place to explore. There are numerous popular attractions and the city has a great range of independent bars, cafes and restaurants.
Norwich Cathedral is a major landmark in the city, which is located in the serene Cathedral Close. The cathedral is impressive from the outside and captivating inside. The spire and cloisters are both the second largest of their type in the UK and there is some beautiful artwork within the nave. Attached to the cathedral is a modern refectory where you can get some lunch and watch the Peregrine Falcons, who have a nesting box on the spire, via webcam.
Another major historic building in the city is Norwich Castle. The prominent medieval building is sat overlooking the city centre and is a must-see. The Castle Museum has numerous exhibitions and there is also an art gallery attached.
There are old cobbled streets with boutique shops on Elm Hill where you can grab a bargain and browse in the curious ‘Bear Shop’. You could also head to the modernised market which sells everything and anything and try your hand at bartering.
Alternatively if you are after a modern shopping experience then the Chapelfield shopping mall is the place to go. It has many major brands and a large food hall. Also, make sure you stop off at The Forum, Norwich’s Millennium Library, which is home to the local BBC branch and has a museum as well as regular art displays.
Around Norwich
Norwich is a rural city and within a few minutes’ drive you can be in beautiful countryside. A great example of this is Whitlingham Broad, which is just a 10 minute drive from the city centre. The lake has a water sports centre where you can go sailing and kayaking and there are also some great walks around the shore. There is also a visitors’ café and shop where you can get some refreshments.
If you enjoy being beside water then the Norfolk Broads are a must visit. You can hire day cruisers at many different locations but one of the most popular rental spots is in Wroxham. You can hire the boats on a half day or full day basis and head wherever you want to go. There are plenty of different routes you can take and if you enjoy wildlife spotting make sure you take your binoculars.
Norfolk has an incredible coastline particularly to the north. If you visit Blakeney you can see a thriving seal colony. The seals are easily visible and there are some great photo opportunities. If you can tear yourself away from watching the seals then there are some great coastal walks and fantastic traditional pubs as well as hotels where you can have a drink and get some food.
One of Norfolk’s most famous attractions is the Sandringham Estate. The estate is owned by the Royal Family and is where the Queen spends each Christmas. There is plenty to do here, so allow a whole day for a visit. It is a perfect family trip. There is public access to the ground floor of the house, gardens, and museum. You can also take a walk around Sandringham Country Park which has two nature trails and a cafeteria.
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