Where is Norwich
A lot of people ask where is Norwich? Norwich is a city in England’s Norfolk Country with a population of more than 145,440. Norwich is around 2 and half hours from London and four hours from Manchester.
About Norwich
Norwich dates back to the 11th century when it was the capital of the most populated county in England. It has 33 medieval churches, and more than 1500 historic buildings.
More than 39.1 million people visit Norwich, with many visiting Norwich city centre for the great shopping, and amazing restaurants on offer.
Norwich is not just a great place to visit, it is also an important connect to more than 150 worldwide cities via Schiphol Airport. Norwich airport is only 15 minutes from Norwich city centre, making it a very accessible airport.
The populist Norwich city has many claims to fame, but for comedy fans, it is home to the fictional radio presenter Alan Partridge. The two main shopping malls in Norwich city centre are Chantry Place and Castle Quarter.
Norwich which is on the River Wensum, has been described as one of the most beautiful cities in the UK.
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How long has Norwich been a city?
Norwich is one of the oldest cities in the UK where it became a city in 1194.
The Best Things To Do In Norwich
If you are looking for things to do, Norwich has it all. From shopping, tourist attractions, nights out, to great food, Norwich is a great place to visit.
I have put together things to do in Norwich and places to see so you can have a great time.
Castle Museum
One of the great places to see in Norwich is the Norwich Castle Museum. It’s the perfect place for those visiting Norwich to learn about history including warrior Queen Boudica who was the leader of a Celtic tribe.
Norwich Castle was built in 1121. It is a gallery and a museum where you’ll find ancient artefacts.
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Sainsbury Centre
If you are looking for things to do in Norwich and you love art, then how about visiting Sainsbury Centre.
The Sainsbury Centre has a collection of sculptures and paintings which are housed in a Grade II-listed building. The Norwich Sainsbury Centre has works of art from Picasso, Degas and Lalique. On a lovely sunny day, you can explore the outdoor sculpture park. This Norwich tourist attraction is free.
Strangers’ Hall
A great place to visit in Norwich is Stranger’s Hall. Back in the 14th century, the half-timbered Grade I listed building was a residence for powerful merchants and Mayors.
Today, Stranger’s Hall this magnificent building is a museum which tells the story of Norwich’s past through the years.
Stranger’s Hall is worth a visit. It is great fun exploring the building for its labyrinth of passageways. There is a 18th-century Georgian dining room, bedchambers from the 17th century, and a lovely formal garden.
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Plantation Garden
If you are looking for relaxing things to do in Norwich and you love gardening and magical garden’s then pay a visit to Plantation Garden.
Plantation Garden is Norwich’s secret garden. It is a hidden natural green space which was one a lowly chalk quarry. Henry Trevor, a Victorian tycoon had the great idea to create a magical place and filled it with flowers, follies and foliage. It’s a lovely place to take a nice stroll on a sunny day.
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Puppet Theatre
For families looking to visit Norwich then you really need to visit Norwich Puppet Theatre. It has become one of the best activities in Norwich for children. It provides original shows, holds workshops for all ages and introduces visitors to the magical world of puppets.
The Norwich Puppet Theatre is inside a medieval church. It has been the home to puppets spanning 35 years and is only one of three puppet theatres in the UK.
There is a charge for the puppet shows but it’s provides a great day out in Norwich and is worth every penny.
Norwich Market
If you like shopping and have seen all the Norwich attractions, then how about Norwich Market Place. This must be one of the most pleasant market in the UK.
The outdoor Market was founded towards the end of the 11th century. It was originally built up to supply Norman merchants and settlers moving to the city following the Norman conquest of England. Now, today it is a popular outdoor market with around 200 stalls selling everything from toys to clothes.
Norwich Market, which is open Monday to Saturday has become so popular it won an award. In 2019, Norwich market was named the best outdoor large market in the country, and when you visit Norwich and visit the market, then you will understand why it won the award.
The award was given to Norwich Market by The Great British Market Awards 2019 and won the award after beating hundreds of other markets around the country.
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At the time of the award, a spokesman for Norwich Market said: “We are beyond excited to announce that we won the title of Best Large Outdoor Market in the Great British Markets Awards 2019.”
Norwich Market which sells crafts, fabric, flowers, and clothing to name a few has been home to families who have been running their business for centuries. While walking around the market you will see market stalls that have been passed down from generation to generation.
Norwich Cathedral
When you visit Norwich city centre you can visit one of the most popular Norwich attractions. Norwich Cathedral stands proud guarding the city. The Norman architecture is one of Norfolk’s twelve heritage sites and attracts millions of visitors each year.
Construction of the Norwich Cathedral started in the late 11th century where limestone was used which gives the cathedral its distinct cream colour. It only took 49 years to build the stunning cathedral.
The cathedral is one of the largest in Europe and its spire measures 315 ft. Just 23 months after the cathedral was built, lightning struck which resulted in a huge fire.
If you love history, and love old buildings, then Norwich Cathedral is well worth a visit
Wensum River Walk
If you are looking for romance in Norwich, then you must visit Wensum River Walk. The Websum River Walk is a great way to explore Norwich, and great for romantic walks.
Wensum River Walk starts outside the main train station and takes you through open green spaces where you can see some great places in Norwich including the cathedral and the cricket fields. While walking, you will come across Cow Tower. This is a 14th-century artillery defence and is 15 metres high.
Maddermarket Theatre
If you love the theatre and looking for things to do, Norwich has a great theatre called the Maddermarket Theatre.
The Maddermarket Theatre, which is located in St. John’s Alley is a great place to visit if you like the arts. The Elizabethan theatre is a Shakespearean style playhouse which was first built as a Roman Catholic chapel in 1794. In the nineteenth century it was a baking soda factory, and then a grocery warehouse, and a hall for the Salvation Army.
In 1921 the building became a Theatre. Walter Nugent Monck (1878-1958) the son of a Shropshire clergyman founded the theatre.
The Theatre opened in September 1921 with 220 seats. The first performance at the new theatre was Shakespeare’s As You Like It. The theatre continued to perform Shakespeare plays and by 1933 the Maddermarket Theatre had performed all 37 of Shakespeare’s plays.
Today, Maddermarket Theatre which is home to Mad Red Theatre School offers a greater choice of plays and entertainment. They have twelve in-house plays each year and contemporary and classical music shows, as well as dance shows and stand-up comedy.
The Norfolk Broads
One of the best things to do in Norwich is the Norfolk Broads. It’s a short drive from Norfolk city centre and provides a relaxing escape from the busy Norfolk City.
The Norfolk Broads is a magical place to visit especially on a sunny day. Imagine, a nice sunny day exploring the 200 miles of waterways on an organised boat trip. If you like to be at the helm then why not hire your own boat and explore the Norfolk Broads under your own steam.
Nature lovers will love the Norfolk Broads with all its natural beauty and wildlife. You will discovery waterfowl, butterflies, dragonflies, and rare flowers, while anglers will love the waterways for the large fish.
For people who have a car and want to escape for the day, then do take a visit to The Norfolk Broads, you won’t regret it.
Norfolk & Norwich Festival
If you plan to visit Norwich just once during the year then the month you need to visit is May for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival.
The 17-day Norfolk and Norwich Festival is over 200 years old, making it one of the oldest festivals in the UK and possibly the world. The festival, which has over 100 performances with theatre, dance, music, visual arts, and circus, first started back in 1824. It is currently the fourth largest International arts festival in the UK.
One of the great activities in Norwich is the Blickling Estate. The current Blickling Hall which is from the beginning of the 17th century. This is a magnificent place to visit.
The Blickling Eatate
The Blickling Eatate is spread out over 4,777 acres, which includes 450 acres of incredible parkland. The gardens were originally designed by 18th century landscape designer Humphry Repton. Although some of the gardens have been designed, most of what you see has been designed by Humphry.
The Hall is magnificent and is filled with paintings, plasterwork, tapestries, carved wooden panels and antique furniture. It is like going back in time when you visit Blickling Estate.
These are just some of the things to do. Nowrich has some many other great places on offer.
