Today I’m sharing some tips on Norwich exploration – find out what you should see if you’re paying the city a quick visit. England is one of Europe’s most well known countries. England, when combined with Scotland, Wales and the Republic of Ireland, makes up the United Kingdom. Within England though, London, Manchester, Liverpool, and Birmingham are the cities where most major events happen, and consequently, they end up getting the most tourist attention.
There are plenty of other cities well worth visiting though, so I thought I’d share some of those in the coming months. Today, l’m going to tell you about Norwich. Whether you’re visiting for a day trip, packed with swift Norwich exploration, or a longer city break, there’s plenty to see and do in Norwich. So whether you want to relax, explore or sight-see, keep reading for ideas on things to do in this underrated English city.
Best Time of the Year to Visit Norwich
Honestly, Norwich is a fun place to visit all year round. Locals do their best to create a magical atmosphere during the Christmas season, and they’re successful. Both spring and autumn are good periods for a visit to Norwich as well, since temperatures are pleasant for outdoor activities. This is the main reason why so many festivals are held during these seasons, such as the Norfolk & Norwich Festival and the Norfolk Food & Drink Festival respectively.
Summer is also great for a swift Norwich exploration, as the sunny weather is ideal for grabbing a beer at riverside pubs and attending open-air concerts and theatre. As the locals love to say, “it’s a fine City.”
Best Way to Reach Norwich
Depending where you’re travelling from and your budget, there are plenty of ways in and out of Norwich.
By Train
Train services operate all across the United Kingdom, connecting major cities. Trains from London, Cambridge, Peterborough, and Ipswich offer regular services to and from Norwich. It’s worth booking at least 2 weeks in advance to get the best deal on ticket prices, and look at rail cards if you plan on travelling by train regularly.
By Coach
As with trains, coaches are another means of transport that cover long distances to connect Norwich with other popular English destinations, such as Great Yarmouth, King’s Lynn, Ipswich, and London.
By Plane
People from abroad can easily reach the city by flying and landing at Norwich International Airport. Flights to and from several UK and European destinations are available, and a large number of travellers take advantage of this travel service.
How to hire a car at Norwich Airport?
The easiest way to not only travel from Norwich Airport to the city of Norwich but also explore the surrounding area is by hiring a car. You can do that at the airport, as many car hire companies operate within or at a close distance from the complex.
Where to hire a car at Norwich Airport?
You can compare affordable car hire options available at Norwich Airport on holidaycars.com. You can book the offer that you consider to be the best for you online, safely. There are no hidden fees, and terms and conditions are clearly stated so that you can be 100% certain that you know what you’re paying for and what you should be mindful of. As with most things, prices are generally better if you book in advance.
Hidden Wonders to Visit During Your Swift Norwich Exploration
As previously mentioned, Norwich is packed with things to see and do. So with that in mind, here’s a list of some of my favourite sights to see in Norwich:
St. Julian’s Church
Do you know who Julian of Norwich was? He was an eminent mystic, who’s writing about the religious experience in what is now, a valuable mediaeval document. He spent the last years of his life at St. Julian’s Church, which you can visit during your stay in Norwich.
Norwich Market
If you love to shop, it’s definitely worth checking out Norwich Market! One of the oldest markets in the UK, it boasts having almost 190 stalls, and is open Monday to Saturday. This colourful outdoor venue is worth considering when you’re planning your Norwich exploration shortlist.
Norwich Arts Centre
Check out the Norwich Arts Centre’s programme, as you might find a performance, an exhibition, or a workshop that piques your interest. You’ll find it nestled in Norwich’s cultural and independent community. The award-winning Norwich Arts Centre (NAC) is a contemporary multi-arts venue. It is housed within a beautiful, Grade 1 listed building.
The venue is independently run, and has charitable status. It also has a mission to support the development of artists and emerging talent across a range of art forms. It’s a Mecca for local creatives, and well worth a visit when you’re planning your Norwich exploration schedule.
The South Asia Collection
People with international interests should visit The South Asia Collection. This is a popular, free to enter museum, in the heart of Norwich. An important collection of artefacts, textiles, and crafts from South Asia is exhibited there. This museum is open from 9.30am-5pm, Monday to Saturday. It’s closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays.
So there you have it! My top picks of things to do when planning a Norwich exploration adventure. Let me know in the comments if you’d recommend any other venues!
