Norwich Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mousehold Heath showing landscape views, a city and heritage elements
Norwich Castle which includes a garden and a bridge
Norwich Guildhall which includes heritage elements and night scenes
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 featuring 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 featuring art and interior views

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

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 Badminton at Blyth Jex.

Old Catton

Bowthorpe

4/5(1 area review)

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
Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club
Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club
4 out of 5
Wroxham Road, Norwich, England
The price is NZ$156 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
NZ$156
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! (1,006 reviews)
"Great weekend away. Could use all the facilities while on site. Only thing what would be helpful would be a time scale when the pool would and was open as we as told closes at time but wasn’t told entry after eight was forbidden. But all was well and will happily book again"

Reviewed on 6 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 NZ$246 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$246
27 July - 28 July
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! (1,010 reviews)
"Our stay was great We had one issue which was solved immediately with move of room and thanks to hotel receptionist"

Reviewed on 8 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 NZ$191 per night from 13 July to 14 July
NZ$191
13 July - 14 July
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! (831 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! (334 reviews)
"Enjoyed the stay here, good location, parking is not too far £11.50 a night in a multistory Weather was hot but fans werent that great so was a struggle sleep No freezer either as would of bought some ice but thats only because weather was hot Other than that enjoyed my stay"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Wellington Apartments
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! (163 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
Wayside
Wayside
3 out of 5
Honeycombe Road, Little Plumstead, Norwich, England
Stay at this 3-star property in Norwich. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a picnic area. Popular attractions Salhouse Broad and BeWILDerwood are located ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (70 reviews)
"Great place to use as a base for the Norfolk Broads. Breakfast if you are looking for cereal, bread, croissants, tea, coffee, juice, ham, cheese, grapes etc. perfect for us. A fan would have been great as the room is small and got hot quickly"

Reviewed on 6 Jul. 2025

Wayside
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

Activities

Reviews of Norwich

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
2
5 - Excellent 25%
4 - Good
4
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
2
3 - Okay 25%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A visit to Norwich is a must. The history and culture is amazing. Could not rate a visit more highly

Cities near Norwich