Norwich Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Mousehold Heath featuring a city, heritage elements and landscape views
Norwich Castle showing a bridge and a garden
Norwich Guildhall showing 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

Bowthorpe

4/5(30 area reviews)

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

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 City of Norwich Aviation Museum.

Old Catton
Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club
Sprowston Manor Hotel, Golf & Country Club
4 out of 5
Wroxham Road, Norwich, England
The price is £69 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£69
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
7.8/10 Good! (1,004 reviews)
"Very nice room would definitely come back."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 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 £109 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
£109
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a full-service spa and a golf course. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in their reviews. ...
8.2/10 Very Good! (1,005 reviews)
Dunston Hall getaway treat
"Really lovely house with tasteful decoration and furnishing. booked a Classic king room , which was confortable and ample for the few nights we stayed. No air con , but not sure if other rooms may have this as an upgrade? But staff very helpful and delivered plug in vans to help as it was very hot ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Dunston Hall Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort
Holiday Inn Norwich City by IHG
Holiday Inn Norwich City by IHG
4 out of 5
Carrow Road, Norwich, England
The price is £84 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
£84
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Norwich. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and 24-hour room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (999 reviews)
"First class full length bath with good handgrip and large swing away shower screen. Bedroom large with good beds and very well cleaned. Breakfast extensive choice. No complaints"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Holiday Inn Norwich City 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 Wi-Fi, a 24-hour front desk and concierge services. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (332 reviews)
"Our stay in Norwich was excellent. The location of the property was excellent and had all the amenities for a long stay. The staff were very friendly, courteous and extremely helpful."

Reviewed on 27 Jun 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and a 24-hour fitness centre. 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
This stunning waterside home offers an amazing space for families and friends.
This stunning waterside home offers an amazing space for families and friends.
Wroxham
Stay at this cottage in Norwich. Enjoy a garden and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Wroxham Miniature Worlds and Hoveton Hall Gardens are located ...
Birthday treat
"The most amazing holiday let. The best equipped, most comfortable (beds amazing). Best of all the location. You will not be dissapointef"

Reviewed on 15 Nov 2024

This stunning waterside home offers an amazing space for families and friends.
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

Reviews of Norwich

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
174
5 - Excellent 43%
4 - Good
192
4 - Good 47%
3 - Okay
42
3 - Okay 10%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller

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

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller

Ok, visited Horsey Gap and Norwich briefly.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Best shopping

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

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

Cities near Norwich