Norwich: UNLONDON in the City of Stories
You’ve got no meetings, no impending deadlines, so relax and enjoy a city of medieval grandeur, green spaces and riverside walks. You’re in a city, yes, but unlike any you’ve ever visited.
Where is Norwich in England
Norwich is in Norfolk in the East of England, 110 miles north-east of London. London to Norwich is easy - you can travel to Norwich from London by train in less than two hours.
What makes Norwich special
Norwich was made England’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2012 and is now a City of Stories – come and write your own UNLONDON tale.
Having the first pedestrianised street in the country, London Street in 1967, it’s no surprise that Norwich’s compact, visitor-friendly centre is best explored on two feet – it’s time to be a flaneur!
Landmarks to see in Norwich
This is Britain’s best-preserved medieval city. Made prosperous by the wool trade and links with the Continent, a lack of fast running water meant the Industrial Revolution bypassed Norwich. What a relief! It’s left intact historic cobbled streets, city walls, and the majestic ‘Box on the Hill’ Norman Castle (spoiler alert: it’s in remarkably good nick because the Victorians reclad it).
Re-opened after a £23m refurbishment, the Castle Keep’s five levels are accessible all the way to the crenelated open roof. More than 1,000 artefacts feature in the new Gallery of Medieval Life, developed with the British Museum, while the castle’s immersive digital experiences will help visitors step into medieval Norwich.
Head to the 900-year-old market place, the largest permanent covered market in Europe, where you’ll find a huge array of eateries, fresh food and fish, ingredients, clothes and more. A feast for the senses.
Relax with a canoe on the river
Saunter by the River Wensum, the last navigable part of the Broads which means Norwich is the only city in an English National Park. Hire a canoe from Pub & Paddle and be instantly transported into the natural world along medieval transport routes on the Wensum.
Visit the city’s millennium building, The Forum, maybe have an Afternoon Tea at the Regency Assembly House, enjoy the Urban Art Trail, and discover the winding alleys and pathways of the Norwich Lanes and cobbled and picturesque Elm Hill, both overflowing with unique independent shops. And Norwich is one of the UK’s most pub-dense provincial cities – more than 150 to choose from.
You won’t be a Stranger for long
Head into the grounds of the magnificent Norman Cathedral. It has the largest Close in the UK, a quiet, green space in the middle of a bustling city. By the Catholic Cathedral are the delightful green spaces of the hidden Plantation Garden.
Norwich has been welcoming Strangers for centuries, since Queen Elizabeth I invited a group of Protestant refugees seeking political asylum from the Catholic Low Countries. The first group came from Flanders in 1565, but more followed, eventually making up a third of the population. Check out Stranger's Hall.
What to do as a family in Norwich?
Norwich Castle Museum and the Museum of Norwich at The Bridewell are great visits, The Forum is also worth a visit to mingle and see what might be on as is the Sainsbury Centre. Catch a show at Norwich Theatre Royal.
Get outside on the riverside, explore the Cathedral, and enjoy the views from Mousehold Heath.
Norwich across all seasons
Norwich can be enjoyed year-round but look out for special events like the Norfolk and Norwich Festival in May, the Noirwich Festival, Norwich Wine Week and Christmas is a special time to be in the city.
Getting to Norwich by train from London
London to Norwich is easy - you can travel to Norwich from London in around 1 hour 50 minutes by train.
Where to stay in Norwich
The Assembly House and Maids Head are in the city centre. Just outside the city is Dunston Hall and Park Farm.
Getting to Norwich by train from London
You can get to Norwich by train from London Liverpool Street station, the journey takes around 1 hour 50 minutes. Our trains are accessible and feature free Wi-fi and plug points in-between seats. First Class and catering are available on most of our London to Norwich intercity services.
If you’re planning to stay overnight, you should check out our Weekender ticket, which lets you travel out on a Friday or Saturday, and return on a Sunday or Monday.
FAQs about a Norwich staycation
Yes, it’s very walkable – a small city centre with lots to see and do. The city council have been pedestrianising more and more.
Visit the Castle or Cathedral, both Norman icons, and the Sainsbury Centre is unique in that it encourages people to touch many of the objects.
It takes around around 1 hour 50 minutes to get to Norwich from London by train.
Museums galore and many theatres, galleries including the Castle and the Sainsbury Centre.
Photography courtesy of Visit East of England