Welcome to Norwich
Norwich is an outstanding medieval city with a fascinating history. Today it is a thriving metropolis with shops, restaurants and bars to delight the most sophisticated traveller and attractions to please every member of the family.
As a short break destination or as the base for a holiday in Norfolk, Norwich is a city which will capture your imagination and make you want to return time and time again.
|  | | Alive with history
At the heart of Norwich are its 900 year old Norman Cathedral and Castle, which tower over the city.
Norwich Castle was built as a royal palace by the Norman conquerors in 1067. The original wooden castle was replaced 60 years later by the existing stone keep which is one of the finest Norman secular buildings anywhere in Europe. Visitors today entering the keep through the Bigod Arch - the original entrance to the royal palace - can explore the garderobes (five 'four-berth' toilets), walk around part of the original fighting gallery and descend a 900 year old spiral staircase.
The Castle is now a museum and art gallery and home to some of the most outstanding treasures in the UK including paintings by the Norwich School artists, a display of Iceni Gold, a gallery devoted to Queen Boudicca and stunning exhibitions on loan from the Tate Gallery.
Norwich still boasts 33 medieval churches built with the wealth of the wool trade. Most significant of these is the awe-inspiring Cathedral which boasts the largest monastic cloisters in England, the second tallest spire and over 1,000 beautiful medieval roof bosses. The Cathedral's distinctive white stone was quarried in Normandy and brought by sea and river to Norwich.
Around every corner in Norwich you will discover ancient and beautiful buildings, such as the Dragon Hall and Guildhall, plus private residences and shops which are hidden away from the main streets. These structures hail from various stages in the city's turbulent history and you can find out more about the city's history by taking a bus or walking tour of the medieval heart of Norwich. Information is available from Norwich Tourist Information Centre on 01603 727928 or by emailing tourism@norwich.gov.uk.
| | Arts scene
Norwich is, without a doubt, a centre of excellence for the arts. Throughout the year you will find theatre, music, dance, drama, exhibitions and cinema to suit all ages and tastes.
The Theatre Royal is one of the UK's leading provincial theatres and stages a dynamic mix of touring shows from comedy and musicals to opera and dance. The varied programme provides lots of opportunities to catch leading shows before they reach the West End and internationally renowned performers often top the bill.
Norwich Playhouse is a smaller professional theatre which has an eclectic schedule of quirky comedians, music and drama. The buzzing Playhouse bar is a popular haunt for pre and post show socialising.
The Maddermarket Theatre is a unique and intimate theatre which stages a productions of exceptional quality by the resident players.
The Assembly House is a lovely 18th century building which houses two galleries and regularly stages antiques fairs and music events including lunchtime concerts. A variety of other galleries can be found as you explore the cobbled streets of the city. From very modern art and extreme sculpture to traditionally beautiful watercolours which capture the essence of the Norfolk landscape - you cannot fail to find something to catch your eye.
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is internationally recognised for its art exhibitions which, held in the stunning glass building, challenge and inspire.
The Norfolk and Norwich Festival, which takes place each May, has gained a reputation as one of the UK's leading arts festivals with its combination of music, dance, poetry and performance. At venues throughout the city and county the festival programme is diverse, sometimes thought provoking but always entertaining. | | | Retail Therapy
People who love shopping will adore Norwich and even if retail therapy is not top of your holiday list, you may just be converted by the incredible range of stores on offer. The medieval city is a wonderful mixture of shiny shopping malls and all the high-street stores you would expect combined with indidividual and speciality shops situated on narrow cobbled streets, lanes and alleys.
Designer names can be found in both department stores and exclusive boutiques and the relaxed and friendly atmosphere really does make for a positive retail experience.
The Royal Arcade is a parade of wonderfully inviting shops selling everything from fine chocolates to designer clothing and unusual gifts.
At the end of Gentlemans Walk, the central shopping area of the city, you will find Jarrold's, Norwichs foremost independent department store.
Norwich also has the largest open-air market in the UK which is open 6 days a week selling everything from fruit and veg, meat and fish, speciality cheeses, clothes and tools.
The Castle Mall is home to many familiar names and this state of the art shopping centre also contains a multiplex cinema and lots of places to eat and drink.
Elm Hill is the city's most famous medieval street and along the cobbled paths you will find a number of individual and speciality shops including The Bear Shop and galleries laden with paintings, sculpture and jewellery. | | To tantalise your tastebuds
Many people think that London is the only place to enjoy really excellent cuisine and cutting edge menus but in Norwich you will find some of the best restaurants in the UK.
Delia Smith has turned Norwich City Football Club into a centre of culinary excellence. The NCFC Brasserie is the only restaurant in the world where you can enjoy a range of Delia's recipes cooked to her own high standards.
David Adlard's restaurant in Norwich combines elegant and modern decor with excellent service. Adlards holds a Michelin star and is the perfect place to celebrate a special occasion.
The wide range of pubs, tearooms, cafes and restaurants in Norwich, ensure that every taste and budget is catered for. English, French, Italian, Indian, Thai, Chinese, Greek, Mexican, Russian and Belgian flavours can all be found in the city. | | | Night Fever
As night falls, the streets of Norwich come to life with young and not so young people heading out for a night on the town.
The city's Riverside Quarter is a haven for people who enjoy vibrant bars, restaurants and nightclubs and it's also the place to go for the citys biggest multiplex cinema and bowling complex.
In the city centre youll find a great selection of bars, pubs and restaurants and plenty of places to dance or listen to live music. | Want to find out more?
In this section we've given you just a flavour of what Norwich has to offer visitors. You can find out lots more about places to stay and things to do by clicking on the link below. | | |   
Useful Links
Time to explore
Follow this secnic walking route and explore some of the highlights of historic Norwich at your leisure.
Scenic Walk
Need help?
Visit the Norwich Tourist Information web site here.
Norwich TIC
Spooky!
Visit places of trial and execution, ghosts and crimes.
Ghost Walks
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