19 Norwich England Gems The Locals Don't Want You To Know About
- Maria DiCicco
- 1 day ago
- 8 min read
OK, Maybe they do, maybe they don't, but I've had family friends in Norwich, England since I was just eight years old - and it wasn't until the last five or so years that I really found out anything about the town they lived in. They'd been keeping it a hidden secret from me.
To my knowledge, Norwich England was a middle-of-nowhere city a few hours from Gatwick airport where we'd visit our friends' country cottage, enjoy tudor-style living and some country drives. But I had no idea what I was missing.
Below, learn about the absolute hidden gem of a city - Norwich, full of history, bustling with life and shopping lanes, and with pleasant eateries perfect for a day in Norfolk.
This article focuses solely on things to do in Norwich's walkable City Center, but there are many amazing places to visit beyond as well, so be sure to read to the end for links to my sister articles.
Now, let's dive in!
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A Bit About Visiting Norwich
Norwich is a very walkable city. If you have a car, the St. Andrews Parking Garage or the Forum Parking Garage are easy to access and centrally located for a day out on foot.
Norwich is also connected to the UK rail system, making trips without a car a breeze as well.
The City Center can be seen in a day, although two days is a better amount of time to ensure you're able to shop and eat everything you desire up and down the lanes, including some of my favorite culinary gems below.
With two days in Norwich, you'll be able to see museums, historical sites, have a proper high tea, and even have time to get out of town for a day on the Broads, where pub hopping by waterway is a favorite pastime.
Norfolk, the region where Norwich sits, is full of great seaside retreats and countryside fun, with Norwich the beating heart of it all.
In this article you will find:
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Unique Local Food and Drink Experiences in Norwich
Afternoon Tea at Biddy's Tea Room
When I told my family friends of our travels to see them in Norwich, I knew my daughter would love to try out a proper English afternoon tea. I had never partaken in one myself, actually.
The Assembly House is a well-known option in Norwich with themed menus, but slants heavily towards sweet treats, so I was overjoyed to discover Biddy's Tea Room, which offers more savory items and has more of a 'locals only' vibe to it.
Aside from Biddy's charming interiors and overwhelming list of options for teas and snacks, the execution of my Afternoon High Tea experience exceeded all expectations.
Diners choose a three-tiered tower of sandwiches, scones and an option of cake or cheese (I obviously chose the cheese tower), paired with a pot of tea.
The men with us were hesitant at first ("Is this a women-only activity?", they asked) and my husband - honestly - hasn't stopped thinking about the experience since. He's even taking afternoon tea at home now. I'm not sure what's gotten into him, but I bet it has something to do with this:
If you go, you MUST try the Coronation Chicken, a nod to the late Queen's coronation day recipe for a curried chicken salad. It's divine and I don't think I'll ever have a chicken salad to beat it ever again.
Cocktails at The Ivy
If opulence is what you seek, then look no further than The Ivy. With its crystal chandeliers, colorful art deco interiors and gold trappings, a seat at the bar welcomes weary shoppers with creative cocktails and ample opportunity for photos inside and out.
Non-traditional Wine Tasting at The Wallow
The Wallow is a self-service wine bar offering tapas and light bites, perfect for a respite from shopping in the Norwich lanes.
A concept not foreign to me, having The Wine Room just down the road from me here in Orlando, The Wallow offers diners a card that you can top off with money as you go, then you insert the card in the machine to try varying samples of wine at different sizes and price points.
It's a fun time for trying new wines, or just for feeling like you're playing a vending game with alcohol! The decor is also quite beautiful, and the food was excellent - I especially recommend their baked chorizo plate if it's on the menu!
A Gourmet Food Hall in the Basement of Jarrold's
In the belly of Norwich's very own Harrod's-style department store find a myriad of options for drinking and dining, including a chilled cheese room and a fun wine bar atmosphere snacking amongst gourmet grocery items.
On a lucky day you may encounter samples of local gin, like from Bullard's Gin, or perhaps sit down for a warm drink in the adjacent coffee shop.
Upstairs there are more hidden gems on every level, including a seafood bar called The Bay.
Forget shopping, just drink and dine on every level!!
Brewery Tour at St. Andrew's Brew House
Pint sized tours (no pun intended) of this small Norwich brewpub make for a perfect starter to an evening of fun in Norwich. Enjoy the tasting flight included in your tour, then try some of their house smoked meats.
Norwich Historical Attractions
While the city is indeed medieval, its history dates back to the Anglo-Saxon era around 970 AD and then grew greatly under the Vikings, believe it or not. The Normans arrived in the late 11th century, and much of the city took shape.
Many of the sites below can be seen on a walking tour around Norwich, or easily quite 'by accident' as you traverse the lanes, do some shopping, or pop into a pub for a pint. You'll see stained glass windows, flint stone facades and stunning architecture for history buffs to drool over.
Must-See Historical Sites in Norwich include:
Norwich Castle: The castle now houses a museum.
Norwich Cathedral: A huge complex for visiting.
Norwich Guildhall: A charming representation of Medieval History adjacent to the Norwich Market.
Saint Peter Mancroft: Norwich's largest medieval parish church, where lucky viewers may see nightly projection displays. Located across from the forum, you may also enjoy attractions like a Ferris wheel and carousel.
St. Stephens Anglican Church: This lovely church leads to the Chantry Place mall, with further examples of flint walls and gravestones lining the path towards the shopping mecca.
The Old City Wall: Built in 1297, many parts of the 2.5 mile enclosure still stand scattered about the city.
Pull's Ferry: It is a 15th century gatehouse with a 17th century ferry house attached to it along the Riverwalk.
Museums Worth Visiting in Norwich
Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
The Bridewell Museum was quite the treat for me and my family to visit. We spent nearly 2 hours there, astoundingly, for such a small place.
Inside, find the history of Norwich from its medieval and Norman roots onwards through the boom of industry into the modern age.
Find the old pharmacy, learn about the textile and shoe trade, learn about Colman's mustard and the fun stories that tie them all together.
With plenty of interactive exhibits, my six year old daughter had a great time, too. There were even crafts for her to do, a scavenger hunt, and loads of twirly whirly open the box type of things for her to get her hands on.
Be sure to say hello to the mascot of the Norwich Canaries on the way out the door!
Stranger's Hall
Part museum, part stepping stone into the past - the Stranger's Hall museum in Norwich is a snapshot of life for the wealthy merchants who once lived there.
After a visit to the Bridewell, it will be quite interesting to see the home and furnishings in what is often called one of Norwich's best hidden gems.
Shopping in Norwich Market and Beyond
Norwich Market
Exiting from the Norwich Castle and through the Royal Arcade, which is an opulent covered place to walk through but (in my opinion) not shop, you'll end at the ever-prominent Norwich Market.
Its presence in the Norwich City Center is landmark, not only for its striped roof kiosks, but for the year-round energy it provides the city.
Go for handbags or hats, farmer's market produce, a hot drink at The Little Red Roaster (kids love their hot milk "Babyccino") or some lunch.
I recommend a visit to the Cheeseman for locally produced cheeses like the Binham Blue.
Pro Tip: you've got to see the Binham Priory and get cheese from their dairy vending machines or at their The Parlour restaurant, if you have a car).
Or, go to Lucy's Chip shop for the city's most famous fish and chips in town. Ask for a side of curry sauce - you won't regret it.
Chantry Place Shopping Mall
Although not an outstandingly large mall, there are some European standbys like Zara, H&M, Flying Tiger and some lovely local boutiques as well. I enjoyed browsing and picked up some great boots on sale at Deichmann's.
If you're looking for a place to escape winter weather, it's a great spot. Bonus: they have a Wagamama for noodles and ramen bowls - always a favorite of mine!
The Marks and Spencer Basement Grocery
I love browsing a good grocery store when I travel, and this busy, low-ceiling department store grocery has all the fixings you may want to take home - including great foodie souvenirs. Stock up on local supplies if you have a kitchen (their prepared scotch eggs were really good), or bring some crumpets home to Mom as a gift (I always do, the M+S crumpets are sooo good).
Poundland
Most readers don't know my shopping habits, but I LOVE a good Dollar Store. I'm obsessed with Daiso in Japan, where everything is 100 Yen. So for every good travel itinerary I'm absolutely adding the local Dollar store to my list. In this case, the UK has Poundland!
A recent discovery of mine in Spain is a store called Pepco, full of discounted home goods and clothing, seasonal decor and more, and when I realized that my new Pepco fave is affiliated with Poundland, my credit card caught fire. Not really, but you get my point.
Poundland is full of cheap Pepco products where I stocked up on winter essentials for my daughter, browsed every day items for home, and some souvenirs too. If you're a bargain hunter, you'll love Poundland.
Charity Shops
Bargain hunters will also love the "Sale Rail" at charity shops like the one next to Poundland or the Salvation Army across from Biddy's Tea Room. I found a fantastic vintage style dress for just one pound!
For More Things to Do in Norwich, London and Beyond
Some of my favorite things to do just outside of the Norwich City center include the City of Norwich Aviation Museum and having lunch on the Broads on a sunny day.
Learn more about pub hopping by waterway, seal trips, cozy towns and distilleries, too, in the articles below!
Check out some of my other articles:
Exploring North Norfolk England: Quaint Countrysides and Coastal Delights
6 Charming Things to Do in Southwold in an Afternoon
First Time in London: Weekend Itineraries for a Short Trip
What It's Like on the Eurostar Train from London to Paris Gare Du Nord
Top 3 Walking Distance Hotels Near Gatwick Airport (And What I Wish I Knew Before Staying)
