Location: Norwich
Top Things to do in Norwich
The 10 Best Free Things to do in Norwich, England
Norwich boasts museums spanning a ten centuries of history as well as a renovated city center with a pleasant pedestrian area lined with modern businesses and thriving nightlife. With two colleges, both with renowned art and writing programs, travelers will also step into a vibrant cultural scene. Tourist sites, dubbed the Norwich 12, include the historical Norwich Castle, Norwich Cathedral and City Hall, as well as the newer library and the glass Forum which hosts events from opera to skating.
Restaurants in Norwich
1. High Ash Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 34 reviews
Reviewed By UK-Hiker49 - Norwich, United Kingdom
Always a good place for a walk at any time of the year, especially in the summer when the wildflower meadows are in full bloom. All credit to the landowner who has provided this to the public and keeps it looking good, with the paths regularly mowed. Park in the Caistor Roman Town car park just across the road and you can visit that free as well!
2. Surrey House
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Romnarz - London, United Kingdom
So pleased to find the public are allowed inside this amazing building - built around 1900 it seems like a much older palace. Three is a very informative leaflet about all the origins of the various marble in the building. I understand that that some additional rooms are open to the public in September
3. The South Asia Collection
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 36 reviews
The South Asia Collection museum, located in the heart of Norwich, is dedicated to recording, conserving and promoting the traditional arts, crafts and cultures of India and Pakistan, and adjacent countries such as Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burma, Thailand, Indonesia and Central Asia.
Reviewed By Romnarz - London, United Kingdom
An unexpected display of Far East culture all free. Very informative display and a wide selection of furniture, prints and other artefacts .There are some goods for sale , it’s rare to find anywhere that has so many Beautiful things to chose. Yuo will find it hard to leave without buying something. We came back within minutes to buy more !
4. Waterloo Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 40 reviews
Reviewed By DaleP65 - Norwich, United Kingdom
Unique architecture, amazing floral borders, great play area including water keys in the warmer weather, sports courts and fields, A brilliant cafe (Run by Britannia cafe). What more do you need. My favourite park in Norwich
5. Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 241 reviews
If you have never visited the Cathedral of St John the Baptist – now’s the time! The Cathedral of St John the Baptist is the second largest Catholic Cathedral in the UK. After nearly a century as the parish church of the Catholic community in Norwich it became the mother church of the new diocese of East Anglia in 1976. Now a Grade 1 listed building, its external grandeur and magnificent interior, especially the fine stonework and beautiful stained glass, make it well worth a visit for those interested in religious, spiritual or architectural history. You can even take tours up the tower, and see the wonderful views of Norwich and beyond. Since the opening of the Narthex in May 2010, the Cathedral also has an education gallery, a shop, a refectory and a community garden. Not only is the Cathedral an inspiring setting, but it is also a wonderful place to relax. Open seven days a week – 7.30am – 7.30pm. Entrance is FREE. Part of Norwich 12 - an initiative of Norwich Heritage, Economic & Regeneration Trust.
Reviewed By Henryka
A short walk out of the town centre but worth the visit. A good introduction to the Catholic faith in the entrance lobby. The Cathedral itself is in excellent condition and hard to believe it's only 100 years old. Built in the traditional Gothic style.
6. Earlham Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 86 reviews
Reviewed By Jonn_4861
Well used, large park that gets busy at weekends and on sunny days. Lots to do: mini golf, pitch & putt, playground, tennis courts, cafe etc
7. Eaton Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 321 reviews
Reviewed By FBList
This park is a wonderful place with a vast amount of activities from crazy golf (bring own club), to model boat water, train line, basketball court, athletics track. Kids will be occupied and intrigued, couples can take a stroll and enjoy the view of the different sports occurring. Will definitely be back very soon.
8. Elm Hill
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 622 reviews
Reviewed By johnhouston2 - Knaresborough, United Kingdom
Allied to its proximity to the Cathedral area and the river, this is undoubtedly the nicest part of the city. Elm Hill itself has managed to retain an old- fashioned and almost quiet atmosphere that is entirely appropriate to its age. Although it now has shops etc., the style of the place has been retained and its lovely old buildings and cobbled street evoke images of times long past and it is certainly a place you should visit.
9. Marston Marshes
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
Reviewed By Q2793KQjenniferw
This is a great spot to wander around, its been left to nature with good paths, a river that is swimmable if you like cold water :) There were cows roaming around that seemed very relaxed with walkers being about. Very peaceful place. We need more places like this in the UK.
10. Norwich Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,926 reviews
“Norfolk’s favourite building”Founded in 1096 and built using Normandy stone shipped from Caen, Norwich Cathedral is set in the 44 acre Cathedral Close, a peaceful city centre sanctuary.The Cathedral itself is one of the finest complete Romanesque buildings in Europe, with the highest Norman tower and largest monastic cloisters in England. Inside, the Cathedral tells almost 1000 years of history, with our enthusiastic volunteers on hand to talk you through the incredible stories of its past.There is more to see at Norwich Cathedral than you think. Our award-winning 21st century Refectory restaurant is open seven days a week, as is the Hostry which features a rolling programme of exhibitions, many of them featuring local artists.You can also experience the tranquillity of our expansive Library, Herb Garden or Japanese Garden, as well as guided tours of the building throughout the week.Afterwards, feel free to explore the lanes of the Cathedral Close, a quaint village just minutes from the bustling city centre, and stop for a picnic on one of our many well kept greens. Norwich Cathedral is a living centre for worship, learning and hospitality, extending a warm welcome to all our visitors from Norfolk and beyond.Part of the Norwich 12 - An initiative of Norwich Heritage, Economic & Regeneration Trust.
Reviewed By rickw73 - Sevenoaks, United Kingdom
Where to begin?! I am a cathedral lover but had forgotten how special Norwich is. Boasting the largest cathedral close in England, the essentially Norman building is topped by a later, but most elegant spire. Strolling around the exterior gave glorious views across fields. I walked in at 7.30am to find the building deserted but bathed in wonderful summer sunshine. I watched peregrine falcons soar from the spire over the nave, I gawped at the 1380 dated reredos with its detailed painting and interesting political, as well as religious, story, and I gazed at the delightful and humorous roof bosses high over head -and the hidden misericords under choir stall seats. The cathedral also has some very good wall paintings which are well preserved (relatively) and worth taking time to see. Look out especially (in the south part of the nave) for the painting of the Bishop receiving money from King Rufus to buy his job! Stay as long as you can. And say a prayer there too! Did I mention the excellent small gift shop and the superb new refectory serving great food at reasonable prices? Wow! What a special place!
TAGS
