Top Things to do in Norfolk
What to do and see in Norfolk, England: The Best Sacred & Religious Sites
A holiday in Norfolk is not a glamorous break. While the Norfolk Broads of East Anglia are a beautiful part of the UK, they represent a relaxing rural getaway rather than a high-powered city-break. Although its reputation is mostly rural, with people associating the county mostly with the wetlands of the Norfolk Broads, there are also towns such as Norwich and King's Lynn to visit, both of which provide shopping opportunities, nightlife and entertainment. Norfolk also contains a large stretch of coastline, and seaside destinations such as Cromer and Great Yearmouth mean there are great beaches to be found as well. Many areas of the Norfolk Broads and the coastal region are sites of outstanding natural beauty, and are also protected as bird reserves, so take a pair of binoculars on holiday. There are also popular wildlife attractions such as Banham Zoo, with a great collection of big cats, and Great Yarmouth's Sea Life Centre, one of the biggest of its kind in the country, complete with tropical sharks and conger eels. And of course, if any of your family are interested in boating, you'll need to rent a boat and explore the waterways of the Broads themselves!
Restaurants in Norfolk
1. Sprowston Methodist Church
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1 reviews
We offer a warm welcome to all visitors - especially if you haven't been here before. We hope you will feel blessed in the presence of the Lord. You are invited to stay for refreshments, served after the 10.30am and 7.15pm services. You are also welcome to stay for lunch after the the 10:30am service. Please check our website and Facebook for all midweek activities.
2. St. Peter's Church
3. St Mary's Church
4. 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.
5. Church of Our Lady Saint Mary
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6 reviews
6. 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!
7. St Giles Church
8. St James Church, Castle Acre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 9 reviews
9. Christchurch Great Yarmouth
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
10. St Julian's Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 95 reviews
The Julian Centre is currently CLOSED to visitors until further notice. However, St Julian’s Church and Julian’s Cell are OPEN to all for daily worship, silent prayer and visiting. COVID-19 regulations must be followed.
Reviewed By johnpI2804PY
Sorry for the late review! I visited last year, and found the staff of the centre incredibly helpful. I'd heard that Julian was a mystic with a very forward-thinking religious attitude, and went to get a better understanding of who she was as a person. By talking to some of the workers, I found out so much about her and the surrounding areas, and got many recommendations on where to go for more beautiful religious history in East Anglia. Thank you so much for the awesome time, and interesting histories.
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