Location: Norwich
Top Things to do in Norwich
What to do and see in Norwich, England: The Best Historic Sites
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. Cryptic Escape
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 790 reviews
Cryptic Escape is the first real-life escape game in Norwich, UK. Based in the historic Augustine steward House. You are locked in a room for 60 minutes and you need to find a way to escape. There are a lot of objects, codes, hidden hints, that can help you to get out. You have to be smart and think out of the box to solve the puzzles you find. In a team you have to think together, work together and most importantly laugh together.
Reviewed By PennyW1228 - Norwich, United Kingdom
this was our second visit to an escape room ,we did the greenbeard pirate room and were "captivated" from the start .Assisted via screen with a few helpful hints ,we could kick ourselves for missing some ,which were obvious and others which we would have never achieved .The puzzles were a variety of challenges and we are hooked to complete more .The premises were in keeping with covoid guidelines and we felt adequately protected
2. History Mystery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 572 reviews
AWESOME ESCAPE GAMES IN AMAZING HISTORIC PLACES History Mystery® live escape games are an exhilarating hour of fun in fabulous historic locations, finding clues and solving puzzles based on real stories from history. With a range of games suitable for 2 to 10 players, they are unmissable entertainment for family or friends. Unlike most escape rooms with made-up stories, History Mystery games are brought to life with unique true tales, hand-crafted into unforgettable experiences enjoyed by first-time players and expert escape gamers alike. In amazing places steeped in history, you can race against the clock to escape from underground vaults, discover a hidden medieval street, chase Anne Boleyn to the altar, or experience an exclusive after-hours museum mystery.
Reviewed By 7Narnas
We decided to book this game at short notice, after our holiday in Norfolk started out decidedly wet and we needed something indoors to enjoy. Despite some first time nerves, this ended up being a ln absolutely superb escape game and out game master Holly was fab; friendly knowledgeable and helpful when we needed it! We escaped with 1min 12 secs to spare and found it very tricky (2 players). We definitely want to come back to enjoy a tour run by this company and to do the Blickling escape room too. Highly recommended!
3. Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 308 reviews
The Museum is currently closed and we hope to reopen our doors as soon as it is safe to do so. We look forward to welcoming you back soon.
Reviewed By DramaQueen55 - Woking, United Kingdom
This museum contains a wealth of interesting exhibits and offers an insight into the history of the city, the industries that people worked in, and the lives that they led. The lady on the reception desk gave us a detailed and helpful explanation of the layout of the museum, the artefacts on display had clear and concise descriptions, and the interactive elements worked well. Definitely worth a visit.
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. Felbrigg Hall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,448 reviews
Reviewed By 827JohnC - Wisbech, United Kingdom
In Cromer last Sunday with my wife, who was there to play bowls, which I declined to spectate (Watching grass grow without the excitement of watching paint dry!) Just nipped down the road to Felbrigg Hall, ample car parking, very near to reception and close to the hall. Good welcome from reception team, and excellent directions, not really time to visit the estate, so straight to the Hall, and a warm welcome from the volunteers on duty. Pleasant amble with the usual high standard of information available from the Room Stewards, a fascinating house, well worth a visit. A few days ago a winger left derogatory feed back because he objected to the fee structure, well he is of course welcome to his opinion, but really..... Adult Membership of the National Trust is £6 a month, for that you get free unlimited access to all the NT properties, that my friend is a BARGAIN!
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 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.
8. St Peter Mancroft
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 142 reviews
Located in the market place in the heart of the medieval city of Norwich, St Peter Mancroft is the largest of the city's 31 surviving medieval parish churches and one of the finest perpendicular parish churches in Norfolk. It is known for its medieval stained glass, its collection of medieval and renaissance treasures and its importance as a pioneering tower in the uniquely English art of change-ringing on church bells.
Reviewed By Jobber900 - Norwich, United Kingdom
While visiting places in the centre of Norwich this church is a must see. The stained glass widows are spectacular.
9. Strangers' Hall Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 219 reviews
A medieval merchant house and historic house museum with period room displays, large collections of furniture, toys, domestic life and a hidden garden. The museum is currently closed due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Reviewed By avon10
It was decorated for Christmas and looked very festive. The room guides were knowledgeable but there was also plenty of information in each room. It has a fascinating history and also a nice secluded garden with heritage roses.
10. The Great Hospital
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 24 reviews
The Great Hospital, a historic private estate founded in 1249, is a highly regarded sheltered housing and care village and a stunning events venue in the cathedral area of the City of Norwich. The site includes a total of 15 listed buildings including the only surviving ‘swan pit’ in the UK. Our byword is excellence and our aim is to provide the very highest standards across all our charity and business areas.
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