20 Hidden Gems in Norwich

Chapelfields Shopping Centre

So let’s take a look at the 20 Hidden gems in Norwich for you to discover. Now rebranded ‘Intu Chapelfields’, Chapelfields puts Norwich firmly in the UK’s Top Ten shopping destinations. The Dining Terrace on the third floor has a good range of places to sit and eat, including Pret, winner of the 2017 “Retailers’ Retailer” Award and another recent Award winner, Wagamama. With parking for 1,000 cars, the shopping centre is easily accessible from your serviced accommodation in Wymondham at Number 10, The Abbey. Shoppers can also take advantage of online shopping with ‘click and collect’, or use the mobile app for browsing. Other recent winners of the Centre’s Annual Retail Awards, include H&M, Schuh footwear, Lisa Angel, jewellery & accessories, Tiger – best specialist store, Disney store – best kids store, and Monsoon, all with outlets within the Centre.

 

Take a stroll around Green Flag Award winner, Eaton Park

Another one of the 20 hidden gems in Norwich. West of Norwich City Centre, the park – managed by Norwich City Council – is one of the City’s finest and historic green spaces, covering an expanse of over 60 acres. There’s an 18 hole pitch and putt course or you can simply enjoy the magnificent surroundings over a cup of tea in the park café. Visiting a Council managed park may not sound very glamorous, but you won’t know what you are missing unless you try it!

 

Sing with the Canaries at Carrow Road, Norwich City Football Club

Take a stadium tour at the home of The Canaries, Norwich City Football Club, at Carrow Road. This 90-minute tour allows you a glimpse behind the scenes, normally reserved for players and match officials. Includes an added bonus “You are the Player” which lets you see how players prepare, go through what’s included in the training schedule and sign for Norwich City! Plan your tour to coincide with your stay at Number 10, The Abbey which is a short drive from Carrow Road. (A11, A47 and turn left onto the A146). 

 

Elm Hill a haven of tranquillity

Named after the trees nearby, most of the buildings were saved from the slum clearances at the beginning of the 20th century by the Norwich Society and restored to former glory. This is one of the oldest cobbled streets in Norwich and a haven of peace not far from the busy thoroughfares. Pop into one or two of the shops, check out the antique stores or nip into the Britons Arms for a yummy cake and coffee!

 

Go alternative at Norwich Market

Winner of prestigious awards for diverse food and drink offerings at what is dubbed, Europe’s largest open-air market, Norwich Market has been operating for 900 years and attracts visitors from all over the world. The recent arrival of pop-up stalls has given the market a big boost by allowing stall-holders the opportunity to try trading on a trial basis and this has added to the buzz. Norwich Market has also been named one of the ten best markets in England by online company, Culture Trip.

Fabulous Five 

There’s something to suit everyone’s palette for visitors to choose from, such as:

Signature dishes include a hot chorizo sandwich with rocket and peppers and fresh churros served with a warm chocolate sauce.

Hand-cut chips, fried in beef dripping for a unique taste. Curry sauce and gravy are available as an accompaniment along with sausages and rolls.

Vegetarians will love this stall with their Buddha Boxes, featuring smoked eggplant, sweet potato and chickpeas sweetcorn curry.

If you’re after something sweet, Tori Fama offers a range of homemade treats.

Money made from this community project goes back to support others. Eat here and you really are ploughing something back into the community.

 

Walk through the old streets of Norwich as immortalised by local watercolourists

Take a stroll down the old streets of Norwich. Watercolours from previous centuries such as Norwich fish market by Henry Ninham, clearly show the delights of the back the Back of the back of Norwich fish market and the Guildhall.

 

Norwich Lanes, one of the best places for people watching

Watch the world go by over a cup of coffee. Cafe Pure now has two cafes in the town, with the latest to open offering a range of special offer breakfast drinks between 7.30 a.m. and 9.00 a.m. They have recently built a new smart outdoor seating area. From here, you can sit down and people watch while enjoying a leisurely cup of coffee. You’ll also find a range of independent shops.

 

River Wensum as you’ve never experienced it before

A range of activities can be found all along the beautiful River Wensum. There’s a huge range of activities for your to enjoy. From canoeing, mooring for larger boats, and other riverside activities to angling, walking and cycling. A number of areas are allocated for car parking for ease of access to the river. During a stroll along the river it’s possible to see herring gulls, kingfishes and other nesting birds. It’s also possible to enjoy a swim in the river (e.g. at Friars Quay Steps). There are a number of charming riverside pubs to stop at, as well as Wensum Park itself to visit.

 

Riverside Walk

This one is definitely a notable visit for our 20 hidden gems in Norwich. The river winds its way around the outskirts of the city. You will take in Pull’s Ferry, The Cow Tower, some wonderful scenic bridges and make sure to look out for the view across to the Cathedral. This is an extremely relaxing way to view the city.

 

The Plantation Garden

The Plantation Garden is a sunken garden created out of a chalk pit. It is full to the brim of lush and tropical plants spread across a number of terraces. For a voluntary donation you can wander around this delightful garden and then enjoy some tea and cake in the café. The venue changes to an open-air cinema during some summer nights making it an even more special venue to visit if you come along in the summer when you are staying at Number 10 The Abbey.

 

Uncover secret treasures at Norwich Castle

First built as a Royal Palace 900 years ago, Norwich Castle, Museum and Art Gallery is now home to a variety of spectacular displays and tours of the castle keep, battlements, dungeons and Victorian Shirehall courthouse.

 

Would you believe it? A unique place to enjoy a pint or a glass of wine

Just beside the Norwich castle is the Adam & Eve pub. With its earliest references dating back to 1249, this pub makes it into our top 20 hidden gems in Norwich. It is one of the oldest pubs in the region. It was owned by the Benedictine monks during that time and workers constructing the Cathedral often frequented the pub as they were paid for their labour in bread and ale.

 

Visit the magnificent Norwich Cathedral

One of the most spectacular mentions amongst our 20 hidden gems in Norwich. The Norwich Cathedral certainly has the ‘X Factor’. Wonderful arches wrap around the building which is actually the largest monastic cloister in England. Built in the Norman era, the cathedral took nearly 100 years to complete. Enter the cathedral to marvel at the magnificent vaulted ceilings and sculptured columns, with wonderful stained glass windows. Once you’ve completed your tour, there are gift shops, art collections and a tea shop to enjoy.

 

Stroll around sweet smelling Cathedral Close

Enter the Close through the arch from Tombland and immediately you feel how all the hustle and bustle dies down. You will walk among the heavily scented lavenders and other officinalis (medicinal) plants similar to those grown by the original order of Benedictine monks who lived here.

 

Get on your way at The Forum

Unsure where to start with the 20 hidden gems in Norwich? The Forum is central. In here you can get some coffee and watch the world go by while deciding where to go next. Home to the BBC Look East studio and a huge library. You’ll be spoilt for choice with a wide choice of books on just about every topic. There are nice restrooms in this ultra-modern building and a souvenir shop, all in all a good place to kick off your tour of the City.

 

To help you get the best out of your visit to the area, Number 10 The Abbey is conveniently located to enable you to enjoy all the delights of this stunning, historic, region of the UK.

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