You’ll find culture galore in Norwich and Norfolk, from theatres to walking tours, exhibitions, festivals, and much more. Discover a modern cultural hub which will leave you spoilt for choice!

NORWICH CASTLE

Visit one of Norwich’s best-known landmarks, Norwich Castle, now a museum and art gallery. Originally built as a Royal Palace 900 years ago, it is now home to some exceptional collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history with treasures to excite and captivate guests of all ages.

NORFOLK AND NORWICH FESTIVAL

For an unmissable experience, head to Norfolk & Norwich Festival, one of the oldest city festivals in England. Every May, the flagship arts festival transforms the streets and public spaces with a world-class programme spanning music, theatre, literature, visual arts, circus, dance and free outdoor events.

SAINSBURY CENTRE FOR VISUAL ARTS

Visit an inspirational art museum in a world-class Norman Foster building at the University of East Anglia. Discover sculptures by Henry Moore, Elizabeth Frink and Antony Gormley and modern art by Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon and Edgar Degas. With world art spanning 5,000 years and regular special exhibitions events, it’s an art lovers’ paradise.

THE MUSEUM OF NORWICH AT THE BRIDEWELL

From Medieval to modern day, the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell tells the city’s story, from the textile trade, to the production of shoes, chocolate, and mustard in ten galleries over two floors. Astonishing artefacts are cleverly bought to life with lots of hands-on, audio diaries, and archive film in the recreated cinema.

SUNDOWN FESTIVAL

Sundown is held every September just outside Norwich at The Norfolk Showground. Camp and glamp or buy day and weekend tickets and enjoy artists such as Shawn Mendes, Zara Larsson and Anne-Marie. Find bars, eateries, a pamper lounge, VIP area and an accessible campsite at this family friendly music festival.

NORWICH THEATRE ROYAL

Situated in Chapelfield, the Norwich Theatre Royal is a 1,300 seat art-deco theatre, restored and revamped in 2006. From opera, plays, musicals and dance to family shows, pantomimes and music, the theatre offers an extensive programme for all the family as well as a wide range of food, snacks and drinks from the café and bar.

Whatever you are searching for, whether it’s gifts for the family, a unique memento, or simply treating yourself to a spot of retail therapy, you will find what you’re looking for in Norwich where numerous independent stores stand beside trusted high street favourites.

NORWICH MARKET

Browse through 189 stalls and discover a fantastic range of goods and services; clothes, children’s toys, crafts, jewellery, household goods, flowers, food, and more, the market has it all! Visit Monday to Saturday and be charmed by one of the oldest and largest outdoor markets in the country.

THE BEAR SHOP

Visit the Bear Shop in Elm Hill, and find yourself at an iconic tourist attraction as well as a wonderful teddy bear shop! The shop is literally stuffed full of teddy bears for all ages, so whether you’re after a marvellous bear for someone special or are an avid collector, this is the place for you.

JARROLDS DEPARTMENT STORE

From fashion to furniture, beauty, food or homeware, you will discover a contemporary blend of quality products, a warm welcome and superb customer service at this flagship landmark store. With 5 floors, 52 departments, 3 restaurants and a coffee bar there is something for everyone at this twice winning UK’s Independent Department Store of the Year.

CASTLE QUARTER

Looking for somewhere to shop, eat, watch and play all under one roof? Head to the Castle Quarter in the centre of Norwich, where you can explore 60 stores and food outlets, an 8-screen Vue cinema, 24-hour gym, 12 lane Superbowl UK, kids play area and a Sega Prize Zone. And if that’s not enough, the centre boasts stunning gardens with beautiful views of Norwich Castle.

THE NORWICH LANES

Discover a haven of independent eateries, coffee shops and bars nestled within a multitude of pedestrian alleys and streets. The Norwich Lanes will take you from breakfast through to dinner – with a slice of cake and British G&T in between!

Discover the most complete medieval city in England as you explore this walled city, with its phenomenal medieval street plan. A place of soaring spires, of rebels and rebellions, of sanctuary and faith, you’ll find a city rich in heritage.

NORWICH CATHEDRAL

Visit one of the finest complete Romanesque cathedrals in Europe. Set in 44 acres of lovingly-preserved grounds Norwich Cathedral has the second tallest spire and largest monastic cloisters in England. Spend your day exploring this awe-inspiring site that boasts magnificent architecture, historic artwork, stunning stained-glass windows, and even some medieval graffiti!

ELM HILL

Explore craft shops, antiques and galleries, visit tea shops, coffee houses and delis in the most famous street in Norwich. Elm Hill is the most complete medieval street in the city with beautiful cobbled streets lined with merchant’s houses and tudor buildings. A must-see is The Britons Arms, the only survivor of the 1507 fire – a trip to Elm Hill is not complete without a stop here!

PLANTATION GARDEN PRESERVATION TRUST

Get a glimpse into a bygone age at one of Norwich’s best kept treasures, a 100-year-old 3 acre Grade II English Heritage registered garden. Explore the enormous gothic fountain, lawns, Italianate terrace, ‘Medieval’ wall, woodland walkways, Victorian greenhouse and rustic bridge at this haven of peace and tranquillity.

MAIDS HEAD HOTEL

Why not stay at the award-winning Maids Head Hotel, known to be the oldest hotel in the UK with a history dating back over 800 years. Perfectly located in the heart of Norwich, in the Cathedral Quarter, the AA 4 Star Silver Hotel boasts charm and character throughout, along with a 2 AA Rosettes Restaurant, the WinePress, which offers the perfect dining experience.

STRANGERS’ HALL

Amble through a maze of passages to find a series of inter-linked rooms with period settings. Discover the Tudor Great Hall, the fine Georgian dining room and the magnificent stone-vaulted under croft. Admire Lady Paine’s 17th century bedroom and the panelled Walnut room and enjoy delightful collections of historic toys. In fine weather, stroll through the lavender filled knot garden.

NORFOLK BROADS

Norwich is the gateway to the iconic Norfolk Broads, so why not venture to the wild side of Norwich. With seven rivers, over sixty unique Broads and areas of open-water, thirteen ancient monuments, and more than a quarter of Britain’s rarest wildlife — there’s a lot to explore in the Norfolk Broads National Park.

THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR WRITING

Based at the historic Dragon Hall, workshops and mentoring are regularly available for writers at all levels. Projects range from major international partnerships to vibrant festivals such as the Norwich Crime Writing Festival and the City of Literature stand at the Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Dragon Hall is easily accessible from the city centre and only a 10-minute walk from the train station.