For years, Norfolk has unfairly carried a reputation as quiet and out of the way, with Norwich often dismissed as a sleepy corner of eastern England. But beneath its medieval skyline, the city has steadily transformed into one of the UK’s most exciting cultural escapes. Independent boutiques, creative restaurants and stylish bars now fill its historic streets, while neighbourhoods like the Silver Triangle have developed a distinctly modern, artistic energy. In 2012, Norwich became England’s first UNESCO City of Literature, and more recently it was crowned the best place to live in the UK by the Sunday Times. With its winding medieval lanes, vibrant open-air market, green parks and lively pub gardens, Norwich is a city best explored slowly during long summer days and balmy evenings.
Norwich’s rich history is impossible to ignore. Following the Norman invasion, it grew into one of England’s most important and prosperous cities, second only to London for centuries. That legacy survives in its remarkable architecture, from the magnificent Romanesque cathedral founded in 1096 to the imposing castle built by William the Conqueror, recently restored and shortlisted for Museum of the Year. For a glimpse into the city’s medieval and Tudor past, wander along the cobbled stretch of Elm Hill and stop for refreshments at the atmospheric Britons Arms, parts of which date back to the 13th century.
Yet Norwich is far from stuck in the past. The striking Sainsbury Centre, designed by renowned architect Norman Foster, is home to one of the UK’s finest collections of modern art. Meanwhile, the South Asian Collection offers a fascinating insight into South Asian art, craft and culture, complete with a beautifully curated shop that’s difficult to leave empty-handed.
Make it happen
Stay at Maid’s Head Hotel, standing on the site of an 11th-century inn founded by Norwich’s first bishop and widely regarded as the oldest hotel in the UK.
Source: BBC Travel
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