I’ve just been to Norwich for a couple of days. Two of my fabulous friends were getting married there so made my first trip back in about five years.
It was a quick visit but still time to explore this fabulous city so here’s my round up of ways to see some of the city’s gems and save money.
Walk the streets
Norwich city centre is easy to get around on foot and you can pick up lots of leaflets and maps and information from the Norwich Tourist Information Centre
If you want to join an organised walk and pick up a bit of history along the way, ask at the Tourist Office as trips leave from outside and you’ll pay £5 for a 90 minute walk.
If you’re taking a solo trip and get lost, make sure it’s in Norwich Lanes as there’s no shortage of cafes, shops, bars and restaurants there. Brunch is fabulous at the Iron House or check out No. 33 just around the corner, though this does often mean a queue.
While you’re over that way, step back in time and walk the cobbles of the city’s most famous street Elm Hill which is the most complete medieval street in the city. But if you want your snaps minus the tourists you’ll need to be up early. I headed over there early on a Sunday morning, Starbucks in hand to take mine.
Norwich Castle
Well worth a trip but tickets to Norwich Castle will set you back £9.15 for adults. But you can get in for £2 with a ‘Twilight’ ticket if you go along just one hour before closing. Open Monday – Saturday 10am – 4.30pm and Sundays 1pm – 4.30pm.
Norwich Cathedral
Get a free tour inside Norwich Cathedral It’s absolutely stunning and the most complete Norman Cathedral in England and tours leave every hour between 10am – 3pm from Monday to Saturday.
Free stuff
Pop in the Forum which is home to both BBC Look East and BBC Radio Norfolk as well as hosting free exhibitions and events. Usually always something going on and it’s open every day.
Snap up some discounts
Sign up for a free Norfolk Passport for deals and discounts across the county.
This includes savings on food, drink and rooms at the stunning Assembly House in Norwich, which is a Grade I listed building and designed way back in 1754.
Cheap sleeps
Plenty of great places to stay but if you’re on a budget head for the Travelodge
Go for the ‘Central’ one in Queen’s Road so you can be in the city centre in seconds, close to the Castle, Lanes, Forum, markets and Royal Arcade. Prices vary but you can snap up Travelodge rooms from £29 although you’ll usually need to stay Sunday to Thursday for these.