Destination guides > Europe > England > East Anglia > Norfolk > Norwich
Norwich
Norwich is the UK's most complete medieval city and it is dominated by a 900-year-old Norman castle and cathedral.
During medieval times the city prospered from the wool trade, which resulted in 33 fine medieval churches including the stunning cathedral.
Practical information
Norwich Tourist Information Centre
The Forum, Millennium Plain, Bethel Street, Norwich
Tel (01603) 666 071
Website www.visitnorwich.co.uk
Open Jan-May Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm & 1.30pm-4.30pm; Jun-Sep Mon-Sat 9.30am-5pm; Oct-Dec Mon-Fri 9.30am-4.30pm, Sat 9.30am-1pm & 1.30pm-4.30pm
Coming & going
AIR
Norwich International Airport (tel (01603) 411923) has flights to over 400 destinations; but it is hardly a busy hub for backpackers.
BUS & COACH
National Express runs buses from Norwich to Birmingham, London and Stansted Airport.
First operate buses in Norfolk and neighbouring counties. The FirstDay ticket costs £11 and gives you one day unlimited travel on First buses in East Anglia.
Buses stop at the coach station on Drummer Street.
TRAIN
National Express East Anglia operates most trains from Norwich with services to London and throughout East Anglia.
Local transport
First operate local bus services in Norwich. The FirstDay Norwich ticket gives you one day unlimited bus travel on First buses in Norwich for £4.50.
Hostel accommodation
There are no hostels in Norwich. The closest hostels are in Great Yarmouth and Sheringham.
Sightseeing, museums & tourist attractions
The Bridewell
This medieval building was once a prison for women and beggars and now operates as a museum with exhibits detailing Norwich’s industrial heritage.
Bridewell Alley, Norwich
Tel (01603) 493 636
Website www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Admission £3.10
Open Tue-Fri 10am-4.30pm, Sat 10am-5pm
Dragon Hall
This historic house was built around 1430 and represents a superb example of medieval craftsmanship.
115-123 King Street, Norwich
Tel (01603) 663 922
Website www.dragonhall.org
Admission £5
Open Jan-Mar Mon-Fri 10am-4pm; Apr-Oct Mon-Sat 10am-4pm; Nov-Dec Mon-Fri 10am-4pm
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Built by the Normans in 1067 as a royal palace, Norwich Castle is considered one of Europe’s finest Norman buildings. The castle houses a museum and art gallery that feature exhibitions on loan from the Tate and a gallery dedicated to Queen Boudicca.
Castle Meadow, Norwich
Tel (01603) 493 636
Website www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Admission £6
Open Mon-Fri 10am-4pm, Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 1pm-5pm
Norwich Cathedral
This magnificent cathedral boasts England’s second tallest spire and over 1000 medieval roof bosses.
The Close, Norwich
Tel (01603) 218 321
Website www.cathedral.org.uk
Admission free
Open Mon-Sat 9.15am-5pm, Sun 11.45am-3.30pm
Strangers’ Hall
This wealthy merchant’s house dates from 1320 and features a Tudor Great Hall, a Georgian dining room and a splendid stone-vaulted undercroft.
Charing Cross, Norwich
Tel (01603) 667 363
Website www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk
Admission £3.30
Open Wed & Sat 10.30am-4.30pm
