Norwich Area Guide

Norwich is a beautiful city, steeped in history dating back over 2,000 years. The central streets still follow their medieval course outlined by what remains of the ancient city walls.

Norwich is dominated by its magnificent Cathedral and Medieval Castle. The Forum, which opened in 2001 is also an impressive landmark, situated in the heart of the city centre, offering information and entertainment.

With an unbeatable range of activities, from historic buildings and beautiful courtyards, to outstanding modern architecture and stunning parks, there is something for the whole family. Rated in the top ten of UK shopping destinations, you can browse among scores of independent speciality shops, find the latest designer brands in your favourite store, or experience the bustle of the market.

Norwich is a great place for a night out, with a mix of trendy pubs, clubs, cinemas and restaurants, and stylish café bars. Art lovers, film buffs and theatre-goers will not be disappointed by the excellent choices on offer in this vibrant city. Norwich is overflowing with a diversity of entertainment that will suit every conceivable taste and budget.

Places of interest

The Norwich Cathedral

Norwich Cathedral was founded in 1096 by Bishop Herbert de Losinga and built using Normandy stone shipped over from Caen.

It has survived riot, war, plague and fire to fulfil its mission. For over 900 years it has dominated the Norwich skyline bearing witness to the glory of God. It has always been greatly loved by the people of Norfolk and was voted the county's favourite building.

Norwich Cathedral has the second largest cloisters in England and The Cathedral Close is one of the largest in Europe.

Norwich Castle

From around 1067 the Normans demolished at least 98 Saxon homes in Norwich to make way for the castle earthworks within which they built a wooden fort, surrounded by deep defensive dry ditches.

Once the land had settled, work was begun on the stone keep in 1094 by King William (Rufus) II. Following his death in 1100 it was continued by his brother King Henry I and completed by 1121.

Norwich Castle was designed to be a royal palace rather than a fortification. However, no Norman kings ever lived in it. The only time Henry I is known to have stayed at Norwich Castle was for Christmas 1121.

Elm Hill

Elm Hill is a historic cobbled lane in Norwich with many buildings dating back to the Tudor Period. It is a famous Norwich landmark and has been used as a location for television and film productions, most notably for the 2007 film Stardust^[1] and also Netflix's 2020 film Jingle Jangle.

Schools

Norwich school

Norwich School is an independent, co-educational day school for pupils between the ages of four and eighteen.

Set in the city’s historic Cathedral Close, the school is a traditional yet lively place to learn and combines a vibrant, imaginative culture with values of scholarship and mutual respect.

The school nurtures confidence, self-expression, warm and lasting relationships and a deep appreciation of learning.

Norwich School consists of a Lower and a Senior School. The Lower School is the base for our 4-11 year-old pupils (Reception - Year 6), while the Senior School caters for the 11-18 age range (Years 7-13)