Norwich

This sprawling East Anglian city has many treasures awaiting its visitors. The cathedral dates back to medieval times, with a highlight of over 1000 bosses in the vault, each with a different religious image, and the second highest spire in England.

Dragon Hall is a trading post from the 1400s, and Cow Tower, which stands near Norwich’s River Wensum, dates from around the same time. Norfolk Castle is now a museum, home to many interesting exhibits, including a butterfly collection. Mustard company Colman’s is located in Norwich, and their legacy to the city is the The Mustard Shop, a thriving retail outlet.

 

Many of Norwich’s buildings are fine examples of 19th century architecture, a period when Norwich was really thriving. Moving to more modern attractions, The Forum is an amazing new construction, housing the Millenium Library, and BBC Radio station, and with an amphitheatre at the front which is used for displays and exhibitions. The aforementioned library houses the 2nd Airborne Division Memorial Collection, commemorating American Air Force presence nearby. The University of East Anglia has provided several openings for the art, music and drama, and most performances welcomes visitors, while the Norfolk and Norwich Festival draws tourists in annually.

Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery, Castle Hill, Norwich NR1 3JU (01603) 493636
Perhaps the most famous landmark in Norwich, the Castle Museum and Gallery is housed in Norwich Castle; a Royal Palace built by the Normans 900 years ago.
The museum delves into Norwich’s history and contains extensive displays of Roman and Anglo Saxon gold, Viking treasures and Egyptian antiquities. The centrepiece, however, is the castle itself.

Norwich Cathedral, 62 The Close, Norwich NR1 4EH (01603) 218300
Another relic of the Norman era, Norwich Cathedral has dominated the Norwich skyline for over 900 years.
Richly decorated with many significant art treasures, the Cathedral contains well over 1000 roof bosses (or medieval stone sculptures), as well as 12th Century panel and wall paintings, and a medieval sculptor’s favourite device; a ‘Green Man’; the image of a man’s face surrounded by golden leaves.

Inspire Discovery Centre, St. Michael’s Church, Oaks Street, Norwich NR3 3AE (01603) 612612
Housed in another medieval church, Inspire is a museum aimed at children that explores science through numerous hands-on activities.

Recently the subject of an extensive facelift, Inspire contains 30 permanent interactive activities as well as a number of changing temporary exhibitions.
In addition to its science-based themes, the museum also offers opportunities to explore literacy, numeracy and social skills.