What’s it like to spend a weekend in Norwich?
Norwich is one of England’s best-preserved medieval cities. I visited in summer and found it very lively.
It has great historic landmarks alongside a contemporary scene of indie shops, world cuisines, and cultural venues.
It’s easy to visit Norwich on a short weekend trip, as the train from London takes under two hours and the city centre is compact and very easy to explore on foot.
I created this guide to help you plan a Norwich weekend break, with a full itinerary for two days. You can see quite a few of the city’s top attractions on a short trip.
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What to do in 2 days in Norwich: full itinerary
Here’s a full itinerary for two days in Norwich.
You can use it to plan your Norwich weekend break or visit on other days of the week, but do pay attention to opening times at each attraction.
The spots I recommend in this Norwich weekend itinerary are all within walking distance from each other.
Day 1: Top attractions in Norwich
On the first day of your Norwich city break, arrive by train and leave your luggage at the hotel (see Where to stay in Norwich later in this post).
The train station is about a 15 minute walk from the city centre, but you can also take a bus or a taxi.
The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Our first stop is the local city museum, a colourful and interactive experience.
It tells the story of the city in chronological order with beautiful displays.
It’s a great introduction to Norwich and a user-friendly history lesson that focuses not so much on monarchs and battles, but more on daily life.
I especially liked:
- The collection of vintage signs around the museum.
- The model 1920s pharmacy.
- The impressive collection of everyday objects from different time periods.
A lot of attention is given to trade, crafts, and manufacturing. These are things Norwich has been famous for and there’s even a special gallery for products made in Norwich.
The building itself has an interesting history. It was used as a prison, a tobacco factory, and a shoe factory (among other things) before it was given to the city and turned into a museum.
Norwich Market
After visiting the museum you can have your lunch or coffee break in the cheerful Norwich Market, a few minutes away.
If you’re taking a weekend trip to Norwich, note that the market is closed on Sunday, which is why it’s on the first day of this weekend itinerary.
Norwich Market is a vibrant open-air market, right in the centre of Norwich.
The market has been trading for over 900 years and is instantly recognisable by its colourful striped stalls.
It’s a large market with quite a lot to see and many food and drink options from different cuisines.
Spend some time around the market and browse the fresh local produce, baked goods, flowers, handmade crafts, clothing, books, and gifts.
Strangers’ Hall
Within a short walking distance of the market, there’s a house I highly recommend if you’re after a unique experiences in Norwich, or if you like historic houses.
Strangers’ Hall is a timber-framed house featuring furnished rooms, recreated to look as they might have looked in different time periods.
I enjoyed walking from one room to the next, not knowing quite what to expect. It felt a bit mysterious.
A Victorian dining room, a Georgian dining room, a lady’s bedchamber, the mayor’s office, a music room, and many other fascinating recreations.
Some of the objects and pieces of furniture are original antiques while others are replicas.
You start at the Great Hall, which looks as if it’s all set for a banquet, and then make your way through the rooms on different levels of the house.
There are clear explanations in each room and also volunteers who are happy to answer questions.
This house used to be the home of merchants, artisans, the mayor of Norwich, and other influential figures.
As for the strange name, Strangers’ Hall is named after Protestant immigrants and refugees from the Low Countries who were called “Strangers”. They were encouraged to come and settle in Norwich in the 16th century.
Strangers’ Hall has quite limited opening times, which is why it’s on the first day of this weekend trip (Saturday). It’s only open on Wednesdays and Saturdays, or Wednesday till Saturday during school holidays. It’s also closed in January-February for maintenance.
Norwich Cathedral
Norwich Cathedral is worth a visit, especially for the architecture. It’s beautifully preserved.
The stained glass windows, the magnificent high ceiling, and the cloisters are all spectacular.
The cathedral is a nice and peaceful place to rest a little after a full day of sightseeing.
I got there in the afternoon, just in time for a choir concert (Evensong) with great acoustics. If you like this kind of angelic music, it’s worth checking if there’s a concert on when you visit.
You cannot see the choir during Evensong because they sing from the historical stalls, which are hidden behind a massive stone screen.
The cathedral is free to enter.
Saturday is a good day for tourists to visit Norwich Cathedral. You can also visit on Sunday but visiting times are more limited because of the Sunday service.
What to do in Norwich in the evening
There are quite a few options for evening activities and entertainment for your weekend in Norwich.
Norwich night tour
The Ghost tour of Norwich at 7 pm with local stories of witches, ghosts, and haunted locations.
Go to the theatre or to a concert
Check what’s on at these venues when you plan your trip:
- Norwich Theatre Royal: a grand main-stage venue for big touring musicals, opera and dance right in the city centre.
- Norwich Theatre Playhouse: a cosier spot for drama, comedy and more intimate shows.
- Norwich Arts Centre: a converted medieval church turned gig venue, great for live music.
- The Adrian Flux Waterfront: a riverside spot for gigs and club nights.
Day 2: Norwich Castle and the Lanes
Norwich Castle
Norwich Castle is much more than a preserved castle.
Its huge space is cleverly used to house many different galleries with a range of exhibitions.
When I got my ticket at the ticket desk, the lady said I could go left for the castle or right for the galleries.
I started with the galleries, but it doesn’t really matter where you start, as the two parts are connected when you go up one floor.
Pick up a map at the ticket desk, because there’s a lot to see and it can feel a bit like a maze sometimes.
The galleries include displays on history and archaeology, decorative arts, and many different artistic styles from various regions, including a contemporary art gallery.
The gallery of medieval life is particularly impressive.
I also enjoyed the beautiful ceramics and the exhibition dedicated to painters from East Anglia.
On top of that, I was surprised to find a natural history gallery as well.
With so much to see, I suggest you don’t rush to cover everything in one visit. Take your time and use the map to focus on what interests you the most.
I’ve been to many castles around Europe but have never seen such an interesting use of the space.
After the galleries, I took the lift up to the top of the castle for views of the city from the battlements. Norwich Market looks great from above.
From there, I went down the stairs to see the different parts of the castle. Without planning to, it turned out that I saved the best for last.
The Great hall is the most impressive room of the castle. The kitchen is right next to it, and don’t miss the garderobes…
Next door you’ll see the domestic room and then the chapel.
These are all recreations using replicas of early medieval furniture. They let you imagine how a Norman palace would have looked.
The castle rooms are very colourful, with many opportunities to take photos.
The Lanes
There’s a café in the castle where you can have a drink or lunch, or you can go down the hill and take a walk around The Lanes.
The Lanes are the historic shopping streets and alleyways in the centre of Norwich.
These streets are charming and pedestrian-friendly with many different indie shops and colourful buildings.
I enjoyed walking around the Lanes for the atmosphere and some window shopping.
You can easily find somewhere to have a drink in the Lanes and also quite a few places to eat.
Norwich history afternoon tour
In the afternoon, after seeing the Lanes, take a guided tour on the history of Norwich.
Some of the stops on the tour will be familiar, but you’ll see them in a different light, thanks to some clever and funny storytelling by the guide.
It’s a great way to wrap up your trip to Norwich before you head back to the station.
Where to stay in Norwich
The Maids Head Hotel: England’s oldest hotel, right beside the cathedral, full of character.
38 St Giles: A small, boutique B&B for a more unique stay.
The Assembly House: A grand Georgian building in a central location that’s famous for its afternoon tea.
How to get to Norwich from London
The easiest way to get to Norwich from London is by train.
The train from London Liverpool Street to Norwich takes 1 hour and 50 minutes.
From the train station it takes about 15 minutes to walk to the centre, but you can also take a taxi or a bus.
In the UK it’s always best to book trains as early as you can, as the prices go up closer to the date of travel. I always recommend you book your train tickets as soon as you decide on your travel dates.
Is Norwich worth visiting?
Yes, Norwich is worth visiting for 2 days, or even longer if you have the time.
There’s a lot to see and do, the locals I met were very friendly and welcoming, and the city centre is lively.
I found a lot of charm in Norwich, with the old English houses, the river, and the Lanes.
The main attractions are close to each other, with many places to eat and drink along the way, making it a perfect city for a short visit.
TIP: You can get the Norfolk Museums Pass or the National Art Pass for unlimited access to all the attractions in this guide and quite a few more.
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