All about Norwich: Discover the hidden gems of this charming city

Student Ambassador and BA (Hons) Design for Publishing student, Jade Borley talks to us about Norwich to uncover its many hidden treasures.

This blog is your guide to discovering the lesser-known wonders of this beautiful city and what Norwich has to offer.

Norwich really has it all! Now, I may be biased considering that this is my childhood city; but from its rich heritage, ever-growing independent community, and arts & culture prominence, what’s not to love? Norwich is a modern and inspiring city which welcomes all, and always has done. Ultimately what makes Norwich, Norwich, is its people and community. But if you’re going to be living here for a number of years, it’s good to have an idea of what amenities are available, including all those hidden gems.

Free places to visit

Norwich has a vast history, from Boudicca to the Normans, and everything since. Wherever you look, you’ll be immersed in the cultures of the city. Norwich is also full of galleries, artists and creatives, making it the ideal place to immerse yourself in the arts world.

• Castle Museum: Norwich Castle has a number of galleries and changing exhibitions that are free for Norwich University of the Arts’ students. Expect to see a handful of stuffed furry friends too! The castle itself is a magnificent feat and newly refurbished for 2024.
• Bridewell Museum: All about the history of Norwich, from medieval times to modern day.
• Strangers Hall: Unexpectedly in the heart of the city is one of the oldest and most historic buildings in Norwich. This Tudor house has a history dating back to the 1320s and is a fascinating venture.
• Sainsbury Centre: Based on the University of East Anglia’s campus, the Sainsbury Centre houses an extensive permanent collection and ever-changing temporary exhibitions. Free entry for all but sign up as a Norwich University of the Arts student and get extra discounts in the café and shop!
• Moosey: A contemporary art space tucked away in the Lanes of Norwich, hosting a programme of exhibitions for modern art lovers.
• Cathedral: The Cathedral quarter boasts stunning scenery, and its Christmas Carol service is simply magical. A highlight is the Bread Source Cafe based in The Rectory attached.

Norwich Events

The city hosts a plethora for events throughout the year that are unique to Norwich and the surrounding area. You’ll find a variety of music events for any genre, festivals for the foodies, and much more!

• Wild Fields Festival: A socially conscious 4-day music and wellness festival in the Norfolk countryside, less than an hour from central Norwich.
• Earlham Park Festivals: Earlham Park is the base for an array of festivals throughout the summer. Including, Kisstory, Uptown festival, and magic of Thailand food festival.
• Latitude Festival: A festival full of music, dance, comedy, wellness, poetry and theatre, 45 minutes from Norwich.
• Lord Mayor’s Weekend: Usually the first weekend in July, the city is full of colour as the carnival spirit is spread across Norwich with live music and performances.
• Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre: In conjunction with the Lord Mayors celebration, the infamous Norwich Lanes independents come together to line the streets along with local makers and artisans.
• Norfolk & Norwich Festival: Every May, this arts festival transforms the public spaces in the city with music, theatre, circus acts and much more.

Green Spaces

Just because you’re in the city doesn’t mean that there’s a lack of green spaces, in fact, there’s an abundance! Here are some of my favourite green spaces that are all walking distance from the city centre:

• Ketts Hill: It’s worth the hill climb for the panoramic views of the city skyline!
• Marriotts Way & Andersons Meadow: Follow the old railway all the way out of the city for a bike ride or stop at Andersons Meadow for a picnic by the river.
• Plantation Garden: Norwich’s best kept secret… The plantation garden by the Roman Catholic Cathedral is a stunning spot for a picnic or backdrop for a good book.
• Whitlingham Park: Take a long walk around the lake and enjoy a breath of fresh air and pit stop at the cafe onsite.

Food & Drink

You’ll find all your classic chain restaurants and bars in the city, but the best places are the ones you won’t find anywhere else. There’s every cuisine imaginable available and it doesn’t have to break the bank.

Hidden Gems

• Grosvenor Fish Bar: This will be the boujiest fish & chips you’ve ever had.
• Moorish: take your pick between two destinations in the city. Delicious falafel and vegan goodness. You’ll do well to eat it all in one sitting! 
• No.33 Cafe: The best brunch in Norwich. It’s worth the queue.
• Playhouse Bar: Just over the river from Norwich University of the Arts’ campus. You’re welcome to bring your own food and their courtyard is where the good times roll. P.S. Don’t forget to check out the ceiling.

Student Discount

• The Merchant’s House: Situated on the river, this café by day and bar by night is the perfect place to sit with a cuppa and watch the world go by. The courtyard in the back is great in a summer’s eve and where they host their live music events! Students coffee or tea deal.
• BrewDog: 25% off food and drink for students.
• Gonzo’s Tea Room: Two floors and a rooftop terrace for dancing the night away in the quirkiest venue in town.
• St Andrews Brewery: 20% off for student.

Shops & Amenities

Norwich is full to the brim of independents which, for me, is what makes it so unique. From indie record shops to a 200-year-old department store, you’ll never get bored of the same old. Norwich has two main shopping malls as well as all of your classic high street shops, so do not fret if you’re in need of some creature comforts.

Hidden Gems

• Ernie’s Zero Waste: Unpackaged food, cleaning refills and personal care items, all zero waste and plastic free.
• Elm: An accumulation of different indie artists’ work. They have prints, posters, clothing, ceramics, glassware, rugs, plants, cards, you name it – they do everything.
• Lucky Fortune Asia Market: Fresh and authentic range of Asian ingredients, snacks, fruit and veg.
• The Book Hive: The Book Hive is an indie book lovers’ dream. Their shelves are full of everything from fiction to cookbooks that support local publications and authors.

Student Discount

• Thorns DIY: Look no further for practical DIY knick knacks. This place is an Aladdin’s cave of hardware, paint and tools.
• Jarrolds Art Department: Every art material you can imagine with 10% off for students.
• Anglian Fashion Fabrics: Fabric galore, with every sewing accessory imaginable. Spend £12 and get 10% for students.
• Barry Alan Hair Salon: An independent award-winning hair salon in the heart of Norwich, offering £26 haircuts and 15% off colour.
• Phoenix Gym: Norwich’s best independent gym, with £21.99 a month student membership offer.