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TeaThe thing about Norwich, East Anglia’s largest city, is that it doesn’t brag about its star attractions, record-breaking properties or its medieval-modern heart. In February this year, City Center Club gonzo’s room two BBC Radio 1 Dance was nominated by listeners Best dance venues in UK and EuropeYep, you read that right. Move over London and Fiji!
It doesn’t exactly brag about its ties to Steve Coogan’s most famous creation, although it does bring a certain comedic glamor to the town. Alan Partridge is back on our screens this month, with a hilarious mockumentary looking at mental health in Britain. In How are you? This is Alan PartridgeNorfolk Lane, the cathedral and its cloisters all feature. and about 25 miles northwest at Pennsthorpe Alan Partridge Sound Bath Garden Opens at half term.
The city itself is remarkably accessible. It’s only an hour and 45 minutes away by train from the capital, and this autumn is the time to visit, thanks in part to a busy schedule of events and festivals. Thirsty visitors will love this Norwich Beer FestivalRunning till 2 November. Chocoholics shouldn’t miss Chocolate Festival FortnightWhich happens in the second half of this month.
Norwich Book Festival Also opens during half term. Events will be held at venues such as the National Center for 15th Century Writing dragon hallAnd perhaps at the most winding bookstore in the country, The Book HiveNorwich is England’s first UNESCO City of Literature – so expect literary figures to be in attendance. October and November also bring festivals of the arts autumn festival of norfolk and this Norwich Film Festival,
Whatever time of year you visit, Norwich is a remarkable cultural place to relax in the city. The city’s Norman cathedral is one of the most impressive in Northern Europe. Beneath its high ceiling is a bulbous font made of two copper bowls, once used to make toffee in the Mackintosh-Cali – later Rowntree Mackintosh – factory, where Rolos’ tubes were first made in 1937.
Munchies and Caramac did not join the production line, tour guides, until the factory was bombed and then rebuilt in World War II. paul dixon He tells me as we wander down the historic streets. Here, narrow streets, alleyways and secret courtyards (mostly pedestrian) are lined with timber-framed pier-like buildings. Rub up in front of shiny coffee shops like flint-napped churches bread source and old shops dogfish, lets loose emporium And sue riderIt is the largest surviving medieval street pattern in the country, explains Paul.
But some city streets are not what they seem. In the 1400s, working people lived in the moat beneath Norwich Castle. Descending into Norwich’s “hidden street”, beneath a former shoe shop, offers a glimpse of this earlier world. Journeys by Lantern Light shoebox experience Let you down.
Paul says Norwich has a wonderful footwear history (Norwich’s Start-Rite is the UK’s oldest) but there is only one shoemaker left in the city. bohill and elliott Still make a velvet Albert slipper, a house shoe. (Down the same road, you can buy a tiara to go with them: £35,000 for a beautiful number jewelry,
In the footwear stakes, no one does better than the fabulous Tardis of local history Museum of NorwichHere you’ll find all kinds of brightly colored heels and nearly crotch-high boots designed to protect nurses working in the Burmese jungle in World War II.
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newly reopened Norwich CastleVisitors can also find 500-year-old shoes, as well as a pair of medieval ice skates made from bone.
after Five years and £27.5 million renewalThe 900-year-old castle, which was once home to a prison, has now been restored to its Norman heyday. The Keep, which was commissioned by William the Conqueror’s son, has been rebuilt – according to its medieval floor plan.
The Norwich Friends Tapestry, a new embroidery inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry, now hangs in Henry I’s chamber. The palace’s traditional galleries are still here: including priceless Victorian cabinets filled with stuffed animals and a dazzling teapot collection. There’s also a fine collection of bling: think of the stunning gold neckpieces worn by the Iceni tribe, thought to date back to 60 AD.
Elsewhere, check out the changing shows Eastern GalleryWhich is related to Norwich University of Arts. Or for textiles, wood carvings and prints go here South Asia CollectionHoused inside the extraordinary structure of a Victorian roller-skating rink.
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For lunch, visit Stall 190- Norwich Market, bodega Prepares New York-style sandwiches (great with a cheeky afternoon IPA). Sir Toby Beare.) or move on Yam Food Hall for Stuffed Fat Bao Buns on NXXDS. For something more casual, order the cheese and charcuterie platter at The Basement JarroldsWhere the food hall is the local version of Fortnum & Mason.
At night, dine at a highly acclaimed venue benedicts For local, seasonal cuisine, or at Namaste Village For the plate. bricks and bonesJoe, who sells steaks by weight, is creating a buzz with his smoked bone marrow fudge donut. Here, the seats are in the turns of an Art Deco building and Brian Sullivan, the sommelier, keeps diners happy. More deeply delicious autumn North Macedonian reds? Yes, please.
After dinner, head to Gonzo’s Two Rooms for a live band and DJ. For a good pint, there’s beef ribsRight on the Wensum River. Cocktails more your thing? slide behind the bookcase J. Doe & CompanyFor more live music, visit Norwich Arts Centeror go Norwich Theater To see West End shows for a fraction of London prices.
In the 1980s, Rowntree Mackintosh’s slogan struck a chord: “Do you love someone enough to give them your last Rollo?” I’d definitely give mine to Norwich.
how to do it
Trains from London Liverpool Street take about an hour and a half.
greater anglia london campaign By Rail offers cheap weekend tickets to area destinations and runs until the end of the year. Children travel for £2.
where to stay
Maid Head Hotel Claiming to be the oldest in the UK and overlooking the cathedral, nights start from £122 (excl. breakfast). Don’t miss the complimentary city tour in a Bentley.