Norwich Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK)

There are numerous different ways to sightsee in Norfolk, with guided walking tours of the central tourist attractions always being popular. Open-top bus are also available in Norwich, along with relaxing boat tours, which are perhaps the ultimate way to sightsee on a sunny day, allowing superb riverside views of Norwich and the famous Norfolk Broads.

Located on Earlham Road and just a short stroll away from the Chapelfield Gardens, the renowned Plantation Garden is a beautifully restored Victorian town garden, complete with many authentic features, and has become a must-visit tourist attraction in central Norwich. Other notable city attractions include the Theatre Royal and the Elm Hill area.

City Boat Tours

Address: City Boats, Highcraft Marina, Griffin Lane, Thorpe St. Andrew, Norwich, Norfolk, NR7 0SL, England, UK
Tel: +44 01603 701701
Operated by City Boats, city cruises depart from Elm Hill Quay, the Griffin Lane Quay and the Station Quay. Various different packages are on offer, ranging from brief 20-minute river cruises, to longer half-day boat trips lasting just under four hours. Live commentary and refreshments are on hand as you sit back and enjoy your cruise. Self-drive motor boats can also be hired at these locations if required.
Open hours: April to October, Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 18:00, Sunday - hours vary; November to March, Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 17:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children

Sightseeing Bus Tours

Address: Theatre Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1RL, England, UK
Tel: +44 01263 587005
A great way to discover Norwich is to hop aboard one of the City Sightseeing buses and take a guided tour with commentary, which depart from outside of the Theatre Royal, on Theatre Street. These open-top buses travel all around the city, passing the main attractions on the way, such as both the cathedral and castle. The buses stop at nine designated places, including the bus and train stations, allowing you to take a wander and then return for the next bus when you are ready. Tickets remain valid for 24 hours, meaning that you can purchase them one afternoon, and still use them the following morning.
Open hours: daily
Admission: charge, discounts for children, seniors and families (two adults and up to three children), children five years old and under are free

Plantation Garden (The Secret Garden)

Address: 4 Earlham Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 3DB, England, UK
Tel: +44 01603 219630
The Plantation Garden was established in the 1850s by a wealthy local cabinet maker and once featured a traditional Palm House. During the Second World War, the gardens were abandoned and allowed to become overgrown for more than four decades. Lying in the very heart of Norwich and covering approximately 1.2 hectares / 3 acres, the gardens feature many horticultural highlights and landscaped attractions, such as a Gothic-style fountain, medieval walls, colourful herbaceous borders, a rustic bridge, woodland pathways, exotic tree ferns, a charming Italianate terrace area and plenty of seasonal flowers. Look out for the afternoon tea, which is served on Sundays in the summer.
Open hours: daily - 09:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, free for members

Theatre Royal

Address: Theatre Street, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1RL, England, UK
Tel: +44 01603 630000
Refurbished at the cost of £10 million in 2007, the Norwich Theatre Royal serves as the biggest theatre in the city and has stood on this spot since the middle of the 18th century. The Theatre Royal has an overall capacity of seated audiences of roughly 1,300 people, and in the past has attracted a number of big names, such as Sir Ian McKellan and Patrick Stewart. The seasonal Christmas pantomime tends to be amongst the biggest shows here, although throughout the year there are a series of popular musicals, family shows, concerts and comedy gigs. Also located in Norwich is the Maddermarket Theatre on St. John's Alley, and the Sewell Barn Theatre on Constitution Hill.
Open hours: box office, Monday to Saturday - 09:30 to 20:00, Sunday - two hours before the performance
Admission: charge for shows

Elm Hill

Address: Elm Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, England, UK
Brimming with medieval character, Elm Hill has enjoyed much renovation work to retain its present appearance and unequivocal charm. Elm Hill has become one of the most appealing and pleasant parts of central Norwich and is currently home to many of the city's antique shops and businesses. If you are simply out and about for a stroll, then from here, head down Wensum Street until you reach Tombland. It was here where the city's original market was sited, and is named Tombland after the Norse word 'tomb', which translates as 'empty space'.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free