Norwich, England Tourist Attractions
|
|
Norwich, county town of Norfolk, lies on the little River Wensum within easy reach of the beautiful Norfolk Broads, which can easily be explored by sailing boat, canoe or motor-launch. Norwich has more medieval churches (32 in all) than any other town in the country with the exception of London. Although today it is a bustling business and shopping center, Norwich has a long tradition as East Anglia's historic capital, and this is reflected in its splendid Norman cathedral and the atmosphere, a product of centuries of history, which is to be found in its old town gateways and winding lanes. The production of mustard, shoes and confectionery is closely associated with Norwich. In more recent times the service sector has steadily grown in importance.
Tombland
From Tombland, originally a Saxon marketplace, there are two gates, St Ethelbert's (1272; upper part restored) and Erpingham (1420), either of which leads into the idyllic tranquillity of the cathedral close with its wealth of historically interesting buildings, including the medieval deanery.
Norwich Cathedral
The Norwich Cathedral, with its distinct white exterior and Norman architecture, is a well-preserved building. The Church is famous for its prominent spire.
Bridewell Museum
Just a short distance south-westwards from St Andrew's Hall, in Bridewell Alley is the Bridewell Museum with exhibits devoted to industry and handicrafts in Norfolk, including a display about the silk shawls which were so prized by Queen Victoria.Although most people associate woven shawls based on the Indian "bota" motif as paisley, tens of thousands were produced in Norwich. The paisley shawls were produced in Paisley, Scotland, hence the name.
Mustard Museum
In Bridewell Alley the Mustard Museum deals with the 150 years' history of Colman's mustard.
Castle Museum
East of Bridewell Alley is the Castle, which was built on an artificial mound. It consists mainly of a Norman keep, began on the stone keep in 1094 by William (Rufus) II. The interior is set out as a rotunda surrounded by various galleries which contain extensive archaeological sections, natural history dioramas, collections of medieval weapons, glassware and ceramics, as well as a painting collection which includes English and Dutch masters of the 17th and 18th century and numerous works of the Norwich School.
Norwich School of Painting
The founder of the Norwich School of painting, represented in the collection at Norwich Castle, was John Crome (1768-1821), a weaver's son who was trained as a sign-painter. He devoted himself almost exclusively to painting landscapes of his native area, including the following paintings dating from the beginning of the 19th century,"Carrow Abbey" (1805), "Norwich" and "The Back of the New Mills". One of the most gifted painters of the Norwich School was John Sell Cotman (1782-1842), the son of a barber. His masterpieces, which include many etchings and watercolors such as "Devil's Elbow" and "Mousehold Heath", all show a dazzling virtuosity.
Market Place
To the west of Norwich Castle can be found the spacious market place, which is the site of one of the most notable markets in the county. On the far side are the City Hall, the Central Library (1963), and the Guildhall (1407) with its old windows, now the Tourist Information Office.
City Center
Strangers' Hall in Charing Cross is a late medieval merchant's house, now a museum, which documents domestic life from the Tudor period through to the Victorian era (costumes, furniture). Suckling House, adjacent to St Andrew's Church, is a handsome example of a medieval town house. The disused church of St Peter Hungate contains a display of religious arts and crafts. One of the most interesting of Norwich's many medieval churches is St George Colegate, built in 1459, with a choir dating from 1498, its interior practically unchanged. The exterior of St Giles is decorated by pebble dash work, something which can be admired on other buildings throughout the city and the rest of Norfolk.
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
The award-winning Sainsbury Centre, part of the University of East Anglia, to the west of Norwich city center, has displays of modern and primitive art, including works by Picasso, Epstein, Giacometti and Henry Moore.
Riverside Walk (Cow Tower)
A stroll along the Riverside Walk is very relaxing. This follows the River Wensum, to the northeast of the Cathedral, and passes the Cow Tower, part of the city's original medieval fortifications.
Bishop Bridge
A little way to the south of the Cow Toweris Bishop Bridge (1395), one of the oldest bridges in the country. From Mousehold Heath, northeast of the city, there is a fine general view of the Norwich skyline.
Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum
The Britannia Barracks, which are situated on Mousehold Heath, formerly housed the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum (uniforms, medals, paintings and silver from 1685 to 1959) but this has now been moved to the Shirehall in Norwich.
Castle Mall
Opened in September 1993, this shopping precinct has been built under the area around Norwich Castle.
Aylsham, England
Aylsham (pop. 2,500; 14mi/22km north of Norwich) is an attractive market town with associations with John of Gaunt.Aylsham is known for its weekly auctions as well as interesting buildings around the Market Place. Visitors are encouraged to wander through the town to discover the unique nooks and crannies.
| Highlights: |
|---|
Fakenham, England
Fakenham is an excellent base for exploring North Norfolk as well as the local flea market every Thursday and the national hunt racecourse.The Fakenham Museum of Gas and Local History display domestic gas appliances and the background of only complete gasworks remaining in England and Wales.
Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park
Visit the home of BBC Springwatch and the natural centre of Norfolk with meadows, lakes, woodland and stunning gardens. Pensthorpe Waterfowl Park features events and workshops year round, a large shop, and a delightful cafe serving locally sourced home-cooked meals.
Binham-on-Wells - Binham Priory and Cross
Binham Priory in Binham-on-Wells is the remains of a Benedictine priory. Adjacent to the Priory is a medieval cross on the site of an yearly fair started in the reign of Henry I and continued until the 1950s.
Mannington Hall and Gardens
The heritage rose garden at Mannington Hall was made in association with Peter Beale. Thousands of old fashioned roses in the garden illustrate the history of the rose.In addition to the rose garden, Mannington also has a moated house, two lakes and a scented garden with herbaceous borders.
Norfolk and Suffolk Aviation Museum
Featured at this site is a display covering the history of the Royal Observer Corps. Other items of note include a rare nose-piece of a Felixstowe F.5 flying boat, which was discovered in a garden after 60 years use as a potting shed, and a Valetta C.2.
Willow Lane
The home of George Borrow, along with the Grammar School that he attended, is to be found on this street. Mousehold Heath on the northeast of the open space, along with the gypsies he encountered there, are featured in his works 'Lavengro' and 'Romany Rye'.
City of Norwich Aviation Museum
Opened in 1958, Norwich Aviation Museum features such aircraft as the Vulcan, Dart Herald and Vampire. Exhibits include the Norwich International Airport, 8th Army Air Force and RAF's.
Map of Norwich Attractions
Map - Norwich
