Boating Holidays across the canals and rivers of Europe from Le Boat

Information About Norwich, Norfolk Broads

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Things to do in Norwich

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Why do we recommend stopping here?

Norwich is the regional capital of East Anglia and the most complete medieval city in Britain. It has an intricate network of medieval streets, lanes and alleys lined with small speciality shops and its market, just below the castle, is the largest open air market in England. The 12th century castle is today the county’s principal museum and has collections of national importance. The town has many museums, galleries, theatres, buzzing nightlife and a year round programme of festivals, giving the city a truly cosmopolitan feel.

What is there to see?

Norwich is rated as one of the top 5 places in the UK for shopping. Visit the high street stores on Gentlemens Walk, St Stephens Street or Castle Mall, and Chapelfield Shopping Centre. Browse in the Norwich Lanes which stretch from Pottergate and Upper St Giles Street to Bedford Street and St Andrews Hill. Here you will find trendy small cafes, bars and resturants alongside shops selling contemporary furniture and gadgets and many small art galleries. See the half timbered houses in the town, especially on Elm Hill, an attractive ancient street with cobblestones and tudor architecture, and one of the oldest streets in Norwich - the street featured as a bustling street in the magical land of 'Stormhold' in the film Stardust. From the first floor restaurant of the Forum you can enjoy superb views of St Peter Mancroft church. Take a guided walk around the city with the Blue Badge guides. The 'City Of Centuries' walk is a daytime tour from April to October. There are also several themed tours in the evenings from April to October.

What can I visit?

Visit Norwich Cathedral, boasting the largest cloisters in England and the second tallest spire in the country, Norwich Castle, the Inspire Discovery Centre, Origins at the Forum and much, much more. Eaton Park is a large park with a children’s play area, an eighteen-hole pitch and putt course, tennis courts, gardens and plenty of open space. Waterloo Park park has a children’s play area and paddling pool and a pavilion where events are often held. St James’ Hill, beside Britannia Road gives panoramic views over Norwich.

Is this place famous for anything?

The city is famous for its Cathedral and Castle and is home to the famous English mustard, Colmans Mustard. The Norwich School, in the grounds of the Cathedral Close, was attended by naval hero Lord Nelson.

Do any famous people live here?

Social reformer Elizabeth Fry (1780-1845) was born in Norwich. Most famous for her work improving conditions for women prisoners, her portrait has been featured on the Bank of England £5 note. Anna Sewell (1820 – 1878) wrote “Black Beauty” at her house in Old Catton on the outskirts of Norwich. Delia Smith, famous TV cook and majority shareholder in Norwich City Football Club is regarded as an 'adopted daughter' but in fact lives near Stowmarket.

Insider Information

The Adam and Eve Pub is famous for being one of the oldest pubs in Norwich and is said to be haunted by Lord Sheffield (now nick named Sam) who died in 1549. He now makes the odd apperance in the building and sometimes staff report the feeling of someone running fingers through their hair, even though no-one else is nearby!

Is there a market day?

Norwich's famous market is located in the heart of Norwich’s shopping district, close to City Hall and facing Gentlemans Walk. It has over 200 stalls and is open every day from Monday - Saturday

Is there a public swimming pool?

Riverside Swimming Centre, Wherry Road Norwich. Located on the edge of the Riverside complex opposite Norwich City Football Ground.
Opening Hours: Open from 7am to 10pm Monday to Friday for various sessisons and on Saturday from 8am - 10pm. Sundays 9am - 8pm. See website for precise details www.leisureconnection.co.uk/centre/2/37/riverside_swimming_centre.html and/or telephone 01603 625166 for more details.
Alternative: No

Is there a tourist office?

The Tourist Information Centre is located iat The Forum, Millenium Plain, Norwich NR2 1TF and is open 6 days a week. Durimg April to October the office is open Monday - Saturday 09:30 -18:00, Sunday 10:30 - 16:30 www.visitnorwich.co.uk

Is there a golf course here or nearby?

Royal Norwich Golf Club, Drayton High Road , Hellesdon, Norwich NR6 5AH Tel: 01603 429928. This is a traditional members club and visitors are offered a warm welcome. The course, situated approximately 3 miles from Norwich, is a challenging 18 hole course with stunning views

Are there any other recommended activities?

There is a dry ski slope at Trowse & Whitlingham Country Park for Water Sports
Tel: 01493 368129


Eating and Drinking in Norwich

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Best places to drink an aperitif?

The Office
Atmosphere: Lively bar
Opening Hours: 19.00 - 12.00
Contact Details: Prince of Wales Road

Norwegian Blue
>Atmosphere: Attracts the younger generation
Opening Hours: 19.00 - 12.00
Contact Details: Tel; 01603 618082

Budget restaurant

Weatherspoons 'The Queen of Icini'
Address: Riverside Leisure Park, Wherry Road Norwich
Atmosphere: Lively pub/bar
Cuisine: Everything from Wraps and Sandwiches to Bugers and Steaks
Speciality: Curry and Steak nights and cheap Sunday Roast
Opening Hours: 11.00 - 23.00
Contact Details: Tel; 01603 877690

Moderately priced restaurant

Frankie and Benny's
Address: Riverside Leisure Park, Wherry Road Norwich
Atmosphere: Funky booths and Italian tunes makes this a favourite with young people in particular
Cuisine: Italian
Speciality: The Lasagne is great!
Opening Hours: 12.00 - 23.30
Contact Details: Tel; 01603 617206

Upmarket restaurant

Prezzos
Address: 2-6 Thorpe Road, Norwich
Atmosphere: Quiet but friendly
Cuisine: Italian
Speciality: Folded Pizzas
Opening Hours: Lunch 12.00 - 14.00 and Evenings 18.30 - 22.00
Contact Details: Tel; 01603 660404


Shopping in Norwich

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Supermarket

Morrisons
4 Albion Wy, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1WU
Opening Hours: Mon, Tues & Wed 08.00 - 21.00 Thurs & Fri 08.00 - 20.00 Sun 10.00 - 16.00

Supermarket

Tesco
5 Guildhall Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1JH

Supermarket 3

Marks & Spencer

What other shops are there??

All the normal highstreet chains plus the main department stores such as House of Fraser, Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, and we have Jarrold department store exclusive to Norwich
Opening Hours: Various opening times but most are 7 days a week


Practicalities at Norwich

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Mooring

We would recommend using Norwich Yacht Station by day, but moving down-river overnight.

Can I get water here?

Yes

Are there any 220v points to plug the boat into?

Yes

Can I get fuel here?

Yes

Are there any waste pump facilities here?

Yes

Are there any public waste bins here?

Yes

Are there toilet/shower facilities here?

Yes

Is there a bank?

Barclays Bank, 5 - 7 Red Lion Street, Royal Bank of Scotland, 5 Queen St, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 4TL, HSBC Bank, Albion Way, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1WU, Lloyds TSB, 41 Prince of Wales Rd, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1BL, Co-operative Bank, 69 London St, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 1HT and others

Is there an ATM?

Yes

Is there a post office?

New Lakenham Post Office, 211 Queens Rd, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3AE & Vauxhall Street Post Office, 24 Suffolk Sq, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 2AA

Is there a doctor?

Yare Valley Medical Practice, 202 Thorpe Rd, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1TJ. Tel: 01603 437559. Dr Bryce & Partners, 1 Ninham St, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3JJ. Tel: 01603 765550. The Trintiy & Bowthorpe Medical Practice, 1 Trinity St, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 2BQ. Tel: 01603 624844

Is there a dentist?

Orford Hill Dental Surgery, 7 Orford Hill, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 3QD. Tel: 01603 762900. Brunswick Dental Practice, 13 Brunswick Rd, Norwich, Norfolk, NR2 2HA. Tel: 01603 624004

Is there a pharmacy?

Boots the Chemist, 19 Castle Mall, Norwich, NR1 3XF. Tel: 01603 767 970 Family Care, Earlham Road, 16b Earlham House Shopping Centre, Norwich, NR2 3PD. Tel: 01603 457 331
and others

Is there a taxi company here?

Yes, ABC Taxis Tel: 01603 666333. Canary Taxis Tel: 01603 414243 Goldstar Taxis Tel: 01603 488888

Can I get internet access here?

The Millennium Library at the Forum in Norwich has nearly 100 PCs all with free internet access

* We've only just started, so it's not the finished article yet, but we hope in time to make this the definitive online cruising guide for the waterways we cruise. The information contained within the cruising companion is as up to date as possible, but if you see anything incorrect or missing we’d love to hear from you. Use the online form to send us your information or ideas.