Page 124 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Great Britain

122 BACK ROADS GREAT BRITAIN

1 Norwich
Norfolk; NR2 1TF
“Norwich has everything” wrote architectural historian Nikolaus
Pevsner in 1962 – a cathedral and castle, grand halls, cobbled streets
lined with ancient buildings, museums, theatres, bars and restaurants,
a 900-year-old market, many shops, and two rivers – the Wensum and
Yare. The old county town of Norfolk, Norwich makes an ideal base for
exploring the East Anglian countryside, the Fens and Norfolk Broads.

Two-hour walking tour walk down Bedford Street and Lobster
Start at the magnificent cathedral 1, Lane, then left onto Lower Goat Lane;
with the second-tallest spire in the UK. continue to find City Hall 5 lording it
It was built by the Normans over Market Square. Built in
1096–1145, although the the 1930s, this has the
spire was not completed until longest balcony in England
1480. Flanking the West Door, and its sonorous clock bell –
Above View of Norwich Cathedral, built in the in niches, are two recent Great George – is the largest
11th and 12th centuries figures by David Holgate who in Europe. Descend into the
used local people for his square and head to the right
VISITING NORWICH models. Turn right into to see the 15th-century
Parking Tombland from Erpingham Church of St Peter Mancroft
The city centre can be confusing to Gate 2, where there is a bust 6, dedicated to St Peter and
drivers but the largest central car parks of Edith Cavell, a Norfolk nurse St Paul, whose symbols
are Chapelfield and Castle Mall, or use
park-and-ride facilities around the city. executed by the Germans in appear on either side of the
World War I for helping British north porch. Wander through
Tourist Information and French soldiers to escape. Stained-glass, the market to emerge on to
The Forum, Millennium Plain, NR2 1TF;
01603 213 999; www.visitnorwich.co.uk Turn right into Palace Street Norwich Cathedral Gentleman’s Walk and pass
and left and left again to walk through the Art Nouveau
down Quayside, along a short stretch Royal Arcade 7, designed by George
WHERE TO STAY of the Wesum. Take a left on Wesum Skipper and opened in 1899. The
Street and right onto cobbled Elm Hill, arcade is lined with traditional old
NORWICH lined with cottages and antique shops, shops. Exit to see Norwich Castle 8
Gothic House moderate noting the tiny Church of St Simon (open daily, pm only on Sun; www.
Three-storey Georgian house with and St Jude 3, the second most museums.norfolk.gov.uk), looming
two delightful, period-style rooms,
and while neither is en suite, they do ancient in Norwich. Fork right and above on a mound, with its Norman
have access to their own bathrooms. right again onto St Andrew’s Street keep and garden. From 1345, this
King’s Head Yard, NR3 1JE; 01603 631 879; and take a left on Bridewell Alley to served as a prison and place of public
www.gothic-house-norwich.com find the Bridewell Museum 4 (open execution, but since Victorian times it
Maids Head moderate Tue–Sat; www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk), has been a museum with displays of
With en-suite four-star accommodation which tells the story of Norwich and art, archaeology and history. Beyond
and guest parking, this is a handy city- its people. To continue, turn right and the castle, go left on Market Avenue
centre hotel. It also has a great old bar.
20 Tombland, NR3 1LB; 01603 209 955;
www.maidsheadhotel.co.uk Below Cobbled street and traditional shops in Elm Hill, Norwich
HORNING
Moorhen B&B moderate
A delightful old guesthouse with two
garden rooms, two rooms overlooking
the River Bure and a family “cabin” room.
45 Lower Street, N12 8AA; 01692 631
444; www.themoorhenhorning.co.uk
AROUND MUNDESLEY
Beechwood Hotel moderate
This characterful, creeper-covered hotel
has 18 en-suite rooms just off the A149
in North Walsham, south of Mundesley.
The proprietors are friendly and
welcoming. It’s worth considering
the hotel as a dining option, too.
Cromer Road, NR28 0HD; 01692 403
231; www.beechwood-hotel.co.uk
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under £80; moderate, £80–£150; expensive, over £150

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