Norwich Cathedral Tours

Norwich Cathedral showing a church or cathedral, interior views and heritage elements
Norwich Cathedral showing heritage elements and interior views
Norwich Cathedral showing interior views, a church or cathedral and heritage elements
Norwich Cathedral which includes a church or cathedral, heritage elements and interior views
Norwich Cathedral featuring heritage elements, interior views and religious aspects


Visit this spectacular historic building to attend a service, event or exhibition, or simply to marvel at its splendid Romanesque architecture.

Norwich is known for its high density of medieval churches, but even among so many wonderful examples of historic religious architecture, Norwich Cathedral stands out. This is the best-preserved Norman cathedral to be found anywhere in England, and it is an exquisite example of Romanesque architecture. Come here to wonder at the grandeur of this vast building, which is beautiful inside or out, or plan to attend one of the events, exhibitions or Church of England services held here regularly.

Work on the cathedral began at the end of the 11th century, under the supervision of Bishop Herbert, a Norman cleric. Some say he constructed the cathedral as a means of atoning for the fact he had bought his way into his high position in the church. In any case, it would be many years before the building was completed, and Bishop Herbert did not live to see it.

As late as the 15th century a major new element, a new spire, was added. Visit the building today, however, and the majority of what you will see is still typical Norman architecture, despite the later additions.

The cathedral remains operational and services are held throughout the week. Check the events calendar before you visit as there are many other activities and events to enjoy here, too. Attend one of the free exhibitions or see if a concert is scheduled.

If you don’t feel like going to anything specific, take the time to just enjoy the atmosphere of this historic place. Take a book and relax in the cloisters, admire the stunning vaulted ceiling in the nave, or stop for a bite to eat in the café. On a nice day, a stroll through the herb garden and Japanese garden is another possible treat.

Find Norwich Cathedral close to the heart of the city, just minutes away on foot from other major historic attractions such as Norwich Castle and Dragon Hall. Plan your visit ahead of time, or just duck inside whenever you need a moment of tranquility and a break from the buzz of the city center.

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Norwich Cathedral

The Maids Head Hotel

The Maids Head Hotel

4 out of 5
Tombland, Norwich, England
The Maids Head Hotel
Wellington Apartments

Wellington Apartments

4 out of 5
St Faiths Ln, Norwich, England
Wellington Apartments
Holiday Inn Norwich City by IHG

Holiday Inn Norwich City by IHG

4 out of 5
Carrow Road, Norwich, England
Holiday Inn Norwich City by IHG
Marlborough Hotel

Marlborough Hotel

2 out of 5
22 Stracey Rd, Norwich, England
Marlborough Hotel
Hotel Belmonte

Hotel Belmonte

3 out of 5
60-62 Prince Of Wales Road, Norwich, England
Hotel Belmonte
George Hotel, BW Signature Collection

George Hotel, BW Signature Collection

3 out of 5
Arlington Lane, Newmarket Road, Norwich, England
George Hotel, BW Signature Collection
Station Hotel

Station Hotel

2.5 out of 5
5-7 Riverside Rd, Norwich, England
Station Hotel
Revado Hotel

Revado Hotel

3 out of 5
2 Stracey Road, Norwich, England
Revado Hotel
St Giles House Hotel

St Giles House Hotel

3.5 out of 5
41-45 St Giles St, Norwich, England
St Giles House Hotel
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Norwich Cathedral

Norwich Cathedral offers a memorable visit with free tours and local events that showcase its rich history. Explore guided Norwich Cathedral tours to appreciate its stunning architecture and heritage. Nearby, you can enjoy vibrant theater performances and local football games, making it a perfect destination for both culture and entertainment enthusiasts. Experience the blend of history and modern activities that Norwich Cathedral and its surroundings have to offer.

Shopping

The closest shopping spot is Market Place, a vibrant public market just 0.4 miles from Norwich Cathedral, perfect for local gifts. If you're up for a drive, Wroxham Barns, 8 miles away, offers a mix of shopping and family entertainment.

Recreation

At Carrow Road, soak in the energetic atmosphere of live sports, just a 0.8-mile stroll from Norwich Cathedral. For relaxation, UEA Sportspark, 3 miles away, offers wellness activities, while Eaton Park, located 2 miles from the cathedral, provides tranquil green spaces for leisurely strolls and mindfulness.

Adventure

Experience the scenic Norwich Riverside Walk, a hiking trail located 0.5 miles from the cathedral, perfect for outdoor adventure. For adrenaline seekers, Snetterton Race Circuit offers thrilling motor racing 18 miles away, while UK Parachuting provides exhilarating skydiving experiences 20 miles from the cathedral.

Nightlife

Experience the vibrant nightlife near Norwich Cathedral with a visit to the Norwich Theatre Royal, just 0.5 miles away, offering a mix of culture and romance. For a more intimate atmosphere, check out the Norwich Playhouse and Maddermarket Theatre, both within a short distance, perfect for family entertainment.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Norwich Cathedral

While visiting Norwich Cathedral, you'll find a variety of attractions that cater to every traveler, including urban parks, modern colleges, and historic churches. Explore the beautiful cathedral grounds, nearby attractions like the Museum of Norwich, and the charming Bridewell Hotel. Whether you're seeking cultural experiences or family-friendly activities, Norwich Cathedral and its surroundings offer a delightful blend of history and modernity for an enjoyable vacation.

  • University of East Anglia: A modern college located 3 miles from Norwich Cathedral, the University of East Anglia offers a vibrant atmosphere with its contemporary architecture and lively student community. It's a great place to explore art installations and beautiful campus landscapes.
  • Norwich Castle: Positioned just 0.3 miles from the cathedral, Norwich Castle is steeped in romance and culture. Visitors can delve into its rich history, explore fascinating exhibits, and enjoy stunning views of the city from its ramparts.
  • Earlham Park: This urban park, located 3 miles from the cathedral, is perfect for families seeking outdoor fun. With sprawling green spaces, playgrounds, and picturesque walking paths, it’s an ideal spot to relax or enjoy a picnic amidst nature.

Best time to go to Norwich Cathedral

The best time to visit Norwich Cathedral can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Norwich Cathedral falls in August, when visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. The coolest average temperature around Norwich Cathedral falls in January, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly cloudy with no rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January40.3°F (4.6°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
February41.2°F (5.1°C)No RainMostly CloudyModerately LowSlightly Low
March43.7°F (6.5°C)No RainMostly CloudyAverageSlightly Low
April47.3°F (8.5°C)No RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
May52.7°F (11.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June58.3°F (14.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly High
July62.6°F (17.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
August63.3°F (17.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
September59.5°F (15.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
October54.1°F (12.3°C)Light RainMostly CloudyModerately LowAverage
November47.5°F (8.6°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage
December42.8°F (6.0°C)Light RainMostly CloudyAverageAverage

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Norwich Cathedral

To save money during your visit to Norwich Cathedral, consider traveling between January and March when hotel rates are lower, especially on Thursdays. Avoid Saturdays for the best prices. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting options from lowest to highest price, and look for eco-certified hotels. Take advantage of package deals that combine hotels, flights, and activities for extra savings. Joining Expedia's One Key membership can also provide exclusive discounts and rewards for future bookings. Lastly, explore free activities around the cathedral to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Norwich Cathedral are January to March, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Norwich Cathedral is Thursday. The most expensive day to stay around Norwich Cathedral is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can sort your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you can refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a range of sustainable and eco-friendly hotel options that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Norwich Cathedral with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

Explore a world of travel with Expedia

Explore a world of travel with Expedia