Norwich is the capital city of Norfolk and a very fine one too. A bustling metropolis full of activity and interesting places to explore, but with a far more laid back feel than many other cities in the UK!  The 900 year old cathedral stands in beautiful grounds and has the second tallest spire in England. It offers so much more than just a building; you’ll find lectures,concerts, festivals, events, exhibitions and more. Visit Norwich Cathedral website here.

Every year a pair of Peregrine Falcons takes up residence in a purpose built nesting platform at the cathedral. They have successfully fledged many chicks over the years, changed partners and more! The Hawk and Owl Trust have a live webcam with which you watch the nest activities. Read more about the Trust here.

A city full of culture; you can explore Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery; built as a Royal Palace 900 years ago, The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell, Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts; home to works by Picasso and Degas, Strangers’ Hall, Dragon Hall and more.

There’s a shopping experience for everyone in the city. From regular markets six days a week covering all manners of goods, two Malls, specialist shops, Jarrolds – an independent department store, Norwich Lanes – a series of shops through pedestrianised lanes and alleyways, and finally three large out of town retail parks.

The Forum is a stunning community building built to celebrate the new millennium. Housing a library, BBC’s East headquarters, Norwich Tourist Information Centre, Fusion – a giant digital gallery, an al fresco café, pizzeria and more. Events are staged all year round including outdoor cinema and opera, Comedy Store, jazz concerts, art exhibitions, craft markets and children’s school holiday activities.

Wander around the city and there are many parks and open spaces to explore as well as gardens to enjoy, including the The Bishops Garden and The Plantation Garden  The river Wensum traverses through Norwich. Walk along its banks, enjoy a trip down the river with a picnic on a rowing boat,  or for the more adventurous amongst you, why not take yourself out on a canoe? Have a browse on Pub and Paddle.

Finally for entertainment there are plenty of choices. Why not book a show at Norwich Theatre Royal? All manner of events are shown from opera, plays, musicals and dance to family shows, pantomimes and music. See West End quality shows in the provinces. Look here for what’s on. The Norfolk & Norwich Festival is held each year in May – running over sixteen days the Festival presents more than 100 performances featuring a superb line-up of companies and ensembles from all over the world. Norwich Playhouse has been converted from a 160 year old Maltings. A small 300 seat theatre, showing contemporary drama and dance, jazz and some great stand up comedy. Fancy the cinema? Choose from Vue Cinema with its eight screens showing current films or Cinema City, the country’s oldest independent art house cinema. Something different for a night out? How about joining a Norwich Ghost Walk? Don’t have nightmares!

For lots more information on all of the above and more, go to the Visit Norwich website.