The City of Norwich was a recent nomination to the ‘City of Culture Awards’, in 2013, run by the UK government. This particular accolade would usually be bestowed upon a much larger, and probably more well known city, but Norwich has some great places worth visiting that enable its thousands of tourists to discover and enjoy the rich history surrounding the city. Here are five reasons why Norwich was recently nominated as a city of culture in 2013.
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1. Norwich Cathedral
Like all cities in the UK, Norwich boasts a beautiful cathedral which has formed an integral part of the city for well over 900 years. Built in 1096, it has been described as “one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe” and is top of my list when it comes to must see places in Norwich. The cathedral is home to over 1,000 roof carvings that date back to medieval times, a selection of original Norman period wall paintings, the highest existing Norman tower and the largest monastic cloister in England. Norwich Cathedral also offers its visitors a space exhibition that is run throughout the year as well as a beautiful herb garden to relax in.
2. Norwich Playhouse
Norwich Playhouse is a 300 seat theatre situated right in the heart of the city. It opened in 1995 on the site of an old Georgian Maltings. It’s an intimate venue with a wide range of shows playing all year round. Some of the most renowned dramatic companies as well as international musical superstars from around the world perform at the Norwich Playhouse. Before now, the building has also played host to a public house, the HQ for the Norwich Mercury newspaper, a motorcycle dealers warehouse and even a greek restaurant.
3. Dragon Hall, 115-123 King St. Norwich
Dragon Hall is a magnificently restored and Grade 1 listed medieval merchant’s hall dating back almost 600 years. Dragon Hall existed at the heart of the international trading empire and was originally built by merchant, and the then mayor of Norwich, Robert Toppes. The great hall was concealed for centuries behind rows of terraced houses and shops, before being restored to its original state, including the timber crown-post roof and a splendid carved and painted dragon.
4. Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts is an inspirational art museum. The building was designed by Norman Foster and opened to the public in 1978 in East Anglia, Norwich. The museum is home to a large collection of world art donated by the late Sir Robert Sainsbury and his wife Lady Lisa Sainsbury.
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Almost every piece of art on display at the Sainsbury Centre is on permanent display and lecturers from East Anglia University use the collections extensively for teaching. The collection has outgrown its building twice since opening, with new wings added, it continues to remain free for all who visit to enjoy.
5. The Forum, Bethel Street, Norwich
The Forum is one of most well known, and locally loved, landmarks in Norwich. It attracts an average audience over approximately 2.5 million visitors per year for everything from local events, conferences and visitor experiences. Most of the large programme of activities at the Norwich Forum are free for its visitors to enjoy. The Forum is also home to an amphitheatre and the Millenium library.
Written by Hayley Reeve on behalf of A Pass 4 U driving school. Offering intensive driving courses in Norwich, and across the UK.
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