Why we love Norwich

In homage to Valentine’s Day, we pay tribute to Norwich and celebrate some of the reasons we love this beautiful city…

• Jack Valentine – starting in Norfolk around 200 years ago, the Jack Valentine tradition sees him pay Norfolk a visit on Valentine’s Eve (13th Feb) and leave small gifts outside people’s doors. He knocks on the door but disappears so quickly that no one has ever seen the mysterious gift giver. He has also been known to visit on Valentine’s Day itself!
• The buildings – Norwich has some of the finest buildings from Norman to modern times. Marvel at Norwich Castle, Norwich Cathedral, The Guildhall, Dragon Hall, The Assembly House, The Forum, City Hall, The Sainsbury Centre…do we need to go on?!
• The food and drink offering – it was once said that Norwich had a pub for every day of the year. There are so many amazing restaurants and cafes, talented chefs and bakers, like Richard Bainbridge, Richard Hughes and Tim Kinnaird, and so many family friendly eateries too
• It was once said to have a church for every week of the year – Norwich has two cathedrals and 32 standing medieval churches. It makes the Norwich skyline even more stunning
• The art and literary connections – Norwich is a city of creativity and is a UNESCO City of Literature. Anna Sewell, who wrote Black Beauty, Philip Pullman, who wrote His Dark Materials, are from Norwich. Norwich Theatre Royal also hosts an exciting series of plays, musicals and special performances throughout the year
• The heroes and heroines – Horatio Nelson, Elizabeth Fry, Robert Cavell and Edith Cavell all have Norwich connections. Norwich is full of history with Norwich Castle, Strangers Hall and many historical places to spend a few hours
• Retail treasures – Norwich Market, which has existed for around 1,000 years, Norwich Lanes, independents and, of course, Chantry Place
• The green spaces – there are so many amazing green areas and parks, and some of our favourites include Chapelfield Gardens, Wensum Park, Waterloo Park, Eaton Park and the Plantation Gardens
• The scientists – Experts from Norwich Research Park and the University of East Anglia are contributing to research into COVID and other life changing work, and we couldn’t applaud them more.