Norwich is a vibrant, bustling city that I certainly fell in love with when I visited for the first time. Norwich Cathedral was one of the reasons why, giving me the perfect time to myself and a visual experience I won’t forget.
I absolutely love religious buildings. I’m not Christian (my beliefs are very different), but there’s something about a cathedral that makes me have to go inside. Once I locked my eyes on the beautiful Norwich Cathedral I knew I had to make it part of my visit to Norwich.
Norwich Cathedral is very central to Norwich, easily accessible by walking or bus. It’s difficult not to notice and is surrounded by lovely gardens and park spaces. Like most other cathedrals entry is free but you can donate via one of the donation boxes or purchase gifts and other items from the gift shop inside. The cathedral regularly holds services so if you want to visit for other reasons then make sure to double check what’s on before you go!
What really stood out to me most within Norwich Cathedral is the architecture – stunning brickwork and arches combined with delicate stained glass windows and ornate features and decor. It’s a huge building and breathtaking when you think how long it must have taken to build, given that it’s 874 years old as of 2019. I spent a lot of my time there just sitting and viewing, unable to take my eyes off of the intricate design.
The cloisters are one feature you absolutely must look at when you go – a quadrangle of walkways surrounding an open air grass space. It’s accessible from two different entrances in the main building and from here you can access the cathedral library (sadly I didn’t have time but I will certainly be going back to see it!). Thankfully it was a lovely day when I visited so I got to see the cloisters in their prime – there was some work going on to one side which meant that not every part was accessible, but it didn’t detract too much from the experience. There’s also a herb garden nearby which features several different plants and provides another space to just sit and enjoy.
Once back in the main area of the cathedral you can ascend a spiral staircase to see a range of different religious artefacts collected over the years. These were very interesting to look at and gave background into the history of Christianity within the area. There’s a also space to light a candle in memory of loved ones, and plenty of places to sit and take it in. Guided tours are available throughout the day and are completely free – I listened into one that walked past me and there is a whole wealth of knowledge to be explored there, so certainly worth it for anyone who wants to know more about the cathedral.
I found my visit to Norwich Cathedral quite poignant – I’d had a busy day rushing around the city trying to get shopping and so on, but seeing the cathedral was a nice reminder to slow down and appreciate the beauty around me. It’s one of the most impressive cathedrals I’ve been to in the UK and I’d certainly recommend a visit if you’re in the area.
What’s your favourite religious building that you’ve visited? Let me know in the comments, and don’t forget to like and pin if you enjoyed this post! You can read another review of a Norwich location here:
I’m like you, I’m not religious but there’s something about cathedrals that are just so beautiful! I love the stained glass windows and the cloisters. Also isn’t this where some of Harry Potter was filmed? Lovely photos!
Thank you! I’m not actually sure but that’s pretty cool if it was!
I have never been to Norwich but this looks like such an amazing Cathedral x
It’s stunning, I’d definitely recommend! Norwich as a city is also lovely – such a vibrant, easygoing culture
I’ve never visited Norwich Cathedral before! What a stunning place! Your photos are fabulous too! xxx
Thank you! 😊
It looks like a stunning place. We are also not religious, but always pay a visit to a church when traveling. The most impressive one until now has to be Mallorca. Big, impressive and full of treasures. Regards Angelique from http://www.sinceretravelers.com
Oh yeah, there’s definitely something about Spanish churches 😍 I need to visit more!
I love the beautiful architecture of older buildings like this. I honestly could just tour an area with the sole purpose of taking in the buildings and the stories that they have to tell <3
Oh definitely… That would make a good idea for a day trip! I bet places like Bath would be wonderful for that, plus Norwich also has the castle and some beautiful oldy-worldy streets that would be great to explore
This cathedral looks stunning. I’m not religious either but I always like to visit a cathedral in each city I visit. I find them really peaceful and the architecture is usually stunning. P.S I love your photos. Thanks for sharing x
Thank you so much – I agree, they are so good for solitude.