View all locations on google map
I have marked all of the below locations on a Google Map List, for your ease of navigation. You can view it here or by clicking on the map below.
How to get to these locations
Norwich is a small city, so walking is definitely the best way to experience it.
Parking
If you are driving to Norwich for a day trip, then I recommend parking at the St Andrews multi-storey car park on the corner of St Andrews Street and Duke Street. It is centrally located, yet easy to drive in and out of without having to go through the narrow roads in the heart of the city.
Crowdedness / best time for photos
Norwich is not a busy city, so there is no need to get up early to avoid the crowds as is the case with busy cities. You also won’t need to queue for any of these photo spots.
Please be respectful of local residents when taking photos.
Detailed Norwich Travel Guide
I have also written a detailed Norwich travel guide, complete with itineraries, recommendations for hotels, restaurants and the best things to do in Norwich.
Introduction
In Norwich, you will find an abundance of photogenic locations to capture, as you marvel at the architectural remnants that span different eras (especially the well-preserved buildings from the medieval period), showcasing the city's rich history and heritage. The quaint and vibrant streets of Norwich are adorned with unique boutique stores, offering endless photo opportunities at every turn. And don't forget to venture into the picturesque English gardens, whose tranquility and natural beauty provide the perfect setting for photography.
Elm Hill
Location address: Elm Hill
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Seasonal tips: beautiful all year round - flowers are in bloom during spring and summer, fall leaves are photogenic in the fall and snow is gorgeous in the winter
Crowdedness: low to moderate
Elm Hill is one of England’s most famous, unaltered and complete medieval street. Time seems to have stood still on this street, as an array of colourful and characterful houses dating back to the Tudor period nestle along its cobblestone paths.
Originating from medieval times, Elm Hill once housed the city's most affluent merchants. Centuries later, these houses have been transformed into delightful craft shops, collectables stores, pubs and restaurants.
Elm Hill has made appearances in various films and television shows, most notably in the 2007 film Stardust.
2. Hook’s Walk
Location address: Hook’s Walk
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the blossoms in bloom
Crowdedness: low
Hook's Walk is very photogenic a street adorned with 18th century Georgian houses and cobblestone pathways that simply transport the visitor to bygone eras.
3. Pottergate
Location address: 95 Pottergate
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the flowers in bloom
Crowdedness: low
No. 95, Pottergate is a street corner reminiscent of a fairytale storybook or a Wes Anderson film. The whimsical pastel hues of the houses, coupled with the vibrant horticultural displays and ornate tiled rooftops, create a delightful photo spot.
As always, please be quiet and respectful of the residents living here when taking photos.
4. The Close
Location address: The Cl
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the flowers in bloom
Crowdedness: low
The Close, my personal favorite locale in Norwich, exudes the tranquility and picturesque old world charm of a bygone era. This idyllic neighborhood is replete with ancient trees, blossoming flowers, cobblestone pathways and enchanting Georgian houses. “The Close” refers to the cathedral close, being an area immediately surrounding a cathedral. The Norwich Cathedral itself is a marvel to be admired and is #7 on this list below. The Close also has a sizable verdant picnic area, surrounded by medieval structures, making this a great lunchtime spot as well as a photogenic one.
5. Tombland
Location address: Tombland
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the flowers in bloom
Crowdedness: moderate, high during rush hour as this is a main road so gets busy with traffic
Tombland, an Old English term signifying “an open space”, once served as Norwich's primary marketplace in the 11th century. Today, this area boasts numerous centuries-old buildings that have turned into pubs, restaurants and quaint little shops that are interesting to explore and photograph.
Now a restaurant, Erpingham House in Tombland dates back to the 19th century, with rusticated quoins and plinth and even the remains of a medieval undercroft under the building:
6. Quayside
Location address: Quayside
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the flowers in bloom and the good weather
Crowdedness: moderate
The Quayside is a lovely riverside walk where you will find a photogenic row of pastel little houses out of a storybook.
7. Norwich Cathedral
Location address: 65 The Cl
Google map location pin: here
Cost: no entry fee, but donations are welcome
Opening hours: visit the official website for the current information
Photography policy: non-commercial photography is welcome. Please be respectful when taking photos here, as it is a sacred place of worship.
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the good weather
Crowdedness: moderate
Norwich is renowned for its concentration of medieval churches, which is a testament to its wealth during the medieval times. Dozens of these churches are remarkably preserved to this day. Among them, the Norwich Cathedral reigns supreme. It stands as a magnificent testament to medieval craftsmanship and spiritual devotion. The cathedral was built in the 12th century and 900 years later today, its towering spires still soar proudly into the sky, its intricate stonework serves as a reminder of the city’s rich heritage through the ages while its resplendent stained-glass windows cast kaleidoscopic hues upon the faithful and curious alike. Walking through the grand archways, the monastic cloisters and the tranquil grounds is an immersive and humbling experience.
The Cathedral is open to visitors of all faiths. It is set in 44 acres of beautiful grounds, complete with a charming cafe and a gift shop.
8. St Benedicts Street
Location address: St Benedicts Street
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the flowers in bloom
Crowdedness: low to moderate
St Benedicts Street is a treasure trove of quaint shops showcasing local artistry and crafts. As one of the region's top foodie streets, it also plays host to several Michelin-starred restaurants.
9. Pull’s Ferry
Location address: 25 Ferry Ln
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the flowers in bloom
Crowdedness: low to moderate
Yet another photogenic medieval gem, Pull’s Ferry is a waterway created in the 12th century, originally to transport building materials for the Cathedral from France and Sweden and later became the site of a ferry service. The flint building and arched gateway over the canal were built in the 15th century, but the stonework is still going strong today. I’m always amazed at how incredible craftsmanship such as masonry was back in the day, when there was no technological advancement, only great minds, intricate design and discipline.
Today, this location is an idyllic photogenic spot where you can also take a leisurely riverside walk.
10. Fairhaven Woodland & Water Garden
Location address: School Rd, South Walsham
Google map location pin: here
Cost: around £10 per adult - visit the official website for the current information
Opening hours: visit the official website for the current information
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the flowers in bloom
Crowdedness: low to moderate
Fairhaven Garden is a serene woodland spanning 130 acres, featuring a diverse collection of flora, fauna and friendly wild animals. One can discover many photography opportunities by meandering through the garden’s boardwalks and trails. The garden also offers a charming tea shop and flower shop, making it an ideal destination for picnics and family outings.
11. Plantation Garden
Location address: 4 Earlham Rd
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free, but donations are welcome
Opening hours: visit the official website for the current information
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the flowers in bloom
Crowdedness: low to moderate
The Plantation Garden is an English Heritage-listed site created between 1857-1870 by a successful Norwich furniture maker and Baptist minister, Henry Trevor.
Nestled within this small "secret garden" are gothic fountains, elaborate Italianate terraces, rustic bridges, woodland walkways, well-tended flower beds and lush lawns, all to provide a sublime setting for photography.
12. Augustine Steward House
Location address: 14 Tombland
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Opening hours: the outside of the house can be accessed 24/7.
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the flowers in bloom
Crowdedness: low
This medieval house, constructed in 1549 by Augustine Steward, a wealthy mercer and Mayor of Norwich, serves as an example of a Tudor merchant's abode, with living quarters on the upper storeys and commerce conducted on the street-level. Over the centuries, the building's supporting timbers have warped, imparting a crooked appearance as though on the verge of collapse, making it an interesting photography subject.
13. Cathedral of St John the Baptist
Location address: 9 Unthank Rd
Google map location pin: here
Cost: no entry fee, but donations are welcome
Opening hours: visit the official website for the current information
Photography policy: non-commercial photography is welcome. Please be respectful when taking photos here, as it is a sacred place of worship.
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the good weather
Crowdedness: moderate
This beautiful Roman Catholic cathedral was completed in 1910, in marvelous Gothic Revival architectural style. Outside the grand cathedral is a lovely church garden with a cozy cafe.
I just love photographing gothic architecture - the beautiful soaring towers, flying buttresses, dramatic arches and exquisite lancet windows. Grand, solemn and graceful.
14. Norwich Lanes
Location address: Start at Lobster Lane and go where your feet take you!
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the nice weather
Crowdedness: moderate to high
The Norwich lanes, a network of labyrinthine alleys meandering through the city center, embody a rich cultural tapestry and a quintessential community spirit. There is no shortage of photography opportunities, as each little corner holds intriguing surprises, be it vintage treasures, fashion boutiques, art galleries, craft shops, old bookstores, traditional English tea houses, artisan cafes, hipster restaurants, or the iconic Jarrold department store, which has thrived since 1823.
The lanes not to miss: St Gregorys Alley, Lobster Lane, Upper and Lower Goat Lanes and Bedford Street.
15. St Giles Street
Location address: St Giles Street
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the nice weather
Crowdedness: moderate
St Giles Street, characterised by its eccentric charm, is a photogenic street with many Georgian-style buildings, boutique stores, antiquarian bookshops and enticing eateries.
16. Princes Street
Location address: Princes Street
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free.
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the nice weather
Crowdedness: low
Princes Street is short but sweet. There are many Georgian townhouses and other English Heritage-listed buildings on this colourful little street that make for a great photography backdrop.
17. Erpingham Gate
Location address: 10 Tombland
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free.
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with the nice weather
Crowdedness: moderate to high
The Erpingham Gate is a medieval gateway arch dating back to the 15th century. Positioned at the western entrance to the Norwich Cathedral, the gateway was commissioned by Sir Thomas Erpingham, a celebrated military hero and esteemed servant to the king. The gate showcases decorations of saints, Sir Erpingham's family coat of arms, and a small effigy of the nobleman himself.
18. Holkham Estate
Location address: Holkham Road, Wells-next-the-Sea - use the postcode “NR23 1RH” to enter Holkham Estate via the north gates.
Google map location pin: here
Cost: entry is free, but there is a parking fee of £5 to park all day
Opening hours: see the official website for the current information
Photography policy: non-commercial photography is welcome, commercial photography requires permission
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with everything in bloom and nice weather
Crowdedness: moderate
Holkham Estate is not in Norwich, but it makes for a wonderful day trip just an hour outside Norwich that I had to include it as a bonus. Holkham Estate is a Palladian-style mansion built in the 17th century. It is now open to the public, offering a variety of activities, including:
- walking or biking through the enormous woodlands;
- befriending the wildlife residents of the estate, from fallow deers to ducks;
- rowing boats across the serene lakes;
- enjoying lunch or afternoon tea in the al fresco courtyard cafes;
- exploring the Walled Garden, which is replete with flowers, plants and bountiful produce; and
- shopping at the estate’s boutique for beautiful country-style homeware and fresh local produce.
19. Norfolk broads
Location address: Wroxham village
Google map location pin: here
Cost: free to walk and bike around, costs to rent boats
Seasonal tips: nice in the spring or summer with everything in bloom and nice weather
Crowdedness: moderate
As an additional bonus location, consider venturing to the Norfolk Broads, a picturesque network of rivers winding through the countryside just beyond Norwich city. Be immersed in natural beauty by taking a gentle stroll or a scenic boat trip along the tranquil rivers, explore the serene landscapes, spot wildlife friends (from elegant swans to playful otters) and visit picturesque villages.
For more information on boat trip options, consult the official website of the Norfolk Broads.
