Our campus provides endless activities to spend some time away from study. Whether it’s adventuring around the lake, dropping by the Sainsbury Centre, stroking the ponies that inhabit the surrounding fields, or picnicking in Earlham Park. But if you’re keen to explore more of the surrounding areas of Norwich, I have some suggestions for you. This article pays homage to Rachel Conquer’s 2009 article “Local Travel: Norwich” 15 years on.   

As noted by David Bowie back in 1973, there’s nowhere better to start than the Norfolk Broads. With spring and summer creeping towards us, the Norfolk Broads provide a tranquil setting for the perfect afternoon stroll. If you’re feeling extra adventurous, you can hire a day boat from Wroxham, giving you the freedom to explore the broads on your own accord.   

Wroxham itself is worth a visit, even just for the water-side-village photo opportunities. It has a cosy, nostalgic feel to it that can be quite attractive if you want some air from campus or city life. However, it should be noted that Wroxham is significantly popular with tourists in the heat of summer, so a weekday visit is recommended. Wroxham can be accessed by bus from Norwich for as little as £2.  

A wild swimming spot that I personally like to visit is in Trowse, a small village just off the River Yare. Along the river are some accessible, safe and pastoral places to stop for a dip. A 20 minute walk along from here, you can access Whitlingham country park to soak up sun, natural views, and to get in your daily dose of dog spotting.  

Finally, if you’re keen to do something a little less physical and perhaps indoors on a rainy day, I recommend visiting Dotty Pottery close to Thorpe End. Pottery painting can be the perfect way to get your creative mind working, as well as a therapeutic rest from studying. 

Image: Concrete/Innes Henry