I’m truly a Norwich fangirl – at every given opportunity I will go out of my way to hype her up, spill the facts, get excited at all the things the city has to offer and try and convince anyone that it’s the best city to visit. As a fresher I think you should absorb yourself in your new place of residence, get to know all of the spots you’ll make the best memories in and explore what this marvellous and historic City of Literature holds within its medieval walls.  

To sow the seed of inspiration for your travels, I’ll start with history travels. One of my favourite walks is a circular walk along the riverside, known suitably as Riverside Walk. This 2 mile stretch can be completed in entirety, or as I like to enjoy it, beginning at the train station walking up from the Angler, along the river, past Pull’s Ferry and then up to Cow Tower. On a stunning day, this stroll will be lovely, with plenty of nature, green spaces and learning along the way. You can also do quite a lot of snooping at Elm Hill and Tombland, at the other end of the cathedral lands. The houses here are straight out of the medieval times with bowed roofs, crooked windows and wonky beams, with the footpaths worn from centuries of wear.  

If its media which lights your flame then look no further than the plethora of dedicated spaces of Norwich celebrating the arts; with The Theatre Royal, Sewell Barn Theatre, Sainsbury’s Centre, the Castle, and plenty of independent art shops. There are book shops on every cobblestoned corner, and references to literature in amongst the bustle. It is interesting to learn why Norwich has earned itself the UNESCO medal, including being home to the first woman to write a book, the first blank verse poem, and its home to The Forum one of the UK’s busiest libraries. It also has a National Centre for Writing, with courses and festivals.  

If I have not yet interested you then please be advised that Norwich is only the portal to the beginning of your adventures by train or air. Visiting the gorgeous antique train station, (where the coffee is expensive!) is only the start of your journey to wherever you’d like to visit, with direct trains to London Stansted and London. If you’d like a closer airport, Norwich has its very own – and with Ryanair now flying, it makes your most desired destinations even easier and closer than ever.  

If you’re not looking to travel that far then rest assured in the surrounding areas we home the beautiful Broads with many nature reserves, and a coastline with a multitude of beaches all with their unique charm and quintessential countryside aesthetics. There are zoos in Cromer and Thrigby and stately homes in Blickling, Holkham and Hoveton. You can also find sports scattered in between, such as paddle boating from Coltishall and lots of friendly gyms in Norwich. Whatever it is that you are into, adventures around UEA are ready for you to explore. 

Photo Credit: Wikimedia Commons