by Janis / 0 comments - Orginally published:2nd August 2017
A city with a story
Prior to us setting off on our Norfolk road trip we’d read about the Norwich 12, intrigued to find out more while we were in Norwich, we did a bit of digging (not literally).
The list is a collection of iconic buildings taking you through the ages of Norwich, from the Normans, onto Medieval, through to the Georgian & Victorian period and ending with the modern-day era.
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Explore the Norwich 12 sign
Our Suggested Route
There are plenty of watering holes along the route, but look out for the Adam & Eve Pub between St James Mill (10) & The Great Hospital (11), or The St Andrews Brew House by the Halls (9).
Our suggested route starts and finishes at the Castle, but being circular you can start and finish where you want.
In the heart of the city centre is Norwich Castle, built by the Normans for William the Conqueror as a royal palace, from 1067 to 1075.
Norwich Castle
Originally taking the form oOriginally taking the form of a motte and bailey, the castle is now home to a museum and art gallery, with fantastic views across the rooftops of the city.f a motte and bailey, the castle is now home to a museum and art gallery, with fantastic views across the city.
If you're intrigued by Norfolk, a UK county with an interesting past, then why not check out "The Little Book of Norfolk". Full of facts and obscure information. It's a fun read on the region.
You can pick it up for your Kindle or in good old hardcover. (Depending on region)
Dragon Hall
Dragon Hall was a 15th-century medieval merchant’s trading hall, built between 1427 and 1430. Tours of Dragon Hall are possible once a month.
An entrance to Dragon Hall
The very impressive Surrey House was built in the Edwardian era during 1900 and 1912, designed by local architect George Skipper.
Surrey House, home to Marble Hall
Surrey House was commissioned by The Norwich Union Life Insurance Society's as their head office and includes an elegant Marble Hall.
This wonderful Georgian building was constructed between 1754 & 1755 and designed by the architect Thomas Ivory.
The Assembly House
Once hosting celebrations for local gentry, the building is still used today for special events.
Tourist Information
If you're tempted by the beautiful English county of Norfolk and its incredible far-reaching coastline take a look at the 'Visit Norfolk' official website.
Where we stayed
For our time in Norwich, we stayed at the Maids Head Hotel which offered, comfortable rooms, fine dining, a quiet bar and ample off-street parking. We'd recommend it.
The Forum, designed by Sir Michael Hopkins and was built between 1999 & 2001 it was a landmark Millennium building for the city & its community.
The Forum
It houses the Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library and 2nd Air Division Memorial Library, also the Norwich Tourist Information Centre & the BBC’s regional headquarters.
A Norfolk Road Trip
Discover more of the historic county of Norfolk from east to west, north to south. You can do it all on a road trip, Rental Cars searches multiple well-known car hire brands and discovers the deals that suit you the best.
Built between 1936 & 1938 during the inter-war period in England, it was constructed to replace the functions of the old Guildhall nearby (no.5 on this list).
City Hall
This building is home to Norwich City Council.
This medieval city hall was built between 1407 and 1411 and served as the seat of city government from the early 15th century until 1938 when it was used for city administration, courts and prisons.
The Guildhall
Today the Guildhall can be toured every week on a Monday at 2pm, and you are able to visit the dungeon, the police cells, Victorian Court room.
Escape for a few days
Are you searching for a tranquil hideaway to unwind in, while you explore the picturesque Norfolk landscape?
After a day visiting the golden beaches or touring the charming, quaint villages return to one of the handpicked properties and unique retreats at Holiday Cottages.
Slightly away from the city centre is the Cathedral of St John the Baptist, yes, Norwich is a city with two cathedrals.
St John the Baptist Cathedral
Built between 1884 & 1910 in the style of Victorian Gothic Revival, it was a gift to the city by Henry Fitzalan Howard, the 15th Duke of Norfolk.
Dating from the 14th century, these halls are the most complete medieval friary complex surviving in England. The buildings are made of flint, which is quite synonymous with this area of the UK.
The Halls – St Andrews and Blackfriars
Today the halls can be hired for social functions.
Built between 1836 & 1839 during the Industrial Revolution, this impressive building was used for producing textiles.
St James Mill
Now owned by Jarrolds, whose name is frequently seen around the city, it has since been converted into an office complex, with the Jarrold Printing Museum situated behind the mill.
This medieval hospital founded in 1249 still cares for people today & has been in continuous use for the citizens of Norwich for the last 750 years.
The Great Hospital
The six-acre collection of buildings includes a church, cloister, medieval refectory, and a Victorian hall.
A little more of Norfolk
Our few days in Norfolk gave us some wonderful memories, Why not check out our posts on the places we visited with tips & inspiration to get the most out of your visit?
This incredible cathedral is over 900 years old, and arguably the most iconic building in Norwich. As you pass through the ancient gates that lead you through to the entrance the imposing architecture stops you in your tracks.
It was built between 1096 to 1145 the impressive Norman Tower still remains today.
Norwich Cathedral
Not only is the Cathedral free to wander around take some time to stroll through the enchanting 44-acre surrounding Close. You feel like you’ve stepped into a piece of old England.
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