Norfolk and Norwich Festival 2022. Picture: James Bass Photography

Life in Norwich



Welcome to Norwich

Welcome to Norwich – the city of everyday wins. We’re proud of our liveable, walkable, wonderful home, which has been voted one of the best places to live and work so many times we’ve lost count. It’s easy to see why. There’s the location for starters – close to the countryside and the coast, and set in over 100 square miles of national park. Then there’s the size – compact enough you can be everywhere in 10 minutes, big enough that there’s always a buzz in the air.

With hundreds of independent shops and start-ups, creative energy and community spirit is built right in. From our friendly baristas who remember your usual to our welcoming cultural spaces, you’ll feel like a local in no time. Here you can commute by foot down cobbled streets, pick up lunch at our award-winning market, then switch off and head to the beach to soak up the sunset. Sounds like a win-win, right?

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Where is Norwich?

Norwich is the only city in Norfolk in the East of England. You’ll find it about 100 miles north-east of London and 65 miles east of Peterborough. It’s the only English city set in a national park and is surrounded by Norfolk’s charming countryside and stunning coastline. Popular seaside destinations like Cromer, Sea Palling, and Winterton are just 40 minutes’ drive away – so you can work in the city without missing out on a morning dip. It’s well connected too: Norwich is only a 90-minute train journey from London, and with its own international airport; Ryanair, KLM, Loganair and TUI fly to multiple destinations linking Norwich to the rest of the world.

Schools and education

When it comes to education, Norwich doesn’t disappoint. If you’re thinking of relocating with kids in tow, you’ll find a wide choice of exceptional schools – 91 within a five-mile radius of the city centre – a brand-new dedicated digital skills institute at City College Norwich for teenage innovators, and two award-winning universities. Going to school here means getting off on the right foot – Greater Norwich has the highest rate of employment in Norfolk, with over 38 percent of the population educated to degree level or above.

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Credit: Inspiration Trust

Hobbies & Social

Norwich is the place to enjoy your favourite hobbies, from running and paddle boarding, to gaming and social events. There’s so much to do, and loads of local groups you can join to do what you love, try something new, and meet like-minded peers.

Hobbies and social groups

  • See & Do

    There’s always something happening in Norwich. From award-winning shopping on lively streets to historic monuments and easy access to the iconic Broads and beaches of Norfolk – discover why we’re regularly voted one of the top 10 places to live in the UK.

    See and Do
  • Credit:UEA

    For the foodies

    Norwich is a city of food fanatics. At the heart of a large farming county, and close to the coast, there’s local produce galore and great pubs and restaurants making the most of it. Fancy something from further afield? Norwich Market is packed with exciting food vendors from around the world. And our vegan scene is great too!

    For the foodies

  • Shopping spree

    Discover independent stores in the award-winning Norwich Lanes alongside all your big-name favourites. Our streets are packed with vintage and vinyl, high-end brands and second-hand gems. From our two city-centre malls to our bustling market stalls, there’s plenty of fantastic shopping to be had.

    Shopping in Norwich

  • Arts & culture

    Norwich is a thriving cultural hub. It’s got four theatres, three museums and heaps of music venues and galleries, including the world-renowned Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts. There’s a vibrant calendar of annual arts events too, like the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Norwich Arts Festival, Love Light Norwich and UEA Live.

    Art and Culture

  • After dark

    Don’t be fooled by its size: Norwich has a buzzing nightlife, with cinemas, theatres, bars, music venues and nightclubs galore. You’ll find a thriving pub culture, from neighbourhood tap rooms to cosy city centre boozers, and some brilliant bars serving all the classics alongside signature cocktails.

    Nightlife
  • sunset

    Green spaces

    Norwich’s parks are something to be proud of and regularly win awards. Eat lunch and laze the day away in Chapelfield Gardens, take a stroll near Tombland along the river, or head out to leafy idylls like Eaton Park, Whitlingham Country Park, or Mousehold Heath – all just a short walk from the city centre.

    Green spaces
  • ”Living here is great – there’s lots going on. You’re close to the countryside and the beach. It’s cheaper, so you’ve got more money in your pocket. And it’s a slower pace of life, which is nice.”
  • ”Come and spend a day in the city and get a flavour for everything it has to offer – and all the nature on your doorstep, too.”
  • ”I couldn’t see myself living anywhere else right now.”
  • ”Now I know other cities in the UK, I wouldn’t move. I love the vibe and the people.”
  • ”If someone was thinking of making the move here, I’d say, just do it. You get more space and clean air.”
  • ”It’s very green and picturesque – you don’t have to travel too far to get to a nice park.”
  • ”I’ve travelled around the country and nowhere really appeals to me as much as Norwich does.”