Since our lovely summer break in Wales, in Ruby the campervan, sadly we’ve been snowed under with the start of term and therefore haven’t managed any cheeky nights away. Boo. We I had hoped to get away for a night this weekend, but Keefy just wasn’t into it and actually as it happens it was for the best as I became the latest hit for the “back to school” lurgy, and therefore spent all of Friday afternoon and Saturday in bed!
We spent last Friday up in Norwich having little wander – something that we don’t always get the time to do, despite only being 30 mins away. Usually we rush in, dart around trying to get to the bottom of the endless to do list, and make our escape just before rush hour. I’m sure you’re the same with your local town/city. But for some reason *cough* the launch of the new apple watch *cough* our to do list was pretty much non existent, so once the research in the Apple store was completed we wandered around like a couple of tourists for once.
We ADORE Norwich. Neither of us are native Naaaarfok folk; we moved here 7 years ago and literally wouldn’t live anywhere else now. Here’s 5 reasons why you should consider pointing your camper-van/motorhome or caravan wheels EAST for your next camping adventure.
We have great shops!
If you like a little retail therapy from time to time, I can’t think of a better place to come to. We have some great small independent shops, down some pretty little lanes that lead off the large and very active Market. We also have two large shopping centres, and of course, a Primarni. My favourite (just in case anyone reading needs inspiration for my upcoming birthday -lol ) is Lisa Angel, a beautiful quirky gifts, jewellery and accessory shop.
We have some AMAZING places to eat!
For those who regularly read our blog – you know, we just LOVE our food. We have had the discussion so many times, that we just cannot afford to live in a city again – there are far too many delicious temptations around – we’d bankrupt ourselves on eating out! Our favourite place to eat when we are in the city is the LEGENDARY Grosvenor Fish Bar. Think of the very best fish and chips you’ve had at the seaside, then imagine the coolest bar you’ve been to – with a restaurant in a hidden bunker. Cheap and cheerful yet somewhere you can’t help but share on Instagram the second you walk in!
Picturesque and charming cobbled streets
Take a walk down the BEAUTIFULElm Hill and be transported back in time. Cobbled streets, really old buildings dating from the Tudor period, quirky shops, antiques stores, book shops, tea rooms – it has it all. When you get to the bottom, turn left and walk a short distance to LOOSES EMPORIUM – where you can easily loose an entire day! It is the most fantastic flea market style, antiques shop that is just like a tardis inside.
Bring your bikes and cycle the traffic free MARRIOTT’S WAY
How many city centres have a 26 mile traffic free cycle route and footpath that leaves from the middle of the city into the heart of the glorious Norfolk countryside? We do!
Take a lovely walk along the River Yare – Norwich’s gateway to the Norfolk Broads.
Escape the hustle and the bustle of the city with a lovely relaxing walk along the river path. You get beautiful views of the Cathedral, and the Castle (yes, we have both) and would you Adam and Eve it, there just so happens to be the perfect pit stop just off the River Path in the form of the oldest Pub in Norwich
Accommodation options in Norwich for campers
Norwich Camping and Caravan Club site, Martineau Ln, Norwich NR1 2HX. Cycle or bus ride into the city easily
Red Lion Norwich – a city centre pub on the river, with a large car park where they allow campervan and motorhomes to park. £10 overnight or free if you use the pub
Parking options for those not staying in the city
We have lots of park and ride facilities which take away the stress out of getting into the city with a larger vehicle. Sadly they haven’t yet taken a leaf out of Canterbury Park and Ride – so you can’t overnight park.
If you are in a T5 like us – you can make your way into the city and use any of the city centre underground car parks – we use Chapelfields because it’s good value and close to all the shops so we can keep dropping off our bags!
If you decide to take a trip East, do let us know – we’ve love to show you around our home city!
Until next time
Lx
Sounds perfect, especially all the traffic free cycling. Another plus, as we live at the base of the Pennines and sunshine is something of a rarity round here, I have noticed when I’ve been on weather apps wondering what happened to summer that Norwich seems to be eternally under a cloud free sky. Definitely on my list of places to visit.
been there donit will be back pj