That's the original Norwich (Noh-ritch) in Norfolk, UK, not Norwich (Nor-wich), Connecticut; although I'm sure it's lovely too.
We spent a very relaxed weekend here at the beginning of August; eating well, drinking well, taking in a micro brewery tour, many churches, and a trip to the beach on the way home. Here are a few photos from the trip.
Norwich has Iron Age and Roman history; and until the Industrial Revolution, it was England's second largest city. There are so many beautiful medieval buildings, and seemingly a church on every street corner.
The house below is a fine example of Tudor decorative brick work We walked past it at night, and they had barred wooden shutters to the outside of the lower windows. I wondered if this was because they has a problem with inebriated people walking past and breaking the expensive hand blown glass panels. That would be a terrible shame, but who knows?
Norwich sits on various hills, so most of the buildings are on the wonk. Charmingly so.
Below are some details of St. Andrew's Church. Norwich has some wonderful examples of flint buildings typical of Norfolk.
I'm not sure who's coat of arms this is; with the three lions, possibly something to do with England?
Opposite St. Andrew's Church is St. Andrew's Smokehouse. A pub and micro brewery that offers short and long tours. We took a short, but very interesting tour, which I thoroughly recomend.
Just up from St. Andrew's is St. Peter Hungate Church. It houses a museum that exhibits examples of medieval art.
In between St. Peter Hungate and St. Andrew's (what did I say? Church on every corner) was a rather lovely building that was rendered in a smooth terracotta colour, with a few original details poking through.
In the market place, is the Guildhall. Pretty freaking fancy facade, I think you'll agree.
On the other side of the market is St Peter Mancroft Church.
I really wanted more photos, but unfortunately my battery was dying.
From medieval to Art Deco, the Norwich City Council building is another marvelous example of the different architectural styles around the city.
Another side of the beautiful Art Deco building.
Another fun part of exploring Norwich is finding the hares that are dotted around the city. You can see more on instagram.
This fella was right outside our Airbnb! Next to The Wig and Pen on St. Martin-at-Palace-Plain and Whitefriars. He's dedicated to the local Iceni tribe.
Outside the Millenium Plain building lives this fine looking fellow.
This handsome fellow lives on London Street, in part of the city's main shopping areas, near Jarrold, an independent department store in Norwich.
The last hare I got a photo of was this colourful chap in the window of a delightful independent bookshop, The Book Hive. Also worthwhile checking out is Tickety Boo!, a traditional toy shop.
On the drive home on Sunday, we drove through Wells-Next-The-Sea, and it was crazzzzzzy busy; so we went straight on to Holkham beach, stopping for lunch at The Victoria Inn. I used to go to Holkham Beach with my family when I was younger, and visit Holkham Hall on occasion. It's nice to go back and see it again. Fun fact: Holkham beach was used in the closing credits on "Shakespeare in Love".
Obligatory writing-in-sand photo.
If you get the chance, I would highly recommend a visit to Norwich!
Thanks for having a look, and hope you enjoy!