As a local in Norwich, I’m always looking for ways to enjoy the fresh air and get out of the city. Thankfully, there are plenty of hikes and nice walks near Norwich that let me do just that.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s something for everyone. From the Wensum Trail to Mousehold Heath, I’m here to tell you about the 15 best walks in Norwich.
Let’s dive in!
Wensum Trail
Take a stroll down the Wensum Trail and experience the stunning beauty of the Norfolk countryside! The Wensum Trail follows the river Wensum through the city of Norwich and out into the stunning countryside.
The trail is a great way to take in the sights and sounds of the area, with many different paths to explore. Along the way, you can spot a wide variety of wildlife, including birds, butterflies, and even the occasional otter.
The trail is also a great way to get some exercise and fresh air, with plenty of hills to explore. The path also takes you past some of the city’s most historic sites, including the 12th-century Norwich Castle.
The trail is well maintained, making it ideal for cyclists, walkers, and horse riders alike. Whether you want to take a leisurely stroll or an energetic hike, the Wensum Trail provides the perfect opportunity to explore the best of Norfolk’s countryside.
Marriot’s Way
Marriott’s Way stretches 26 miles, winding through lush countryside and quaint towns, offering a perfect escape from everyday life. From Norwich city centre, it passes through the villages of Drayton, Hellesdon, Ringland, and Reepham.
The route is ideal for a leisurely stroll, as it’s mostly flat and well-maintained, with plenty of historical sights, attractions, and picturesque views to take in along the way.
The most noteworthy feature of Marriott’s Way is its abundance of wildlife. Along the trail, you can spot a huge variety of birds, butterflies, and other species, as well as long-distance views of the Norfolk coastline.
The walk is especially popular in the summertime, when the sun’s shining and the landscape is in full bloom.
Whether you’re a regular hiker or looking for a pleasant afternoon walk, Marriott’s Way is a great spot for a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Mousehold Heath
Embark on an adventure to explore Mousehold Heath, an area of natural beauty with a rich history just a short distance from Norwich.
Covering an impressive 117 acres, Mousehold Heath is a stunning spot for walkers with its rolling hills, grassy meadows, and ancient woods.
As you wander through the area, you’ll come across the ruins of an old fort, a picturesque lake, and even a World War 2 pillbox.
With its wide-open spaces and spectacular views, Mousehold Heath is the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a challenging hike, or a picnic with friends and family.
There’s plenty to explore in Mousehold Heath, with its fascinating history, abundant wildlife, and wonderful scenery.
Spend some time in the area and you’ll be rewarded with wildflowers, butterflies, and birds galore.
You may even spot a red deer or two, or come across a fox or a badger.
Best of all, you can take advantage of the many trails around the heath and can even make your way up to the top of the highest hill, where you can take in the breathtaking views of Norwich and its surrounding area.
Whitlingham Country Park
Escape to Whitlingham Country Park, just outside Norwich, for a tranquil day in nature. Lush greenery, tranquil lakes, and a vast array of wildlife make it the perfect spot to escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
With several miles of paths and trails, you can explore the park by bike, foot, or boat. Whether you take a leisurely stroll around the lake or tackle the challenging nature trails, you’re sure to find something to keep you entertained.
The park is also home to a variety of wildlife, so be sure to keep an eye out for ducks, geese, and other creatures. And, if you’re lucky, you may even catch a glimpse of a kingfisher or two!
With plenty of benches dotted around the park, it’s the perfect spot to sit back and enjoy the peace and quiet. So why not escape to Whitlingham Country Park for a day of exploration and relaxation?
Wroxham Broad
Take a peaceful journey down the River Bure with a trip to Wroxham Broad. It’s one of the most beautiful spots in the Norwich area, and the perfect place to go for a leisurely stroll.
Wroxham Broad is a stunning nature reserve, with acres of lush grassland, a wide range of wildlife, and plenty of stunning views of the river. This is an ideal spot for a picnic, or to just take in the sights and sounds of the great outdoors.
The broad is surrounded by a network of footpaths, which take you through a variety of habitats, such as woodlands, wetlands, and meadows. If you’re lucky, you might even spot some of the resident kingfishers and otters.
The broad is also a great spot for angling, with plenty of fish to be found in the river.
Whether you’re looking for a quick dip in the river, a peaceful stroll, or a spot of fishing, Wroxham Broad is an ideal spot for a relaxed day out.
Norwich Cathedral
Experience the grandeur of Norwich Cathedral and explore its stunning architecture and historical artifacts.
This iconic structure dominates the Norwich skyline and has been a symbol of the city since its construction began in 1096.
It’s the only English cathedral to have two spires, and it’s known for its beautiful stained glass windows and its intricate sculptures.
Visitors can take an audio tour to get a better understanding of the history of the cathedral, and they can also explore its many artifacts and tombs.
The cathedral’s grounds also feature a peaceful garden, which is perfect for a leisurely stroll on a sunny day.
From the top of the spire, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the city.
Norwich Cathedral is a must-see attraction for anyone looking for a beautiful and historic walk in Norwich.
Eaton Park
Leaving the Norwich Cathedral behind, I began my journey towards Eaton Park.
This beautiful green space, located to the north of Norwich, is a great place to take a walk and enjoy nature.
Spanning over 80 acres of land, the park has been open to the public since 1925.
It features a large lake, which is surrounded by a variety of trees, bushes, and flowers.
There are also three grassy areas, including a large playing field, and two children’s play areas.
The lake is home to several different species of birds, making it a great spot for birdwatchers.
The park also has a few interesting attractions, such as the ‘Festival Gardens’, which features a range of interesting sculptures and artworks.
There’s also a café, which is a great spot to grab a bite to eat or a cup of tea.
The park is open all year round, but it’s especially beautiful in the spring and summer months, when the flowers are in bloom and the birds are singing.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or an adventurous hike, Eaton Park is the perfect place to go.
Whitwell Common
Head to Whitwell Common and explore the stunning scenery it has to offer. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, wildflowers, and even a few grazing sheep.
This is a great spot for a gentle stroll or a more challenging hike, depending on your fitness levels. The views from the common are quite breathtaking, with panoramic views of the city of Norwich and the surrounding countryside.
Look out for the wild ponies which can often be seen roaming the common, adding to the picture-perfect atmosphere. The common also hosts a range of wildlife, from birds of prey to amphibians, so keep your eyes open and you may be lucky enough to spot some of them.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil stroll or a more rigorous hike, Whitwell Common is the perfect spot for enjoying the great outdoors.
Thetford Forest
Escape to Thetford Forest, a sprawling woodland that’s chock-full of beauty. From pine-scented paths to striking wildlife, you can find everything you need for an awesome outdoor adventure.
Thetford Forest is part of the Brecks – an area of lowland heath in the East of England, and it’s the largest forest in the country. It’s home to an array of different animals, such as the rarest amphibian in Britain, the great crested newt, as well as badgers, foxes, and deer.
Thetford Forest offers an array of activities for nature lovers of all ages. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a challenging trek, you can find the perfect trail for your needs. From the Trim Trail – a 2.5 mile loop – to the 8.5 mile long High Lodge Trail, there’s something for everyone.
The forest also offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as nature walks and orienteering courses. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or a first-time visitor, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
Cawston Woods
Discover the beautiful Cawston Woods, a tranquil haven full of wildlife and natural splendor. Located just outside of the city of Norwich, Cawston Woods is an ancient woodland that has been preserved over the centuries.
Its lush, green trees and winding pathways make it the perfect spot for a peaceful stroll. Whether you’re looking for an easy walk or a more challenging hike, the woods offer plenty of opportunities to explore.
The area is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and badgers. Birdwatchers will be able to spot a variety of species, such as woodpeckers, buzzards, and kestrels. The woods are also full of carpets of wildflowers in the springtime, making it a truly picturesque and serene spot.
With its tranquil atmosphere, Cawston Woods is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and take some time to enjoy the beauty of nature.
Sheringham Park
After exploring the tranquil beauty of Cawston Woods, I’m ready to explore an even more majestic site – Sheringham Park.
Located in the picturesque North Norfolk Coast, Sheringham Park is a stunning landscape of rolling hills, lush woodlands, and fragrant meadows. It offers a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
This National Trust property offers an array of hiking trails. You can enjoy a leisurely stroll along the Coast Path or take on a more challenging hike up the steep slopes of Beeston Bump.
With plenty of wildlife to admire along the way, Sheringham Park is the perfect destination for a relaxing walk in the great outdoors.
Norwich Cathedral Close
Immerse yourself in the history of Norwich Cathedral Close, a stunningly preserved medieval complex that still stands today.
As you explore the area, you’ll be taken back to the 14th century when Norwich was a major hub in East Anglia.
You’ll walk through the beautiful Norman cloister and admire the ornately carved stonework, before heading out into the parkland surrounding the cathedral.
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and lush vegetation, while taking in the incredible views of the river Wensum.
From the top of the tower, you’ll get a unique perspective of the city, and you’ll be able to admire the stunning architecture of the building.
After your walk, you can visit the cathedral itself, where you’ll find plenty of treasures, including a collection of intricate stained-glass windows.
Norwich Cathedral Close is a truly remarkable place, and a must-see for anyone visiting the city.
Easton Park
Explore Easton Park and experience the beauty of nature in the city. Stroll through the lush greenery and take in the stunning views of the river Wensum, while enjoying a peaceful atmosphere.
With its large lake, Easton Park is the ideal spot for a romantic stroll or a picnic in the warm summer months. Take a leisurely walk along the winding paths and admire the serene beauty of the park as you take in the sights and sounds of nature.
There is plenty of wildlife to be seen, including swans, ducks, and geese, that make the park even more appealing. Easton Park is a great place to spend an afternoon or evening with family or friends, and there are plenty of benches and seating for those who wish to take a break and relax.
Whether your preference is for a leisurely stroll or a brisk walk, Easton Park is the perfect place to enjoy the best of Norwich.
Riverside Walk
Take a leisurely stroll along the Riverside Walk and soak in the breathtaking views of the river Wensum.
This picturesque walk begins in the city centre, near the junction with the Hay Hill and White Lion Street, and follows the river for around two miles before arriving at the Whitlingham Country Park.
The Riverside Walk is a great way to experience the beauty of Norwich, as its path takes you past many of the city’s historical landmarks such as the Cow Tower, which dates back to the 14th century.
Along the path, you will also find a variety of flora and fauna, including willow trees, swans, and herons.
In addition, there are plenty of benches and picnic spots along the way, making it the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon.
The Riverside Walk is a great way to explore Norwich, and is a great choice for those looking for a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Cringleford Nature Reserve
Meander through Cringleford Nature Reserve to discover the wildlife that makes its home in this tranquil setting.
Here, you’ll find a beautiful array of birds, butterflies, and wildflowers.
Throughout the nature reserve, you can find numerous trails winding through the trees and open fields.
The trails offer stunning views of the river, and you can often spot river wildlife like ducks, swans, and herons.
Along the way, you can also expect to find plenty of historical features, like ancient trees, hidden waterfalls, and the ruins of old bridges.
There’s something for everyone to enjoy in this wonderful nature reserve.
Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Cringleford Nature Reserve will provide you with the perfect opportunity to get out and explore nature.
Conclusion
Wrapping up my list of the top 15 walks in Norwich, I can confidently say that this city is a great place for outdoor exploration. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely stroll or a more strenuous hike, there’s something here for everyone.
From the Wensum Trail and Marriot’s Way to Mousehold Heath and Whitlingham Country Park, there are plenty of paths to take. Plus, don’t forget the Wroxham Broad, Norwich Cathedral Close, Easton Park, Riverside Walk, and Cringleford Nature Reserve, which are all great spots to take in.
So next time you’re looking for a way to get out and enjoy the outdoors, Norwich is the perfect place to explore.