You might think it’s impossible to find places to go to escape the crowds in Norwich, the regional capital of Norfolk. How about a City Sightseeing Norwich 360 degree panoramic, Hop-On Hop-Off Tour, radical, eh? Sit well away and above any crowds, enjoying panoramic views as you travel by open-top, double decker bus; listen to a full audio commentary as you go. Better still, you can stay on for the full loop of the tour, or hop on and off at your leisure to visit sights you are most interested in.
To avoid the crowds, join the tour at Castle Meadow West Side (stop No. 1) and stay on until stop No. 8 – Castle Meadow East Side. From here you can take a stroll along the pretty River Wensum, admiring all the boats and taking in the picturesque scenery. This tour is seasonal and operates daily between 29th March – 30th September and 2nd October – 27th October (Tues – Sat only).
For an oasis of calm in a packed city centre, head back over the River Wensum
After about a 15-minute walk, to the west of the City centre you’ll find a delightful Victorian secret garden that’s like stepping back in time when you enter the Plantation Garden. Set in an old quarry, volunteers have loving restored this Grade II English Heritage registered garden which is spread over 3 acres; also, there are events throughout the year depending on when you visit.
Escape the crowds in Norwich, take a stroll around the lake at Whitlingham Country Park
Just south east of Norwich, situated near Trowse, lies Whitlingham Country Park. Prices are all inclusive and there’s a great range of relaxing activities to participate in and the lake is beautiful to walk around. Picnic areas, wooded walks, riverside setting, Whitlingham Country Park has it all if you are looking for a great place to go to escape the crowds in Norwich.
Watery wildlife can help you escape the crowds in Norwich
Take a guided trip on the solar boat Ra to experience the watery wildlife. Surrounded by green banks and woodlands, it’s hard to believe how close you are to the city. Ra is fully accessible to wheelchair users. Enjoy a bite to eat at the Barn Cafe.
Continue on down the River Yare to the Winbirri Vineyards
Escape the crowds by going on a wine-tasting tour at this delightful 25-acre family run vineyard. Gain an insight into how the wine is produced from beginning to end then partake in a selection of award-winning blends in the hospitality suite. Enjoy with some of the nice cheese, bread and olives that are on offer, too!
Alternatively, If you really want to escape the crowds in Norwich, you can always lock yourselves in a room
For a bit of peace and quiet, go to the Augustine Steward House where you can try Cryptic Escape, the first real-life escape game in Norwich. Fun for all the family, you’ll have 60 minutes to work together, solving hidden codes and puzzles to find your way out with a lot of laughs along the way before exiting back into the crowds!