Can you help me plan a day in Norwich?

[HamHand]

I’ve never been though it’s not a million miles from me. I’ll be heading there in the next few weeks, from Holt. My brain is fried at the moment after a month of extreme stress so I’ll need everything laid out if anyones kind enough? I’m nervous driving in new places so any car park recommendations first off would be great. My ideal day is charity shopping tbh, I like vintage and junk and just quirky little places. Somewhere nice to eat, both for lunch and just a coffee, and somewhere nice to buy treaty food to take home. Where do I start? Everything I’ve read says it’s a lovely arty city.

I'm usually only there with my kids to visit family so not many opportunities to do quirky shopping! But the Two Magpies cafe is worth a visit for coffee and cakes. Upper St Giles St and St Benedict's St might be good for a wander? The St Giles Pantry is a lovely cafe and deli.

Both of those food suggestions look great, thank you!

Lower Goat Lane, Pottergate and St Benedicts Street worth checking out for the kind of things you are looking for, OP.

Ooh you should go to Loose’s on Magdalene st

A gorgeous mix of antiques, junk, just lots of ‘things’ really! Some of it very affordable. Art, books, vintage clothing too. I lose myself for ages in there.

That sounds right up my street thank you! As far as car parking goes, Google suggests St Andrews car park, is that a safe bet?

St Andrews is easy to get to and you can just cross the road to get into the city. Or consider the park and ride if you want to avoid driving into the city.

My favourite place to stop for tea and cake is Biddy's. There's a charity shop not far from there which stocks only vintage stuff. I also recommend a wander round the market and a trip to Head In The Clouds.

St. Andrews is a good shout, east access to Lanes but don’t overlook St Benedict’s street- I really like the Bicycle Cafe for coffee.

*easy

There are lots of really great food stalls in the market now, that's worth looking round.

St Andrews is good for parking, not only for the easy access already mentioned but also because it's not cramped and the spaces aren't too tight.

Have a look in the Royal Arcade, it's gorgeous! There's also Marmalade's cafe which is nice too. And I think Saffire chocolates are in the arcade too.

Magdalen Street for Loose's is good, there are also some charity shops down there too. There's also a big fabric shop which is good.

Also on Magdalen St is an Israeli falafel shop which is really good.

If you want some history the Cathedral is great, so is the Castle Museum, the Bridewell Museum and Strangers Hall.

There is a lot to do and see, it's a beautiful city! A Fine City, in fact!

if You like junk/ charity shops definitely head up Magdalene street. Looses us amazing, a giant junk shop but as you walk further up the street there’s lots of charity shops and smaller junk shops. I can spend hours wandering down there. Not the prettiest bit of norwich but interesting for shopping.

I’d also recommend st Giles and st Benedicts for interesting little shops. Part way down st Benedicts there’s a ‘secret bar’ called arboretum that’s a cross between a junk shop and a bar. Great cocktails but also do mocktails and tea. Might be up your street!

have a wander down Elm Hill, it’s beautiful and cobbled. There’s very ladies little junk shop part way down called ye olde curiosity shop which might be worth a look.

there’s two churches in the city that have been turned into big junk emporiums and are worth a look - one Near John Lewis and one opposite the Grovesnor fish bar.

Definitely recommend exploring the market at lunch time too

For treaty food to take home head to Jarrolds. It’s an independent department store with an amazing food hall in the basement. So many tasty things. Would also recommend bread source for tasty baked goods or Fig Bar if you want slightly fancier cakes.

Its a great city to wander!

there’s two churches in the city that have been turned into big junk emporiums and are worth a look - one Near John Lewis and one opposite the Grovesnor fish bar.

Oh yes! St Gregory's is an amazing place to while away time looking at all sorts.

That’s summed it all up perfectly!!

Controversial but I think Loose’s is overpriced! I love Magdalen st though.

Charity shop wise I like Unthank Road & the ones on Earlham shops. Both accessible by car. Then I’d park at the forum and have a wander down lower Goat lane. That’s got the Sally Army shop & the great grovesnor fish bar.

I would absolutely go to Jarrold deli for a glass of wine. It’s ace. Then I’d wander about up London street (BHF, cancer research) and then I’d head down Magdalen st to oxfam. But I would call by cafe gelato 1st.

totally agree with PP that the food on the market is brilliant. I also like the charity shops on grove road - 3 in a row!! At Augustine’s is also quirky but a bit of a walk. Check out Norfolk retro on Instagram - well priced I think. I’ve never really found anything in the churches but taste is personal is t it!

maybe we should have a norwich charity shop group schlep!

Ooh I’ve not been to Loose’s in that long 😳
last time I got a beautiful marble and glass cheese dome for £15 and a Le Cresut butter dish in thé aubergine colour for £8.

Food on the market is great- I tried Cocina Mia last time, Chilean street food, was amazing.

The looses prices really vary by stall holder. There’s definitely some bargains to be had but some stuff is more expensive than it should be. Still cheaper than the equivalent shops in london and Brighton etc.

Always worth haggling in there, particularly on the furniture. Or if you’re buy a couple of things. They’ll usually knock a bit off price.

Yes I ALWAYS haggle! It’s a weird mix of absolute gems, upcycled grey chalk paint horrors and genuine tatt!

I love Norwich. I was there last month. I know you said charity shops but if you want lovely Christmas decorations Jarrolds is the place to go.