Norwich Cathedral – One of the finest attractions Norwich City has to offer
Norwich Cathedral is a monument to 11th century religious architecture, the main building work was completed from 1096 through to 1145. There were numerous modifications added over the years, including the addition of the stone spire in the year 1480.
Norwich Cathedral is a fantastic example of the high level of attention and care paid to such structures in Norfolk. Visitors to the site are able to view the Cathedral in all its magnificence, almost exactly as it would have appeared prior to its initial construction. Despite receiving heavy damage over the years it has always been returned to its original condition.
The Cathedral is situated low on the Norwich river plain. The area surrounding it is full of rolling hills and scrubland on three sides, giving a lovely view from the top of the Norman Tower.
Planning a visit
Visitors are able to view many sections of Norwich Cathedral unsupervised. This means that there aren’t any limits on a stay and that it’s much easier to relax and enjoy your time there.
When arriving at the Cathedral, visitors are given the choice of two beautifully rustic gates through which to enter. Both of these entrances are built on tomb land and are kept presentable by the Cathedral’s staff, theres some breathtaking scenery before you even enter the building.
On entering the Cathedral its self, visitors are greeted with a high degree of historical and artistic quality. The main chamber of the building contains a rare and impressive collection of misericords. Misericords are small shelves that fold up from under seats to allow a decrepit individual to pray standing with less discomfort. They are wooden and have all been decorated by skilled artists from the 14th to mid 19th century.
Both the interior and exterior of the cathedral are covered in well carved bosses, which help greatly to add to the gothic atmosphere of the cloister. This is one of the features that makes Norwich Cathedral different from other sites of the same nature that people visit today, and it is due to its sheer age and the consequent differences in religious architecture at that time.
If you are visiting with intent on climbing the tower at Norwich Cathedral, please remember to wear sturdy shoes with good grip, and take great care while climbing the staircase. In comparison to other Cathedrals the tower is not that high, but don’t be tricked into thinking that it isn’t a hard climb. Once at the top you can view stunning scenery for miles around, making the journey worthwhile.
In all, Norwich Cathedral is a fantastic place to visit if you are in the area. It plays host to many events through the year and is currently being considered to host a medieval and modern art expedition on site. Make sure that you don’t miss it off your list of attractions to visit this summer.
Cathedral Opening Hours
Daily 7.30am to 6.30pm.
Please note, the entrance to the Cathedral is through the hostry visitor and education centre during hostry opening hours – see below.
Shop
Monday to Saturday
9.15am to 5.00pm
Sunday
11.45am to 3.30pm
Please note, on some occasions, the cathedral shop may be closed due to services taking part in the Nave, see the Cathedral diary for full details.
Refectory restaurant and coffee shop
Monday to Saturday
10.00am to 5.00pm
Sunday
11.00am to 5.00pm
Hostry – visitor and education centre
Monday to Saturday
9.30am to 4.30pm
Sunday
12.00pm to 3.00pm
Library
Tuesday to Thursday
9.30am to 4.30pm
Herb Garden
9.00am to 5.00pm
Contact Details
Website: www.cathedral.org.uk
Phone: 01603 218300
Fax: 01603 766032
Postal address:
12 The Close
Norwich
NR1 4DH
