Blast Off to Norwich for an Interplanetary Trip with Space Hamlet and Visit This Magical Medieval Town

Looking for an escape from the madness of London or the Edinburgh Festival Fringe? This summer, Norwich has the ticket for you. Not only does this vibrant regional capital offer all the medieval magic you’d expect—think majestic cathedrals, ancient castles and cobbled lanes—but August 5-9, join composer/lyricist Daniel Sturman and me (co-writer) as Open Door Theatre launches our show, Space Hamlet. This rock musical adventure catapults Shakespeare’s classic to a universe of space-faring Vikings, glam rock, aliens and blue-green horned puppets. 

Just under two hours from London by train or car, Norwich is a city where time travel feels possible. Wander through the most complete medieval city in Britain, where you’ll find more medieval churches than anywhere else in northern Europe, a Norman castle and winding riverside walks. Having been there several times, I can attest to the city’s compact layout. Explore everything from medieval marvels to cosmic theatre without ever needing a car.

Climb to Norwich Castle

• A millennium ago after his conquest of England, William the Conqueror ordered the construction of the Norwich Castle, establishing Norman authority in what was then one of England’s largest and wealthiest towns. The Castle is undergoing a major renovation, but its varied exhibits and galleries are still open to the public.
• Experience Norwich and the region with separate galleries for natural history, archaeology and fine and decorative art from the past to the present including the Norwich School of Artists with landscapes and seascapes.
• Discover the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum which spotlights 300 years of the county’s history.

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Bend a Knee at Norwich Cathedral

• Enjoy the splendor of the Norwich Cathedral, which has watched over Norwich for more than 900 years.
• Marvel at the soaring Norman architecture and 315-foot spire, which is the second tallest in England.
• Stroll leisurely through the Cathedral Close where the historic precinct surrounding Norwich Cathedral is enclosed by the former monastery’s precinct wall. It covers about 44 acres beside the River Wensum and is accessible mainly through two medieval gates on Tombland: the Erpingham Gate and the Ethelbert Gate.
• Take a free guided tour to discover nearly 1,000 years of history that include civil unrest, plague, war and fire.
• Spot the famous peregrine falcons that nest in the spire each spring.

 See a New Musical – Space Hamlet

• See what might be heading next to London’s West End with new musicals and plays at a half dozen theaters in Norwich.
• Take a trip to the planet Denmark-3 for the new rock musical Space Hamlet, a futuristic twist on Shakespeare’s classic with puppets, people and aliens. It follows on the heels of last year’s sell-out new musical, Yippie Ki Yay! – a musical for the Die Hard movie fans.

Row through The Broads

• At the UK’s largest protected wetland and a National Park, The Broads are easy to reach by train (10 minutes) or car (20 minutes) from Norwich. Despite their natural appearance, the Broads are actually man-made due to medieval peat diggings that flooded centuries ago.
• Glide through 125 miles of lock-free rivers and lakes (“broads”) in traditional boats or kayaks, either self-guided or on a guided river cruise.
• In this unique wetland landscape, spot abundant wildlife such as otters, marsh harriers, kingfishers and herons
• Moor up and explore charming villages like Wroxham (“the capital of The Broads”), Horning or Ranworth, each with cozy pubs and tearooms.

Enjoy Riverside Walk

• Stroll the one-mile scenic path along the River Wensum, lined with historic cobbled streets, half-timbered houses and green areas perfect for a picnic.
• Pass historic landmarks such as the 15th century Pulls Ferry building and the Cow Tower, a striking cylindrical brick tower from the late 14th century.
• Start your walk near The Adam and Eve Pub, reputedly the oldest in Norwich, with records dating back to 1249.

Experience Art at the Sainsbury Centre

• Visit the Sainsbury Centre, a striking modern building by famous architect Norman Foster who designed The Gherkin (aka “the bullet”) in London.
• Explore the permanent collection of modern and world art, including works by Picasso, Giacometti and Francis Bacon.
• Wander through 300 acres of parkland dotted with monumental sculptures by artists like Henry Moore, Elizabeth Frink and Antony Gormley.
• Entry to the main galleries is free. Pay-what-you-can for special exhibitions.

Shop at Norwich Market

• No one visits Norwich without taking a photo by the more than 200 rainbow-colored stalls of the Norwich Market in the heart of the city.
• Browse one of England’s largest and oldest open-air markets.
• Find fresh local produce, artisan foods, crafts and souvenirs.
• Snack from food vendors offering international fare such as Japanese or Chilean, or enjoy the classic English meal of fish and chips.
• Since you’re in the city center, check out the Norwich Lanes – nearby cobblestone streets featuring clothing shops, book stores, pubs and eateries.

Relax at The Plantation Garden

• Wander through Norwich’s “Secret Garden”, The Plantation Garden, right near the city center, yet tucked away from street traffic.
• Rest or picnic at this beautifully restored Victorian garden oasis established in the mid-19th century by Henry Trevor in a former chalk quarry.
• Walk by the Gothic fountain, Italianate and Medieval Terraces and a rustic bridge before walking into a Victorian Greenhouse.

Explore the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell

• Discover Norwich’s history at the Museum of Norwich through interactive exhibits and artifacts in a building that has been a merchant’s home, a prison (Bridewell) and a shoe factory.
• View local art and the restored 17th-century Samson statue, the world’s first netting machine and displays on Colman’s Mustard and Caley’s chocolate.

• See a recreated Victorian/Edwardian pharmacy with more than 2,500 objects and historic room recreations such as a smithy, pawnbroker’s shop, brewery and a 1950s sitting room.

Take a Sea Break at Great Yarmouth

• Just an hour from Norwich via train or car is Great Yarmouth, famed for its wide, curving sandy beaches, perfect for sunbathing, swimming and family fun. Its promenade is lined with amusements, shops and classic seaside treats such as fish and chips or fresh-cooked doughnuts.
• Along the Golden Mile promenade try adventure golf, take a donkey ride or hop on the famous wooden roller coaster at The Pleasure Beach—a nostalgic amusement park that blends modern thrills with classic fairground charm.
• Venture beyond the town to discover scenic spots like Breydon Water, the Roman fort at Burgh Castle and quieter beaches at Gorleston-on-Sea and Hemsby —ideal for wildlife viewing.

Delight at Performances at Gorleston Pavilion

• Near Great Yarmouth is the Gorleston Pavilion, a striking red-brick and terracotta landmark built in 1898 right on the seafront. Its auditorium retains original features like the ornate 1919 proscenium arch and offers a unique cabaret-style seating at candle-lit tables, creating an intimate and atmospheric setting.
• The Pavilion hosts a wide variety of affordable shows year-round, including comedy, drama, musicals, family pantomimes, drag performances and concerts.
• In addition to indoor performances, the Pavilion’s adjacent open-air bandstand hosts concerts and community events, especially in the summer months.

Where to Stay in Norwich

• The Assembly House – Elegant Georgian boutique hotel in the city center, with luxurious, individually styled rooms, beautiful gardens and famous themed afternoon teas.
• Maids Head Hotel – Historic hotel opposite Norwich Cathedral, featuring classic rooms, period charm, an award-winning restaurant and centuries-old hospitality.
• St. Giles House Hotel – Boutique Georgian hotel with stylish, unique rooms, a chic brasserie, spa facilities and a prime location near Norwich’s main shopping streets.
• Holiday Inn Norwich, an IHG Hotel – Modern, budget-friendly option offering spacious rooms, on-site dining, fitness facilities and convenient access to the train station and football club.
• Premier Inn Norwich – Reliable, good-value chain with several locations across the city, providing comfortable, modern rooms and family-friendly service.

 SheBuysTravel Tip: Be sure to ask which rooms have air-conditioning.  Even upscale hotels sometimes do not air-condition their rooms.

Getting There

• By train, take the Greater Anglia line from London Liverpool Station, which is conveniently a stop on the new Elizabeth Line (aka Crossrail) with quick access from Heathrow Airport to Central London. The fastest trains take as little as 90 minutes with more than 30 trains per day. Tickets are as low $15 if booked in advance.
• Driving from London to Norwich takes roughly two and a half hours, depending on traffic.

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