Budget and free things to do in Norwich

Visit the 900-year-old Norwich Cathedral, where you can take a free tour, highlighting some of its treasures, including the medieval roof bosses – look out for the Green Man – walk its lovely cloisters, which Harry Potter fans will recognise, plus have a go in the Labyrinth. You can also have coffee in the Refectory Café, in the monks’ former dining room.

Next, head to Elm Hill, Norwich’s much-Instagrammed medieval street and a top free thing to do. It is full of quirky shops like The Bear Shop and cafes such as the Tudor Britons Arms, famous both for its beautiful building and its good value lunches. Try a ham hock and Norfolk Dapple cheese toastie.

Spend some time walking the wider Norwich Lanes and enjoying the mostly-pedestrianised winding medieval alleyways, lanes and courtyards, packed with shops and cafes. Pop into Norwich Museum, with its huge collection and displays about the long history of what was once England’s second city. Entry is low-cost.

The major museum in Norwich is Norwich Castle, Museum and Art Gallery – a medieval castle undergoing a huge redevelopment program. From Egyptian mummies to ancient hand-axes, it’s also full of historical treasures to discover. Entry is low-cost.

Serving much-loved chip shop fare for over 90 years, the popular Grosvenor Fish Bar is steeped in history. You won’t miss it either, as it’s usually got a huge queue snaking out of its doors. You can get your hands on classics like battered cod, fishcakes and beef dripping-cooked chips, or Grosvenor-exclusive options like ‘Loony Toony’ (battered tuna), and a ‘Krusty Krab Po’Boy’ (soft-shell crab in a roll). There’s even a downstairs seating in a cave setting if you don’t fancy taking your meal away. Room for more? Try the fruit fritters with local ice cream. Food coma incoming!

No, we’re not suggesting you go shopping, but rather, visit another of Norwich’s museums, the world-class art gallery, Sainsbury Centre. Its dramatic glass building houses art from all over the world and determined to make art for all, it runs a ‘Pay If and What You Can’ ticketing system.

Another almost-free thing to do is visit Norwich’s Secret Garden – the 100-year-old Plantation Garden, in the city centre. Tucked behind the Catholic Cathedral, you’ll find a Gothic fountain, Italianate terrace, gardens and woodland walkways and in summer, afternoon teas and a cinema. Entry is very low-cost, via an honesty box.

Yelm (pronounced Yaar) is a Norfolk word, meaning, ‘to eat hungrily’, so head over to the new food hall in The Royal Arcade, which supports local chefs and producers. From Thai spring rolls to crepes, it’s low-cost, but high on flavour.

A must-do when visiting the city, is a trip to its historic Norwich Market – the largest covered market in Europe, no less – where you can find vintage fashion, like Lovering and Co, or try a Brookie (a brownie and cookie cross) from And Eat It.

Finally, don’t leave without another free thing to do in Norwich – a book trail around the UNESCO City of Literature. Norwich’s new Book Bench Walking Trail takes you around its eight stone, wood and metal benches inspired by novels and celebrating local authors such as Black Beauty’s Anna Sewell.