Norwich is sometimes overlooked as a tourist destination, but don’t let that put you off. Since the Anglo Saxon era (when it was the capital of East Anglia) it’s been an important city and its unique character hasn’t been eroded by unchecked tourism. What’s more, you can get to know this small city on foot. If you want to see the hidden gems, hear the stories and find out why Norwich consistently features at the top of the list of best places to live in the UK, book a tour and let your guide reveal everything to you.

There’s something for everyone in Norwich. No matter if you’re a foodie, history buff or culture vulture, you’ll find what you’re looking for here - why not start with TV chef Delia Smith, Admiral of the Fleet Lord Nelson and the Canaries - nickname of beloved Norwich City Football Club. Learn about all of these and more on foot with a walking tour or on an open top sightseeing bus.

What kinds of guided tours are offered in Norwich?

• Sightseeing: If you want to take in the highlights, a sightseeing tour is perfect for you. Norwich was the first city in the UK to pedestrianise its centre which makes getting around on foot a very enjoyable experience. See the cathedral and castle, follow the rivers or glimpse the graffiti on a sightseeing walking tour, with different lengths available.

• History: Norwich boasts over 1000 years of history and many monuments and sites have been conserved through the centuries. With its Norman Cathedral and Castle it’s considered to be one of the best surviving examples of a mediaeval English city. In particular, exploring the Cathedral quarter is like stepping back in time. Religious, industrial and cultural tales intermingle on a historical walking tour. If you’ve seen a mediaeval city before and you want to hear about lesser known stories, uncover these important tales from the past with a tour dedicated to the history of black people in Norwich.

• Literary: Norwich was named as a UNESCO City of Literature in 2012. Revelations of Divine Love, the first English language book written by a woman, is a product of 14th century Norwich, while more recently, the first Creative Writing MA in the UK was established at the University of East Anglia in 1970. Perhaps you’ve heard of the Matthew Shardlake novel series by CJ Sampson? Tombland is set in Tudor Norwich and features real streets and buildings that are still standing today. Immerse yourself in the intrigue and danger of historic Norwich with a tour of these sights.

• Gastronomy: Just because you’re doing a walking tour doesn’t mean you’ll miss lunch! Food plays an important part in Norwich life - the Great Market is the beating heart of the city and has been for over 900 years. More recently, Norwich has gained a reputation for great fish and chips, as well as cockles from the North sea. Finally, if you’re more thirsty than hungry, you can take a tour of the city’s historic pubs, and sample some of the local ales.

• Bus tours: A tour in an open top sightseeing bus is the ideal option if walking isn’t your thing. You’ll be driven around the centre of Norwich and be shown the best that Norwich has to offer while your expert guides point out the details and put the views into context. Circuits that include the surrounding area can also be organised if you’re keen to see some countryside or the Broads wetlands area.

How long does the activity last?

A guided walking tour of Norwich packs more information and experience into your day than you’ll be able to find with just a guide book. Different tours vary in length according to their contents, but a walking tour around the city centre will typically take an hour and a half or two hours. We recommend that you wear comfortable shoes, and check the weather forecast before arriving - a walking tour won’t stop for anything less than heavy rain. But don’t worry, you won’t be walking non-stop for the duration of the tour! Instead, your guide will take you to a number of locations, some of them with places to sit and take the weight off your feet, that are suitable for explanations. Those tours that include food or drink stops will also give you time to rest before continuing to the next destination.

Bus tours of Norwich operate on a hop-on, hop-off basis. This means that your day ticket is valid on every service and you can control your tour of the city. Ride the bus all around the city before exploring on foot, or get off at each site in turn for a closer look before catching the next bus, you’re in charge. The service runs between 11am and 3pm, 5 days a week.

What does it include?

On your guided tour you will take advantage of the extensive knowledge and engaging personality of your guide. They know the facts and the figues, as well as the secrets and the rumours, of past and present in Norwich. Relax and take it all in, or indulge your curiosity and ask them any question that comes to mind! Trips to culinary locations will include free samples of local food and drink, but be prepared to pay for extras if you want to have something more substantial.

If you take a tour on a sightseeing bus around Norwich you can get on and off the service as you please. This is a tour where you control the pace. If you want to see something up close, stretch your legs or have a break for something to eat or drink, you can get off the bus and get back on with the same ticket when you’re ready.

There’s no better way to get to know this fascinating city, so what are you waiting for? Make a booking today!