HOLIDAYS  BUYING  HELPLINE Great escapes: Norfolk 1 Big on buildings Norwich is home to a diverse range of architecture, which includes two ancient cathedrals, art nouveau shopping arcades and museums Norwich is a wonderfully well-kept city that offers all the delights of a throbbing metropolis but at a laid back pace and with historic buildings round every corner. A sign of its former glory is the enormous number of churches (only two European cities have more), built during the prosperous years of the wool trade. In the past century it had less extravagant commercial success, which left room for the city's buildings and green places to live and breathe. 1. Modern history at The Forum Extending this city's civic pride into the new millennium, this fantastic public building stands proud alongside its distinguished neighbours. It houses tourist information, a library, a café and a restaurant - but our main reason for visiting was its innovative Origins museum, which uses technology to explore the city's history: for instance, you can find out what it was like to be a 1940's US Air Force pilot; or marvel at the 40m-long, two-storey-high media wall. 2. Royal Arcade experience This beautiful art nouveau shopping arcade contains two must-sees: Colman's Mustard Shop, with its small museum and unique gifts, and the Marmalade Café, where you can enjoy some of the city's finest beverages. 3. Be Inspired Although it's aimed at children, all ages will enjoy the simple, hands-on exhibits at Inspire, Norwich's answer to London's Science Museum. Don't miss the opportunity to stand inside a captive tornado or see the Bernoulli effect demonstrated with a hovering beach ball. 4. Messing about in boats City Boats runs a variety of trips along the river Wensum, all of which include a lively commentary on the city's colourful past. The trips leave their jetty three times a day (at 11am, 1:30 pm and 5:15 pm). No booking is necessary. 5. A tale of two cathedrals Norwich Cathedral is one of Europe's finest complete Romanesque buildings, and for nearly a thousand years this place of worship has also been a destination for pilgrims. You may also be interested to know that you will pass the city's Catholic Cathedral Church of East Anglia on the way to the Plantation Gardens. 6. Stronghold of time Norwich Castle is another mighty edifice approaching its millennium, and looks sturdy enough to reach its next one, too. Kids may not appreciate the artworks displayed inside but they will enjoy the interactive exhibits in the keep, including the chance to take a ride in a re-creation of an Iceni warrior's chariot. 7. Garden stroll The last two stops on this tour are strictly for rest and relaxation after a busy day. The Plantation Gardens are a three-acre haven of tranquillity first laid out at the end of the 19th century. They later fell into disrepair but were restored in 1980 and include a fine Italianate terrace among their many hidden features. 8. Tea time and more Norwich's Assembly House is a fantastic Georgian building which regularly houses art and craft exhibitions and, more importantly, provides a well-deserved cuppa. It also has a very pleasant restaurant in the evening. HOME PAGE | TOP OF PAGE GREAT ESCAPES   Big on buildings  Broadland by bike  Walk in the wild  Coast to coast  All aboard  Go west  Strictly for birds  BACK TO ARCHIVE PLANNING Distance Walking, three miles Time All day Suitable for All the family Refreshments Marmalade Café Tel 01603 767047 The Assembly House Tel 01603 626402 The Ribs of Beef Tel 01603 619517 Attractions Origins Tel 01603 727920 Inspire Tel 01603 612612 City Boats Tel 01603 701701 Norwich Cathedral Tel 01603 218320 Norwich Castle Tel 01603 493625 Plantation Gardens Tel 01603 621868 The Assembly House Tel 01603 626402 Tourist information (Norwich) Tel 01603 727927 HOLIDAYS  BUYING  HELPLINE Contact Practical Caravan Best viewed in screen resolution 800 x 600 using I.E.4 or Netscape 4 or later.