Name: Norwich Cathedral
Rating: 5.0

Norwich Cathedral

65 The Close, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 4DH, England

1-90 Years

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Description

Norwich Cathedral is one of England’s finest cathedrals and the most complete Norman Cathedral in the country. With over 900 years of history, it is a stunning example of Romanesque architecture. Open daily from 7am to 6.30pm, it welcomes visitors to explore its historic spaces and peaceful surroundings.

The Cathedral features a soaring 315ft (96m) spire, the second tallest in England, and the largest monastic cloister in the country. It is home to the world’s biggest collection of medieval roof bosses, along with treasures like the Despenser Reredos and the Pelican Lectern. Visitors can also see Edith Cavell’s grave, enjoy free guided tours, explore the historic library, and relax at the Refectory Bakery and Café.

Entry to Norwich Cathedral is free of charge, and no advance tickets are required for general admission. Donations are welcome to help support the Cathedral and its ongoing work.

A visit offers a peaceful and inspiring experience filled with history, art, and architecture. From beautiful stained glass and ancient carvings to riverside walks in the Cathedral Close, there is something for everyone. Norwich Cathedral is a must-visit landmark for those looking to explore heritage, culture, and quiet reflection in the heart of Norwich.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

Cathedral Highlights

The Spire: At 315ft (96m), Norwich Cathedral’s soaring spire is the second tallest in the country after Salisbury Cathedral. The spire that today rises high above the city’s skyline is actually Norwich Cathedral’s third documented spire – the first was completed in 1297 but blown down in a storm of 1361-2 and the second was burnt in a fire in 1463 caused by lightning. It is thought the current spire was completed in 1485.
The Cloister: Our beautiful Cloister is the largest monastic cloister in the country, an architectural marvel that is a simply stunning place to explore. In the days of the Benedictine Priory, the vaulted walkways of the Cloister linked the Church, Chapter House and the original Library, Hostry and Refectory. Today they connect the 900-year-old Cathedral with the modern-day Refectory, Hostry and Library.
Roof Bosses: Hundreds of medieval roof bosses decorate the lofty heights of Norwich Cathedral and its Cloister, and this treasure trove of centuries-old carvings is the biggest collection of its kind in the whole world. The most impressive roof bosses can be found in the Nave, where they tell the stories of the Bible’s New and Old Testaments from Creation to the Last Judgement, meanwhile there are many more in the Cloister, where the famous Green Man bosses can be seen.
Edith Cavell: First World War heroine Edith Cavell’s story of self-sacrifice has inspired people around the world and the Norfolk nurse’s final resting place is here at Norwich Cathedral. The grave site is encircled by special Edith Cavell roses. The headstone honours the request of her family that her grave should resemble those of the soldiers she cared for. Her final words were carved on the ledger stone to ensure that Nurse Cavell’s own prophetic voice is not forgotten.
Despenser Reredos: Dating back to c.1380, the Despenser Reredos is one of the Cathedral’s greatest treasures and the only surviving medieval English altarpiece with scenes from Christ’s Passion. It is also known as the Despenser Retable. It is said to have been saved from destruction over the centuries because it was hidden as the underside of a table until 1847!
A Unique Font: The Font is used for the Christian rite of Baptism, but once upon a time, Norwich Cathedral’s Font was actually two copper bowls used for manufacturing toffee at Rowntree Mackintosh chocolate factory in Norwich! The bowls were gifted to the Cathedral in 1994 when the factory closed. Great care is taken to keep the Font looking pristine. As a result, stunning reflections of the Cathedral's ancient architecture can be seen in the copper.
Weathercock: A golden weathercock crowns the highest point of the Cathedral’s 96 metre (315ft) spire. Measuring 83cm (2ft 9ins) in height, it shines brightly from on high thanks to specialist restoration work in 2020 which saw father and son team Sam and Chris Milford, from the Bristol-based WallWalkers, scale the spire to bring the weathercock down to the ground to be regilded.
Peregrine Falcons: Norwich Cathedral’s spire is home to our resident peregrine falcons who have developed quite a following in recent years, with fans of the peregrines eagerly awaiting the hatching of the latest chicks every spring. The Hawk and Owl Trust do a great job of keeping people up to date with the latest peregrine news and run a live stream of the peregrines from their nesting box on the spire.
McLean Windows: The Trinity Windows cast a wonderful kaleidoscope of colour on the Cathedral’s Norman stone and create a sublime spectacle of light in the North Aisle that is truly unique. Dedicated to the Holy Trinity of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, the stained glass triptych was designed by British abstract expressionist artist John McLean and installed in 2014.
Pelican Lectern: Every day the Bible is read from the Cathedral’s Pelican Lectern which also has its own incredible story. This magnificent 14th century Flemish bronze lectern seemingly escaped the fate of many religious artefacts during the Reformation (when many items were destroyed) by being buried in the Bishop’s garden. It was uncovered many years later! According to legend, the pelican feeds her young with blood from her own breast, and so is considered a symbol of the sacrifice of Christ.

Cathedral Tours

Free Tour: Find out more about the history of Norwich Cathedral with a free Cathedral tour. Our experienced volunteer guides bring the stories of Norwich Cathedral to life and offer a wonderful insight into this 900-year-old building as they walk you around its ancient architecture. Guided tours usually take place Monday to Saturday at 10am, 11am, 12 noon, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm.
Welcome Booklet: Our Welcome Booklet provides visitors with all you need to know to explore Norwich Cathedral at your own pace. You can download the booklet in advance or pick up a copy at the Hostry entrance to the Cathedral.
Specialist Tours: Delve into snapshots of Norwich Cathedral’s history with our series of specialist Cathedral tours. Up to four specialist tours take place each month and there are different topics covered each month. Tours last about 90 minutes and must be booked in advance.

Facilities

Food & Drinks: Enjoy refreshments in our unique cafe based on the site of the original monks' dining room.

What to see

Soaring spire and high-flying falcons: Stare up in awe at our majestic 315ft (96m) spire which is the second tallest in England and home to our famous peregrine falcons.
Magnificent medieval roof bosses: Hundreds of medieval roof bosses decorate the lofty heights of Norwich Cathedral and its Cloister, and this treasure trove of centuries-old carvings is the biggest collection of its kind in the whole world.
Stunning centuries-old Cloister: Retrace the footsteps of the Benedictine monks in the medieval Cloister which is the biggest of its kind in the country.
Free tours and explorer backpacks: Step back through 900 years with a free Cathedral tour. Children can also have fun discovering more with our explorer backpacks.
Beautiful Choral Evensong: Finish your visit with Evensong, one of the highlights of our daily worship, and enjoy sublime music from our choir or a visiting choir.
The Close and riverside walk: Explore the picturesque 44-acre Cathedral Close and enjoy a stroll along the River Wensum.
Edith Cavell’s grave and memorial: Pay tribute to Norfolk nurse and First World War heroine Edith Cavell whose story of self-sacrifice has inspired people around the world.
Texts old and new in our historic library: Browse our bookshelves full of literary gems from centuries past and modern theological texts. Open Tuesday to Thursday 10am-4pm.
Tea and cake in the Refectory Bakery and Café: Relax in the Refectory Bakery and Café, a unique café based on the site of the original monks’ dining room.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open daily 7am until 6.30pm

Address: 65 The Close, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 4DH, England

Post Code: NR1 4DH

Council: Norwich

County: Norfolk

By Car: Unfortunately we are not able to accommodate parking for general visitors in the Cathedral Close. However, there are several car parks nearby, including St Helen’s Wharf and Rose Lane. There are also Park and Ride services which bring people into the city centre by bus from various locations on the outskirts of Norwich.
By Bus: The closest bus stops are in Tombland, next to the Cathedral, and Castle Meadow, a five-minute walk away.
By Train: The Cathedral is a 10-minute stroll from Norwich Station via a riverside walk. Greater Anglia runs direct trains to Norwich from London, Cambridge and many places across East Anglia.
By Cycle: Norwich Cathedral is only a few minutes cycle ride from National Cycle Route 1, which passes though the heart of the city and is on Norwich’s cross city route from the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital to Heartsease.
By Foot: Norwich Cathedral is located in the Cathedral Close in the centre of Norwich. On foot, the main entrance points to Cathedral Close are via Tombland, Bishopgate and from the Riverside Walk.