New city walks reveal Norwich’s historic nooks and crannies

Ben Webster, design, conservation and landscape manager for Norwich City Council and founder of Norwich's nooks and crannies tour, on Grout's Thoroughfare in Norwich. Picture: SOPHIE WYLLIE SOPHIE WYLLIE

Hidden secrets from Norwich’s rich past will be in the spotlight thanks to a trio of new city centre walks.

Share Email this article to a friend To send a link to this page you must be logged in.

The routes for the Norwich nooks and crannies walking tour. Picture supplied by Norwich City Council. The routes for the Norwich nooks and crannies walking tour. Picture supplied by Norwich City Council.

History fans can learn about landmarks and stories which go back centuries as well as enjoy recent city centre improvements on Norwich’s nooks and crannies tour.

The free self-guided routes start and finish on the 900-year-old Market Place and cover 5.7 miles, 50 passageways and 17 points of interest between Magdalen Street, Tombland, King Street and Grapes Hill.

Created by Norwich City Council and Blue Badge guides, they can be covered all together or individually.

The walks are 2.2 miles, 1.5 miles and 2 miles long.

The Edith Cavell statue. Photo:Antony Kelly Copy: For: EDP news EDP pics Â© 2005 (01603) 772434 The Edith Cavell statue. Photo:Antony Kelly Copy: For: EDP news EDP pics Â© 2005 (01603) 772434

Ben Webster, 43, from Norwich, who works for the city council, came up with the idea.

He said: “So much is hidden in Norwich. You need to walk around to find out how much has happened here. That makes the experience in the city centre much richer.

“One of the beauties of Norwich is it is constantly changing. You see the old and new juxtaposing against each other.”

Mr Webster, a design, conservation and landscape manager for the council, said the meandering routes linked stories of historical figures in the city to different locations.

These characters included the English actor William Kempe who died in 1603, Battle of Agincourt hero Sir Thomas Erpingham and First World War heroine Edith Cavell.

Mr Webster added the walks allowed people to gain a “unique perspective” of the city.

He hoped they would boost visitors to Norwich which would help with future investment.

The walks will be running indefinitely and Mr Webster would like to add another loop which takes in the north of Norwich and Magdalen Street areas.

Bert Bremner, Norwich city councillor, said the walks opened up a “truly fascinating world”.

The free Norwich’s nooks and crannies tour route guide can be picked up from Norwich Tourist Information at The Forum and Norwich City Hall main reception.

Alternatively, visit www.norwich.gov.uk/citywalks

Are you involved in a heritage project? Email sophie.wyllie@archant.co.uk