BEST WESTERN Brook Hotel in Norwich is located in the historic city of Norwich, to the west of City Centre, conveniently just off the A47 Southern Bypass. Situated minutes from the Norfolk Showground and close to Norwich Airport, The Brook Hotel offers business and leisure visitors an ideal base in Norwich.
Norwich is a city in Norfolk, the capital city of East Anglia, and one of the most important places in the UK offering a rare blend of historic interest combined with modern sophistication. Norwich is the most complete medieval city in Britain and has a rich variety of history with many ancient buildings including the remains of a city wall.
The city is dominated by a magnificent Norman cathedral - Norwich Cathedral, which is celebrated as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe and has the second tallest spire in the country. Norwich is home to over 30 medieval churches within the city walls alone.
Norwich is also home to the impressive 20th century St John's Roman Catholic Cathedral, standing imposingly at the top of Grapes Hill. On Saturday mornings you are able to take tours to admire the breathtaking views of the city from the tower.
In the city centre, contrasting against the many medieval buildings, is the architecturally stunning Forum - a £65 million community building and award-winning venue to celebrate the new millennium. It hosts a remarkable 24 meter digital gallery displaying a changing programme of film, image and sound. Events include free exhibitions, street entertainment in the summer and an outdoor ice rink during Christmas. The Forum is also home to the regional BBC studios and Norwich's public library.
Tourist Attractions in Norwich
Popular tourist attractions in Norwich include Inspire - a hands-on science attraction, Norwich Arts Centre and Norwich Puppet Theatre, and Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery.
Erpingham Gate
The Erpingham Gate c.1411 stands opposite the west front of Norwich Cathedral and is said by Blomefield to have been built by Sir Thomas Erpingham as a penance imposed on him by Bishop Spencer. The arms of Sir Thomas and of his two wives appear on the gate.
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery
Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery is one of the city's most famous landmarks and the county's principal museum. Packed full of treasures with collections of fine art, archaeology and natural history, you can find out about East Anglia's very own Queen Boudica, admire breathtaking displays of Iceni gold, and ride on a re-creation of an Iceni warrior's chariot. The Natural History Galleries display geology, botany, fossils and butterflies. In the Norman keep, 'prison stories' is an exhibition focusing on the Castle's history as a prison.
Tours of Norwich
A great way to discover Norwich and see the sights is by an organised tour. The city sightseeing open top bus tour operates as a hop on, hop off service at nine stops around Norwich near to the main attractions, railway and bus stations. With on-board commentary, the open bus tours are a relaxed and informative way of seeing the city. Tours start outside Theatre Royal on Theatre Street at 10.15am and runs hourly until 4.15pm.
Alternatively a tour on foot by one of the superbly knowledgeable blue badge guides is one of the best ways to spend 90 minutes in Norwich and learn about the city, its buildings and history.
Parks & Gardens in Norwich
Norwich is home to many beautiful parks and gardens, many with lovely floral displays and an ideal free attraction and a great way to relax and enjoy an afternoon in Norwich.
The lovingly restored Victorian Plantation Garden is a grade II English Heritage registered garden which is known as Norwich's secret garden and comprises nearly 3 acres of land containing a huge gothic fountain, flower beds, lawns, Italianate terrace, 'Medieval' terrace wall, woodland walkways and rustic bridge.
Chapelfield Gardens is situated next to Chapelfield Shopping Centre and has a working bandstand. During the year it is one of the main venues for the Norfolk and Norwich Festival, the international arts festival for the East of England.
Bishop's Garden is a four acre walled garden in the grounds of the Bishop's House. Another of Norwich's secret gardens, Bishop's Garden dates to the 12th century, features a small woodland walk, kitchen garden, ornate gardens, bamboo walk, grass labyrinth, boxed rose beds and plant sales, but is only open to the public for a few dates in the summer.
Norwich Nightlife
Norwich is a great place for a night out with many stylish cafe bars, pubs, clubs, cinemas, theatres, restaurants, nightclubs, concerts, exhibitions and festivals. The choice of things to do is endless, so whether you're into alternative comedy, classical music, top musicals or films and bands, Norwich with its array of arts venues and extensive events programme will always offer something that appeals to you. In summer enjoy outside theatre at Norwich Cathedral and Norwich Castle, resplendent back drops for some of the best performances around.
Dining in Norwich
Norwich also offers a huge choice of places to eat and drink in the evenings with much local produce and wholesome homemade food available, complemented by fine wines and beers. When the weather is fine enjoy dining al-fresco outside to soak up the continental atmosphere that this medieval city radiates.
Why not dine at The Brook Hotel Norwich's restaurant? A relaxing and enjoyable venue to dine and enjoy menus which use locally sourced, fresh and seasonal produce.
Then there are the pubs in Norwich. It is said that there used to be a pub in Norwich for every day of the year. Although this is no longer true, a lot of the pubs in Norwich are regarded with historical affection - one of these being The Adam & Eve - the oldest pub in Norwich.
Norfolk has a multitude of micro-breweries and there are also various pub-based events in Norwich such as the City of Ale event as a collaboration between the pubs and breweries to promote the region's wonderful range of ales and free-trade outlets, and to celebrate real-ale.
Shopping in Norwich
Norwich satisfies even the most sophisticated shopper so whatever your style, taste or pocket you will have great fun discovering the mix of retail therapy that this exciting city has to offer.
Norwich has two shopping centres: The Mall Norwich and the newly built Chapelfield, between them providing over 150 shops plus restaurants and cafes.
From building societies and ATMs, health & beauty, ladieswear, menswear, children's and sports to travel agents, opticians, jewellers, restaurants and cafes, entertainment and leisure, you are spoilt for choice in these two shopping centres.
There are also independent retailers along the historic medieval alleys and winding back streets in the heart of the city; Norwich Lanes, Elm Hill, Upper St, Giles, St. Benedicts, London Street and Timberhill. In all these locations you will find independent small businesses and specialist shops selling original gifts or something extra special, all surrounded by contemporary architecture and history.
Hotel near Norwich FC
Carrow Road is the home of Norwich FC, a professional football club who will be playing in The Premier League, the top tier of English football, for the 2013 season. Nicknamed The Canaries, Norwich FC was founded in 1902 and enjoy a fierce with Ipswich Town. Experience the atmosphere at one of the 19 home games at Carrow Road next season as Norwich take on the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Carrow Road, the home ground of Norwich FC is just 5.1 miles from The Brook Hotel Norwich.