Norwich:
Shopping, Norman Conquests, Alan Partridge And More by
Frederick Hoymer
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Norwich is the county city
of Norfolk, which means that there is plenty to see and do when you pay
a visit to the area.
Norwich
can trace its roots back to Roman times and although it is some way from
the coast, it played a large role in the times of the Norman Conquest,
probably due to its importance for trade even in those days. Indeed at
that time it is thought to have been one of the largest cities in the
country.
Times
have moved on and Norwich is now more famous for its shopping than its
distant invaders.
Shoppers
will be delighted to visit the ancient market place which has been
thriving since the time of the Normans and is now the largest open air
market in England, opening six days a week.
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More
modern shops can be found in The Mall (which recently changed its name
from Castle Mall, so you may still find references to the old name in
some guide books). This was built to blend in with the historic city and
much of the building is built into the side of a hill.
Its
main rival is the Chapelfield mall, which has been built on the site of
an old chocolate factory.
As a
university town, you can expect to find a wide range of other things to
do, some cultural, some less so.
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Make sure you book your
Norwich hotel in advance if you visit at the same time as the annual
Norfolk and Norwich Festival. This arts and music festival draws crowds
in from across the county and from further afield and can trace its
roots back to 1772. Recently, it has featured performers such as Ray
Davies (of Kinks fame) and the London Philharmonic Orchestra playing a
score from a Charlie Chaplin film. There are both indoor and outdoor
performances during the festival, some of which are free events.
Norwich
residents fortunately have a sense of humor: the fictitious radio DJ
Alan Partridge, brainchild of actor Steve Coogan, broadcasts his shows
from the city. His distaste for the city is misplaced but comes
across in his humor.
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Sports
fans will hope to take in a game by the Canaries, the nickname of Norwich
City football club when they play at Carrow Road.
Unexpectedly
for a mainly fenland area, there is a Norfolk Ski and Snowboarding club
at nearby Trowse. So you may be able to practice your skills when you are
in town.
Perhaps
because of its excellent shopping, Norwich is a popular city break
destination. The shopping features both the usual national chain
retailers as well as many local stores where you can come across a
variety of more unusual items. You can also investigate the history of
the area and walk down its cobbled streets, maybe on your way to one of
the several museums who make there home here.
Historical
buildings include Norwich Cathedral, which can trace its roots back to
the eleventh century and the castle (which is now actually a museum)
which is about 100 years younger than the cathedral.
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