Norwich Cathedral
Church Norman cathedral in Norwich with a prominent spire
Norwich Cathedral dates from the 12th century and displays Norman architecture with a soaring tower, medieval cloisters and carved timber. Tourists visit for guided tours, heritage trails and cathedral concerts.
Norwich Cathedral is a Norman-era Anglican cathedral in the centre of Norwich, founded by Bishop Herbert de Losinga with construction beginning in 1096. It is noted for its Romanesque architecture, long-standing religious function and an extensive medieval precinct.
Key attractions include the cathedral’s Romanesque nave and richly carved stonework, a large monastic cloister complex, and medieval fittings that survive in the interior. The building has been altered and restored over centuries but retains major Norman fabric and later Gothic additions.
The cathedral sits near the River Wensum within Norwich city centre and forms the historic core of the cathedral close, which remains an island of ecclesiastical and civic buildings in the urban fabric.
- Founding date: Construction began under Bishop Herbert de Losinga in 1096, making it one of the major Norman cathedrals of England.
What to See #
- Cloisters: A medieval cloister complex attached to the cathedral that contains tombs and decorative stonework and provides access routes around the cathedral close.
- Nave and choir: The Romanesque nave and choir dating to the cathedral's 11th-12th century construction phase, notable for Norman masonry and carved capitals.
How to Get to Norwich Cathedral #
Norwich Cathedral is a 15-20 minute walk from Norwich Railway Station or a short taxi ride. Local buses serve the city centre and stop near Cathedral Close.
Tips for Visiting Norwich Cathedral #
- Climb the cathedral tower for a view over Norwich - tower tours run on scheduled days and have limited places.
- Look for the famous medieval bosses and the Norwich Cathedral Cloisters used as performance space in summer.
- Check service times before visiting to avoid entering during large services if seeking quiet photography time.
Best Time to Visit Norwich Cathedral #
Late spring through early autumn is ideal for visiting Norwich Cathedral, with summer offering events and longer opening hours.
Weather & Climate near Norwich Cathedral #
Norwich Cathedral's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 22°C. Moderate rainfall (612 mm/year).
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 7°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (37 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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March
March is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (46 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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April
April is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 4°C. Moderate rainfall (42 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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May
May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (43 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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June
June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 22°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (53 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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October
October is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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November
November is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with 64 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 2°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
