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 at a Glance#
Address: Cathedral Close, Norwich NR1 4DH, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.norwichcathedral.org/
Hours: Daily 8:00am-6:00pm (visiting hours for tourists may vary)
Admission: Entry to cathedral free; tower tours and special events may charge (~£5-£7)
About Norwich Cathedral#
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).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 55 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.1h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 7° | 1° | 37 mm | overcast | 89% | 4.7 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| March | Acceptable | 3° - 10° | 3° | 46 mm | overcast | 85% | 4.7 m/s | 0.4 low | 11.7h |
| April | Good | 4° - 12° | 6° | 42 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.4 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 13.8h |
| May | Very Good | 7° - 16° | 12° | 43 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 4.2 m/s | 1.1 high | 15.5h |
| June | Good | 10° - 19° | 15° | 53 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.9 m/s | 1.4 high | 16.5h |
| July | Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 50 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.7 m/s | 1.3 high | 16.0h |
| August | Good | 12° - 22° | 17° | 53 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.7 m/s | 1.0 high | 14.5h |
| September | Very Good | 10° - 19° | 14° | 53 mm | partly cloudy | 83% | 3.9 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 12.5h |
| October | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 11° | 59 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.1 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.4h |
| November | Acceptable | 4° - 10° | 4° | 64 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.6h |
| December | Poor | 3° - 8° | 2° | 57 mm | overcast | 94% | 4.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.5h |
