A Christmas shopping trip in Norwich is like no other. With a large selection of department, chain and independent stores, it’s easy to find the perfect gift for that special someone. It’s no wonder that Norwich is considered one of the top 5 shopping destinations in the UK.
Head towards Norwich Castle and you’ll find the family-oriented shopping centre, Norwich. Known to locals as The Castle Mall and open seven days a week, you’ll find more than 50 retail stores offering a huge selection of women’s clothing, men’s clothing, toys and games, jewelry, watches, electrical items, and housewares. home.
The Mall, Norwich is an architectural marvel. Opened in 1993 on the site of the old Cattle Market, it is an unusual building, built into the side of a hill and mostly underground. It also manages to maintain a secure parking lot with over 800 spaces, at very reasonable rates.
There are plenty of places to stop and rest during your shopping trip. In the food court you can enjoy a drink, a snack or a meal with many options to satisfy all palates. To keep the kids entertained, there is a Santa grotto downstairs where they can meet Santa and some of his elves, and even take a picture with the man himself!
Norwich Royal Arcade stretches from Norwich Castle to Market Place and was designed in 1899. Among its many notable features are some uniquely designed tiles by the world famous Doulton pottery house, featuring images of beautiful peacocks and various flowers. Today, the Royal Arcade is home to some stand-alone shops with striking wooden facades, including the world-famous Colman’s Mustard Shop, and one of the city’s best toy and model shops, Langley’s.
After the Norman Conquest of 1066, Norwich Market was moved from Tombland (meaning open space in Saxon English) to an area then known as Mancroft. Today Norwich Market remains one of the best open-air markets in England, with the front facing towards Gentleman’s Walk and the Royal Arcade. Open Monday through Saturday, it houses approximately 200 traditional stalls, covered in a colorful striped canvas canopy offering a variety of local produce, clothing, books, electrical items and household items.
From Norwich Market it is easy to find Norwich Lanes. Norwich Lanes is a group of independent retailers, including Norwich’s only independent department store, Jarrold’s. Situated along narrow cobbled streets, there are some lovely individual shops, bars and restaurants.
Norwich’s newest shopping centre, Chapelfield, was completed in 2005 on the former Nestlé site. With over 80 retailers, with a large House of Fraser flagship on site and several cafes and restaurants. There is also a 1,000-car car park conveniently located below the mall, which is open seven days a week.
Chapelfield also offers a fantastic Shopmobility scheme where elderly, temporarily or permanently disabled people can borrow scooters, electric or manual wheelchairs for a small fee. They are allowed to be taken out of the mall as long as they stay within the city center ring road and can also be exchanged with the Shopmobility scheme at The Mall, Norwich.
During the holiday season many events and contests are held throughout the mall, with most of the fun and mischief taking place on the patio. With so much to see and do, and gifts galore, be sure to take the time to stop in Chapelfield and soak up the fantastic atmosphere.
After spending your time searching for the perfect gift, you’ll need a comfortable and cozy place to stay in Norwich. Hotels in Norwich offer excellent choice and great value for money, whether you’re on a budget or looking for something a little more luxurious. Take a look at Norwich hotels today.