Due to current traveling restrictions and to avoid a mad scramble to get back to the UK in case of sudden re-assignment of safe travel countries, I decided to stay localish and visit Norwich, Norfolk.
I took a train and prebooked my cycle as I had read of nice country lanes easily accessed by cycle near Norwich and I wasn’t disappointed. I’m pretty sure I was the only one to pre-book my bike, as when I was boarding at London Liverpool Street, I noticed there was only one designated bike carriage – already full with four bikes, and a couple with bikes walking down the platform in search of another bike carriage. They admitted they had not booked. As it was an early train, I was advised by a train guard to just board anywhere. So on I hopped. It’s a nice journey – taking only two hours to the center of Norwich.
I couldn’t access my accommodation until 2 pm, so I first visited the Norwich Cathedral. It’s a stunning church, constructed in 1096, unmissable with its towering spire, stunning ornate gateways, and eye candy architecture.
I took advantage of the reasonable weather (i.e. it wasn’t pouring down) and went for a ride around and out of town. Cycle paths are well marked, although I did end up along one rather muddy track which was more suited to off-road cycles.
Some locals recommended restaurants to me – in particular, Haggle was excellent – a Turkish restaurant offering outside seating, a cozy flame oven, authentic Turkish lights and floor tiling. I also tried Shiki Japanese which has excellent food but forgettable service.
I prebooked the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts on Sunday morning, an aircraft hanger-like building designed by Norman Foster and Wendy Cheesman. It hosts a wide range of historic World art, several pieces by Henry Moore, and is surrounded by a lush sculpture park.
