Norwich, situated on the River Wensum, offers visitors not only an impressive history but also a vibrant cultural scene and a great range of shops and restaurants. Those visiting on a budget will have no trouble getting the most out of Norwich without having to spend a lot of money, as the city has many attractions that will appeal to all kinds of people. Norwich is known as the most complete medieval city in Britain with over 1500 historical buildings. Ranging from the medieval period until the start of the industrial revolution, Norwich’s rich and prosperous history is well worth investigating and the city is very rewarding to walk around.

Norwich Cathedral is perhaps the best place to start for visitors to Norwich on a shoestring. This 900 year old cathedral is a striking feature of Norwich’s skyline and its beautiful interior will not fail to impress those who step inside. The cathedral is located in a beautiful area of the city where you can wander around and soak up the rich history of the city. There are many pleasant cafes and restaurants in this area of the town offering good value refreshments to visitors. Norwich cathedral is not the only medieval church worth seeing and there over 30 within the city walls alone that are great to admire.

Walking around the city is highly recommended and most importantly free! There is no better way to spend a summer’s evening in Norwich than to take a walking tour. The Blue Badge Guide costs just £4 per person and will take you around Norwich’s extraordinary buildings, landmarks and beautiful riverside. There are several tours on offer and visitors will be able to find one that interests them. ‘In footsteps on Nelson’ offers a glimpse into life in Norwich when Nelson lived there, whilst ‘Over the water’ takes visitors around Norwich’s once over-populated and congested streets where flood, fire and plague once ravaged in the 18th and 19th centuries. The Blue Badge guides have a large amount of knowledge to impart and will provide a fascinating glimpse into times gone by in Norwich.

Norwich castle is also worth a visit. Erected in the aftermath of the Norman invasion, the castle is an impressive reminder of the greatness of William the Conqueror and its history is well worth exploring. The castle keep is open to visitors and interactive displays tell the story of the castle. You can also tour the dungeon and battlements. Not only does the castle offer plenty of insightful historical content but it also serves as an art gallery. There are plenty of interesting exhibitions to enjoy within the castle, from water colour showcases to art from the Middle Ages. Entry to castle is a very reasonable £6.80 but those visiting on a budget, the best way to see the castle is to visit an hour before closing (4pm in the summer) when entry is just £1! There is a nice café located within the castle serving refreshments for visitors.

Norwich is known as East Anglia’s entertainment and dining hub, and you’ll often find the city bustling with people sampling the delights of the city. Norwich’s vibrant student community help to maintain the reasonable price of eating and drinking out in the city and keep the place alive and on its toes. Captain America’s specialises in burgers at reasonable prices and The Baby Buddha Chinese Tea House serves Asian food and is highly recommended. Norwich is also renowned for its theatres and there are several venues from small to large offering a multitude of performances. Visitors will be able to find something to interest them. The Garage is a particularly interesting venue which puts on a variety of events in intimate surroundings.

Norwich has several striking buildings that set the city apart from other cities in the area. The Forum houses the Millennium Library which celebrates Norwich’s relationship with America, and in particular the United States Air Force. During the Second World War and Cold War, the U.S air force used UK air bases in the area and subsequently American culture had an impact on the area.

Norwich is a rewarding city to spend any time in, particularly if you are interested in medieval architecture and history. The city is vibrant and its winding streets are great for exploring. The city has many secrets that are worth uncovering and is highly recommended to visitors on a budget.

	Written by :
	Jemma is a news & research reporter for compareandsave.com.Having worked as a journalist on a number of personal finance websites; she now spends time researching and commenting on UK personal finance stories and investigating new ways to help our readers save money.For press enquiries, please visit our Media Centre page.