After my first visit to Norwich, I can honestly say, it’s another of the UK’s most underrated cities. Norwich is situated far away in the county of Norfolk, Norwich is a beautiful blend of medieval terrain, indie culture, and quiet adventure.
As a digital nomad who works on the move, I’m always searching for places that offer a bit of history, good coffee, fast WiFi, and local flavor, and Norwich works well.

From cobbled streets to centuries old cathedrals, riverside walks, and buzzing markets, the city surprised me in the best way possible. Plus, having my Portable WiFi device with me made it easy to have reliable and strong internet connection while hopping between cafes, parks, and Airbnb rentals.
If you’re a first time visitor thinking about visiting Norwich, my experience and insight will help you plan your trip like a pro without missing a beat.
How To Get To Norwich
Getting to Norwich was easier than I planned, i was already in London, so I took the train from London Liverpool Street directly to Norwich Station. The journey took about 1 hour 50 minutes, super smooth, with plenty of plug points and space to work. I streamed music, browsed Google Maps, and responded to quick messages with zero issues, thanks to my Portable WiFi.
If you’re fond of the internet or you work remotely while on the move, I highly recommend carrying your own internet, it saves you from depending on patchy public connections.

If you’re coming from other UK cities like Birmingham or Manchester, trains and coaches are your best bet to Norwich. Coaches like National Express are cheaper but take longer, from Edinburgh, a combo of flight and train works best, fly into Norwich International Airport (or even Stansted or Heathrow) and take a train or rental car from there.
For international travelers like me, landing in London Heathrow or Stansted Airport and catching a train to Norwich is seamless. I grabbed a UK SIM card on arrival, but honestly, my Portable WiFi Device offered faster, more reliable internet throughout the journey.
Bottom line? Getting to Norwich is simple, irrespective of where you’re coming from, be it across the UK or halfway across the world, just plan ahead and stay connected.
Best Time To Visit Norwich
My first visit to Norwich was in early autumn, and honestly it wasn’t that bad, it was crisp air, golden leaves, and fewer crowds. But after chatting with a few locals and sticking around for a while, I’ve realized there’s no bad time to visit, just different vibes depending on the season.
Spring (March to May) brings blooming gardens and mild weather. If you’re into photography or riverside walks, this is your season. Summer (June to August) gets lively, especially with the Norfolk & Norwich Festival, great for music, art, and food, but also pricier and busier.
Autumn (September to November), like I mentioned, was my favorite, you get moody skies, great lighting for content creation, and cozy cafés to work from. Winter is colder, sure, but Norwich has this medieval allure that comes alive around Christmas, lights, markets, and pubs with fireplaces.
Whatever season you pick, my advice? Pack layers and don’t rely on public WiFi, i used my Portable WiFi device the entire time and it handled everything from my daily to week task, team calls to cloud backups without skipping a beat.
Where To Stay In Norwich
As a traveler and a digital nomad, where I stay makes a huge difference. I need a spot that’s not just comfortable but also work friendly. Norwich had a surprising number of great options.
For a budget friendly stay, I spent a few nights at a boutique hostel just off Prince of Wales Road. It was clean, had fast WiFi (though I still used my own secured Internet with me), and a shared kitchen. Perfect for meeting other travelers.
When I needed more quiet to focus, I moved to a mid range hotel near Chapelfield Gardens. It was a walking distance from everything, the market, cafés, and a great co-working space, most rooms had desks, but I mostly worked on my laptop near the window with my Portable WiFi giving me uninterrupted internet connection.
If you’ve got the budget for it, Norwich has some astonishing luxury stays, I saw a few heritage hotels and countryside manors that would be amazing for a short splurge.
And for something unique? Look up converted barns or cottages on Airbnb just outside the city. I stayed in one for two nights and used it as a base to explore the Broads. Worked remotely in the mornings, explored in the afternoons, zero WiFi issues with my hotspot.
So yeah, Norwich has you covered in this area, whether you’re on a shoestring budget or looking for something more indulgent, you can stay connected and comfortable.
Getting Around Norwich
One of the things I immediately loved about Norwich is how easy it is to get around, the city center is super walkable, and most of the main attractions, like the cathedral, the market, and Norwich Castle, are all within a short walking distance. I didn’t even need to use public transport on most days.
When I did need to move a little farther out, I used the local bus network, which is reliable and fairly affordable. I grabbed a day pass using a local transport app, and with my Portable WiFi, I could check routes and real time schedules without any issues. No awkward standing around trying to figure out bus times.
I also rented a bike for a day, Norwich is a very bike-friendly city. There are dedicated lanes in some areas, and cycling along the River Wensum was a great way to start the morning before diving into work.
If you’re carrying gear or just prefer convenience, there are plenty of taxis and ride hailing services like Uber operating here too. One tip: if you’re driving a rental car, parking in the city center can be tight, so I’d recommend staying somewhere that offers parking or using park and ride options.
Having my Portable WiFi router really came in handy whenever I needed to look up directions or find the nearest coffee shop with plug points, it made exploring Norwich smooth and stress-free.
Six (6) Things To Do In Norwich
Honestly, there’s a lot more that can be done in Norwich than what i expected, i came for the peace and slower pace, but I found myself doing way more than I expected, lol. It’s one of those cities where history and creativity collide, and it’s easy to fall into the rhythm of local life.
1. Explore The Historic City Centre
I kicked things off with a walking tour around the old town, cobblestone streets, quirky shops, and medieval architecture everywhere you look. Elm Hill especially felt like a time capsule. I kept my camera and Portable WiFi going the whole time, perfect for uploading content on social media platforms.
2. Visit The Iconic Norwich Cathedral
This was one of the highlights for me, the cathedral is over 900 years old and honestly stunning. I spent a quiet afternoon working from the nearby café, sipping on coffee while uploading photos to the cloud.
3. Norwich Market & Indie Shops
The market is very scurry with lots of energy, fresh produce, food stalls, and local crafts. I tried a local sausage roll (a must), and bought a few handcrafted souvenirs, and because I had my WiFi router with me, I was able to make a quick video call right from the market steps to show a friend the vibe, it was full of fun.
4. Riverside Walks & Kayaking
On a sunny afternoon, I walked along the Wensum River, stopping at scenic spots to work a little on my tablet. Later, I rented a kayak and saw the city from the water, totally worth it.
5. Check Out The Local Art & Music Scene
I dropped by the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and stumbled into a small gig near Norwich Arts Centre later that night. Norwich has a low key but thriving creative scene, you just have to look around.
6. Green Spaces To Work & Relax
If you’re like me and enjoy mixing work and leisure, places like Eaton Park and Plantation Garden are gold. I spent an entire morning working under a tree, hotspot on, surrounded by locals walking dogs and kids playing.
So yeah, there’s plenty to do here without feeling rushed, be it that you’re into history, nature, art, or just want a relaxing base to work remotely, Norwich is more than just a stopover, it’s an experience.
Safety Tips For First-Time Visitors
Norwich felt super safe during my stay, i walked around late in the evenings without any issues. Still, I always keep a few basic safety habits:
- I avoid empty alleyways at night, especially outside the city center.
- I carry a small crossbody bag for my essentials, passport, phone, Portable WiFi, and wallet.
- I use apps (like Google Maps and Citymapper) to plan routes, my Portable WiFi keeps me connected without relying on public hotspots.
- Always lock up your bike if you rent one.
- Lastly, I stay in well reviewed accommodations and double check entry codes or keys on arrival.
Conclusion
Norwich quickly became one of my favorite remote work bases in the UK, it’s peaceful, inspiring, and full of character. From its medieval streets and riverside walks to its welcoming cafes and creative energy, there’s something refreshing about the city’s rhythm.
With my Portable WiFi router, I stayed fully connected wherever I went, whether I was uploading files in a park or navigating to my next Airbnb. If you’re a digital nomad or a curious traveler, Norwich is absolutely worth the stop.