Local Authority: Norwich
Planning to explore a new touring destination? Get the low-down from the locals in our new series. This month, an unspoilt city with plenty of eastern promise
Inside information on a great base for exploring a beautiful coastal area
Who are you?
Simon Mortimer, Art Editor of Practical Motorhome: sister magazine of Practical Caravan. Equally at home designing pages or draining waste tanks!
Why are you a local authority on Norwich?
I’m Norfolk born and bred. I haven’t lived there for about 20 years, but I make regular trips back to visit family and friends.
What do you love about it?
Norwich is a fairly large city of around 200k people, but remains largely unspoilt because of its location. It’s not really on the way to anywhere, other than the lovely Norfolk coast!
What’s your favourite place to visit in the area?
In addition to the delights of the city, basing yourself in Norwich gives great access to the rest of Norfolk, too. The wide, open beaches of the coast around Holkham and Blakeney are just a short drive away. Walking on these sandy stretches, it’s hard to believe you’re only 30 minutes from the city centre.
Don’t forget to go seal spotting at Horsey Beach, and sample a crab salad at Cookies Crab Shop in Salthouse.
Which campsites would you recommend, and why?
Norwich Camping and Caravanning Club Site is perfectly positioned to explore the city. Take a short walk from the site and up the hill, and you are at the shops.
If you fancy a quieter time, simply stroll the other way to Whitlingham Country Park. The perfect place for getting back to nature and dabbling in some birdwatching.
What food and drink is the area known for?
Colman’s mustard is the most famous food product, but Cromer crab is also unmissable. If you are after something more substantial, try hunting down a Norfolk dumpling!
Tell us somewhere that’s great for food or drink!
Norwich is a student city, with the University of East Anglia at its heart, so finding somewhere to drink isn’t going to be a problem.
However, I would avoid the area around the Prince of Wales Road, with its numerous clubs, because this part of the city can get a bit rowdy in the evenings.
Instead, you might like to head for the charming Pottergate and St Benedicts
Street, well worth exploring. You’ll also find one of Norwich’s best restaurants, Benedicts, here.
Alternatively, if you’re after simpler fare, you could do worse than visiting Norwich staple The Waffle House, on St Giles Street.
Where can you get spare kit?
Norwich Camping and Leisure, which is on Yarmouth Road at Blofield, stocks an extensive range of kit, very much aimed at caravanners and campers.
Where can you find the cheapest petrol/diesel in the area?
Asda on Hall Road, to the south of the city, is usually a pretty good bet. Otherwise, try Morrisons on Riverside Retail Park, which is close to Norwich Camping and Caravanning Club Site.
Where should you avoid when you’re in the area?
Try to avoid arriving or leaving this part of the world at the same time as Norwich City are playing at home, because the snarl-ups will be widespread.
It’s probably also a good idea to avoid the city centre at weekends, when the queues to get into local car parks can back up and cause problems.
If you are trying to skirt the city to reach the coast, use the southern bypass to head to Great Yarmouth, or follow the signs from Postwick to Cromer if you want to head for the North Norfolk Coast.
Share a secret highlight that only a local would know…
The flint mines at Grime’s Graves, near Thetford, date from more than 5000 years ago. They have been brilliantly well preserved, so you can channel your inner caveman if that takes your fancy.
Elsewhere, for attractions of a more mechanical nature, give the Thursford collection a whirl – quite literally if you go for a ride on the gallopers. Other attractions include steam engines and a Wurlitzer. Thursford is also famous for hosting really spectacular Christmas shows.