An historic city with over 300 independent shops has been named the best place to live in the UK. The Sunday Times confirmed the winner in its annual Best Places To Live guide which includes 72 locations across Britain.
Norwich has topped this year’s list, with judges describing the city as creative and cosmopolitan. They also noted that it has a “small town feel” and a “green conscience” where residents can enjoy the best of urban life and a rural feeling. Norwich also boasts a number of bars, theatres, music venues and a host of independent shops.
According to The Times, Norwich is known for its independent shopping scene. It is considered one of the UK’s top independent retail hotspots, with the city homing hundreds of shops, cafes and restaurants.
The Lanes, a central hub of medieval streets, has a high volume of independent shops and boutiques. Meanwhile, Norwich Market, one of the oldest open-air markets in the UK, also has a number of local traders and artisan businesses.
The Royal Arcade and city streets including London Street are other well-known shopping areas. The longest-runnng family-owned business in Norwich is Jarrolds department store.
With five floors and 50 departments, Jarrolds has something for everyone. It also boasts a Food Hall which endorses produce from local traders, ranging from cheese, wine and chocolate to whisky, jams and cookies.
Other notable stores include clothes shop Atwin, jeweller Dipples and St Gregory’s Antiques and Collectables. Meanwhile, Bowhill & Elliott is famous for its handcrafted luxury slippers and Country & Eastern displays an array of South Asian items, artefacts, and antiques.
As well as the selection of shops, visitors to Norwich can enjoy the medieval charm of the city. The cobbled streets of Elm Hill, Norwich Castle and the Norwich Cathedral grounds are all particularly impressive.
Norwich was also England’s first UNESCO City of Literature. It is packed with museums, art centres and quirky book stores.
Visitors can also take a scenis stroll along the River Wensum. The charming riverside includes historic spots like Pulls Ferry, a flint building that was formerly a 15th-century watergate, and access to the Norfolk Broads.