An underrated UK city has been named as one of the top places by a travel expert to visit in the UK over the summer months. The UK is full of incredible cities that get huge levels of tourism throughout the year. Perhaps the go-to for most people visiting the UK for the first time is London, with iconic sites such as Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey, Big Ben and the London Eye attracting a huge number of visitors. Meanwhile, there are spots like Bath and Edinburgh with levels of tourism that often cause problems for locals.
According to travel writer and podcast host Paul Bloomfield, Norwich is one of the most overlooked cities in the UK for travel. It is often not the first place people think of when considering a city break in the UK, but that might just be the reason it makes for such a good few days away over the summer months, as places like London and Edinburgh swell with tourists. He named it the best destination for an alternative city break in the UK.
Its top-rated attraction on TripAdvisor is Norwich Cathedral, praised for its architectural beauty. One review reads: “Wow – what a beautiful huge building!
“Most cathedrals are similar with wooden pews, stained glass windows, candles, etc., but this is on a much bigger scale! It has various rooms, so I guess more than one service could be taken at a time. Lots of really old heavy wooden doors, too, which are interesting to look at. You have to look up, or you’ll miss the beautiful carved ceilings and stained glass windows!”
Meanwhile, there is also Norwich Castle, which was originally built by William the Conqueror as a Royal Palace. It reopened in 2025 and has been leaving a lasting impression on visitors.
Other popular attractions in the city include Felbrigg Hall, East Ruston Old Vicarage Garden, The Plantation Garden and The Broads National Park.
Norwich is also home to some great pubs and places to eat, as well as a generous selection of hotels to choose from.
“Norfolk has long been the butt of jokes, with its capital city belittled as a sleepy backwater adrift in England’s secluded east,” Paul writes for BBC Travel. “But over the past couple of decades, hip independent boutiques, bars and restaurants have sprung up in Norwich’s historic streets and squares, while districts such as the Silver Triangle, north of the centre, have quietly blossomed.”
Meanwhile, social media users have shared their experiences of visiting and living in Norwich. One Reddit user shared: “Norwich is quite welcoming to pretty much anyone from my perspective. The people here are friendly and will be willing to help.
“Definitely the right place to come if you like architectural history, as there’s a good amount of old houses! (And a rich history below the city centre).”
Another recommended: “I’d recommend getting out of the city to the coast or Broads (although maybe not Great Yarmouth). This can easily be done on our reasonably decent public transport and will definitely enrich your holiday/vacation experience!”
