This weekend you might have spotted lots of pink signs and balloons around historical buildings in Norwich and wondered what on Earth was going on.
Well, let me put an end to your confusion; the signs were promoting Heritage Open Days, which were taking place up and down the country, giving people access to cultural sites for free – including some that aren’t normally open to the public.
Because of the event, I stumbled upon the Bishop’s Garden in Norwich and was thoroughly surprised. I had absolutely no idea that there was a four acre garden in the city centre!
It’s a beautiful space with manicured lawns, rose garden, labyrinth and vegetable patches. Not only that, but there are ruins just as you enter. According to a flier, they are over 700 years old and were part of a porch belonging to the original bishop’s palace.
I also really liked the fact that it was so quiet there – the sounds of traffic and people were non-existent, making it a very relaxing please to be.
It’s a real shame, but I’m sure most people don’t know it exists because the garden is shut for most of the year (it’s most frequently open on Sundays in the summer). It would be the perfect place to have a walk on a lunch break or even to take your lunch. If you want to find out when the garden is open visit the Diocese of Norwich website.
I also spotted that another of my favourite places, Plantation Gardens, was open over the weekend, which is a very tranquil spot just off of Earlham Road. You should definitely check both out when you get a chance.
Did you visit anywhere new as part of the Heritage Open Days? Drop me a line to let me know what you thought.
The Bishop’s Garden is located behind Norwich Cathedral, with the entrance on Bishopsgate.
