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VisitBritain defines ‘microgapping’ as a short UK escape that ‘can do wonders for mind, body and soul, and you won’t have to worry about forgetting your passport’.
Suitably intrigued, I couldn’t say no when I was invited by the delightful IGersNorwich to join an Instameet celebrating the virtues of taking a microgap in Norwich.
#MyMicroGap
It’s all too easy to get caught up in our to-do lists and day-to-day lives; we often fail to appreciate the beauty of where we live. For instance, I don’t know how many times I’ve said I want to do a historical tour of Norwich and have, thus far, failed to book one.
The Instameet took care of that for me. About 40 Instagrammers embarked on a fascinating tour of Norwich Cathedral, exploring its public library and reading room, cloisters and nave.
While there, I learned that construction began in 1096 and was completed 50 years later. It’s in a Romanesque style, while the stone came from Caen in France. Much of it appears to be pink because it was exposed to fire at some point during its history.
From the Cathedral, we wandered down the Norwich Lanes with guide Paul Dickson, learning the history of the city’s streets and churches, before reaching Norwich City Hall and Norwich Market.
My favourite fact was about Rampant Horse Street. Having wondered for many years where the name came from, Paul explained that the area used to be where the horse market was held. There was a pub called the Rampant Horse on that site, which gave the street its name.
Of course, no trip to Norwich Market is complete without food. There are so many fab options to choose from, from Italian and Chilean, to English. I visited Fresh, where I picked up a Fusion Pho Ga for £5. With plenty of chicken and noodles, I added a touch of chilli to give it a zing. Oh, and I may have also bought two cupcakes from Cuppie Hut, which were devoured the second I got home.
You can see footage of the Microgap Instameet here.