A Christmas shopping trip in Norwich is like no other. With a great selection of department, chain, and independent stores, it is easy to find that perfect gift for that special someone. No wonder Norwich is considered one of the top 5 shopping destinations in the UK.
Head towards the Norwich Castle, and you will find the family orientated Mall, Norwich. Known to locals as The Castle Mall and open seven days a week, you will find over 50 + retailers offering a great selection of ladies wear, menswear, toys and games, jewellery, watches, electrical items and home ware.
The Mall, Norwich is an architectural wonder. Opened in 1993 on the old Cattle Market site, it is an unusual building, built into the side of a hill and mostly underground. It also manages to hold a secure car park with over 800 spaces, with very reasonable fees.
There are plenty of places to stop and take a load off during your shopping trip. On the Food Court you can enjoy a drink, snack or meal with plenty of choice to suit every palate. To entertain the kids, there is a Santa’s grotto on the ground floor where they can meet Father Christmas and some of his elves, and even have a photo taken with the man himself!
Norwich Royal Arcade runs from Norwich Castle to the Market Place and was designed in 1899. Amongst its many remarkable features are some exclusively designed tiles by the world famous pottery house Doulton, featuring images of beautiful peacocks and various flowers. Today the Royal Arcade houses some striking timber fronted independent shops including the world famous Colman’s Mustard Shop, and one of the cities best toy and model shops, Langley’s.
After the Norman conquest of 1066, Norwich Market was moved from Tombland (meaning open space in Saxon English) to an area then known as the Mancroft. Today Norwich Market remains one of England’s finest open air markets, with the front facing side pointing towards Gentleman’s Walk and the Royal Arcade. Open Monday to Saturday, it houses roughly 200 traditional stalls, covered with a colourful canopy of striped canvas offering a variety of local produce, clothing, books, electrical items and home ware.
From Norwich Market it is easy to find the Norwich Lanes. Norwich lanes are a group of independent retailers, including the Norwich’s only independent department store Jarrold’s. Situated along narrow, cobbled streets there are some lovely individual shops, bars and restaurants.
Norwich’s newest shopping centre, Chapelfield was completed in 2005 on the former Nestlé site. Boasting 80 + retailers, with a large flagship House of Fraser on site and several cafés and restaurants. There is also a 1,000 capacity car park conveniently situated beneath the shopping centre, which is open seven days a week.
Chapelfield also offers a fantastic Shopmobility scheme where the elderly, temporarily or permanently disabled can loan scooters, electric or manual wheelchairs for a small fee. There are allowed to be taken out of the shopping centre as long as they are kept within the inner city ring road and can also be exchanged with the Shopmobility scheme at The Mall, Norwich.
During the festive season there are many events and competitions held throughout the shopping centre, with most of the fun and frolics happening in the courtyard. With plenty to see and do, and gifts galore, make sure you take the time to stop at Chapelfield and sample the fantastic atmosphere.
After spending your time searching for that perfect gift, you’ll need somewhere comfortable and welcoming to stay in Norwich. Hotels in Norwich offer excellent choice and value for money, whether you are on a budget or searching for something a little more luxurious. Take a look at Norwich Hotels today.
https://ezinearticles.com/?Shopping-in-Norwich—A-Great-Experience&id=4997823 by Natalie Burnett