Tombland and Elm Hill, Norwich

Tombland is Norwich's oldest public square, sitting immediately outside Norwich Cathedral. The name derives from the Old English "tumb" meaning open space, not from burials. This historic plaza has been the city's trading heart since medieval times, with market stalls and street life still visible today alongside period buildings and independent cafes.

Elm Hill, just off Tombland, is one of Norfolk's finest surviving medieval streets. Its cobbled surface and timber-framed houses create an atmospheric walk through the city's past. Several independent shops, galleries and restaurants now occupy the ground floors, making it a pleasant destination for browsing and refreshment. The street was partly destroyed during World War Two bombing but has been carefully restored.

Together, these spaces offer a concentrated glimpse of Norwich's medieval layout and architecture. They sit within walking distance of the cathedral, the castle keep, and the riverside, so they fit naturally into a city exploration.