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Hidden History tour of Norwich - The Shoebox Experiences

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What a great way to see real history, made all the better by our excellent guide Nyree, it was... read more

Lived in Norfolk for over 20 years and never knew about The Hidden Streets. Really interesting and... read more

Hidden History tour of Norwich

Very interesting and informative! Would highly recommend this tour. Thank you Al for your knowledge and expertise

A fascinating look back in time to when there was a huge ditch around the norman castle which originally belonged to the Crown. That changed in the 14th century and buildings and streets appeared including the 14th century weavers' cottage that is still present below the old Ponds Shoe shop (now KindaKafe). Lisa was an excellent guide, and the tour was very well organised from the point of view of Covid security. A bonus is that tour fees are going towards reopening the community café.

Great to learn so much about the history of Norwich. Al, our guide was generous with his knowledge and shared insights which have left me looking differently at the city's streets. The tour group felt COVID safe throughout. So it was a refreshing experience to be able to enjoy this, in otherwise strange and restricted times.

A tour with a lot of information to enjoy as well as you explore a three dimensional maze of 'streets'. It does make you wonder how much more of historical Norwich is hidden behind shop facades!

A big thank you for today’s Covid Safe tour. Lisa made it extremely interesting and certainly knew her historical facts. It was such an enjoyable tour, thank you. We didn’t realise the extent of levels through the ages!

This tour is a must for learning about the history of Norwich and Lisa,the tunnel lady our guide,made the hour very informative and enjoyable and monies given to the KindaKafe charity.

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Norwich’s Hidden Street Tours - The Shoebox Experiences

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What a great way to see real history, made all the better by our excellent guide Nyree, it was... read more

Lived in Norfolk for over 20 years and never knew about The Hidden Streets. Really interesting and... read more

Norwich’s Hidden Street Tours

I have lived in or near to Norwich all my life and never appreciated how much history it is steeped in. Today we visited ‘Norwich’s Hidden Street Tours’. It is a fabulously preserved dwelling with aspects of it that date as far back as the 1600’s. It was built at the base of the Castle and has history of being a weavers cottage, lodgings, a shoe store and has a mysterious ‘dungeon’. If you love history, you will love this!

A brilliant and memorable tour given by a dynamic and captivating guide and storyteller, Max, bringing history to life for us. Many thanks for this awesome event!!

This was absolutely fascinating! A chance to peep into a world I had no idea was there! The whole this was great - this history of the shop above, the street below and how this small section became trapped between the two! Out guide Max was so engaging and has an obvious passion for the subject. I would absolutely go again - just can’t stop thinking about it! Highly recommended.

Thank you for coming to The Hidden Street Tour and leaving a review, we are glad you enjoyed it and found Max's tour interesting!

Brilliant tour, Max was hugely engaging and knowledgeable- we'll be back for another of your tours soon.

Fantastic! So interesting and our tour guide Max was amazing. So glad we booked. Will look to go on a different Shoebox tour soon.

Thank you for leaving a review, we are glad you enjoyed the experience and hope to see you again soon!

The tour is great and our guide Max knew a huge amount about the history of the site and delivered it in an engaging way - you'll learn loads about the history of Norwich and what you see today.

Norwich's hidden high street that has been lost to time

The Hidden Histories Tour allows you to see one of Norwich’s abandoned underground streets

• 10:06, 30 OCT 2021
• Updated 13:16, 30 OCT 2021

Many who live in Norwich might be completely unaware that there is a hidden world right underneath their feet.

Although this is no Diagon Alley, there is a street with the shops that once housed bustling businesses, now left abandoned in the rubble.

This hidden street can be found underneath The Shoebox in Castle Quarter. Known as a location that represents Norwich’s deep history and also of great paranormal activity, I decided to pay it a visit on the Hidden Histories Tour for Halloween week.

Norwich’s hidden street

I have studied history at the University of East Anglia and have had many lectures on the Medieval history of Norwich, but seeing it in person is truly something different.

Hidden underneath the headquarters of the charity that also runs the tour, the old street had been used for years as a storage unit for Ponds Shoe Store, which had once been on location up until 2004.

It wasn’t until the shoebox purchased the building that they realised what a marvel had been hidden and ignored for so many years just down two flights of stairs. After getting the historians in to truly study the strange downstairs of the property, it was declared that an old busy Norwich shopping street had been discovered.

Read more: Inspiring new salon opens in Norwich Lanes and it wants to make sure everyone feels beautiful

The Missing Kind on Castle Street in Norwich.

What is now underground was once street level. The ditches that once surrounded Norwich Castle were eventually filled in, and so the ground was dramatically raised to where it is today. Quite remarkably, the old street was left as it was until it eventually fell out of complete disuse in the 20th century.

Hidden underneath the ground there are abandoned houses and shops to explore with a pathway that once had the people of Norwich rushing through, looking up at the Castle, avoiding the mud and dirt, and tumbling into the houses.

Read more: Delia Smith honoured at annual Oldie of the Year Awards

A passageway at the back leads to a locked door where unsuspecting pedestrians stroll past, with no idea what is just inches away.

The abandoned houses are a strange mixture of Tudor, Georgian and Victorian design. The ceilings have been stuffed with local horse hair for insulation, the iron nails are relatively falling out of the panels, old and rusted. The Victorian windows, possibly even older than that, are falling from their hinges.

Although the street is in quite a dilapidated state, and we couldn't even enter one of the rooms due to it being unsafe, it was still an interesting tour.

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Our tour guide led us down the hidden street and told numerous stories about the ghosts and spirits that are believed to roam there: a Saxon King who was buried with his pet polar bear, a prisoner who was expected to have been tortured in his cell.

Each story makes you wonder what really happened down this abandoned street, and what has been left behind?

Visit The Shoebox's website to find out more information or to book a tour.

Tickets are £13 for adults, £7 for children aged 4 to 12 and under 4's are free.

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Norwich Hidden Street Tour

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Norwich Hidden Street Tour - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Hidden History tour of Norwich - The Shoebox Experiences

• Europe    
• United Kingdom (UK)    
• England    
• East Anglia    
• Norfolk    
• Norwich    
• Norwich - Things to Do    
• The Shoebox Experiences

What a great way to see real history, made all the better by our excellent guide Nyree, it was... read more

Lived in Norfolk for over 20 years and never knew about The Hidden Streets. Really interesting and... read more

Hidden History tour of Norwich

Really enjoyed this walking tour despite the freezing conditions. Can't help the weather. Sarah is a fantastic guide and story teller pointing out parts of Norwich I've walked past so many times but never really seen. Very attentive and inclusive. 90 minutes gone just like that. Having already done the Undercroft tour with Sarah which is fantastic as well I'm looking forward to the next tour. If you've got a spare 1 hr and a half book a space you won't be disappointed.

Thanks so much for a wonderful review! We're delighted you enjoyed it so much and we have plans for further tours in the New Year so watch this space!

I have been on both tours the undercroft and Tombland. They were fantastic. Very knowledgeable guides who brought the history to life. Sarah has wonderful stories of the people in the past besides telling us about the buildings. 90 minutes passed so quickly. I would recommend both tours which are very good value for money.

What a lovely review thank you! We have plans for furthers tours in the New Years so watch this space! Kind regards

Sarah was our guide and was brilliant. From Roman times to the present we got a real feel of how history has shaped our city. Could have listened to so much more. Would love to see tours of other areas of this wicked city. Have also done the tour under the cafe - learned so much. Would recommend these tours wholeheartedly.

Thank you for taking the time to review our tours! We agree Sarah is a fantastic tour guide and a fount of knowledge!

Sarah is a truly engaging storyteller, making this walking tour of Norwich’s streets come alive. It was a freezing cold day, but despite the chill we were enthralled as Sarah weaved our little group around the cobbles and alleyways of tombland. The churches, it’s archways, cathedral & close were bought to life. Many tales of avidly researched history, the folk and legends of old were energetically retold for modern ears. It was a fascinating afternoon. Thank you Sarah and the wonderful KindaKafe.

We're delighted you enjoyed your experience! Hope to see you again on a future new tour!

Brilliant tour, well put together and very interesting info about history of Norwich and Sarah brought out information we didnt know in a story telling style. Highly recommended

Thank you for this lovely review.

Lisa our tour guide was super helpful and told us some really interesting details. Really enjoyed the tour

We are so pleased you enjoyed your tour with Lisa!

Underground Norwich: What Lies Beneath?

Despite growing up in Norfolk, I was one of the many who had no idea about Norwich’s underground tunnel networks. So many times I have walked around the city, completely oblivious to the hidden history beneath my feet.  

I first heard about the Norwich tunnels when I stumbled upon an article written by a local newspaper. They had gained access to one of the secret streets of subterranean Norwich and had dubbed it ‘Diagon Alley’ because it is completely hidden from the world outside. 

I did a bit more investigation, wanting to get in and explore the undercrofts and tunnels for myself. It was then that I found about the Hidden Street Tours, run by The Shoebox Community Hub (formerly KindaKafe). 

This post documents my experience exploring an undercroft on a Norwich Hidden Street tour and also provides additional information if you are interested in exploring the city underground on your own. 

This post contains affiliate links. If you use them, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. 

Read more: (Opens in new tab)

• 21 Best Things to do in Norwich
• A Guide to Norwich’s Street Art
• Best Day Trips from Norwich

The Discovery of the Norwich Tunnels

It may surprise readers to know that the Norwich tunnels were never officially discovered. Although not common knowledge amongst everyone in Norfolk, the undercrofts of Norwich have actually been used by businesses for years. Ponds shoe shop which was formerly located where The Shoebox is used to use their undercroft for additional shoe storage. 

Norwich has the largest number of medieval undercrofts in the country and they are not that difficult to find (once you begin looking for them)! The oldest of these undercrofts is in Wensum Lodge located in Kings Street. The interesting thing about this undercroft is that it is now open to the public in the form of Jurnet’s Bar . That’s right, you can even sink a beer there!

Despite the sheer number of undercrofts dotted under the city, few of these are open regularly to the public. Heritage Open Days sometimes run tours to these otherwise off-limits areas but sadly, they don’t appear to be regular. 

Hidden History Tours of Norwich Underground

The origins of the norwich underground tour.

As I’ve already mentioned, it is now possible to explore one of the undercrofts via guided tour. This tour, also known as the Hidden Street tour is run by The Shoebox, formerly known as KindaKafe.

About The Shoebox

When KindaKafe first opened on Castle Meadow in Norwich it was runny the Missing Kind charity.  The social enterprise aimed to tackle exclusion and loneliness within the local community. KindaKafe was best known for operating a ‘pay it forward’ scheme that allowed visitors to donate a meal or a drink to somebody in need. 

Since I embarked on a Hidden History tour with KindaKafe, they have rebranded as the Shoebox Community Hub and are now run by Pop Up Enterprises. They have a community support group and run regular events to encourage inclusion, connection and friendship within the local area. These are run largely by volunteers. 

Before becoming the home of this social enterprise, the building which houses The Shoebox was home to the shoe shop, Ponds. When they took on the building, the undercroft below the street also came with it. 

It was in 2018 when KindaKafe decided to open its undercroft to the public. Despite a change of management, Pop Up Enterprises has decided to continue with the Hidden History tours and they now run regularly a few times a week to keep up with demand. 

What Should I Expect from an Underground Norwich Tour?

After meeting your group in The Shoebox, local historian Sarah Walker will take you down to visit Castle Meadow’s hidden street. Part of the old Ponds undercroft is believed to have been a family home and workshop. This was once at street level before the ditches surrounding Norwich Castle were filled in. 

The tour is full of interesting facts about Norwich as well as medieval life. Sarah explains all about the executions that used to take place nearby and how this particular undercroft was used during the war. 

Not just a historian, Sarah is also a professional storyteller so expect to be wowed by her tales of missing musicians in the tunnels! If you are interested in Sarah’s storytelling, check out her Facebook Page . 

As well as featuring lots of interesting history about the area, Sarah also tackles the rumours. There have long been whispers that some of the underground tunnels in Norwich are secret pathways that lead to the castle but you’ll need to come on the tour to find out if this is true!

Even as a local, I learned so much about Norwich on the underground tour and would recommend it to anyone looking to do something a bit quirky or discover more about the city’s history. 

Visiting Norwich’s Underground Tunnels Without a Tour 

Although the Hidden Street tours on Castle Meadow come highly recommended, some people prefer to do their own thing when it comes to exploring. And, for those who love Urbex , the Norwich tunnels have long been a favourite haunt.

If you are interested in going deeper into Norwich’s tunnels, I’d advise checking out the Norwich Underground Facebook group . While they don’t reveal locations for health and safety reasons, they do share photos and allow you to connect with other like-minded people. 

There are a number of underground sites all over the city and its outskirts, including undercrofts, tunnels, bunkers and chalk mines. Always be aware that sites that are not maintained can be dangerous. Although many of these are still accessible, some sites are off-limits due to the conservation of special species such as bats. 

If you are interested in exploring more of subterranean Norwich but don’t want to take a tour or veer too far from the beaten track, there is also the option to explore the Castle Meadow undercroft as part of an escape game. Check game availability and book here. 

Underground Norwich FAQ

Will I get claustrophobic exploring Norwich underground? 

This depends on where you visit. On the Hidden Street tour, there is plenty of room to move around in the undercroft so most people will be able to attend the tour without any issues. 

Is it safe to enter the tunnels/undercrofts? 

The Hidden Street tour is perfectly safe. However, visitors are advised to bring a flashlight (or fully charged mobile with a torch) as it can be dark down in the undercroft. Watch out for trip hazards as some of the floors are quite uneven. 

It goes without saying that if you’re sneaking into abandoned tunnels and buildings independently, you are taking risks. These areas have been left abandoned which means they could be dangerous, due to unstable structures and falling debris. You should always bear this in mind before deciding to visit abandoned places. 

How long does the Hidden Street tour last? 

The tour will take roughly one hour to complete. There is also a small exhibition upstairs in The Shoebox about the Ponds shoe shop which is also worth looking at. 

Is this tour suitable for children? 

Although there is the odd ghost story, this tour should be fine for children. However, it is important to remember that the floor is uneven and there are some sharp surfaces. If you are bringing kids, you will need to supervise them at all times. 

Is this tour accessible to all?

Unfortunately, this tour is not suitable for wheelchair users. It also isn’t possible to take prams into the undercroft. These will be secured on-site and then collected after the tour. 

How do I book?

If you are interested in embarking on a subterranean tour in Norwich, head to The Shoebox website . 

How much are the tickets? 

• £13 – Adults*
• £7 – Children (age 4-12)*
• FREE – Children under 4*

*correct at the time of writing. 

Tours usually run five days a week during the summer season but there are reduced opening hours throughout winter. 

Where can I find out more about Heritage Open Days? 

You can find out more about Heritage Open Days by visiting the website or look for specific Norwich events on the Forum website .

Recommended Accommodation in Norwich

Central Hotel (£)

The Central Hotel is located along Riverside Road which is close to some great restaurants and other entertainment venues, including the Odeon cinema and Gravity trampoline park. Central Hotel is just a five-minute walk from the train station.

The hotel is budget-friendly so it is ideal for backpackers (sadly, Norwich is lacking on the hostel scene) and those seeing the city on part of an extended trip. All of the private rooms come with toiletries and tea and coffee making facilities.

Dunston Hall (££)

For a splendidly English stay, head to Dunston Hall, situated around 4 miles outside of Norwich. The accommodation is set amongst wooded parkland which means you are close to the city without feeling like it. 

There is a golf course, driving range, spa and indoor pool. The double and twin rooms are priced surprisingly reasonable considering the facilities which come inclusive of a stay.

The Assembly House (£££)

Perhaps the best place to stay in Norwich is the fabulous Assembly House. Located smack bang in the middle of the city and just around the corner from Chantry Place shopping centre, this hotel just oozes a sophisticated ambience that really allows you to relax. 

You can opt for a double room or upgrade to a suite. If you do stay here (or even if you don’t) do not miss the fantastic afternoon tea and keep an eye on their promotions for the themed options which crop up every few months! 

2 thoughts on “Underground Norwich: What Lies Beneath?”

I have been looking for information on the length of these tunnels, however, this does not seem to be mentioned on the web-sites I have visited. Price of tour, Aug 2021, is now £13, and it seems they offer a certain amount of free tours on the Heritage Open Days, but this is not clear.

I also can’t find any information about the length of the Norwich tunnels. I have heard that ‘Subterranean Norwich: The Grain of the City’ by Matthew Williams offers some information about urban planning in the city which might be worth a look?

Thanks for the heads up about the new pricing, I have updated the article to reflect this.

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Norwich Hidden Street Tour

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Norwich Hidden Street Tour - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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Review: KindaKafe’s Hidden History tour in Norwich with Greater Anglia

Regular readers of this blog will perhaps remember that earlier this year I visited Norwich with Greater Anglia. I was pleasantly surprised at how fast the journey was from Colchester to Norwich – just over an hour – and blown away by how much there was to see and do in Norfolk’s county town. If you missed it, have a look at what I did here . One of the best parts of that visit was the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell. The tales of some of the less respectable characters who once lived in the city were compelling. So when Kerri from Greater Anglia suggested I could go back and find out some more of Norwich’s history, I jumped at the chance.

I’m grateful to Greater Anglia for providing me with free train travel and also to KindaKafe for gifting me a complimentary ticket for their Hidden History tour. However, all opinions expressed in this post are my own.

The day I’d chosen to go was a Bank Holiday Sunday, and coincided with Ed Sheeran’s triumphant tour finale in Ipswich. I was prepared to travel early, although extra trains had been laid on so it wasn’t difficult to find a seat. I was a little concerned I might not be able to park easily with the additional passengers but the GA website has a handy feature which provides live data about how many free parking spaces are left. There were over a thousand so I needn’t have worried.

I could sit back and relax in the spacious seat as well as say a silent thank you that on this very hot day, the carriage was air-conditioned. The train arrived a couple of minutes early at Norwich station, from where it was just a ten minute walk to KindaKafe, located opposite the castle in the building that once housed Ponds shoe shop. This cafe supports the important work of the  Missing Kind charity , providing a social space but also raising funds through the events it holds. One such event is the Hidden History Tour which I had come to try out. There was just time for a quick coffee before Lisa, our guide, began her introduction.

The tour began at ground level in what had been the Ponds shoe shop. We learnt that Norwich was once second only to Northampton when it came to shoe production and especially important for ladies and children’s shoes. It was warm in the 19th century building, but soon we would descend below ground where it was a more pleasant 17°C. Things would soon get a little strange as we descended a flight of steep stairs to find ourselves in front of the upstairs window of what was once a weaver’s cottage. That window would once have looked out over the castle. Confused? Bear with me, this will make sense soon.

Norwich Castle was built at the time of the Norman conquest. At the time of its construction, an order was issued for all the buildings in the immediate vicinity – 98 of them – to be demolished. Once they were knocked down, an eight metre ditch was dug by hand. The soil that was excavated is what forms the castle mound today.

A couple of centuries later, King Edward III formally gave the ditch to the city, while the castle was county property. Lisa told us that this variation in ownership was important, for instance when it came to public hangings. If a murder was committed outside Norwich, the convicted killer would be hanged on Castle Meadow (on county owned land) whereas if the crime had taken place within the city, the place of execution would be Castle Ditch instead – right where we were standing. My mother had already told me that our family was connected to the final public execution:

“Hubbard Lingley was executed outside the Castle on 26th August 1867 for the murder of his Uncle Benjamin Black. Benjamin was the husband of Anna Fickling who was my great great grandfather William Fickling’s sister. They came from Barton Bendish.”

This extract from Charles Hindley’s book “Curiosities of Street Literature: Comprising ‘Cocks’ or ‘Catchpennies'” tells Lingley’s story:

I shared this information with Lisa and the other group members – and it turned out that some of the other tour participants were related to Hubbard Lingley. Lisa told us that the reason that this was the last public execution (after this, hangings would take place inside the castle in private, rather than in front of a public crowd) was that there was some dispute as to whether Hubbard Lingley was guilty. Many in the crowd, she said, protested that he was innocent, and vented their anger at the hangman himself. The Capital Punishment (Amendment) Act was passed the following May and from then on, all executions would be carried out behind closed doors (though reporters and the victim’s family could be present at the invitation of the authorities).

After we descended another flight of steps, we learned that some people believe that there are secret tunnels leading to the castle. We could have been standing in one, but in actual fact, it was a former alleyway that had long since been covered over. Never mind about secret tunnels: it’s even more cool to think you are standing in a long lost street. Ponds built their shoe shop right on top of this ancient street and used the “basement” as a storeroom. Look carefully and there’s an odd mix of brick types, with elongated Tudor bricks and even a smoke-blackened section of wall, perhaps from a street fire. Lisa pointed out would could have been some 18th century graffiti featuring the number (or maybe a date?) 1739.

Looking around, we could have been in Harry Potter’s Diagon Alley. A “jetty” that would have been constructed across the street linked two buildings. Behind it was a section of wattle and daub ceiling. In front were two rooms: one had the appearance of a dungeon; the other had a flint wall dating from the late 15th century when Henry VII was on the throne. Opposite was a nook in the wall called an undercroft, a bit like a cellar. Norwich has at least fifty of these accessible undercrofts, more than any other city in the UK, and possibly as many as 250. These cool, dry spaces would be ideal for storing your perishable goods – cool in summer and not too cold in winter.

The group moved into one of these tunnels/covered alleyways. In the corner was an AUD (an anti-urination device). These, we were reliably informed, can be found all over the city. In the mid 1800s, there was a serious shortage of public toilets for the growing population. Mounds  were installed to discourage men from weeing up the buildings – the design was such that if someone tried to go to the toilet, they’d get wet feet.

Three flights of steps down from where we started, Lisa led us out onto the street. If you walk along London Street, between Costa Coffee and a chicken place you’ll see an unprepossessing white gate. I’ll bet almost everyone who walks by has no idea of what they’d find if they stepped inside.

Have your own rail adventure

If you’d like to have your own rail adventure, then why not take a look at Greater Anglia’s  website ? You too could have a day out in Norwich, but there are plenty more places on the network to choose from – why not read my previous blogs on  Harwich  or  Wivenhoe  for inspiration?

KindaKafe’s Hidden History tour costs £10.50 per person and I really recommend it. Advance booking is essential and for more information have a look at their Facebook page or call 01603 850309. All proceeds support the Missing Kind charity’s work.

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This entry was posted on August 28, 2019 by juliamhammond . It was filed under Day trips , Destination information , train travel and was tagged with Hidden History tour Norwich , KindaKafe .

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Hidden History Tours in Norwich

Attention all history buffs! There is a hidden history tour waiting for you in Norwich that you can’t miss out on. The Shoebox Community Hub, formerly the KindaKafe, lies above a hidden street and undercroft waiting to be discovered by you. The hidden history tour of Castle Meadow Street will take you on a journey down two flights of stairs to explore the layers of architecture dating all the way back from the 15th century.

Where can I find a historical tour of Norwich?

Your tour will be led by an amazing performer, storyteller and historian who will engage your mind and create a window back to the Fine City, with its trades, houses and people. You will hear of the myths of prison cells, streets and tunnels that are now hidden from the streets above. Unfortunately, this tour is not wheelchair accessible but the Tombland walking tour also offered by the Hidden History Tours at the Shoebox is suitable for those in need of wheelchair access.

The tour is for all ages to enjoy and is fairly priced so don’t miss out on the opportunity to tour one of Norwich’s hidden treasures.

• Prices from £7 for children (4-12 years old) children under 4 go free
• Prices for adults from £13 per person
• Opening days on Mondays and Tuesdays as well as the first 2 weekends of every month
• Less than a mile from Norwich City Centre

Some facts about Norwich!

• Norwich has the longest run of medieval defences for a city in England.
• Norwich cathedral’s spire is 96m high which is the 4th tallest in the UK.
• Canaries have a history within the city of Norwich. They were initially brought over by workers fleeing religious persecution in northern Europe and were soon adopted by the locals of the city. Nowadays Norwich City FC’s nickname is the canaries!

The Shoebox Community Hub

Check out things to do nearby....

Discover The Forgotten Street Underneath Norwich City Centre

Go Underneath the Museum of Norwich

Treasure Trail in Norwich

Gin Experience in Norfolk

Retro Arcade in Norwich

Escape Rooms in Norwich

Loft NR1 – Modern LGBTQ Nightclub in Norwich

Trampoline Park in Norwich

Zaks Diner – An authentic American Diner in Norwich

Cocktail Masterclass, Gin and Wine Tasting in Norfolk

Snow Boarding and Skiing in Norfolk

Water and Land Adventure Activities in Norfolk

Hidden History Tour, Tombland

Following her tour of Norwich’s undercrofts , Lucy takes a friend on a Hidden History Tour of Tombland.

Tickets provided in return for a review.

The Hidden History Tour of Tombland is a 90-minute amble around one of the oldest parts of Norwich. Guided by local historian Sarah, who also delivers the undercroft tour beneath KindaKafe, the tour provides lots of fascinating insights into Norwich life through the ages.

The tour begins outside Norwich Cathedral, where Sarah explains that ‘Tombland’ is a Danish word meaning ‘open space’ (debunking many local myths about tombs), while ‘gate’ means ‘market’.

While standing at Erpingham Gate, she also points out that two Roman roads were found in Norwich in the 1930s. One of the roads runs beneath Tombland Alley and was covered over after its initial discovery.

Sarah then leads groups around Cathedral Close, talking about the building of Norwich Cathedral and its history, including uprisings and riots. She also tells stories about murder and gruesome deaths (which I won’t ruin here).

Along the way, she also points out some plaques on buildings in the Tombland area. You may have noticed them yourself; they have a couple of letters on them and a date. These are boundary markers, showing where a parish ends and a new one begins.

Towards the end of the tour, Sarah pauses outside Shiki to point out a plaque. She tells the story of John Wheatley, a Methodist preacher and a somewhat controversial figure. After walking from Wales to Norwich, via Cornwall, in the 1700s, he was loved by some and hated by others, leading to some violent scenes on the streets of Norwich.

The Hidden History Tour of Tombland really brings the City’s history to life. You’ll love it, even if you only have the faintest interest in local history. Highly recommended!

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Hi, I'm Lucy. I've lived in Norfolk since 2001 and in that time I've grown to love this fine county. From the city of Norwich, to the countryside villages and sweeping coastline, there's so much to explore and hope to share my experiences with you here.

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Wonderful experience.

Simple to book a tour. Detailed itinerary information before tour. Met at the airport. Wonderful guide informative and good with people. High standard hotel with willing kind staff, and great food. Small group so more friendly and easier to collect us together at tour destinations. Terrific tour, booking again.

Date of experience : 08 March 2024

Excellent guide and fascinating subject matter

Excellent guide and fascinating subject matter if you love Italy! Dining out was varied and very good. Staying in one hotel (very charming in old city) made sense to avoid constant packing and re-packing. Mixed group from Britain, U.S., and Canada very congenial and interested. On of our best travel experiences!

Date of experience : 18 September 2023

Reply from hiddenhistory.co.uk

Thanks Larry, that's great to hear. A true taste of Italy.

Almost back to pre-Covid normality

The worries about the things that could go wrong, before we ever got to Toulouse, were mostly unfounded. Airports, flights and baggage all worked okay and we needn't have wasted quite so much time downloading apps and documents which might have been required. A large luxurious coach awaited us upon arrival and the tour progressed just like any taken pre-Covid. It was a good group with an excellent leader. The itinerary was good and varied, and at a sensible pace, with a good choice of hotels. All in all a memorable holiday, thank you Martin and Simon.

Date of experience : 11 July 2022

Excellent, good value tours

We have been on 2 Hidden History tours in 2022 - to Malta and to Crete. Both were very enjoyable and I can strongly recommend this company. The group sizes are small (typically less than 16) and the expert guides are very knowledgeable. The atmosphere is very friendly. The tours are better value than their competitors, including all the vital things like accommodation, evening meals, transport, and entrance fees but leaving you freedom to add your own flights and lunches

Date of experience : 07 October 2022

A great experience

The selection of places visited was excellent, and the tour leaders/guides were friendly and knowledgeable. Everything ran very smoothly, in spite of a last-minute change of tour leader owing to illness. The hotel was comfortable and characterful, and conveniently placed for the railways station and the city centre. I can't think of any negatives, and will certainly book again with this company.

Date of experience : 05 December 2022

Occitania & Andorra with Hidden History

Our trip with Hidden History to Occitania and Andorra was an incredible experience. Our tour director was knowledgeable and he brilliantly shared his knowledge and insights with the group. We had ample time to explore the castles and churches that were included in the itinerary. A highlight was exploring the cave paintings at the Grotte de Niaux.

Date of experience : 13 July 2022

Great Holiday for a decent price.

We had a great holiday visiting Crete and Santorini with Hidden Histories. We visited a range of very interesting sites with very knowledgeable tour leaders. The group got on very well and the tour leaders were friendly and approachable and actively included everybody in the experiences and discussions. The daily trips were organised well, the hotel was very good with friendly staff and excellent food. We will definitely be looking a booking further tours with this company.

Date of experience : 29 September 2022

Malta Through the Millennia

Just returned from taking the Malta Through Millennia tour. Everything about the trip was fantastic. The itinerary was well thought out and timed well. There is so much to see on Malta and this tour is the perfect way to do it. Hotel was fantastic and a great base for going to the sites. Simon Butler was our UK guide and we had a Maltese guide and both their knowledge and insights were wonderful. Also a great value for the money! Will definitely be taking another Hidden History tour in the future!

Date of experience : 22 April 2022

Thank you Clarissa, it was a pleasure to meet you and be your guide. As our first overseas tour since the pandemic started, this was a landmark tour and I couldn't have asked for a nicer group. I'm so glad everyone enjoyed it to the full. Simon Butler.

Excellent, personal service and a wonderful tour

Hidden History stands out amongst tour companies because of the excellent personal service, both leading up to the tour and on the tour itself. My husband and I had an excellent time on the Minoan Crete tour. It was well-paced, extremely informative and very enjoyable. The small group size is perfect, as we were able to fully appreciate the sites and learn from our guides, while getting to know each other and making friends with other history fans.

Date of experience : 05 June 2022

A brilliant tour!

Everything was very well organised, and the itinerary was interesting and enjoyable. This is my second tour with Hidden History, and I plan to take more. As on my previous tour, the hotel was comfortable and characterful, and our tour guide was friendly, helpful and very knowledgeable.

Date of experience : 03 July 2023

Thank you for a super review. I look forward to welcoming you on another tour soon.

Travelled with this company a few times…

Travelled with this company a few times and have always had a good experience. Very friendly and knowledgeable guides, good hotels, and overall a really good time

Date of experience : 17 April 2023

Time Travel at its Best

My 3rd trip with Hidden History and every trip has been an absolute pleasure. History revealed, archaeology explored. The itinerary is well devised, the hotels carefully selected. The organisation is seamless, the experts are exactly that. I cannot recommend this company highly enough.

Date of experience : 29 June 2022

Very good value tours with guides that…

Very good value tours with guides that are experts in their field. Friendly and easy to deal with. Highly recommended.

Date of experience : 16 September 2023

That sums us up well. Thank you. Very much appreciated. Hope to see you again soon.

Delivered exactly what was promised

See our hidden street in a whole new light

by Willow Farrell | Jan 11, 2022 | News | 0 comments

BRAND NEW FOR JANUARY 2022 – Lantern Light Underground Tour

You can see Norwich’s medieval street in a whole new light on tours exploring the darker side of the city’s history.

The Lantern Light Underground Tour is exclusive to January 2022 at The Shoebox Community Hub in Castle Meadow.

Groups of up to 12 will be plunged into darkness and venture down two flights of stairs with only a lantern to  light your way, creating an eerie experience. You will then step into a genuine medieval street that was built in the old castle ditches which surrounded Norwich Castle when they were eight metres deep. 

There are buildings that date back to the 15th century, including a weavers’ cottage and merchant’s house with an undercroft. The Hidden Street Tour has already been running there since 2016, but this new experience will explore more of Norwich’s darker history with lots of new content.

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There's free, full access to Toronto's hidden gems this weekend

This year’s event has over 160 sites, including new locations.

What to expect from Doors Open Toronto this weekend

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The city is holding its annual Doors Open Toronto event this weekend, a program that lets people tour the city's most iconic places and peak behind the curtain.

Digital creator and architecture enthusiast Anne Vranic calls it the Olympics for her and other self-proclaimed history "nerds."

"Typically, I plan weeks in advance because it is a race," she told CBC Toronto. "I just get so excited because it's the architecture nerds' and the culture nerds' time to shine."

For the last 24 years, the annual event has given people free access to the city's historical buildings, unique landmarks and museums. This year there are over 160 sites and running theme is hidden histories and untold stories. 

"It helps keep history and heritage on people's radar," Doors Open Toronto's program lead Kristine Williamson told CBC Toronto. 

New sites and popular mainstays 

This year's lineup includes multiple new buildings, including the historic University Club of Toronto and the Redpath Sugar Plant.

Popular sites such as the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, known as "the Palace of Purification," are also back on the map. The art deco marvel was constructed in 1932 and is designated under the Ontario Heritage Act.

Plant manager Gordon Mitchell said last year there were a record 13,000 visitors during Doors Open. 

"It's a very beautiful spot on the lake. I'm very proud of our building and we like to maintain it," he said . 

Mitchell said this weekend will also provide a opportunity for people to learn about where their water comes from.

"They're curious about issues like fluoridation, lead in drinking water was a big issue a few years ago, so we like to reassure people that we have those issues well in hand."

Museums and interactive events

A number of museums in the city will also have free admission this weekend including the Aga Khan Museum, home to a vast collection of Islamic art.

"We exist to highlight the achievements and contributions of Muslim cultures and the way in which they're connected to everybody else," said Sascha Priewe, the director collections and public programs.

He said this weekend visitors can expect food, drink, performances and arts and crafts in the park.

Across the city at the Toronto Humane Society, tours will allow people to interact with animals while they learn about the organization's beginnings in 1887. 

It started with concern for the wellbeing of work horses and a $2-donation, said Lucas Solowey, Toronto Humane Society's manager of public relations.

"But as the organization grew, they also took on child welfare and animal welfare, so the organization's been working on a lot of issues for so many years," he said. 

Over a dozen neighbourhood tours will are also taking place, diving into local history, along with a series of talks by architects and urban designers.

Vranic says events like these help raise awareness about preserving Toronto's heritage. 

"Every time you open a newspaper, a building is at threat… and it really fills me with hope that that's people aren't taking that lying down. People are passionate about our buildings."

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