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Five Unusual Facts About Norwich – the Best Place to Live in the UK
This article looks at the city of Norwich, which has just been named as the best place to live in the UK. There’s a closer look at why The Sunday Times reached its conclusion, as well as some unusual and interesting facts about the city.
There’s also a mention of the services provided by Norfolk-based Hamiltons Removals, who offer commercial and domestic moves to the city and the rest of the county.
It will take between three and four minutes to read.
Norwich has just been named as The Best Place to Live in the UK. The city beat off competition from 71 other towns and cities to land the coveted accolade from The Sunday Times. Here we look through the reasons for the award – and highlight five unusual facts about the city which may not have formed part of the judges’ deliberations.
Removals to Norwich with Hamiltons Removals
Norfolk removal company Hamiltons Removals has been helping people and businesses relocate to Norwich for more than three decades. As well as our local knowledge and vast experience, we also offer video surveys, online quotations, packing and unpacking services, as well as dedicated storage facilities in Norfolk. Call us on 01379 855203 to learn more.
Why Did Norwich Win the 2026 Title?
Judges praised Norwich’s vibrant, independent shopping areas, top-tier schools, high-speed internet, and excellent balance of culture and green spaces, offering a high quality of life.
Its historic and artistic legacy were also mentioned – Norwich was England’s first UNESCO city of literature in 2012. And its Castle, which reopened in August last year following a major revamp, was picked out as a cultural highlight.
However, the judges stressed that the city wasn’t rooted in the past as it is also a “creative, contemporary city, with a small-town feel”. But what are Norwich’s other, more unusual, claims to fame?
1. It Has the Longest Balcony in the UK
Norwich City Hall, an art deco building completed in 1938, has what is believed to be the longest balcony in the UK. The Hall itself is the administrative centre of Norwich City Council, and its main frontage, which overlooks the city’s main market, is 280 ft (85 m) long. The balcony itself is 200ft (61m) long.
The balcony is used during Royal visits and other civic occasions, and is usually the centrepiece of any celebrations for the city’s football club when they have won a trophy.
2. It Made the First Rolo
The first Rolo chocolate was produced in Norwich in 1937 by the confectionery company Mackintosh’s. The firm’s Caley factory was located at Chapelfield, where the shopping centre now stands.
Rolo production later moved to Nestlé’s factories in York and Newcastle after the Norwich plant was closed.
3. Its River is Part of a National Park
The Broads National Park, comprising 303 square kilometres of navigable, lock-free waterways, lakes, and marshes, officially includes the waterways leading into Norwich.
Specifically, this includes the River Wensum, which rises between the villages of Colkirk and Whissonsett in North-West Norfolk and flows for approximately 30 miles (50 km) through Fakenham and Norwich before merging with the River Yare at Whitlingham, just east of the city.
4. Its Castle has the World’s Largest Collection of Ceramic Teapots
The Castle’s Twining Teapot Gallery has around 3,000 ceramic teapots. They date from the early 18th century to the present day and come in many different shapes and sizes.
The collection was formed from two major acquisitions: a 1946 donation from Edward Bulwer and the 1992 purchase of Philip Miller’s collection. The collection also includes pieces from the only porcelain factory in East Anglia, in Lowestoft.
5. It has the First Pedestrianised Street in the Country
In 1967, London Street (pictured above) became the first shopping street in the UK to be designated for pedestrians. Many other cities have since followed suit, and further pedestrianisation of Norwich’s streets has continued, more recently with St Benedicts Street and Exchange Street. Following a temporary closure for sewer repairs, the local authorities decided to make the arrangement permanent.
Domestic and Commercial Removals to Norwich with Hamiltons Removals
Whether you are interested in moving house – or your business – to Norwich, Hamiltons will be able to help. We are British Association of Removers (BAR) registered, so you can rest assured that our Norwich removals services are always carried out professionally and to an excellent standard. You can see us in action on YouTube here.
We can help with moves to all parts of Norfolk, including Sheringham, Cromer, Fakenham, Diss and Wroxham, as well as removals to Norwich. For more information about all our East Anglian removals services, follow this link – you can kick-start the whole process on this page, by opting for an online quote or a video survey.
FAQS:
Q: What other places in East Anglia were mentioned in The Sunday Times List?
A: Although Norwich was the overall winner, seven other places in East Anglia were mentioned – Woodbridge in Suffolk, Manningtree, Chelmsford and Saffron Walden in Essex, plus Bedford and Cambridge. Hamiltons Removals offer moving services to all these locations.
Q: Do you offer storage if my new home in Norwich isn’t ready?
A: Yes. Since our headquarters are located on the Norfolk/Suffolk border (Harleston), we offer secure, climate-controlled storage that is perfectly situated for those moving into the city. Our Safe N Stored sites are located at Harleston and nearby Aldeby.
Q: Why choose a local company like Hamiltons Removals over a national chain for your move to Norwich?
A: National chains can underestimate the time needed to navigate the county’s rural lanes or Norwich’s one-way systems. Being local means that we know the shortcuts, the height restrictions, and the specific requirements of the local councils. We aren’t just “passing through” – Norwich is our home county.
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