The Cathedral of St John the Baptist image

The Cathedral of St John the Baptist

Tourist attraction Catholic church Christian church Attraction Catholic cathedral

Roman Catholic place of worship with an education and interpretation gallery, a shop and a cafe. People often mention Cathedral, cathedral, Norwich, visit, building, beautiful, city, cafe, small,


Address

Unthank Rd, Norwich NR2 2PA, United Kingdom

Website

www.sjbcathedral.org.uk

Contact

+44 1603 624615

Rating on Google Maps

4.70 (653 reviews)

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Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: Cathedral (10) cathedral (8) Norwich (8) visit (7) building (7) beautiful (7) city (7) cafe (7) small (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 4/5 Ilonka S. 6 years ago on Google
    They offer walking tour around the cathedral at 11:30 on Saturdays. They also offer every Saturday at 13:30 to visit the tower for £5. It also has a café where you can take coffee, cake or something to eat. Very friendly staff members
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Susan M. 2 years ago on Google
    A lovely cathedral which had incense wafting through the doorway as l entered. Such a calming environment. This building is a little overshadowed by the large C of E Norwich cathedral. I would recommend seeing both as their architecture is incredible. Look up at the celings
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Oliver L. 1 year ago on Google
    Very welcoming and friendly staff and a beautiful interior, with intricate stained glass and several pictures around. Well worth a visit for anyone in the city!
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gunjan G. 9 months ago on Google
    This is a historical Cathedral in Norwich next to the city center. It is quite big and worth seeing. There is no ticket to enter as it is a place of worship. Great architectural marvel from history somewhere in 1800. There is a small museum inside showing its history and how and what different material used to build it. A small shop and a nice cafe with outdoor seating is also inside this Cathedral. This is near to the Plantation Garden of Norwich. You can plan to visit both the places together.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Adam T. 1 year ago on Google
    Went to the cafe. Lovely. Is small but you can sit outside. Has tasty scones, cakes etc. If you've gone to see the cathedral (which is definitely worth doing), this is your next stop
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Bel B. 2 years ago on Google
    Norwich's lesser known Cathedral, but equally as beautiful. Holds a special place in my heart as it's where I got married. Stunning architecture. Free entry and includes a cafe and shop and small garden onsite. They also have a hall which I believe they hire out. Very peaceful and serene walking around and often beautifully decorated. Some good stained glass windows as well. There is a small car park on site which is free to use for visitors. Great place to visit on heritage open days as they usually do very informative tours, including Tower tours for fantastic views over the city. Highly recommend a visit.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 JASON B. 5 years ago on Google
    Great looking Cathedral inside and out with Gothic styling. I did the tower tour and although it was heritage week and was free I still paid the £5 as a donation . Worth every penny for the great views overlooking our beautiful city of Norwich . The tour guide was excellent and very informative . There are 280 steps to climb to get to the top but you stop at 3 sections along the way so it is quite easy to do . There is parking for about a dozen cars inside the grounds but if full there is a pay and display car park next door . This is used for the Plantation Gardens that is situated the other side of the car park . Also worth a look around as you are in the area 😀
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Mike L. 2 years ago on Google
    Lovely cathedral and gardens and the interior is beautiful. Pictures don't do it enough justice. Very calm atmosphere and welcoming of visitors too.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Yarrick 6 years ago on Google
    Was expecting this place to be a lot busier but it was empty when we got there. Only a few other people inside which was great as the place was very tranquil and allowed for great photo shots. Some great gothic architecture in this building however there was very little in information on the history of the building which seemed like a lost opportunity. Along the aisles was lots of information on other cathedrals in other countries which seemed unnecessary and would have preferred if they focused on their own history would have been more fascinating to me personally.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Pauline Y. 1 year ago on Google
    The Roman Catholic cathedral of the city of Norwich, Norfolk, built in the 1800s with Victoria Gothic style. Located slight off the city centre and definitely walkable from the Norwich market. A really majestic church building and very well kept inside and out. There is a small exhibition display near the cafe about the church and how the glass windows are made. Worth a visit for sure.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Nnamdi O. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place to worship.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 heimdal o. 2 years ago on Google
    Peaceful . People I speak to when in Norwich normally head for the Norman Cathedral in the centre but miss this probably lesser known gem . The Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist is a surprisingly Victorian built masterpiece designed by one of the Gilbert Scott crew . Designed by George Gilbert Scott Jr and financed by the 15th Duke of Norfolk Henry Fitzalan-Howard as a gesture of thanksgiving for his first marriage I simply love this place . The Duke also financed the equally splendid Arundel Cathedral . An in my mind amazing crucifix hangs from the ceiling and paintings of three East Anglian Saints , St Edmund , St Felix and St Etheldreda grace the walls . During WW11 severe damage was miraculously avoided when a bomb exploded nearby . On the perimeter you will find I believe 12 consecration crosses count them yourself I probably missed some . From the bottom of Grapes Hill you get an amazing view at Sunset . If ever you find yourself in Norwich you would be mad not to visit both Cathedrals and of course the Castle . I am sure you will love them . God please help Tilley I was too weak to .
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Brian A (. 1 year ago on Google
    A fantastic Cathedral when you walk inside your eyes are drawn to look at the Alter and Stained glass window. All the staff friendly and I recommend the Scones Cheese or Fruit from the Cafe.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Norm 10 months ago on Google
    Wonderful location with inside and outdoor seating. Wide choice of cakes, snacks, and light meals, not forgetting good coffee. Waiting staff excellent as always.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Jacqueline H. 2 years ago on Google
    The cathedral is lovely, very peaceful. It's free to enter but you can donate at the entrance.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Aerial Drone V. 8 months ago on Google
    Wow is beautiful inside and out, huge and very impressive. Take a walk through the whole place including an awesome garden space out the back. Free entry, leave a contribution, dog friendly and very clean convenient loos.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Rev Elizabeth M. 7 months ago on Google
    Lovely Requiem Mass today Remembrance Sunday. People loved my Wellbeing Assistance Dog Magnificat.

  • 5/5 Lee W. 7 months ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful Cathedral. Just a short walk from the city centre is this absolute gem of a Cathedral. There is parking on site but not many spaces. Easy access from the main entrance or the level entrance round the side via the cafe area. When we went the place was deserted which really added to the atmosphere. I was able to get some amazing images inside without disturbing anyone and could take my time soaking up all the beauty this building had to offer. The cafe is ample sized with toilets and contactless donation system. Highly recommend visiting if you’re a fan of cathedrals or if you’re on the outskirts and want to stop by the cafe

  • 5/5 Chris B. 10 months ago on Google
    Stunning cathedral. Beautiful stained glass windows. A real sense of peace about the place.

  • 5/5 Iwan W. 1 year ago on Google
    To me, this is simply the single best example of true neo-gothic architecture in a working church building. Not only is the building itself exquisitely beautiful and sympathetically designed in line with Catholic understanding, it has been expertly decorated within. Truly *the* gem of the English Catholic Church, and wonderfully conducive to spiritual health in all ways. Deo gratias!

  • 5/5 Temitope T. 1 year ago on Google
    Masses hold on time. Hymn books and prayer books available. Quiet friendly community. Historic. Scenic. Historical information along corridor walls. Cafe open after Sunday masses. Beautiful garden area. Parking on premises available. Busstop right outside


Call +44 1603 624615 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible toilet
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance

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