A guided walking tour celebrating CJ Sansom’s best-selling novel Tombland, featuring Tudor lawyer Matthew Shardlake’s visit to Norwich at the time of Kett’s Rebellion (1549).
A half-day guided tour exploring part of Fairhaven Garden, Ranworth and surrounding countryside, including St Helen's Church, 'the Cathedral of the Broads'.
Tour Guide, Paul Dickson, will join your coach opposite the Theatre Royal, and will take you on a tour of the Fine City from the comfort of your vehicle.
Get a taste for the history of Norwich pubs on this guided walking tour which ends at the Maids Head where you will be invited to sample the hotel’s Maids Head Ale, brewed by Woodfordes.
Celebrate the writers who have lived in the city and those who have written about Norwich on this tour, which starts outside The Forum and ends in the Maids Head Hotel, Tombland.
A 1½ hour guided tour of historic Tombland, Norwich’s ancient Anglo-Scandinavian Market Place and picturesque Elm Hill, with coffee or tea and stories at the historic Maids Head Hotel.
Discover stories of the River Wensum including St James' Mill, the Great Hospital and Pull's Ferry and hear about the trade and industry on this historic waterway.
This 1½ hour guided walking tour looks at the darker side of Norwich, crime, punishment, filth and misery! This 1½ hour guided walking tour looks at the darker side of Norwich, crime, punishment, filth and misery!
A 1½ hour guided tour in and around Norwich Market, celebrating 940 years of buying and selling at the heart of the city, including a cup of tea at Birchleys Loose Leaf Tea.
Half day tour starting with a train journey from Norwich to Reedham in the Broads National Park.
Then explore the local area with stories of beer, wherries, railways and Romans.
Discover the stories of Norwich's historic alleys, lanes and passages on this tour which starts at The Forum and ends outside the Maddermarket Theatre.
I take a maximum of 20 people on a tour. Additional guides are available for larger groups. Children under 16 are free on my tours. Please contact me direct to book children’s places. Contact form here . Dogs on leads are welcome.
Paul has worked in the tourism industry in Norfolk for 37 years, initially for the National Trust and then as an independent PR practitioner. Eleven years ago he fulfilled a long held ambition by qualifying as an official City of Norwich tourist guide. Since then he has developed his own guided tours business in Norwich and has expanded into the Broads National Park and Cromer. Paul additionally works as an independent guide for the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich.
Back from Julian of Norwich tour such a wonderful experience. Learnt so much about the history of Norwich and Paul was an amazing guide so knowledgeable and friendly. The coffee in the theatre royal at the end was a lovely touch to a wonderful tour I will definitely be booking again
Went on the darkside of norwich tour and was really pleased. Paul was very knowledgeable, able to answer any questions and the time flew by! A very friendly and welcoming tour guide 😊
Absolutely LOVED the tour. Paul was extremely knowledgable and made us chuckle too. So pleased I booked as it was the perfect introduction to Norwich as a first time visitor. Thanks again Paul!
I went on the Shardlake's Norwich tour with Paul and it was superb. Regardless of whether you are a Tombland fan or not, this tour is a must-do. Paul is immensely knowledgeable, patient, calm, and makes both the city and the story come alive. It is also a great opportunity to meet fellow like-minded enthusiasts. Thank you Paul for highlighting an important but oft-forgotten part of Norwich's rich history. Fantastic experience!
I have been on two of Paul's walking tours and he has amazed me with his knowledge. He makes our beautiful city's history come to life in a relaxed and informal way. I am a history buff and enjoy everything historical so Paul's tours have increased my knowledge immensely. Can't wait for the next one. Thank you Mr Paul Dickson.
A wonderful couple of hours spent with Paul as he gently shared his love and knowledge for Norwich, bringing to life Shardlake's Tombland and Kett's rebellion. The warming coffee in the lovely old Maid's Head was a much appreciated treat after a chilly walk. We'll certainly look out for the other tours, thank you so much Paul!
Absolutely fascinating tour of a town and a bit of history I thought I knew about but Paul filled in so much more.! His easy going style and obvious love of what he was doing shone through. Well organised and coffee at the end was icing on the cake! I would recommend it to any visitor and if like me, "locals" as well. You cannot come to Norwich and not take part in one of Paul's tours. Very highly reccommended.
Paul is also an independent publisher working in partnership with Norfolk based authors.
Find Paul Dickson Tours On Tripadvisor
Read Derek James’ profile piece in the Eastern Daily Press about my guided tourshere
Listen to my interview with Mariel Fry on her Travel Experiences Reimagined podcast. Click here
Here’s a link to a short video talk by me about the history of the Maids Head Hotel in Norwich. Clickhere
Read the piece in Norwich Evening News about my guided tours, click here
My tours are now featured on Cool Places, click here
Testimonial from Jane Malyon – Maids Head, Tombland & Elm Hill tour
You know you are in safe hands from the moment Paul starts his tour. His gentle but professional delivery made very word easy to take in – and our group of 5 were fascinated by the knowledge that he imparted, from start to finish. We’ve already taken 2 of his tours and will eagerly look forward to the next. What a wonderful way to spend an hour or so, walking…learning…asking and smiling, not to mention the cup of tea at the end! Norwich is a marvellous and ancient city to learn more about – and Paul is the perfect teacher. We really mean that, so don’t miss the chance to join one of his walking tours. They’re fantastic!
The Paul Dickson guided tour of Norwich was absolutely great. Really informative – I didn’t know about so many secret places in Norwich. Paul Dickson was very engaging and we all enjoyed it very much.
Have you considered buying a Paul Dickson Tours gift voucher for a friend or family member? Let them make their own choice of the tour, or tours they want to experience.
Personalised gift vouchers now available with payment made either online at allthingsnorfolk.com or by bank transfer. Get in touch by completing the form below.
Maids Head Hotel
Paul's accommodation partner is the historic Maids Head Hotel in Norwich, whose story began in the 1090s, but with facilities for the 21st century traveller. Contact them on 01603 209955 to make a reservation, or click on the button.
Visit Their Website
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