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Cow Tower Norwich

4.4
·640 reviews·, United Kingdom

A 14th-century artillery tower on the River Wensum, Cow Tower is a key piece of Norwich's medieval defenses.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Pleasant riverside walks

CrowdLow
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Cow Tower - Image 1

Cow Tower Norwich

Best Time

Spring & Summer mornings

Pleasant riverside walks

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 14th-century artillery tower on the River Wensum, Cow Tower is a key piece of Norwich's medieval defenses.

4.4
(640 reviews)

"A unique little piece of history! This medieval tower is such a hidden gem tucked away by the river."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Stroll

Enjoy a walk along the River Wensum; it's a beautiful path with great views of the tower.

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river. It's a lovely spot for a break.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Medieval Artillery Tower

Medieval Artillery Tower

River Wensum

Explore this imposing 14th-century brick and flint tower, a key part of Norwich's historic city defenses.

Riverside Walk & Views

Riverside Walk & Views

River Wensum path

Enjoy a pleasant stroll along the River Wensum, with the Cow Tower as a picturesque focal point.

Picnic & Relaxation Spot

Picnic & Relaxation Spot

Near Cow Tower

A great spot for a picnic or a quiet break, offering lovely surroundings and historical ambiance.

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Riverfront History & Access

Cow Tower is a 14th-century artillery tower on the River Wensum. While you can't enter, its exterior is viewable year-round. The riverside path offers pleasant walks and picnic spots, making it a great focal point for exploring Norwich's medieval defenses.

Best Viewing & Nearby Delights

The tower is best viewed from the riverside path. Combine your visit with a stroll along the Wensum, explore nearby pubs, or enjoy a picnic. It's a quick stop, perfect for history buffs and those seeking a peaceful riverside experience.

Best Times

When
Spring & Summer mornings
Why
Pleasant riverside walks
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Quieter for exploration
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend mornings
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

you can even feed them for £1 per bag !! 📍taverham mill #highlandcows #norfolk #norwich #cows #ditl
@sophiestanle.y
72.2K likes • 982.8K views

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Stroll

Enjoy a walk along the River Wensum; it's a beautiful path with great views of the tower. InstagramReddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river. It's a lovely spot for a break. Reddit

Today we visited the Highland cows at Taverham Mill 🥺 so cute 🥰 #highlandcows #taverhammill #naturereserve #norfolk #norwich
@l.lois_
16.5K likes • 436.5K views
Our beautiful river Wensum 💚 This stretch of the river is just around the bend in the river at Cow Tower. You haven’t even left the city yet and already it’s stunning 🌿 . . . . . . #canoe #canoeing #norwich #norfolk #thisisnorwich #norwichlife #visitnorfolk #discovernorwich #secretnorwich #norwichlife #norwichbusiness #norwichgram #visitnorwich #lifeinafinecity #lovegreatbritain #escapetheeveryday...
pubandpaddle
0 likes • 1.4K views

📸 Photo Opportunity

The tower and river setting make for great photos, especially in good light. Instagram+1

🚫 No Entry Inside

You can view the exterior and peek through gates, but interior access is restricted. Reddit

The Cow Tower in Norwich, Norfolk, England. ..... ..... ..... #cowtower #artilleryfort #artillerytower #fortress #fortification #englishheritage #historicalplace #firearms #history #medievalhistory #tower #gunpowder_dan
gunpowder_dan
2.1K likes • 49.9K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚶‍♀️ Riverside Stroll

Enjoy a walk along the River Wensum; it's a beautiful path with great views of the tower. InstagramReddit

🧺 Picnic Perfect

Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river. It's a lovely spot for a break. Reddit

📸 Photo Opportunity

The tower and river setting make for great photos, especially in good light. Instagram+1

🚫 No Entry Inside

You can view the exterior and peek through gates, but interior access is restricted. Reddit

🗺️ History Board

Look for the information board detailing the tower's history and significance. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(640 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise Cow Tower as a unique historical gem and a pleasant riverside focal point. Its medieval architecture and scenic location are highlights, offering a peaceful escape and a glimpse into Norwich's past. While interior access is limited, the exterior views and surrounding walks are highly recommended for history enthusiasts and those seeking a tranquil spot.

""what a unique little piece of history! This medieval tower is such a hidden gem tucked away by the river. The views from the top are lovely - you can see the river and surrounding areas beautifully.

It's fascinating to think about all the history this old tower has witnessed over the centuries. The walk along the river to reach it is quite pleasant too. Perfect spot for a quiet moment away from the busy city center.

Great little historical site that doesn't take long to explore but definitely worth the visit if you're interested in Norwich's medieval heritage!"

Chaitanya Patil

"We did a short 4 mile walk around some of what is left of the wall and towers of Norwich. Roughly 4 miles of them anyway, and much of the route walked alongside the River Wensum. No cost!"

Get Real

"Imposing 14th century blockhouse tower that formed an important part of the city defences of Norwich. An information board provides more detail about the tower, and while the inside is behind a locked gate, it's possible to get a look in through the railings. The exterior of the tower can be viewed all year round at any time.
An interesting historic feature to provide a focal point for riverside walks."

Andrew Thomas

What People Like

Unique historical site
Pleasant riverside walk
Medieval architecture

What People Dislike

Cannot enter tower

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Cow Tower is located along the River Wensum in Norwich. It's easily accessible via a pleasant riverside walk, a short distance from the city center and Norwich Cathedral. Many visitors enjoy walking or cycling to the site. InstagramReddit

While there isn't dedicated parking directly at Cow Tower, there are several car parks in Norwich city center, from which you can walk to the river. Consider parking near the Cathedral or the train station. Instagram

Yes, cycling is a great way to reach Cow Tower, with dedicated paths along the River Wensum. It's a scenic route that many locals and visitors enjoy. Instagram

The riverside path leading to Cow Tower is generally flat and accessible, making it suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. However, the tower itself is not accessible internally. Reddit

Many visitors enjoy combining a visit to Cow Tower with a walk along the River Wensum, exploring the quayside, or visiting nearby pubs and attractions like Norwich Cathedral. InstagramReddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, Cow Tower is an exterior historical monument. You can view it from the outside and walk along the river path without needing to purchase any tickets. Reddit

Unfortunately, you cannot go inside Cow Tower. Access to the interior is restricted, but you can see through the railings to get a glimpse of the inside. Reddit

As an exterior monument, Cow Tower is accessible at any time of day. The surrounding riverside paths are also open 24/7, though it's best visited during daylight hours. Reddit

There is no entrance fee to visit Cow Tower. It's a free historical site to admire from the outside. Reddit

An information board is usually present near the tower, providing details about its construction and historical significance as part of Norwich's defenses. Reddit

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The main activity is admiring the medieval architecture of the tower from the outside and enjoying the scenic riverside walk. It's a great spot for photography and a peaceful break. Reddit+1

Yes, families can enjoy the riverside walk and the historical aspect of the tower. It's a good spot for a short, educational outing. Instagram

There are no specific facilities like restrooms or cafes directly at Cow Tower. You'll find these amenities in the nearby city center or along the river. Reddit

Cow Tower is an important example of a 14th-century artillery fortification, built to defend Norwich. It's one of the earliest surviving examples of such structures in England. Instagram+1

Yes, there are groups like the Cow Tower Dippers who swim in the River Wensum. It's a popular spot for cold water swimming, though always exercise caution and be aware of local conditions. Instagram+2

📸 📸 Photography

Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and flattering illumination for photographing Cow Tower and the surrounding river. Instagram

Its unique medieval architecture, riverside setting, and historical context make it a compelling subject. The contrast between the old tower and the natural river environment is striking. Instagram+1

Try capturing the tower from different points along the river path. Including the river in the foreground or the surrounding greenery can add depth to your shots. Instagram

While you can't enter, you can often get interesting shots looking through the metal railings into the tower's interior, offering a glimpse of its structure. Reddit

The River Wensum itself, the quayside, and the general Norwich cityscape offer numerous photographic opportunities, especially from the vantage point near the tower. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Cow Tower offers a gentle introduction to history for families. The riverside walk is engaging for children, providing space to move and explore. Pack a picnic to make it a fun outing, and use the tower as a talking point about medieval castles and defenses. It's a low-key, free activity that can be easily combined with other city explorations. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ History Buffs & Walkers

For those interested in medieval history and fortifications, Cow Tower is a must-see. Its status as an early artillery tower is significant. The surrounding riverside walk is also a major draw, offering pleasant routes and views, perfect for a historical walking tour of Norwich's defenses. InstagramReddit+1

🏊‍♀️ Cold Water Swimmers

The River Wensum near Cow Tower is a known spot for cold water swimming, with dedicated groups like the Cow Tower Dippers. If you're an experienced cold water swimmer, this area offers a unique opportunity to connect with the river and its history. Always prioritize safety and check local conditions. Instagram+2

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The History and Architecture of Cow Tower

Cow Tower stands as a testament to Norwich's medieval military engineering. Constructed around 1398-99, it was one of the earliest purpose-built artillery blockhouses in England. Its design reflects a shift in warfare, moving from traditional castle defenses to structures capable of withstanding and employing gunpowder artillery. The tower's brick and flint construction is characteristic of late medieval fortifications, designed to be robust and strategically positioned to command a vital point in the city's defenses along the River Wensum. Instagram+2

This imposing structure was part of a larger network of city walls and towers that once encircled Norwich, making it one of the longest urban defense circuits in Britain. While many of these defenses have long since disappeared, Cow Tower remains a significant surviving example, offering a tangible link to the city's past as a powerful and wealthy medieval center. Its strategic location highlights the importance of controlling river access for trade and defense. Instagram+1

Today, Cow Tower is a Grade I listed building and a scheduled monument, managed by English Heritage. Although visitors cannot enter the tower, its exterior presence and the surrounding historical context provide a fascinating glimpse into medieval Norwich. The tower's unique name, 'Cow Tower,' is thought to derive from its proximity to a cattle market or perhaps a corruption of an older name. Instagram+1

Experiencing the River Wensum and Cow Tower

The area around Cow Tower offers a delightful riverside experience. The path along the River Wensum provides a scenic route for walking, jogging, or cycling, with the tower serving as a picturesque landmark. It's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to enjoy the fresh air and tranquil waters. Many find it a perfect place for a leisurely stroll, a picnic, or simply to sit and observe the river life. InstagramReddit+1

Beyond its historical significance, Cow Tower has become a focal point for community activities. The River Wensum here is also a popular spot for cold water swimming, with groups like the Cow Tower Dippers actively promoting swimming in local waterways. This highlights a modern resurgence of interest in utilizing the river for recreation and well-being, connecting contemporary life with the historic setting. Instagram+2

For those interested in the broader context of Norwich's heritage, Cow Tower is ideally situated. It's a short walk from the city center, Norwich Cathedral, and various pubs and eateries, making it an easy addition to a day of exploration. The quayside area around the tower is a vibrant part of the city, blending historical charm with modern life. InstagramReddit

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