Norwich City FC – Carrow Road
Complete Away Day Travel Guide
🐤 ABOUT CARROW ROAD
Carrow Road is one of English football’s most characterful grounds, home to Norwich City since 1935. Nestled on the banks of the River Wensum in the heart of Norwich, this 27,244-capacity stadium is ideally located just a short walk from the city centre and railway station. The Canaries’ home has witnessed nearly 90 years of footballing history, from Second Division battles to top-flight football and even European nights. The distinctive yellow and green colours are amongst the most recognisable in English football, and Carrow Road’s intimate atmosphere makes it a proper football ground where away fans are close to the action.
Norwich City – The Canaries – have a proud history that includes two League Cup triumphs (1962 and 1985), three FA Cup semi-final appearances, and memorable European campaigns. The club has become known for its yo-yo existence between the Premier League and Championship, and for producing exceptional talent through one of England’s finest academies. The stadium itself has been continuously developed over the decades, with the South Stand completed in 2004 being the most recent significant addition. Carrow Road’s riverside location and compact design create an excellent atmosphere, and visiting supporters consistently praise both the ground and the warm welcome from Canaries fans.
📊 STADIUM SPECIFICATIONS
| Capacity | 27,244 |
| Opened | 1935 (nearly 90 years of history!) |
| Away Section | South Stand (Upper Tier) |
| Away Allocation | Up to 2,800 seats (can be increased for bigger fixtures) |
| Record Attendance | 43,984 vs Leicester City (FA Cup, 1963) |
| Nickname | The Canaries |
🚗 GETTING TO CARROW ROAD
Carrow Road has one of the best locations in English football – it’s literally a 10-minute walk from Norwich railway station and the city centre. The stadium sits on the banks of the River Wensum, making it easily accessible and offering a pleasant riverside walk on matchdays.
🗺️ STADIUM LOCATION MAP
Carrow Road Address: Carrow Road, Norwich, NR1 1JE
🚂 BY TRAIN – The Recommended Choice
Why Trains Work: Norwich station is excellently connected to London, the Midlands, and East Anglia. The stadium is just a 10-minute walk from the station – one of the shortest ground-to-station walks in English football! This makes Norwich an absolute dream for away fans.
Journey Times to Norwich Station:
🔴 London Liverpool Street: 1 hour 50 minutes (direct)
🟠 Cambridge: 1 hour (direct)
🟡 Ipswich: 30 minutes (direct)
🟢 Peterborough: 1 hour 15 minutes (direct)
🔵 Birmingham: 3 hours (change at Peterborough/Cambridge)
Getting from Norwich Station to Carrow Road
🚶 WALK (10 MINUTES) – HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
The Route: Exit the station, turn left onto Riverside Road, and follow the river downstream for about 10 minutes. The stadium appears on your left – you literally can’t miss it! It’s a lovely riverside walk through the city.
Why Walk: It’s 10 minutes; the route is scenic along the river, passes pubs, and is by far the easiest option.
Tip: This is genuinely one of the best station-to-ground walks in English football – flat, scenic, and short!
🚌 BUS (5 MINUTES)
Several Routes Available: Various buses run from the city centre to stops near Carrow Road, but honestly, the walk is so short you won’t need them!
Cost: Approximately £2 single
🚕 TAXI (£6-8)
About £6-8 from Norwich station to Carrow Road. Takes 5 minutes. But seriously, just walk – it’s quicker and more enjoyable!
🚗 BY CAR
Postcode for Sat Nav: NR1 1JE
Motorway Routes:
From A11/M11 (London/Cambridge): Follow A11 all the way to Norwich southern bypass, then follow the signs for the city centre and Carrow Road
From A47 (Midlands): Follow A47 into Norwich, then follow the signs for the city centre and stadium
From A140 (Ipswich): Follow A140 into Norwich, then follow the signs to the stadium
Parking Options:
🅿️ Official Stadium Car Parks: Limited matchday parking at the stadium
Cost: £10 (book in advance)
Note: Minimal spaces – book well in advance for big matches
🏙️ City Centre Car Parks: Chapelfield, Castle Mall, St Andrew’s multi-storeys
Cost: £6-12 for the day
Distance: 10-15 minute walk to the ground
Advantage: Easy access to city centre pubs and restaurants
🅿️ Riverside Entertainment Complex: Riverside car park near the cinema
Cost: £4-6
Distance: 5-minute walk to the ground along the river
🏘️ Street Parking (Residential Areas): Limited street parking in the Trowse and King Street areas
Cost: Free, but check restrictions carefully
Important: Be respectful of residents – don’t block driveways
💡 Top Parking Tip: Honestly, the train is so much easier for Norwich! But if you must drive, use the city centre car parks – enjoy the pubs and restaurants, then it’s a short walk to the ground. Post-match exit is much easier too.
🎫 AWAY SUPPORTER ALLOCATION
| Your Section | South Stand (Upper Tier) |
| Allocation | Typically 2,000-2,800 seats (can be increased for bigger matches) |
| View | Elevated position offers excellent views of the pitch – one of the better away ends in the Championship |
| Facilities | Modern South Stand with decent concourse, good food and drink options |
| Atmosphere | Can generate excellent noise from the upper tier – acoustics carry well |
✅ Away Fan Experience: The South Stand upper tier is excellent – great views, modern facilities, and good atmosphere. Away fans consistently rate Carrow Road highly for friendliness and facilities. The location is perfect too – a short walk from the station and the city centre.
🍺 PUBS & FOOD FOR AWAY FANS
Norwich has an excellent pub scene with a great mix of traditional pubs, craft beer bars, and excellent restaurants. The city centre is compact and easy to navigate, with plenty of options for away fans. Most pubs welcome supporters from both sides.
🍻 RECOMMENDED CITY CENTRE PUBS
The Murderers
📍 Location: 2-8 Timber Hill, NR1 3LB (5 min walk from station)
Why Visit: Historic pub with an intriguing name! Great selection of real ales, friendly atmosphere, and very welcoming to away fans. Traditional Norwich pub experience.
Away Fans: Very welcome – mixed crowd on matchdays
The Ribs of Beef
📍 Location: 24 Wensum Street, NR3 1HY (10 min walk from station)
Why Visit: Fantastic historic pub with medieval features. Excellent real ales, great food, and a brilliant riverside location. One of Norwich’s finest pubs.
Away Fans: Very welcoming – popular with both sets of fans
The Compleat Angler
📍 Location: 15 Prince of Wales Road, NR1 1BL (near station)
Why Visit: Right by the river and station. Good range of beers, decent food, and perfect location for arriving fans.
Away Fans: Welcome – gets busy on matchdays
The Plasterers Arms
📍 Location: 1 Cowgate, NR3 1SZ
Why Visit: Quirky riverside pub with excellent real ales. Characterful interior and friendly atmosphere. A Norwich gem!
Away Fans: Very welcoming
🏟️ PUBS NEAR CARROW ROAD
Riverside Entertainment Complex
📍 Location: Koblenz Avenue, NR1 1EZ (5 min walk from ground)
Why Visit: Wetherspoons and other chain pubs/restaurants. Not the most characterful, but convenient for pre-match food and drink.
Away Fans: Welcome – purpose-built for matchday crowds
⚠️ Important Note: Some pubs very close to the ground can be home fans only on matchdays. Your best bet is the city centre pubs or the Riverside complex. Norwich fans are generally very friendly, so you’ll get a warm welcome most places!
🍽️ FOOD RECOMMENDATIONS
The Grosvenor Fish Bar
📍 Location: 28 Lower Goat Lane, NR2 1EL
Perfect For: Award-winning fish and chips – consistently rated one of the UK’s best chippies!
Tamale Kitchen
📍 Location: 39 Exchange Street, NR2 1AX
Perfect For: Fantastic Mexican street food. Great tacos, burritos, and authentic flavours.
The Waffle House
📍 Location: 39 St Giles Street, NR2 1JN
Perfect For: Brilliant waffles (obviously!), pancakes, and brunch. Perfect for early kick-offs.
The Norfolk Deli
📍 Location: 102-104 Unthank Road, NR2 2BD
Perfect For: Excellent sandwiches, local produce, and grab-and-go options. Norwich specialities!
🏨 WHERE TO STAY IN NORWICH
Norwich has excellent accommodation options for all budgets. The city centre is compact, and everything is within easy walking distance of both the station and Carrow Road.
💰 BUDGET OPTIONS (£50-80)
Travelodge Norwich Central
📍 Location: Barn Road, NR1 1DE
Distance: 5 minutes from the station, 15 minutes from Carrow Road
Why Stay: Great value, clean rooms, perfect central location.
Premier Inn Norwich City Centre (Duke Street)
📍 Location: Duke Street, NR3 1QA
Distance: City centre, 10 minutes to the ground
Why Stay: Reliable chain, good breakfast, central location.
💎 MID-RANGE OPTIONS (£80-130)
Maids Head Hotel
📍 Location: 20 Tombland, NR3 1LB
Distance: City centre, 15 minutes to Carrow Road
Why Stay: Historic 13th-century hotel – England’s oldest! Full of character, great location near the Cathedral.
The Georgian House Hotel
📍 Location: 30-34 Unthank Road, NR2 2RB
Distance: 15 minutes from the city centre
Why Stay: Charming Georgian townhouse hotel, comfortable rooms, friendly service.
⭐ UPMARKET OPTIONS (£130+)
Hotel Wroxham
📍 Location: 12 The Close, NR1 4DZ
Distance: Cathedral Close, 12 minutes to Carrow Road
Why Stay: Boutique luxury in a stunning Cathedral Close location. Beautiful historic setting.
The Assembly House
📍 Location: Theatre Street, NR2 1RQ
Distance: City centre location
Why Stay: Stunning Georgian mansion, elegant rooms, excellent restaurant. Real luxury!
🎭 THINGS TO DO IN NORWICH
Norwich is a beautiful historic city with a stunning medieval centre, a magnificent cathedral, a castle, excellent shopping, and a vibrant cultural scene. There are genuinely loads to see and do – Norwich deserves more than just matchday!
⛪ Norwich Cathedral
📍 Location: 65 The Close, NR1 4DH
What: Stunning Norman cathedral dating from 1096. One of England’s finest cathedrals with magnificent cloisters and the second-tallest spire in England.
Cost: Free entry (donations welcome)
🏰 Norwich Castle
📍 Location: Castle Meadow, NR1 3JU
What: The imposing Norman keep now houses a museum and art gallery. Brilliant views from the battlements over the city.
Cost: £13.95 adults / £7.50 children
🏛️ Norwich Lanes
📍 Location: City centre between Castle and Market
What: Medieval streets packed with independent shops, cafes, boutiques, and galleries. Brilliant for browsing!
Cost: Free to explore
🛍️ Norwich Market
📍 Location: Gentleman’s Walk, NR2 1ND
What: One of England’s largest outdoor markets with 200+ stalls. Been trading for 900 years! Great for local produce and street food.
Cost: Free to browse
🌊 The Broads
📍 Location: Just outside Norwich
What: Britain’s most significant protected wetland – stunning waterways, wildlife, and villages. Perfect for a Sunday morning before heading home.
Cost: Free access
🍺 Brewery Tours
📍 Location: Various locations
What: Norwich has excellent breweries, including Woodforde’s and Wildcraft. Several offer tours and tastings.
Cost: Varies by brewery
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🐤 The Canaries: Norwich fans are passionate about their club – expect “On The Ball, City” (the world’s oldest football song!) to ring out
💛💚 Friendly Atmosphere: Norwich fans have a reputation for being amongst the friendliest in football – you’ll get a warm welcome
🏟️ Great Location: Carrow Road’s riverside setting and proximity to the city centre make this one of the best away days for logistics
🎵 Historic Song: Listen out for “On The Ball, City” – written in 1890, it’s the world’s oldest football song still in use!
🤝 HOW TO BEHAVE
✅ DO: Show your colours proudly • Walk from the station (it’s brilliant!) • Explore Norwich’s beautiful medieval centre • Try the local fish and chips • Visit the Cathedral and Castle • Respect the friendly atmosphere • Enjoy the Broads if staying over
❌ DON’T: Cause trouble • Rush away – Norwich is beautiful • Miss the city centre – it’s stunning • Forget Norwich fans are famously friendly • Drive when the train is so easy!
📗 QUICK REFERENCE
| Stadium Postcode | NR1 1JE |
| Away Allocation | 2,000-2,800 seats (South Stand upper tier) |
| Nearest Train | Norwich (10-minute walk – one of the best in England!) |
| Best Transport | Train to Norwich + 10 min riverside walk |
| Parking | £6-12 (city centre car parks best option) |
| Must Try | Grosvenor Fish Bar, Norwich Market street food, local ales! |
| Must Visit | Norwich Cathedral, Norwich Castle, The Lanes, Norwich Market, The Broads! |
⚡ TOP TIPS FOR YOUR VISIT
📋 BEFORE YOU GO
🚂 Book Travel Early: Norwich trains book up quickly – get advance tickets for best prices
🎫 Digital Tickets: Have tickets ready on your phone and arrive 60-90 minutes before kick-off
🌧️ Check Weather: East Anglia can be windy – bring layers for evening matches!
🚶 GETTING THERE
🚶 Walk from Station: Seriously, just walk! 10 minutes along the river – one of the best station-to-ground walks in football
⏱️ Allow Time: The walk is so easy you don’t need much time, but arrive early to enjoy the city centre pubs
🚗 If Driving: Really, the train is so much easier! But if you must drive, use the city centre car parks
🏰 NORWICH EXPERIENCE
🏛️ Beautiful City: Norwich is genuinely stunning – medieval streets, magnificent cathedral, great shopping. Make a weekend of it!
🍺 Pub Culture: The Ribs of Beef and Murderers are Norwich classics – brilliant pubs with real character
🌊 The Broads: If staying Sunday, visit the Broads – Britain’s magical waterways are stunning
⚽ MATCHDAY EXPERIENCE
🐤 The Canaries: Norwich fans are brilliant – expect “On The Ball, City” and a friendly atmosphere
🏟️ Perfect Location: This is genuinely one of the easiest away days in England for logistics
💛💚 Famous Friendliness: Norwich fans have a reputation as the friendliest in football – live up to it by being respectful!
💭 FINAL THOUGHTS
Visiting Carrow Road is consistently rated as one of the best away days in English football, and it’s easy to see why. The logistics are absolutely perfect – Norwich station is superbly connected to London and much of England, and from there it’s literally a 10-minute riverside walk to the ground.
This is genuinely one of the shortest and most pleasant station-to-stadium walks in the country. The Canaries’ ground nestles on the banks of the River Wensum in a prime location, and the modern South Stand, where away fans sit, offers excellent views and facilities.
But what really makes Norwich special is the city itself. This is one of England’s finest medieval cities, with a stunning cathedral, an imposing Norman castle, beautiful lanes packed with independent shops, and a vibrant market that has traded for 900 years. The pub scene is excellent – The Ribs of Beef is a genuine medieval gem, The Murderers has a fascinating history, and there are brilliant real ale pubs throughout the compact city centre. Norwich fans consistently receive praise as being amongst the friendliest in football, and you’ll get a warm welcome in most pubs and around the ground.
Norwich City have a proud history that includes League Cup triumphs, memorable European campaigns, and a reputation for producing exceptional young talent through their academy. The distinctive yellow and green of The Canaries is one of football’s most iconic colour schemes, and you’ll hear “On The Ball, City” – the world’s oldest football song, written in 1890 – echoing around Carrow Road. The club’s yo-yo existence between the Premier League and Championship means they’ve built a resilient, passionate fanbase who stick by their team through thick and thin.
If you’re making a weekend of it, Norwich offers even more. The Norfolk Broads – Britain’s largest protected wetland – are right on the doorstep and offer stunning scenery and wildlife. The city has excellent restaurants serving everything from award-winning fish and chips at the Grosvenor to innovative independent eateries in The Lanes. The shopping is brilliant, with major chains in the centre and fabulous independent boutiques in the medieval streets. And the history is everywhere you look – from the magnificent Norman cathedral to the ancient city walls and gates that still stand proud.
Our advice? Get to Norwich early, enjoy a proper session in the brilliant city centre pubs, grab some food at the market or one of the excellent restaurants, maybe visit the Cathedral or Castle if you’ve got time, then take the easy 10-minute riverside walk to Carrow Road.
Soak up the friendly atmosphere, enjoy the match from the excellent away end, then either head back into the city centre for Saturday night or stay over Sunday to explore the Broads and have a leisurely morning before heading home. This is genuinely one of the best away days in English football – a brilliant stadium, perfect logistics, a stunning city, friendly fans, and genuine character. Don’t rush away after the final whistle – Norwich deserves your time!
📞 USEFUL CONTACTS
🐤 Norwich City FC: 01603 760760 | canaries.co.uk
🎫 Ticket Office: 01603 721902
🚌 Norwich Bus Information: 0344 800 4411
🚂 National Rail: 03457 48 49 50 | nationalrail.co.uk
ℹ️ Visit Norwich: visitnorwich.co.uk
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John Herman is a Leeds-based, would-be football writer and founder of Football Nonsense. Blending fan passion with sharp opinion, he tackles the game’s biggest debates—from the terraces to the boardroom—with honesty, humour, and heart.