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

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Best Time
Pleasant riverside walks
Cow Tower Norwich
Best Time
Pleasant riverside walks
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 14th-century artillery tower on the River Wensum, Cow Tower is a key piece of Norwich's medieval defenses.
"A unique little piece of history! This medieval tower is such a hidden gem tucked away by the river."
🚶♀️ 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
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
River Wensum path
Enjoy a pleasant stroll along the River Wensum, with the Cow Tower as a picturesque focal point.
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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Planning Your Visit
Riverfront History & Access
Best Viewing & Nearby Delights
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ 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.
📸 Photo Opportunity
The tower and river setting make for great photos, especially in good light.
🚫 No Entry Inside
You can view the exterior and peek through gates, but interior access is restricted.
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.
🧺 Picnic Perfect
Pack a picnic to enjoy by the river. It's a lovely spot for a break.
📸 Photo Opportunity
The tower and river setting make for great photos, especially in good light.
🚫 No Entry Inside
You can view the exterior and peek through gates, but interior access is restricted.
🗺️ History Board
Look for the information board detailing the tower's history and significance.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
There is no entrance fee to visit Cow Tower. It's a free historical site to admire from the outside.
An information board is usually present near the tower, providing details about its construction and historical significance as part of Norwich's defenses.
🎫 🏞️ 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.
Yes, families can enjoy the riverside walk and the historical aspect of the tower. It's a good spot for a short, educational outing.
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.
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.
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.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and flattering illumination for photographing Cow Tower and the surrounding river.
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.
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.
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.
The River Wensum itself, the quayside, and the general Norwich cityscape offer numerous photographic opportunities, especially from the vantage point near the tower.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ History Buffs & Walkers
🏊♀️ Cold Water Swimmers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Architecture of Cow Tower
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.
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.
Experiencing the River Wensum and Cow Tower
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.
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.
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