The pretty city with beautiful historic streets that's the 'most underrated in the UK'

When it comes to planning a staycation, Brits are truly spoiled for choice. From coastal escapes to scenic countryside retreats, there's a perfect getaway for everyone.

However, one pretty city finds itself often forgotten by tourists. Norwich, in Norfolk, has rightfully earned its place on the map as a vibrant city full of culture, though it remains one of the UK's most underrated tourist attractions.

Brimming with beautiful streets filled with literary and historical charm, having been the first town to publish a female writer, Julian of Norwich, the city has plenty of cultural attractions on offer, including its famous castle.

Originally built in 1825 and serving as a prison for nearly 500 years, the castle has recently undergone a £27m rejuvenation, making it more attractive for new visitors of the town.

Previously an uninviting and gloomy building, the entrance to the castle and museum has been restored to a 12th century door. Now, certain points along the stone walls surrounding the castle focus on sections of the Bayeux Tapestry, with animated projections lighting up the stone walls and bringing the Norman invasion and conquest of Norfolk to life.

The town's rich history doesn't stop there, but continues with the notable figures who shaped it into what it is today, including William the Conqueror, who chose to transform Norwich from an Anglo-Saxon settlement into his regional capital.

Today, the city has been shaped by it's past, a sight that is visible from almost every street corner, each with their own charm. Princes Street leads off Tombland with a beautiful curve of several listed buildings set against a background of cobblestones.

If you're visiting the area you can't forget to visit Elm Hill, which has been described by visitors as the most famous place in the city and one of the prettiest streets in England. The street is home to more Tudor buildings then the whole of London and to one of the oldest buildings in Norwich, The Briton Arms.

Aside from its historic streets, according to Visit Norwich, the city also prides itself on having a "flair for independence" and for being the "only English city situated in a national park."

The website adds that the city has a "flourishing arts, music and cultural scene, superb independent as well as High Street shopping, quaint covered market, lively restaurants, bars and nightlife and a heritage that is a delight to explore."

With cobbled streets, historic architecture, and a lively cultural heartbeat, Norwich is a city that effortlessly blends the past with the present. Every corner tells a story, inviting visitors to explore its rich heritage and vibrant community.