Victorian Charm, Modern Access
4
4
Date of visit: July 2025
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: disabled toilet, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
This was a really cool shopping arcade in the centre of Norwich. It was located right next to Norwich Market and was originally opened in 1899. The Victorian shopping arcade was given an Art Nouveau design which made it look beautiful. The floors were laid with stone tiles which made for an incredibly smooth surface. All the shops had step-free access from the main arcade too. There was a lot of natural light inside from the transparent ceiling which gave it a lovely feeling. The storefronts were all really big and gave a great view into the shop inside. The entrances to the arcade were level with the street so it was completely step-free throughout. There was a really nice selection of shops inside which added to the atmosphere the design gave the arcade. And there were even some places to sit and get food and refreshments, which were really lovely.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
This shopping arcade had step-free access throughout which was really lovely. The flooring was stone tiling, so it was really smooth with no bumps or lips. The entrances to the shops were all step-free too. During the day it was well lit as the ceiling was transparent and let a lot of natural light in. There were also some large ceiling lamps evenly spaced throughout the arcade that would light the space when the natural light wasn’t enough. It was quite a peaceful place. Given that it was a shopping arcade, it didn’t feel super busy or cramped when I was there which meant that it felt quite calm.
Parking & Transport
Average
As this was in the city centre there wasn’t any parking nearby. The closest bus stop was on Castle Meadow and is about 100 metres from the arcade. The buses that stop here are: 23, 24, 42, 43, 43A, 44A, 45, 45A, 54, 55B, 57, X40, X41, X44 and X55.
Accessible Toilets
0I didn’t see any toilets in the arcade. There are some accessible toilets nearby in the FORUM, including a Changing Places Toilet. The FORUM is about 200 metres from the Royal Arcade.
Staff
Excellent
The staff in the shops I went into were really friendly and happy to help. They were happy to let you browse if you wanted, but were also there if you needed or wanted any help or advice.
