After more than a decade living in Norwich, I am moving away at the end of the year and there are a lot of things I will miss. 

I grew up in a sleepy town in Hampshire and relocated to Norwich in 2013 to study at UEA.

Like many people, I fell in love with the city and ended up staying - it well and truly feels like home. 

But after hitting 30, I have decided to do some travelling and am moving to Australia on a working holiday visa.

While the sunny weather will be a welcome change, there are lots of things I will miss about wonderful Norwich. 

Community spirit at the Norwich Christmas lights switch-onCommunity spirit at the Norwich Christmas lights switch-on (Image: Sonya Duncan)

1. The friendly people and interesting characters 

For the most part, the people living in Norwich are friendly and have a lot of local pride. 

Due to its relatively small size, I see at least one person I know every time I walk around the centre - you would never get that in the bigger cities.

And Norwich folk certainly aren't boring - interesting characters like The Puppet Man and Orlando Williams (of Earlham Road restaurant battle fame) have become cult heroes. 

The community come together for events such as the Lord Mayor's Weekend and Christmas lights switch-on.

READ MORE: 7 major events happening in Norfolk in December

A chorizo ciabatta sandwich from Churros for the PeopleA chorizo ciabatta sandwich from Churros for the People (Image: Denise Bradley)

2. Grabbing lunch from Norwich Market

Over the last decade, Norwich Market has become a melting pot of different cuisines and it is even home to a pint-sized pub from Sir Toby's Beers. 

My favourite places to grab lunch from are Bun Box, with sensational bao buns and rice bowls, and Churros for the People, with ciabatta sandwiches filled with slabs of chorizo. 

On a cold day, buy a drink from The Garnet and enjoy your food in the pub or chill out on The Forum steps in the summer. 

Lisa Angel outside her namesake store in Lower Goat Lane, Norwich Lisa Angel outside her namesake store in Lower Goat Lane, Norwich (Image: Lisa Angel)

3. Shopping from independents in the Norwich Lanes 

We are so lucky to have the Norwich Lanes, it is truly fantastic to have so many independent shops and eateries on our doorstep.

But use them or lose them, so keep these small businesses in mind for your Christmas shopping and meals.

While it did not go ahead this year, the Norwich Lanes Summer Fayre is one of my favourite city events. 

Hamilton is coming to Norwich Theatre Royal in 2025Hamilton is coming to Norwich Theatre Royal in 2025 (Image: Danny Kaan)

4. World-class theatre on my doorstep 

In my job as what's on editor, I have visited Norwich Theatre Royal countless times over the years and it is a superb venue.

You only have to look at the 2025 programme with West End and Broadway hit shows like Hairspray, Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen coming to the city.

Elsewhere, the Playhouse is great for comedy, The Garage and Norwich Puppet Theatre introduce youngsters to theatre brilliantly and The Maddermarket has me in stitches every year with its adult panto. 

READ MORE: Three-day Christmas market with 50 stalls coming to historic city venue

A busy evening at The York in the Golden TriangleA busy evening at The York in the Golden Triangle (Image: Duncan Paines)

5. Brilliant pubs 

For the last five years, I have lived in the heart of the Golden Triangle and I am spoilt for choice when it comes to pubs.

Some of my NR2 favourites, which all do fantastic food and have spacious beer gardens, are The York, The Black Horse and The Warwick Arms.

When I get the chance to visit, NR3 has superb pubs too and the roasts at The Rosebery are top-notch.