Pollen Count in Norwich Today

One of the oldest cities in the UK, Norwich was dubbed England’s first UNESCO city of literature in 2012 and is considered a cultural centre where the past intersects with the future.

Settled by the river Yare and home to the famous Norfolk Broads, Norwich is relatively isolated compared to the other cities on this list but is overflowing with history, from Boudicca to the Norman Conquest. This makes it popular with tourists, due to its beautiful architecture and historic buildings. There are also a number of beautiful gardens sprinkled around the city, chockfull of pollen.

The most common pollen offenders in Norwich are familiar faces, like grass pollen and tree pollen.

In particular, the city appears to be home to a variety of oak trees and beech trees. This makes Norwich particularly lethal in spring, from around March through to June as both tree species pollinate during this time. It might be worthwhile avoiding parks and gardens until later on the year, and to watch out for common weed allergens like nettles and dock leaves which can pollinate later in the year, around August through to October.

Norwich enjoys its greenery, playing host to a variety of different parks and gardens. To the east, the city is bordered by the Whitlingham Country Park, an offshoot of the Mid-Yare National Nature Reserve, and the River Yare, which runs through Norwich, has embankments that are rich in different species of grass and weed pollen. Below are just a few of the main pollen hotspots spread throughout the city and its neighbouring areas.

• Chapelfield Gardens: Once the training grounds for the archers that would fight in Agincourt, Chapelfield Gardens was opened to the public in 1880 and is often home to a variety of outdoor events during the summer months, such as the Urban Art Fair and Run Norwich. Inevitably this beautiful garden is also a host to different pollen allergens, including tree species like ash, oak, elm and the dreaded London Plane
• Eaton Park: Stretching over 80 acres, Eaton Park was first opened to the public in 1928 by the then Prince of Wales, Edward Windsor. Admission to the park is free of charge and it contains a diverse assortment of sporting facilities, such as basketball courts, cricket pitches, touch rugby fields, crazy gold and tennis. It also has a miniature railway and a model boat club but beware, this park is potent with oak pollen and houses several different species of grass
• Plantation Gardens: Built by Henry Trevor, the Plantation Gardens are located in the centre of Norwich, spread over three acres. Entry to the garden is £3, which includes a guided tour and it also is home to an open-air cinema during the summer months. Similar to most outdoor areas, grass pollen is a big culprit here so it might be worth avoiding this particular attraction in summer and early spring
• Whitlingham Park: Whitlingham Park is situated near the Norfolk broads and was home to the Colman family – think mustard – for many years before eventually being opened as a park in 1997, later to be rechristened Whitlingham Great Broads in 2004. Weed and tree pollens are the typical fiends in this area, with the park containing species of nettles, docking leaves, oak trees and beech trees
• Thetford Forest: Just a 40 minute drive away from Norwich, Thetford Forest is home to the Go Ape adventure experience, where participants get the opportunity to explore the tree canopies using zip wires and cleverly designed footpaths. Needless to say this might be a thrilling day out for all the family but if you suffer from hayfever, it might not be just a fear of heights that could put you off. Thetford is likely a hotspot for all types of pollen, particularly trees such as ash, beech, oak and maple.

If you suffer from hayfever, the summer months can seem like an annual bush-tucker trial leaving you with no other solution but to barricade yourself indoors and hope for the best. However, despite the variety of outdoor attractions in Norwich, there are plenty of great indoor experiences available. Listed below are just a few of our favourites.

• Norwich Cathedral: Norwich Cathedral was built by the Normans after their Conquest in the 11th century, and is an important heritage site in the city. The religious building houses a diverse range of exhibitions, from Shakespeare’s Sources to Edith Cavell, a Norfolk nurse that was executed by the Germans in 1915 after she succeeded in hiding over 200 soldiers from them during the war. If you strain your eyes enough to peer up at the spires, you might also catch a glimpse of the famed peregrine falcons that have made their home on the pinnacles of the cathedral
• Norwich Castle: Norwich Castle was founded by William the Conqueror in the 11th century and today it functions as a museum and an art gallery for the public, hosting events like ‘Medieval Madness’ and ‘The British Art Show 8.’ Admission to the castle is usually around £8.00 for adults and £7.00 for children, although prices might change around peak season 
• The Forum: The Forum is a public space, built to commemorate the millennium and is open seven days a week, housing free exhibitions, cafés, and one of the best public libraries in the country. It even acts as the headquarters for BBC East and will even be hosting the first Norwich Science Festival
• Norwich Royal Theatre: The Norwich Royal Theatre is a performing arts hub, displaying shows, musicals, comedies, plays, and concerts, as well as housing a few popular restaurants and bars. The theatre building was initially a playhouse during the 18th century but was expanded upon and later opened as a theatre. Today, it also functions as a charity, supporting performing arts projects for the community and children
• Norfolk Snowsports Club: Opened in the 1970s, the Norfolk Snowsports Club is one of the largest in England, home to various sports like skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. In this cold, frosty environment you are unlikely to come into contact with pollen and can enjoy learning an exciting new skill. Membership prices vary from £24 per annum for children and £40 for adults.

If, despite your best efforts, your hayfever symptoms are still agitating you then you should consider trying to treat your allergies.

Our A.Vogel hayfever relief products, like Luffa Nasal Spray and Pollinosan Hayfever Tablets, can be found in most high street health shops like Holland and Barrett. In Norwich, the Natural Food Store on Exchange Street is known to stock A.Vogel products whereas other shops can be found throughout Norfolk, in Walsham and Coltishall.

Looking for relief of red and itchy eyes due to hayfever?

A.Vogel Pollinosan Hayfever Eye Drops contain hyaluronic acid (from vegetable source) and can be used for quick relief of red and itchy eyes due to hayfever. Suitable for contact lense users.

To find local independent stores in your area that sell A.Vogel Pollinosan Hayfever Eye drops, simply type your postcode below.