Norwich Castle

5 out of 5 stars★★★★★

“Built in the late 11th/early 12th centuries, in what is now the centre of Norwich, using limestone shipped from Caen in France, Norwich Castle was planned to be a royal palace rather than a fortress. However, no Norman kings ever lived there. From the 14th century the keep was used as a county gaol, until a new one was built in the late 18th century. In the 1830’s the Castle’s exterior was refaced in Bath stone. When the county gaol moved to Mousehold Heath in 1883, work was carried out to convert it to a museum, opening 11 years later. Thanks in part to a £13m grant from The National Lottery Heritage fund and support from Norfolk County Council, the Castle underwent a 5-year renovation, eventually costing £27.5m. Reopening in August 2025, the revamp included restoring the original floor levels in the keep, recreating the great hall and the apartments of Norman kings. A new gallery of Medieval life with more than 900 objects was created. There is a massive amount to see, including The Great Hall, Royal Quarters & Private Chapel, The Bigod Tower, Fighting Gallery and the Former Prison Wings and Gaol Cells, spread over 5 floors. There is something for everyone of all ages. You can easily spend all day in the Castle, and it is definitely worth a visit. Accessibility at Norwich Castle is excellent, with step-free access available to most areas of Norwich Castle, including the battlements where you get breathtaking views of the city. It is the most accessible castle keep in Britian. There is a digital guide that can be downloaded before, or during your visit to enhance the experience. The Castle Café has an excellent selection of freshly made on-site food using the best locally sourced ingredients. The range includes scones and pastries, jacket potatoes, filled baguettes and sandwiches, offering gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan options. A range of hot and cold drinks, fine wines, local beers, and locally made ice-creams are also available. There is a well-stocked shop showcasing local brands and ingredients. Norwich Castle and Art Gallery was shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026. As entry was free on the day (part of Heritage Open Day), there was a considerable sized queue. Despite the delay, it was still very much worth the wait.”