PLEASE BE AWARE:

The Museum is currently open but due to an exciting £13.5M National Lottery Heritage Fund project, the medieval castle and some galleries are temporarily closed. You can find out more about this project here.

At A Glance:

  • A great family-friendly day out in Norwich
  • A bona-fide ‘castle-y looking castle’ in the centre of the city
  • Regular exhibitions and events
  • Inspiring art galleries
  • Amazing array of natural history specimens
  • Battlements and dungeon tours

Norwich’s very own ‘Castle On The Hill‘

Norwich Castle is one museum that you simply can’t miss in more ways than one. Set high on Castle Mound in the centre of Norwich, it looks majestically over the skyline that it must have seen alter so dramatically in the almost 1000 years of its existence.

Completed in 1121, the originally Norman structure has also existed as a prison, before becoming a museum in 1894. Today it houses impressive collections ranging from Natural History to Egyptian artifacts to The Royal Norfolk Regiment. The central Castle Keep is perhaps the highlight, really making you feel as if you are in a bona-fide ‘Castle’, and you can also tour the battlements and dungeons.

Art lovers will appreciate the Fine Art Galleries, among which is displayed the museum’s world-famous collection of Norwich School Paintings. There are also some excellent examples of contemporary art, and Norwich Castle regularly hosts significant National and International travelling works and exhibitions.

The Castle has been updated in recent years to include much that will capture children’s imagination. There are several interactive stations throughout, from books and touchy-things to buckets to fill with small toys that little ones will love to carry round with them. Boudica’s chariot ride is a simple idea, but always seems to be a hit!

EnjoyNorwich tip: A Museum Pass is by far the most cost-effective way to visit most of the museums across Norwich and Norfolk, particularly if you are a resident and can use it regularly throughout the year.

Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery.
Castle Hill, Norwich, NR1 3JU.