Norwich Castle: The Royal Palace Reborn
Dominating the city skyline from its high grassy mound, Norwich Castle is one of the most important heritage sites in Europe. It has served as a fortress, a prison, and—since 1894—the city's premier museum and art gallery.
Following the massive "Royal Palace Reborn" restoration project, 2026 is the landmark year to visit. For the first time in centuries, the Castle Keep has been returned to its medieval glory.
1. The Medieval Keep: A Walk Through Time
The highlight of any visit is the Great Keep. The recent restoration has transformed this space into a fully accessible medieval marvel.
- The Great Hall: Step into the recreated heart of the palace. You can now walk across the reconstructed floor levels, seeing exactly how the Norman kings lived, feasted, and ruled.
- The King’s Chamber: Discover the private spaces of royalty, meticulously researched and presented with high-tech immersive displays that bring the 12th century to life.
- Accessible Battlements: Take the new lift to the top of the Keep. The views from the battlements offer the finest 360-degree panorama of Norwich, from the spire of the Cathedral to the modern roof of the Forum.
2. The Galleries: Art, History & Rebellion
Beyond the Keep, the museum wings house a vast collection of treasures:
- The Anglo-Saxon & Viking Gallery: Created in partnership with the British Museum, this gallery features stunning gold hoards and weaponry found right here in Norfolk.
- Natural History Museums: Our natural history galleries display a rich collection of specimens - including mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, insects and plants. They also feature geology and fossils.
- The Boudica Gallery: Boudica was the Queen of the Iceni - a Celtic tribe during the late Iron Age. The Iceni lived in the area now covered by Norfolk, Suffolk and Cambridgeshire.
3. The Castle Quest (Family Fun)
If you are visiting with children, the Castle is highly interactive.
- Digital Trails: Use the museum’s augmented reality (AR) app to see Norman knights "patrolling" the halls.
- The Dungeon Tours: For those who like things a bit darker, take a guided tour down into the depths to see where prisoners were kept when the Castle served as the county jail.