If you’re a bit of a culture vulture, then make sure to swoop on some of the fantastic offerings right here in Norwich.
We’ve got the low-down on the best museums in Norwich, so read on to find out more and start planning your visit!
Standing majestically on a hilltop high above the city – the largest man-made motte in England, Norwich Castle is impossible to miss. The 900-year-old fortification is currently undergoing an exciting £18m (funded with a grant of almost £13m million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund – one of the largest heritage projects opening in the UK in 2024) transformation project titled Royal Palace Reborn to take the keep back to its original medieval status. One of the city’s most famous landmarks, Norwich Castle’s mighty stone keep was built by the Normans as a royal palace and spent at least 500 years as the county prison.
Once completed, Norwich Castle will be a true ‘People’s Palace’, and the most accessible castle in the UK, with visitors able to access every floor for the first time ever – from basement to rooftop battlements. A partnership with the British Museum will create a spectacular medieval gallery, showcasing over 1,000 medieval artefacts and treasures. The accurately recreated Norman room spaces, complete with painstakingly researched furniture and furnishings will allow visitors to explore what life was like in a Norman royal palace, while interactive and immersive AV experiences bring will medieval Norwich to life like never before.
Whilst the keep is closed the rest of the museum remains open – find a range of galleries featuring archaeological finds from the area, impressive natural history displays and fabulous fine and contemporary art.
The Castle frequently has multiple exhibitions to enjoy which are free to see with admission, which you can book online. Adults £7.80, children £6.90.
Norwich Castle
See what life was like in Norwich during the 19th and 20th centuries at the Museum of Norwich. Visit a recreated chemist shop of the 1900s and marvel at the lotions and potions available at the time. Or, check out the shopping and trading gallery, where you’ll find a cart from Ladbrooke’s Dairy and Jack Shorten’s delivery bike – both of which were invaluable modes of transport in their day. You can also see first-hand the workings of a mid-1900s Jacquard loom and where you can picture yourself producing some of the finest silk fabric around at the time.
At ‘Made in Norwich’ in the Industrial section, you’ll find the iconic ironwork sunflower, designed by Thomas Jeckyll for Barnard, Bishop and Barnards. You can also explore the city’s heavy engineering, aircraft and textile heritage, as well as its food manufacturing in the form of mustard, chocolate and crackers.
Check out the sturdy snake-proof boot nurses wore in Burma during WW2 and the beautiful willow pattern exhibition shoe. At the same time, listen to employees describe their working lives in Norwich’s many shoe factories.
Various events take place at the museum – keep up to date here.
Museum tickets cost £7.80 for adults and £6.90 for children.
The Museum of Norwich at The Bridewell
Explore the rooms of Strangers’ Hall, including the sumptuous Georgian dining room or the 17th-century Sotherton Room with its replica meal featuring pike in gelatine and roast capon.
Venture upon a christening celebration in the Parlour, and while in the Great Chamber, remember to take a peek out the window to view the 17th-century-style knot garden – specifically designed to be viewed from above.
Admission is £6.20 for adults and £6.20 for children.
Wednesdays 10am – 4pm
Sundays 1pm – 4.30pm. Last admission is 30 minutes before closing.
Seasonal opening – each year the museum closes just before Christmas for a Deep Clean and reopens in time for February Half Term.
Strangers Hall Bedroom
From stunning paintings (Picasso, Bacon and more) to rare art and spectacular jewellery, the Sainsbury Centre at the University of East Anglia is spectacular – whether inside or out. Inside you’ll find the fabulously enticing permanent collections and new exhibitions. Outside there’s the mesmerising Sculpture Park where you’ll find celebrated works by the likes of Antony Gormley, Henry Moore and Elisabeth Frink.
The Sainsbury Centre operates a universal ticket – pay if and what you can for the permanent collection and special exhibitions.
Closed Mondays.
The Anthony Caro Goodwood Steps at The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts Sculpture Park
Set in a restored Victorian roller-skating rink, complete with an arched wooden roof, The South Asia Collection is a delight to wander through. You’ll discover beautiful copper and brass works from Lahore and jewellery from the Naga people depicting their warrior status. There are numerous arts and crafts from South Asia to admire in the Collection – not just from India but also Pakistan, Thailand, Java and Bali.
You can take home some memories yourself from the museum shop Country & Eastern. Both The South Asia Collection and the shop have free admission.
The South Asia Collection in Norwich which houses a range of fascinating pieces
