Norwich Castle
Norfolk, England
Photo: Andrew Hurley from Wallasey, England, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Gallery: Sebastiandoe5, CC BY-SA 4.0 · Capt. Francis Grose, 1731–1791, British, original painter, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
Key facts
- Operator
- Norfolk Museums Service (Norfolk County Council)
- Condition
- Intact
- Access
- Staffed, ticketed
- Nearest station
- Norwich, 0.5 miles (straight-line)
- Note
- Keep redisplayed after Royal Palace project
Pinpoint
Castle St, Norwich NR1 3JU
Telephone 01603 493625
Possible Opening Hours*
*Opening times change. Always check the official website before you travel.
| Monday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
A Norman keep at the heart of Norwich, recently redisplayed as part of a project restoring several rooms to how they would have looked when the castle was a royal residence. It doubles as the city's museum and art gallery, so a visit easily runs to several hours between the keep tour, the galleries, and a light-and-projection show in the main hall.
At a glance
Worth the trip
The redisplayed keep interior - reviewers say the restoration genuinely succeeds in taking you back to how the rooms would have looked in use.
Before you go
Budget more time than you'd expect - reviewers report spending close to four hours here between the galleries and the keep tour - and the rooftop is worth the climb for panoramic views over the city.
What visitors say
Norwich Castle reviews · 4.3 / 5 across 3,762 Google reviews
Reviewers consistently praise Norwich Castle's recent restoration, particularly the light and projection shows in the main hall and the interactive, family-friendly displays throughout the keep and museum.
Several mention the rooftop views over the city as a highlight.
A couple of recurring gripes are that the dungeon tour is no longer included in the standard ticket and now needs booking separately, and that entry pricing feels a little steep to some visitors.
“Walking around all the galleries and then taking photos of the ancient graffiti scratched on the walls I spotted my daughter's Beth's name! No it was not me that scratched "Beth" in the gallery right next to the…”- Ian Ashmeade, visitor review
History
William the Conqueror · 1066-1075
Founded by William the Conqueror between 1066 and 1075, the castle was besieged during the Revolt of the Earls in 1075. The stone keep was built between 1094 and 1121. From 1220 to 1887 it served as a gaol, and in 1894 the Norwich Museum moved to the site.
Adapted from this castle's Wikipedia article, CC BY-SA 4.0.
Practical notes from visitors
Quoted from individual Google reviews, not verified with the operator - treat as a steer, not gospel, and check before you travel.
- Guided tours
- “Had a tour of the keep, the guide was passionate, highly informative and very knowledgeable of her subject matter.” - Timothy Reid
- Terrain & accessibility
- “Has accessibility to people with mobility needs.” - Timothy Reid
- Facilities
- “No it was not me that scratched "Beth" in the gallery right next to the heads(toilets) .” - Ian Ashmeade
Common questions about Norwich Castle
Where is Norwich Castle?
Norwich Castle is in Norfolk, England, at Castle St, Norwich NR1 3JU.
Do you need a ticket to visit Norwich Castle?
Yes - Norwich Castle is a staffed, ticketed attraction run by Norfolk Museums Service (Norfolk County Council). Ticket prices and opening hours change through the year, so check the official site before travelling.
What is the highlight of visiting Norwich Castle?
The redisplayed keep interior - reviewers say the restoration genuinely succeeds in taking you back to how the rooms would have looked in use.
Is Norwich Castle a ruin or still intact?
Norwich Castle is largely intact - Keep redisplayed after Royal Palace project.
