After five long years, the doors to the Norwich Castle Keep have finally reopened and trust me, it was worth the wait! We were lucky enough to visit during the media preview day for the Royal Palace Reborn project, and walking into the Keep again felt special. Inside, it doesn’t even feel like the same building.
This unprecedented transformation has brought the past to life in a way that’s immersive, colourful, and accessible to everyone. It included refurbishing the Castle Keep so it looks like it would have during Henry I’s reign, adding wheelchair access to the battlements (a first for any English castle!), and a brand-new medieval gallery in partnership with the British Museum.
Join me for a tour of what’s new. We’ll explore the refurbished Keep, walk the battlements, and peek inside a medieval gallery unlike anything Norwich has seen before. I’ll also share what else you can see in the museum, plus my top tips for making the most of your visit.
Note: We were invited to the press preview at Norwich Castle so that we could share our experience with our audience.
A Brief History of Norwich Castle
Norwich Castle has dominated the city skyline for nearly 1,000 years. Built soon after the Norman Conquest, it began life around 1067 when the Normans cleared land, including at least 98 Saxon homes, to construct a wooden fort on massive earthworks surrounded by deep, dry ditches.
The stone Keep we see today was started in 1094 by King William II (William Rufus) and completed in 1121 under his brother, King Henry I. It was designed as a royal palace rather than a fortress, although no Norman king ever lived here. The only recorded royal visit was Henry I’s Christmas stay in 1121 which has now been beautifully recreated in the refurbished Great Hall.
From the 14th century, the Keep was used as a county gaol. In the late 18th century, Sir John Soane built a new prison within and around the Keep, which was later removed when the castle was converted into a museum in the 1890s. Architect Edward Boardman transformed the space, creating the open, arched interior that remained until the recent Royal Palace Reborn project.
Today, Norwich Castle continues to be one of Norfolk’s most iconic landmarks, a place where nearly a millennium of history meets world-class exhibitions.
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The Refurbished Castle Keep – Stepping Back into a Royal Past
As you step inside the Castle Keep, you can’t help but notice the transformation. You are whisked straight back to 1121 when Henry I visited for Christmas.
The Great Hall is now set up just as it might have been during a royal feast: rich colours, long tables, and props for visitors to play with. Kids (and big kids!) can dress up in medieval garb, set the banquet table, or even sit in the king’s throne. Don’t miss the Crucifixion graffiti, possibly Christ or St Andrew, scratched into the walls close to the entrance during the castle’s prison days.
Every hour, the projection show tells the story of how Norwich Castle was built. TIP: for the best view, head up to the balcony on the first floor. That’s where I filmed this video.
Don’t miss the Kitchen Area, home to the best-preserved Norman staircase in England. You can also walk through the garderobe (yes, the medieval loo!), which could seat up to 16 people. More well-preserved graffiti awaits here.
In the King’s Chamber, peer down the deep well carved into the chalk below, and admire the Norwich Friends Tapestry, lovingly created by volunteers to tell the story of the castle’s beginnings inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry.
The Chapel is one of the few spaces that has changed little over time, but its medieval graffiti is worth a closer look.
Note: The Norwich Castle Dungeon is currently closed to the public, and no reopening date has been announced. When it does open, access will be by guided tour only, with an additional charge.
Battlements – Accessibility Fit for Modern Royalty
A trip to Norwich Castle wouldn’t be complete without heading up to the roof (called the Battlements) for what is arguably the best view in the city. In the past, only those on a special tour could get up here, and it was stairs-only.
Now, that spiral staircase has been replaced and Norwich Castle is the only castle in England with wheelchair-accessible battlements — something truly special. Thanks to a new lift, everyone can enjoy the sweeping city views.
Take your time strolling around, peering through arrow slits, along the crenellated walls, or from raised platforms for a fresh perspective on Norwich from the top of the castle that stands on the largest man-made mound in the country.
The Medieval Gallery – Norwich Meets the British Museum
The British Museum is the UK’s most visited tourist attraction and home to the world’s largest collection of artefacts — so the fact they’ve opened their first medieval gallery outside London right here in Norwich is huge.
This new gallery covers the Norman Conquest through to the Dissolution of the Monasteries, divided into those who fight, those who pray, and those who work. There are over 900 objects on display, with 50 on long-term loan from the British Museum, many of which have never been shown publicly before.
A few personal favourites:
- The seal matrix of Prince Henry (later Henry V) and Duke of Gloucester (later Richard III)
- A beautifully crafted astrolabe, likely made in Spain.
- A Great Bascinet helmet, made in England and found on Mousehold Heath — where Robert Kett’s army camped during Kett’s Rebellion.
Also right next to the Medieval Gallery, there is the Basement where you can see the remains of the original square piers, with modern lighting marking where lost arches once stood. You can also see the well again from here.
More to See in Norwich Castle Museum
Norwich Castle is made up of the Castle Keep and the Museum, now connected by a modern footbridge. Don’t worry, there haven’t been any significant changes to the galleries. While you’re visiting, be sure to explore:
- Anglo-Saxon and Viking treasures
- Boudica & the Romans, with finds from Venta Icenorum
- Egyptian collection
- Natural History & British Birds gallery
- Colman Art Gallery, home to the largest collection of paintings by the Norwich School of Artists
- Teapot collection (over 3,000 items!)
- Lowestoft porcelain collection
Also, Norwich Castle does have two galleries to host special exhibitions so it’s worth seeing what is on for your visit here. Back in 2023, we enjoyed the The Last Voyage of the Gloucester Exhibition.
Tips for Visitors to Norwich Castle
To help you make the most of your trip to Norwich Castle, here are some handy tips to know before you go:
💷 Money saving: Buy tickets online in advance to save. A Norfolk Museums Pass gives unlimited access to 10 museums for a year. For a quick visit, try the twilight ticket which is only £2.50 (as of August 2025).
👨👩👧 Families: The Castle is pram-friendly, with loads of hands-on activities for kids like dress-up and interactive displays.
📷 Picture Perfect: From colourful medieval displays to sweeping city views, you’ll want to have your camera to capture the memories.
♿ Accessibility: This was a key focus of the Royal Palace Reborn project. Full details here.
☕ Amenities: Café and gift shop available. Only assistance dogs are permitted inside.
🧳Plan your trip: Check out our guide to the best things to do in Norwich. For even more inspiration, grab our free printable Norfolk Bucket List here.
A Castle for the Future
The Royal Palace Reborn project has transformed Norwich Castle Keep into something truly special, blending medieval authenticity with modern accessibility and engaging storytelling for all ages making it the People’s Palace. It is interactive, colourful, and welcoming, creating a heritage space that belongs to everyone. Well done to everyone involved and thanks to all those lottery players too.
After five years, I can honestly say it was worth the wait. The scale and quality of the transformation make Norwich Castle not just a treasured local landmark, but an attraction that deserves its place on the national stage as one of England’s must-see historic sites. If you haven’t been yet, now is the perfect time to plan your visit and experience the rebirth of one of England’s most remarkable castles.
Check opening hours and book your tickets in advance here to save.