Norwich Castle

Norwich Castle is a large stone keep built on a raised mound in the centre of the city, constructed with pale Caen stone that stands out against the surrounding area. Inside the main tower and throughout the building are museum galleries displaying art, archaeology, and natural history collections from Norfolk and beyond.

The castle was built in 1066 following the Norman Conquest to establish control over the region and the city that was growing around it. Over the following centuries it transformed from a fortress into a prison and centre of local administration, eventually becoming a cultural institution.

The castle has been a gathering place in Norwich's centre for over nine hundred years, serving the city as a symbol of power and authority. Visitors today experience this through the art and objects displayed inside, which reflect what mattered most to Norfolk's people over time.

The castle sits in the heart of Norwich and is easily accessible from the surrounding streets and public areas. Plan to spend a few hours here exploring the different galleries and rooms, as the layout spreads across several levels of the building.

The castle sits above a network of underground chambers and passages that were revealed through archaeological work and offer insights into medieval life and construction methods. These hidden spaces beneath the main building tell a different story from what visitors see above ground.

Location: Norwich

Inception: 1066

Accessibility: Wheelchair limited access

Made from material: Caen stone

Part of: Norfolk Museums

Address: Castle Hill, Norwich, NR1 3JU

Opening Hours: July 1-September 29 Monday-Saturday 10:00-17:00, Sunday 13:00-17:00; September 30-June 30 Monday-Saturday 10:00-16:30, Sunday 13:00-16:30

Phone: 01603493625

Email: museums@norfolk.gov.uk

Website: https://museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle

GPS coordinates: 52.62810,1.29678

Latest update: December 17, 2025 08:21