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Photo: Andrew Hurley from Wallasey, England, United Kingdom, CC BY-SA 2.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Norwich castle is one of the dominant features of the city centre. The castle was initially commissioned by William the Conqueror and was completed by his son Henry. During its 900 year history it has had several uses initially as royal place then in later time it served as the city's prison. A more modern prison was added in Victorian times, but by the late 19thC the complex was given over to become a museum, a role it has retained to this day.
The original castle keep has just undergone a major five year £27m restoration, christened, Royal Palace reborn, and has included the reinstatement of original floor levels to recreate the Great Hall and the royal apartments. The British Museum has loaned artifacts to the museum to add to its own collection. Included in this redevelopment has been improved access to all floors in the Keep including the battlements, which afford fantastic views over the city.
Apart from this the museum has a series of galleries exploring local history and natural history and an art gallery that displays paintings from the Norwich School of artists as well as hosting visiting exhibitions.
Twilight ticket (one hour before closing): £2.50
Norwich Castle is a medieval royal fortification in the city of Norwich, in the English county of Norfolk. William the Conqueror (1066–1087) ordered its construction in the aftermath of the Norman Conquest of England. The castle was used as a gaol from 1220 to 1887. In 1894, the Norwich Museum moved to Norwich Castle. The museum and art gallery holds significant objects from the region, especially works of art, archaeological finds and natural history specimens.
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A landmark building opened in 2001, architecturally dynamic, housing one of the best public libraries in the UK, BBC East, arts and information centre along with the large and popular Cafe Bar Marzano and a branch of the pizza chain Pizza Express. There are regularly changing events and exhibitions that are almost always free.
Cathedral Church of the Holy and Undivided Trinity
The 900-year-old Norman cathedral church. Don't miss 'old As I Am', a grinning skeleton on the south aisle wall. The surrounding Close is also very quiet, with statues of Nelson and Wellington.