Norwich Castle Family Guide (Honest Review For 2026)
This is a review of Norwich Castle. I have visited Norwich Castle many times with my family, most recently in May 2026, and it’s a great place to visit with kids. I have a vast knowledge and experience of Castle, which I will share below.
In this review you will find:
- My honest opinion of the Norwich Castle experience
- Admission prices and where to find the castle
- A brief history of the museum that lies within the castle
- The highlights of the castle
- Possible improvements
- … And helpful tips to make your experience the best
Heads up! We were gifted tickets to these attractions for the purpose of writing this review. This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support
What is Norwich Castle?
In the heart of Norwich city there lies a magnificent Norman castle made of bath stone. For 400 years it was used as a prison to lock up criminals and has been used to execute revolt leaders like Robert Kett of the Kett’s Rebellion and murderer James Rush.
However from 1887-1894 it was renovated and on October 23 1894 it was opened as a museum by King George the fifth. Now it is an interactive and family fun place for a day out.
👉 Looking for other things to do in Norwich with kids? Check out: Exploring the Sainsbury Centre Sculpture Park in Norwich With Kids
What to do at Norwich Castle
Among the many things in this castle, there are family friendly activities for ages young and old. Some of the best things to do are:
- Visiting the newly opened castle keep imitating the keeps appearance back in 1121.C.E
- Seeing life in the time of Boudica’s rebellion
- All the kid friendly events and free crafting activities
- Medieval weapon demonstrations
- A fine collection of art. The museum is shortlisted for Art Fund Museum of the Year 2026
- A huge hall of animal taxidermy varying from lions to red pandas
Norwich Castle For Kids
In Norwich Castle there is an abundance of things to do for kids of all ages. As you enter the museum, there are buckets for toddlers and pre-schoolers to collect replica artefacts and play with them as they walk around the castle.
In the Boudica Exhibit, there are togas for young kids to play as Romans as well as a coin rubbing station and a chariot to ride on.
In the Castle Keep there is rows of tables with play food and a dresser for kids to dress up as Kings, Knights and Queens.
Norwich Castle Highlights
Whenever we visit Norwich Castle I think that the top 3 things to do in Norwich Castle are explore the The Gallery of Medieval Life: A British Museum partnership, the Taxidermy Hall of Animals and the Anglo-Saxon and Viking exhibit.
All 3 of these are great for both adults and kids because not only are they highly factual they have many interactive play spots for kids like a board game table in the Anglo-Saxon and Viking exhibit and a “how long would you survive medieval life” interactive tablet quiz in the Gallery of Medieval life.
Looking back on my experience of visiting Norwich Castle since the Castle Keep reopened, my only two criticisms are that it is hard to see on the top of the castle and I feel it’s a shame the Egyptology exhibits have been closed. These were removed due to the Royal Palace Reborn project which renovated the Castle Keep.
Practical Information and Top Tips Before Visiting Norwich Castle
Here is some key information I found useful before visiting the 900 year old Norwich castle:
- It opens from 10:00am-5:00pm and the last admission time is 4:30pm. You can get twilight tickets for £2.50 a head for the last hour of the day and on Sundays its 1:00pm-5:00pm
- Arrive early at opening time to optimise experience and beat the crowds
- Except for the battlements Norwich Castle is entirely indoors so you can visit any time of the year. It’s a good activity for winter and rainy days.
- It’s the only castle in the UK fully accessible by wheelchair on all 5 floors
Ticket Prices
| Ticket Type | Price (day before in advance) | Price (on the day) | Twillight Hours (4:00-5:00pm) |
| Adult(19+) | £15.30 | £17.00 | £2.50 |
| Child(4-18) | £13.05 | £14.50 | £2.50 |
| Family Adult(with paid child ticket) | £13.95 | £15.50 | £2.50 |
| Infant(under 4) | Free | Free | Free |
| Museums Pass Holder* | Free | Free | Free |
* This is the Norfolk Museum Pass. Find out more about this pass here.
👉 Check out our Tide and Time Museum Review, which you can also visit using a Norfolk Museum Pass
Where Is Norwich Castle
Norwich Castle is in the heart of Norwich. Its right next door to the Castle Quarter Mall, so this is the best place to park your car. The full address for Norwich Castle is:
Norwich Castle, Castle Hill, Norwich, NR1 3JU.
Final Verdict
In conclusion, I believe that Norwich castle is a great place to visit with things to do and learn for everyone in the family at an affordable price. I recommend the Norfolk Museum pass so your family can see all the excellent museums that Norfolk has to offer.
AUTHOR: This piece was contributed by Wilbur H, who is conducting a work experience placement with That Mum Travel Life. Wilbur is 13 years old and passionate about history. He loves to travel, and learn about the places and the culture of the countries he visits. His favourite country is Japan….so far!
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Heads up! This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you click and make a purchase, I might earn a very small commission – at no extra cost to you. This helps to keep the blog going. Thanks for the support!
