Keep transforming at Norwich Castle

Artists impressions of an aerial view of the battlements on Norwich Castle Keep

What is happening inside Norwich Castle Keep?

When it reopens, the magnificent medieval Keep will transport visitors back 900s to the heyday of Norman England.

Located in Norfolk, in the heart of East Anglia, construction of the castle was begun by William the Conqueror. When it was completed in 1121 by his son, Henry I, it was one of the most spectacular palaces in medieval Europe.

Following a multi-million-pound redevelopment, the Grade I listed Keep will recreate the splendour of the building and lives of its inhabitants like never before.

This work is supported by a £13m grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and made possible thanks to National Lottery players. It is one of the largest heritage projects of its kind currently taking place in the UK.

Here are the top five reasons to get excited!

Royalty revealed

We're recreating the palace of Norman kings - one of twelfth-century Europe's most important buildings. Find yourself transported back to the 1100s to see Norwich Castle's Keep like you have never seen it before. We're fully reinstating floor that were stripped out in previous centuries, and bringing original rooms back to life.

The people's palace

For the first time ever, everyone will be able to explore all five levels of the Keep - from basement to battlements.

Norwich Castle Keep will be the most accessible castle in the UK. It will accommodate wheelchair users, pushchairs and those with SEND requirements on every floor. This includes - uniquely - access to the rooftop battlements.

Shining a light on medieval treasures

The Gallery of Medieval Life: A British Museum partnership is the British Museum's first medieval gallery outside London. It will bring world-class objects to Norwich, complementing the Castle's internationally important collections. More than 1000 artefacts and treasures will be on display within the brand-new Gallery of Medieval Life. Over 50 of these are on long-term loan from the British Museum.

Keep learning

A place to keep learning - whatever your age.

Norwich Castle has an exciting range of events and a wide-ranging education programme. The Keep redevelopment provides more opportunities for discovery and different styles of learning. This includes a bespoke Early Years gallery designed specifically to support our youngest visitors' learning. There will also be VR headsets showcasing a reconstruction of medieval Norwich based on the latest research.

A jewel in the crown

Norwich Castle will take its place as one of the UK's premier heritage attractions.

The Castle was of central importance to Norwich, medieval England's second largest city. Its significance was, and continues to be, a huge source of civic pride.

The transformation of the Keep will give this rich history the prominence it deserves on the national stage. This major redevelopment also boasts many new and improved facilities. Now open, our new museum entrance includes a magical light-filled atrium next to the Keep. With spectacular views of the Keep's east facade, this innovative space showcases the Norman Keep that has become such a Norwich icon. Our much-improved facilities include a brand-new restaurant and gift shop, larger toilets and a Changing Places space.

The ticket desk and shop in the new atrium at Norwich Castle.

Staff ready to welcome visitors at the new ticket desk at Norwich Castle. Behind them is the east wall of the Castle Keep.

Visitors at the ticket desk in the new atrium at Norwich Castle. Behind them is the new shop with the Castle Restaurant balcony above.

Service counter and tables in the new Castle Restaurant. The restaurant balcony looks out over the east wall of the Castle Keep.

Close New atrium at Norwich Castle

Keep in touch

We look forward to welcoming you! You can sign up to our newsletter for regular updates on the project and opening date announcements. It also includes news and events from across our ten Norfolk museums.