Built by the Normans in the 12th century, Norwich
Castle is one of the finest Norman secular buildings to be found
in Europe. Originally built as a royal palace, the castle is now
a museum and art gallery, packed with treasures and collections
of national importance. The archaeology gallery has displays about
Queen Boudica, with a ride-on re-creation of an Iceni warrior’s
chariot. There is an Egyptian collection which is displayed in a
replica Egyptian tomb with ancient mummies.
The castle is home to impressive displays of Norwich
Silver and has the world’s largest collection of ceramic teapots.
Hanging in the galleries there are works by the famous Norwich
School of Painters, modern English paintings, Dutch landscapes and
English watercolours of the 18th and 19th centuries. Visiting exhibitions
can also be seen, including works from the Tate.
For spectacular views over Norwich,
you can climb up to the battlements, and a tour of the dungeons
demonstrates what life was like for prisoners who were incarcerated
in years gone by.
The castle has a café that serves a range of teas, coffees,
and light lunches, and a gift shop with a good selection of merchandise.
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