Western Europe

Featuring never-before-seen archives and artefacts from Norwich Castle’s 900-year history, including a wealth of new research uncovered by the Norwich Castle: Gateway to Medieval England project to transform the Keep, the exhibition shows this majestic landmark in a fascinating new light. Standing atop the largest man-made mound in the country, Norwich Castle has dominated the City’s skyline ever since the 12th century; but what is the story of Norwich’s iconic and much-loved square box on the hill? Built as a royal palace, Norwich Castle was a Norman showpiece with lavishly-decorated interiors fit for a king. By the 14th century, it had become the County Gaol confining Norfolk’s prisoners within its walls. With the opening of the new prison at the end of the 19th century, the Castle’s fate was uncertain, until its conversion into a public museum, which it remains to this day. The Square Box on the Hill illustrates this rich history through a stunning mixture of prints, models, paintings, architectural plans and memorabilia, many of which have never been on display before. Supported by headline sponsors Brown&Co, the exhibition also showcases the latest exciting plans for the Castle’s future as part of the Norwich Castle: Gateway to Medieval England project, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund. https://www.visitnorfolk.co.uk/inspire/norwich-castle-exhibition.aspx

City Hall is one of the finest municipal buildings of the inter-war period in England. During the 19th century, the city’s civic offices were housed in the medieval Guildhall and a range of old buildings located in what is now the Market Place. Today Norwich City Council is based at City Hall. The art deco architecture still stands as strong today as it did when it was built. So striking, it is one of the Norwich 12, a collection of twelve heritage buildings considered to have particular cultural and historical importance. Members of the public are welcome to enter the reception during office hours to witness the beautiful architecture for themselves. https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/service/city-hall/

An inspirational public art museum in a world-class Norman Foster building at the University of East Anglia (UEA). Set in acres of the countryside by the river. Visit the spectacular outdoor art exhibitions by Henry Moore and a sculpture garden. Modern art donated by Lord and Lady Sainsbury, including works by Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon and Edgar Degas, and world art spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. Regular special exhibitions and a programme of events day and night. https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/service/sainsbury-centre-for-visual-arts/

Located in the market place in the heart of the medieval city of Norwich, St Peter Mancroft is the largest of the city's 31 surviving medieval parish churches and one of the finest perpendicular parish churches in Norfolk. It is known for its medieval stained glass, its collection of medieval and renaissance treasures and its importance as a pioneering tower in the uniquely English art of change-ringing on church bells. https://stpetermancroft.org.uk/

For over ninety years the Maddermarket Theatre has been staging plays, musicals and other events in the heart of Norwich. Today there is more choice than ever, with twelve in-house plays being staged each year, visiting companies and artists providing classical, opera and contemporary music concerts, stand-up comedy, cabaret, theatre productions, talks and much more, along with a busy programme of classes and workshops. https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/service/maddermarket-theatre/

The former home of BBC Springwatch, Pensthorpe Natural Park is a modern-day nature reserve with a focus on inspiring the next generation to enjoy wildlife and the great outdoors. With its diverse attractions and activities, it offers a fully immersive day out for families, bird watchers, wildlife enthusiasts and garden lovers. Explore 700 acres of woodland walks, nature trails, lakes and a variety of habitats teeming with wildlife including wetlands, woodlands, farmland and grassland. Enjoy the tranquillity of five stunning gardens, encounter Pensthorpe’s hugely popular Flamingo flock and cute ducks that will feed out of the palm of your hand and hop on the behind-the-scenes Pensthorpe Explorer* to discover the secret side of the Wensum Valley. Adventurous families can take a walk on the wild side and join Hootz the owl on a journey around his magical outdoor adventure play area, WildRootz and the award winning indoor play area, Hootz House, which is perfect even on rainy days and comes complete with soft play for the under 5s. During the school holidays hands-on activities such as wildlife spotting, pond dipping, den building and nature-inspired crafts enable visitors to get closer to nature. https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/service/pensthorpe-natural-park/

Wroxham Miniature Worlds is the largest indoor modelling attraction in the UK. It has massive model railways with stunning scenery will fascinate all ages supported by slot car displays, Lego displays, dolls house displays, models of every type and a vintage toy area including the 100 top toys from across the decades. https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/service/wroxham-miniature-worlds/

Norwich's magnificent Romanesque Cathedral is open to visitors of all faiths and none. In beautiful grounds it's an awe-inspiring, welcoming building with spectacular architecture, magnificent art and a fascinating history. https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/explore-and-experience/sights-and-attractions/listing/norwich-cathedral/

A popular place for many years and still a favourite, attracting visitors yearly is the Bishop’s garden. A four acre walled garden dating back to the 12th century in the grounds of the Bishop’s House. https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/explore-and-experience/sights-and-attractions/listing/the-bishops-garden/

The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell – discover the stories of a fine city. From Medieval to modern day, the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell tells the story of the city’s industries and the people who lived and worked here. https://www.visitnorwich.co.uk/explore-and-experience/sights-and-attractions/listing/the-bridewell-/