Norwich Castle Keep has reopened to the public after an extensive five-year renovation project, welcoming visitors into every level of its 900-year-old structure for the first time in history. Rebranded as the “People’s Palace,” the keep now stands as one of the most accessible Norman castles in the UK, marrying ancient grandeur with contemporary inclusivity and immersive storytelling.
A Royal Palace Reborn: Restoration and Accessibility
The project, known as “Royal Palace Reborn,” received significant support – including a £13 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £12 million from Norfolk County Council. These funds enabled the complete refurbishment of the castle’s interior and infrastructure, restoring original floors, rooms, and royal chambers with meticulous attention to historical detail. Architects restored the iconic Caen limestone façade, while engineers ensured the stability and preservation of its medieval structure.
A dramatic and thoughtful addition is the light-filled glass atrium constructed next to the Keep, which opened to the public in 2024 and now serves as an inviting entrance that leads directly into the heart of the castle. For the first time, visitors can access all five floors – basement to battlements – effortlessly thanks to a newly installed lift, making the site step-free throughout. This renovation makes Norwich Castle Keep the most accessible medieval keep in the country.
Immersion, Discovery, and Storytelling Across Generations
Inside, the renovation embraces multisensory experiences. The Great Hall features dynamic audio-visual projections that bring medieval life to life through rich visuals and soundscapes. Visitors can engage with tactile maps and sensory installations that allow them to feel, hear, and touch elements of the past – like stepping into a Norman throne or accessing immersive medieval scenes.
A standout feature is the Gallery of Medieval Life, curated in partnership with the British Museum. This space showcases over 900 artifacts, including more than 50 loans from the museum, which collectively tell stories from across medieval society: from artisans and clergy to noble families. Beyond objects, the gallery invites engagement with personal stories – character panels highlight real individuals who once lived in or around the keep during its original royal heyday.
Additional design enhancements include a café, gift shop, and public facilities such as updated restrooms and learning spaces – creating a more comfortable and engaging experience for families, school groups, and tourists. The restored battlements now offer sweeping views across the rooftops and spires of Norwich, providing a literal and metaphorical high point to the visit.
Visitors are also greeted by unique local craftsmanship. The Norwich Friends’ Tapestry – a stunning, volunteer-created textile masterpiece – depicts regional historical events and hangs in the King’s Chamber, weaving community pride into the castle’s narrative.
