Attractions & Museums in Norwich
Norwich is a city filled with heritage, culture, and entertainment. Visitors will discover a range of activities, from touring magnificent historic buildings to immersing themselves in arts venues.
Whether you prefer calm museum visits or hands-on “rage rooms,” Norwich offers an array of attractions suitable for families, couples, and solo adventurers.
Explore the highlights below and when you’re planning your trip, don’t forget to book with Herbert Woods. Our boating holidays and waterfront accommodation provide the perfect base for venturing into the city while also enjoying the stunning beauty of the Norfolk Broads.
Norwich Cathedral
Norwich Cathedral is in the centre of Norwich, near Tombland.
Norwich Cathedral is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, boasting over 900 years of history. Constructed in the Norman Romanesque style, it features a stunning cloister, the largest of its kind in England and the second tallest cathedral spire in the country.
Visitors can explore the peaceful grounds, soak in the architecture and learn about the cathedral’s role in Norwich’s development. As well as worship services, the cathedral hosts art exhibitions, concerts, and community events throughout the year, making it a must-see destination for any itinerary.
Opening Times:
- Monday–Saturday: 7.30am–6.00pm
- Sunday: 7.30am–5.00pm
Cost: Entry is generally free (donations welcome). Some special exhibitions or guided tours may have a fee.
Amenities: There are amenities on site such as a gift shop, café, restrooms and guided tours.
Parking: No dedicated parking on-site. Visitors can use nearby pay-and-display car parks such as the Cathedral Close or Tombland car parks.
Reviews:
“Wow, beautiful, historical and friendly. Don’t hesitate for a visit!” – Jane Cowell, Google (2025)
“Whan an amazing place. Take your time to explore, a remarkable history. Extremely accessible for visitors. I absolutely loved it.” – Witston, Tripadvisor (2024)
“Lovely central location, friendly and helpful staff and lots to see and explore. Good Café and toilets. Well worth a visit.” – Dawn R, Tripadvisor (2024)
Sainsbury Centre
Situated on the University of East Anglia (UEA) campus, approximately 3 miles west of Norwich city centre.
Designed by the celebrated architect Sir Norman Foster, the Sainsbury Centre is both an architectural marvel and an astounding museum of art.
Inside, you’ll find a remarkable collection of modern and global art, ranging from sculptures and paintings to contemporary installations and a series of rotating special exhibits. The outdoor sculpture trail provides a peaceful walk through the university grounds, offering visitors the chance to admire works by artists such as Henry Moore.
Whether you’re an art lover or simply wanting a cultural experience, the Sainsbury Centre is a Norwich gem not to be missed.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday–Friday: 9.00am–6.00pm
- Saturday–Sunday: 10.00am–5.00pm
- (Closed on Mondays, except Bank Holidays)
Cost: Main gallery entry is often free. Special exhibitions may require paid tickets. The Sainsbury centre has introduced a ‘Pay If and What You Can’ system, which means that the price of your ticket is up to you from free entry to £20 per ticket, it is up to you. The only way to obtain a ticket is by visiting the Centre – they do not offer pre-booking.
Amenities: There are a variety of on-site facilities such as a cafe, gift shop, restrooms, wheelchair access and sculpture park.
Parking: Paid parking is available on UEA campus. Some visitors choose to use Park & Ride services or public buses to avoid campus parking fees.
Reviews:
“Turned up, didn’t know what to expect, loved it. Very friendly staff, with a really good and informative exhibition.” – Paul M, Google (2025)
“We visited to see the exhibition called Why do we take drugs with my adult granddaughter. The exhibition was outstanding. Pitched at a good level, as are most of the exhibitions here. In addition to some brilliant exhibits, the centre also has a fantastic restaurant/cafe.” – Destination Sherlock., Tripadvisor (2024)
“Fantastic Collection and exhibitions. Changes regularly.” – Donna H, Google (2025)
The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
You’ll find this museum in Bridewell Alley, right in Norwich’s city centre.
Located in a historic building once used as a women’s prison and workhouse, The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell delves into the city’s industrious past.
From the popular textile industry to the production of mustard and shoes, interactive exhibits guide you through Norwich’s entrepreneurial heritage.
Hands-on activities and authentic artefacts make it an engaging destination for families, history lovers, and anyone curious about the city’s history.
Opening Times:
- Tuesday – Saturday: 10am – 4.30pm
- Sunday – Monday: Closed
Cost:
- Adult: £7.80
- Family discount adult: £6.90 (available with a paid child ticket)
- Concession: £7.40 (over 65s, students and disabled people) Disabled people can bring a companion in free.
- Child (age 4-18): £6.60
- Child under 4: Free
- Twilight ticket (one hour before closing): £2.50
Amenities: The museum offers a gift shop, restrooms, interactive displays, and regular educational events.
Parking: There is no on-site parking; visitors typically use nearby multi-storey car parks such as St. Andrews Car Park.
Reviews:
“Well worth the visit! We were given a free voucher to attend after visiting the nearby Norwich Castle and were pleased we took up the offer. There is a lot to see, with an interesting history of the industrial development of Norwich. Suitable for children and adults, with some props for photos and a laugh if you wish.” – T D, Google (2025)
“A gem of a museum. So interesting and full of exhibits for all ages. Certainly, a must when visiting Norwich. One of the best Museums I have visited.” – Susan G, Tripadvisor (2024)
“Wonderful history museum with lots of fun stuff for kids and the friendliest staff” – Hedde V H, Google (2024)
Norwich Theatre Royal
You’ll find Norwich Theatre Royal on Theatre Street in the heart of Norwich.
Norwich Theatre Royal is the city’s premier performing arts venue, presenting everything from touring West End productions and musicals to ballet and family-friendly shows.
Modern facilities and comfortable seating ensure a pleasant experience, while accessible features welcome visitors of all abilities. The theatre also offers workshops, youth programmes, and community outreach initiatives, confirming its status as a significant cultural hub in East Anglia.
Opening Times:
- Monday – Saturday: 9:30am – 9pm
- Sunday: Closed
Cost: Ticket prices depend on the performance. Concessions and special discounts are often available.
Amenities: Facilities include a bar, a cafe, a cloakroom, accessible seating, and merchandise stands for specific shows.
Parking: Nearby multi-storey car parks include Chantry Place (Chapelfield), St. Giles and The Forum, where charges apply.
Reviews:
“Singing in the rain, matinee show on 30th January 2025. Absolutely amazing performance. Well done to all the cast and the orchestra were fantastic. It was a present from our grandchildren. Great experience from walking through the door until we left the building, Thank you.” – Catherine H, Google (2025)
“They do some cracking shows in here. The ice cream they serve at the interval is brilliant I think it’s award winning.” – Charlie, Tripadvisor (2024)
“I’m 6’3 but was able to sit comfortably with plenty of legroom in the seat. The show we attended was fantastic with plenty of real rain as one of the special effects!” – Gary J, Google (2025)
Norwich Arts Centre
Norwich Arts Centre is based in a converted church on St Benedict’s Street.
Set within a beautifully repurposed church, Norwich Arts Centre hosts a diverse range of live music, theatre, dance, comedy, and art exhibitions.
Its intimate environment ensures visitors can connect closely with emerging bands, thought-provoking performances, and gallery shows.
Consistently pushing creative boundaries, the venue plays a pivotal role in Norwich’s contemporary arts scene, delighting patrons who crave a more experimental cultural experience.
Opening Times: Times vary based on events. The box office generally opens about an hour before each performance.
Cost: Ticket costs depend on the show, though many exhibitions are free to enter.
Amenities: A bar, performance space, gallery area and wheelchair access are available on site.
Parking: On-street parking is limited. St. Andrews and Duke Street car parks are both a short walk away.
Reviews:
“A fabulous atmospheric venue 😎” – Pat W, Google (2024)
“Great independent venue, with beautiful architecture and high ceilings. Excellent bar and toilet facilities too.” – Niky P, Google (2024)
“Best venue in Norwich, always a great vibe and a beautiful setting” – Leroy W, Google (2024)
Escape Hunt
Offering a blend of problem-solving, teamwork, and excitement, Escape Hunt challenges groups to crack codes, locate clues and solve puzzles within a set time frame.
With themes that range from Doctor Who to Alice in Wonderland, they cater to varied interests and skill levels. Ideal for friends, families, or team-building events, Escape Hunt adds some adrenaline to your Norwich itinerary.
Advance booking is strongly recommended to secure your preferred time slot.
Opening Times: Monday to Sunday: 10am – 10pm.
Cost:
- 2 – 3 Players: £30 per person
- Student: £25.50 per person
- Over 60s: £27 / £30
- 4 – 6 Players: £25 person
- Students: £21.25
- Over 60s: £22.50
Amenities: Escape Hunt has got a reception are where you are able to obtain alcoholic or soft drinks before going into your themed puzzle room.
Parking: The closest nearby multi story car park is Castle Quarter where Escape Hunt is located.
Reviews:
“Great staff, interesting experience” – Molly – Mai P, Google (2025)
“Was very enjoyable” – Marcos V, Google (2025)
“Second time doing an escape room! And enjoyed it like I did the first time even though it took us a little bit longer on Aladdin than Blackbeard. It’s a fun hour of solving puzzles and riddles. Thank you Kelly for the help” – Emma, Tripadvisor (2024)
Cryptic Escape
Cryptic Escape has two locations in Norwich; one at Tombland and the other at Rose Lane. You will need to book online in advance.
At Cryptic Escape, teams face the ultimate test of logic and communication, racing against the clock to uncover clues, crack codes, and solve puzzles.
Choose from adrenaline-charged scenarios like The Haunted (14+), which plunges you into a ghostly mystery; Magic School, where you’ll harness wizarding skills to outwit the forces of darkness; or The Tomb of Akhenaten, transporting you to an ancient world of hidden chambers and perilous secrets. Whether you’re gathering with friends, family, or colleagues, Cryptic Escape offers an unforgettable blend of challenge and fun—perfect for spicing up any Norwich itinerary.
Opening Times:
- Monday to Saturday: 10am – 10pm
- Sunday: 10am – 8pm
Cost:
- 2 Players: £51
- 3 Players: £73
- 4 Players: £93
- 5 Players: £110
- 6 Players: £129
Parking: The closest nearby multi storey car park to their Tombland location is St Andrews and closest to their Rose Lane location is the Rose Lane multi storey car park.
Reviews:
“Brilliant! Steve was great, so friendly and kind. It was such a fun experience, and we will try another. :)” – Jessica S, Google (2025)
“We all really enjoyed the experience. Certainly worth a visit, our first family escape room and if we go again it would be to try another one of their rooms “ – Clive B, Tripadvisor (2025)
“Really fun escape room, highly recommend giving these guys a visit. We did ‘The Haunted’ escape room which was really good – just the right level of spooky and challenging. Would definitely go again and try one of their other rooms!” – Steph H, Google (2025)
Rage Rooms
Rage Rooms is found on the outskirts of the city centre of Norwich. You’ll need to book online in advance.
Rage Rooms offer a high-energy outlet for letting off steam by smashing objects in a controlled environment.
Participants use bats or crowbars to shatter plates, electronics, and more. Suitable for groups of friends or solo adventurers seeking a novel experience, these sessions are a light hearted way to blow off stress and do something truly out of the ordinary while visiting Norwich.
Opening Times:
- Monday – Tuesday: Closed
- Wednesday: 1pm – 7pm
- Thursday to Sunday: 11am – 7pm
Cost:
- Bronze Package – 1 person: £50
- Silver Package – 2 people: £80
- Gold Package – 3 people: £100
- Platinum Package – 4 people: £120
- Kids Smash – 6-10 years old: £25 per child
Amenities: Rage Rooms has got a small number of amenities such as a Café.
Parking: On-site or street parking is available free of charge.
Reviews:
“I took my teenagers there today they loved it , The staff were helpful and friendly and everything was safe at all times” – Kelly C, Google (2025)
“Excellent place” – Shay T, Google (2024)
“Absolutely brilliant, great way to de-stress yourself. Staff were great fun too. Will definitely be going again. Thanks guys :)” – Sarah E, Tripadvisor (2023)
Norwich Castle
The Norwich Castle is in the heart of the Norwich City Centre.
Norwich Castle is a Norman fortress in the heart of the city. It has served many purposes over the centuries, from royal residence to a prison.
Today it is both a museum and art gallery, featuring collections that showcase fine art and natural history. Visitors will be able to explore interactive exhibits, see medieval artifacts and learn the castles history.
Norwich Castle continues to be a must-see landmark for those who want to find out about Norwich’s past.
Opening Times: Monday – Sunday: 10am – 5pm
Cost:
- Adult: £7.80
- Family discount adult: £6.90
- Child (age 4 – 18): £6.60
- Child under 4: Free
- Twilight ticket (one hour before closing): £2.50
- Free Concession for People who get means-tested benefits including Universal Credit and Pension Credit, as well as children in households receiving means-tested benefits.
Amenities: Norwich Castle contains amenities such as a café and a gift shop filled with incredible souvenirs to forever remind you of an unforgettable experience.
Parking: There aren’t any car parks on site for the Norwich Castle but the closest car park is in Castle Quarter which is a multi-storey car park.
Reviews:
“Beautiful multi-faceted museum. Unfortunately, the Castle is still under renovation.” – John V, Google (2025)
“A lovely place to visit. The art galleries alone are worth the entry fee. When the castle reopens soon it will be even better. So much to see for all ages.” – Don P, Google (2025)
“Spent the whole day here with the kids. They really enjoyed exploring. Thanks Norwich Castle Museum all had a great time. We will definitely be back.” Oscar, Tripadvisor (2024)
Make your getaway even more special by staying with us at Herbert Woods
From stunning cathedrals to incredible arts venues, captivating escape rooms and historic castles, Norwich truly does have something for everyone that visits. There is plenty to keep everyone entertained.
Make the most of your incredible stay by booking with Herbert Woods, our boating holidays let you experience the exquisite beauty of the Norfolk Broads while staying close to Norwich’s selection of attractions.