Escorted Tours Pre-Book essential
Our public rota tours listed here are subject to a maximum number of people. Pre-booking is essential to guarantee a place.
Call
01603 727927 or email
tic@visitnorwich.co.uk
Tickets may be available on the day from
Norwich Tourist Information Centre, but booking is recommended. The 2008 timetable has no yet been confirmed, but you can get a taste of the tours below.
City Hall and Clock Tower
Norwich's award winning civic centre was built in the 1930s after it was decided the Guildhall was no longer large enough to cope with the increase in local government duties. The modern style, with everything including furniture, fittings and furnishing, created in fashionable Art Deco style, was thought to be daringly different. 'The foremost English public building of between the wars', it was opened in 1938 by King George VI. City Hall houses the largest clock bell in the United Kingdom, with the deepest tone in East Anglia. The clock tower offers unrivelled views across the city.
NB we regret no children under 8 years are allowed up the clock tower. There are 166 steps to the top - suitable footware must be worn and no one with a heart condition or similar should attempt the climb.
The Norwich Guildhall
Norwich Guildhall was built between 1407 and 1413. Described as 'by far the largest and most elaborate medieval 'city hall' outside London', it was to become the centre of Norwich political and civic activity for nearly 600 years. A small toll-house, dating from the 13th century, had previously occupied the site, of which the undercroft remains beneath the Guildhall and whose 'guests' have included Thomas Bilney, the 'first Protestant Martyr' and Robert Kett. The exterior provides an excellent example of the flint work for which the city is so famous.
NB some uneven and narrow stairs and surfaces
St. Andrew's and Blackfriars' Hall
St. Andrew's and Blackfriars' Halls have been described as 'the only English friary to survive intact from the medieval period'. St Andrew's was originally the nave and Blackfriars the chancel of the friary church of the Black Friars, who came to Norwich in c.1226. After the Reformation, the site was bought by the city corporation. St Andrew's Hall has hosted numerous civic events and welcomed many famous people including Charles Dickens and Jenny Lind. The Brick vaulted crypt houses a coffee bar, with outside seating in Beckett's Chapel.
The following tours are operated by each individual building please call each one for more details.
Norwich Castle
Begun in 1067, the early wooden fort of Norwich Castle was replaced with an impressive and ornate masonry keep, completed by 1121. It was the only royal castle in Norfolk and Suffolk until 1165. Used as a gaol from the 13th century, Norwich Castle was purchased by the City Council and became a museum and art gallery in 1894.
Tours/Access
Open Daily; Admission charge; Tours of battlements and dungeons available
Norwich Cathedral
The vision of the 1st Bishop of Norwich, Herbert de Losinga, Norwich Cathedral was begun in 1096 and completed by 1145. The Anglican cathedral boasts the second tallest spire (96m/315ft) and largest medieval cloisters in England. The ground plan of the cathedral structure remains virtually unchanged from its original, making it 'one of the most complete Romanesque buildings in Europe'.
Tours/Access
Open daily; Tours available; Donations welcome
For more details about Norwich Cathedral go to our dedicated Cathedral page.
Great Hospital
'A unique set of 'medieval hospital' buildings in unbroken use for over 750 years', the Great Hospital was founded in 1249 to provide care for the people of Norwich. The church of St. Helen's was granted to the hospital in the late 13th century - its chancel ceiling is adorned with 250 painted black eagles, in honour of Anne of Bohemia, who visited the Norwich in 1383. It also has the smallest cloister in England.
Tours/Access
Limited access; Group bookings 01603 622022
Dragon Hall
A Grade I listed building, Dragon Hall is 'a unique survival of a medieval merchant trading hall'. It was build in 1427 by the merchant Robert Toppes, although earlier buildings were located on this site. During the 16th and 18th centuries the hall was subject to massive partitioning, being split into at least 5 properties. It became run down and neglected, until it was 'rediscovered' in the 1970s. Dragon Hall re-opened in 2006 to visitors following extensive renovation.
Tours/Access
Open Mon-Fri and Sundays from mid Feb - end December; admission charge; guided tours for groups 01603 663922
Assembly House
The Assembly House was designed by Thomas Ivory. He was employed by a group of aldermen to turn the redundant buildings of the former medieval college of St Mary in the Fields into a centre for entertainment. Ivory's Assembly House was completed in 1755. Georgian restaurant open all day.
Tours/Access
Open daily; Access as available subject to events; Group tours 01603 626402.
St James Mill
St James' Mill is a Grade I listed building, set on a site originally occupied by the White Friars in the 13th century. The mill was built between 1836 and 1839 in response to the crisis in Norwich's textile trade. After the industry collapsed, St James' Mill became a printing warehouse, factory and, later, an office complex.
Tours/Access
Very limited - generally open for Heritage Open Days in early September.
St John the Baptist Roman Catholic Cathedral
The second of Norwich's Cathedrals was the vision of Henry Fitzalan Howard, the 15th Duke of Norfolk - it provided a new centre of worship for the catholic community in the city.
Tours/Access
Open daily; Tours available on Saturdays May - Oct; Donations welcome
Surrey House
Marble Hall is located within Surrey House, a Grade I listed building. It was designed by George Skipper as the new headquarters for the Norwich Union Left Division. The hall incorporates over 15 types of marble, which were originally destined for Westminster Cathedral, and includes an innovative air-conditioning system.
Tours/Access
Main reception area accessible to visitors; Mon-Fri office hours; Tours for groups 01603 687280; Generally open for Heritage Open Days in early September.
The Forum
'A fitting landmark for the Millennium', The Forum is a £65 million project , designed by the architect Sir Michael Hopkins. It hosts numerous businesses and organisations, as well as the Millennium Library, and it is also a popular social centre.
Tours/Access
Open daily