The Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum in Norwich Castle displays a rich and varied collection of objects, photographs and archive material illustrating the county Regiment’s 300-year history.
It’s not just medals, weaponry and uniforms. Items on display include a Sergeant Major’s pace stick, teacups from Korea, a portable altar used on the Western Front and spices used during the Crimean War to make rations a bit more palatable.
The displays focus on the experience of life as a soldier in peace time and conflict. The main section deals with the 20th century – the First and Second World Wars and the National Service years, including the Cyprus Emergency and Korean War.
Listen to descriptive and poignant letters from soldiers. See detailed sketches by Cecil Upcher, a Norwich architect, of his accommodation and dugouts in 1915-16 and transform them into 3D models at the touch of a button.
The Serving the Empire display is a case devoted to the days when young men looking for employment and adventure might leave their local village for the Northwest Frontier or the heat of Africa. An specimen insects are shown next to Afghan firearms and exquisite items from Tibet.
The Life of a Soldier case contrasts equipment and activities of the past with those of today, such as a leather bell topped shako with a modern Combat Assault Mk7 Helmet.
Touchscreens provide additional information on each of the objects displayed and the history of the Regiment from 1685 to 1959, as well as exploring various aspects of Army life.
The library and archive are housed in the adjacent Shirehall and can be viewed by appointment.
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Richard Musgrove
a month agoIt was great to see the castle after the recent renovations. It's a fine building with some great exhibits and interactive elements for children. The views from the battlements are great, especially on a clear day. It's a bit pricey and there's no senior citizen discounts, otherwise it would be five stars
Jason Fawcett
a month agoRenovation work was excellent. Museum very good- certainly the Norfolk regiment one. Not into art or taxidermy but if you are there is a lot to see. Videos in the great room are informative. A little disappointed that there are no images of before restoration and the after work- would have been great to know the transformation if never visited prior imo. Well worth a visit.
Tim Wood (TimWoodPhoto)
a month agoA very popular venue for a wedding ceremony and it's easy to see why! Norwich Castle, recently referbished is a gorgeous wedding ceremony venue. Slap bang in the centre of the city, it gives stunning views of the city, and the room is beatiful. Have a peek at the images to see what your wedding ceremony could look like!
Marie Gardner
a month agoWent to Norwich Castle today. It has been completely restored and is great. Only negative is maybe too restored. Looks almost new. Really good museum and art gallery too.
Andrew Bensley
2 months agoNewly reopened Norwich castle 2025. Well worth the visit, it's a combination of walking around a historical castle, museum exhibits and artefacts, fine art, natural history and a WW2 exhibit. There are screenplays/shows in the great hall which briefly go over the history of the castle, and there are good views out the windows and across the battlements. All items in exhibits are labelled and described, and there are display boards around the actual castle interior explaining parts of daily medieval life or the significance of certain design/areas of the castle. There are historical arms and armour on display if after pieces for artistic reference. The well is very very deep.