Built to keep people out, transformed castle now the UK’s most welcoming

For castle designers in the 11th century, accessibility wasn’t a priority. If anything, their main job was to keep people out. Fast forward 900 years and this presents an all-too-common challenge for visitors with mobility issues.

For the last five years at Norwich Castle, they’ve been attempting to rectify this. In 2020, it embarked on an ambitious £27.5 million ($56 million) project to return the Norman-era castle to its former glory, while also making it the UK’s most accessible heritage attraction.

Despite being 188 kilometres north-east of London, Norwich was England’s second-largest and most populous city when the Normans invaded in 1066. As such, it was the obvious place to build a symbol of their new-found power.

When it was completed in 1121, Norwich Castle was Britain’s most elaborately decorated secular building – an imposing 27-metre-high stone keep with soaring columns and intricate Romanesque archways. Designed to both impress and intimidate, the message was clear: you’re under new management.

Shortly after the castle’s grand 2025 unveiling on August 7, I put it to the test with my history-loving 80-year-old mum, who is using a wheelchair while recovering from a hip replacement.

Providing step-free access to every floor (including the rooftop) of a Grade I listed structure perched upon England’s largest motte (mound in castle speak) is no trivial task. Two new lifts had to be shoehorned into the 900-year-old property, along with an elevated glass bridge.

Of course, these additions are also a huge boon for families with prams and for anyone who struggles with stairs. Other accessibility improvements include braille floorplans and large-print labels.

Inside, the castle is unrecognisable from its previous incarnation. A new floor has been installed and the interior has been returned to its 11th-century royal configuration, with a separate bedroom, chapel and grand receiving hall. Speakers broadcast the sounds and conversations that might have been heard in each room (including the alarmingly communal four-person toilets) while interactive video screens provide historical insight about the period furnishings, such as an elaborate 19.7-metre embroidery made by local volunteers.

It’s tempting to think of castles as drab and grey, but in Norman times, colour was a status symbol. As a result, the interior is a riot of whitewashed walls, colourful embroideries and flamboyant gold-trimmed furniture.

Far from being a hands-off experience, visitors are encouraged to interact with the exhibits – kids can dress up in authentic period outfits for a photo on the royal thrones while costumed interpreters offer interactive demonstrations.

Rather than reading long, boring interpretive panels, visitors can learn about the castle’s history through an immersive video that’s projected onto the walls of the Great Hall several times a day. Future innovations will include medieval board games and a virtual reality experience.

Even the castle’s more traditional exhibits, like the Gallery of Medieval Life, which contains almost 1000 objects depicting life in the Middle Ages, have been presented in thoughtful and engaging ways. And for those with the time and stamina, the ground floor has an eclectic range of galleries, showcasing everything from a 3000-year-old Egyptian coffin lid to the world’s finest collection of British ceramic teapots.

The renovation’s headline attraction is providing access to the castle’s rooftop battlements, which offer 360-degree views over the city.

Although Norwich no longer enjoys the status it had in the 11th century, its historical appeal goes far beyond the castle. Norwich Cathedral is another must-see attraction, a sky-piercing limestone structure also built by the Normans, which contains England’s largest monastic cloister.

Unexpectedly, it’s also surprisingly accessible, with step-free access to both the cathedral and the cloister. For mum, it’s the historical icing on the cake. “Simply wonderful,” she beams.

THE DETAILS

STAY
Conveniently located opposite Norwich Cathedral, the Maids Head claims to be England’s oldest hotel. Guests can enjoy a free city tour in a vintage Bentley while its award-winning restaurant offers fabulous fare in an atmospheric 15th-century courtyard. Rooms from £90 ($185) a night. See maidsheadhotel.co.uk

VISIT
Norwich Castle is open daily from 10am to 5pm. Admission is £15.30 ($31) for adults; £13.05 ($26) for children (when booked online in advance). See norwichcastle.norfolk.gov.uk

MORE
visitnorwich.co.uk

The writer was a guest of Visit Britain (visitbritain.com), Norwich Castle and Maids Head Hotel.