Access facilities

Please note: our external lift is not currently in use. Step-free access is via Farmer’s Avenue.
One of the glass panels that protect the lift shaft has smashed. Due to the nature of the damage, it is unsafe to use and may take some time to repair. We will update this message as soon as we know more.

External lift access

Step free access is via the external lift in Castle Gardens. If you prefer not to use a lift, there is alternative step free access to the Castle via Farmers’ Avenue.

There is currently no Blue Badge parking outside the museum because of the building work.

We apologise for any inconvenience and are working to have this facility available again as soon as possible.

Email: museums@norfolk.gov.uk

Parking

• The closest car park is in Castle Mall shopping centre. Levels K-N offer the shortest route to Norwich Castle. For information about all car parks in the city, go to the Visit Norwich website.

Admission

• Visitors with access issues can bring a companion into Norwich Castle free of charge.

Wheelchair access

• There is wheelchair access throughout the museum and art galleries on the ground and first floors. Some internal doors to galleries may require assistance to open as they are tightly closed to maintain controlled environmental conditions, but staff are available to help. There is an Evac-chair present on the Rotunda balcony to facilitate safe evacuation of wheelchair users.

Norwich Castle Museum: Visual Story

• We are currently updating our Visual Stories for both general visitors and schools to reflect the current layout of the museum while the building works are taking place for the Royal Palace Reborn project. These will be made available here soon.

Hearing loops

• There is a hearing loop fitted in our auditorium.

Assistance dogs

• Assistance dogs are welcome in Norwich Museums.

Wheelchair hire

• We have a ‘non-self propelling’ wheelchair available at Norwich Castle. Please contact Building Services on 01603 495889 to check if it's available before you visit.

Print and text size

There are large print labels in many galleries. We can provide magnifying sheets from the main entrance desk. Just ask.

Light levels

Light levels are kept low in certain galleries or displays to protect the exhibits. You can request a hand-held torch from the main reception desk.

Accessible toilet facilities

• The Victorian Toilets at either end of Special Exhibition Gallery have male and female accessible toilets.
• The Castle has a Changing Place Toilet on the ground floor, off the Rotunda.

Heavy doors

We keep doors to all exhibition areas closed to maintain the right environment for the paintings. Ask a member of staff to help you with the doors if you need it.

Gallery facilities

With current COVID-19 restrictions, some interactive elements may have be temporarily covered or removed.

Download the Norwich Castle Floor Plan.

Decorative Arts gallery

• Braille labelled raised tiles
• Magnifying glass over stump work
• Braille labelled ‘tactile jewels’
• Braille labelled Art motifs

British Masters (Cotman) gallery

• Norwich School video with audio track
• Cotman’s Trunk - a tactile painter’s box

Landscape and Nature (Crome) gallery

• Norwich School video with audio track
• Brass plates on colouring table showing typical Norwich School scenes

Ted Ellis gallery

• Braille labelled bird sounds 

Norfolk Regiment displays

• Sound shower

Coronavirus

Please visit the Coronavirus page for Norfolk Museums Service for guidance. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us in advance of your visit.