Norwich
Properties and events in Norwich
Before heading out for your Heritage Open Days visit, please check entries for last-minute changes.
Norwich Printing Museum - Routes, Networks, Connections
The collections of Norwich Printing Museum on display on National Trust's Blickling Estate, demonstrate the connections between Norwich, its people and culture, and the printers and industry of the nation, continent and beyond!
Curat House
Tour of 15th century Merchant's House in Norwich.
Norwich Cathedral: Julian's many connections
We know Julian of Norwich as an author and a recluse, but her connections go far and wide. This tour will explore the many connections in her time and subsequently, which have made her a world figure and Norwich a centre of pilgrimage in her name.
Display: 'Our Journeys to Saint Johns'
Catholic means 'universal' and the Catholic Church preaches the Gospel of Christ across the globe, in Europe, Asia, the Americas and in Africa. Today, people from all these locations worship here at Saint John's - these are some of their stories.
Norwich Arts Centre
See inside the award-winning multi-arts venue housed within a Grade 1 listed deconsecrated church.
The South Asia Collection
Explore The South Asia Collection housed in our beautiful Grade II listed Victorian roller-skating rink. Our curatorial team will be on hand to chat about the museum and our exciting ongoing research projects within the UK and South Asia.
St Giles Church, Norwich
With a 15th century brass lectern and the tallest church tower in Norwich, this striking medieval building is not to be missed. With limited opening times, St Giles can be a bit elusive so take the opportunity while you can.
Norwich Cathedral: Agincourt - a victory made in Norwich
The 1415 battle of Agincourt is one of the most stunning victories in English military history. Less well known is the pivotal role played by Norfolk knight Sir Thomas Erpingham. This tour explores the story of the man, the campaign and the battle.
In Sickness and in Health
A walk looking at the life expectancy of Norwich citizens, the diseases they suffered from, and the development of medical services, from the Middle Ages to the Twentieth Century. Tour led by Norwich Tour Guide Nigel Wimhurst.
Norwich Cathedral Broderers Guild
Take a 'behind the scenes' tour of the Broderers' Guild and find out about how we care for and repair ecclesiastical textiles, as well as design and make new frontals and vestments.
MORE TALES BEHIND NORFOLK’S SEVENTEENTH-CENTURY TOKENS
Stories, people and connections from across Norfolk, 1649 - 1660
The Lost Industries, Shops and Trades of Old Norwich
A free exhibition of catalogues, bill-heads and ephemera illustrating some of the shops, factories and manufacturers now lost to the City from the 19th century through to the close of the 20th century.
Britons arms - Tour
A tour of the Britons Arms including the residential, and attic spaces with information about the context and details of the building.
Display: 'Finding Catholicism.' The route to becoming a Catholic
Are you interested in becoming a Catholic? This display provides information for anyone who is considering starting on the journey to joining the Catholic Church.
'Bee-Roads'
A fun trail designed for children - learn about the beehives at the Cathedral, and follow the 'Bee-Roads' as you discover the numerous saints who are connected with bees!
Pull's Ferry Norwich
Come and find out about the history of Pull's Ferry and see inside the Watergate room. Find out how the stone for the cathedral was transported up the river (now the road) and how people crossed the river before the bridges were built.
Elm Hill Walking Tour
A guided walk down one of Norwich’s oldest streets. Discover the history of the buildings, the people who lived there and the events that shaped what we see today.
Silver spoons and much more...
An Exhibition highlighting some of the Ticktum Trust collection of about 400 silver spoons & other items, dating from Middle Ages to 19th century, including spoons made by craftsmen in Norwich.
St Andrew's Church, Eaton
Come and discover St Andrew's Church
Women in WW2 - Glimpses from the 2nd Air Division Archive
Explore the stories of the American women of the Army Corps and the Red Cross who supported the US Army Air Forces in WW2 East Anglia.
Octagon Chapel
See the interior of this unique building which is normally closed to the public except for Sunday services and public events
Thorns DIY Paintings
Thorns DIY was established in 1835 and the building itself is enriched in history. We are inviting visitors to look at some unusual paintings believed to date back to the 18th century located in our Tool Department.
The Salvation Army, Norwich Citadel
A HIDDEN JEWELL in the heart of the Norwich. Come and visit our beautiful building opened in 1892 and designed by A F Scott. The building has many original features and a display of some amazing artifacts and social history from 1882 onwards.
154 years of continuous play
Come and see one of Norwich’s ‘hidden gems’ where outdoor bowls has been played for 154 years. Active club in delightful garden setting.
Norwich High School for Girls
Discover Norwich High School for Girls, which has been situated on Newmarket Road since 1933. A fine example of a suburban Regency Villa, the buildings retain many original features including stunning architrave.
CWGC Tours 2024 - Norwich Cemetery (Earlham Road)
Join us for a Commonwealth War Graves Commission tour of Norwich City Cemetery (Earlham Road).
Secret Trails at Saint John's
Discover the hidden trails within, beneath, and above the Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist while exploring areas not usually open to the public. See inside the roof spaces and marvel at the beauty of the sacristies.
St Etheldreda's Artists Studios
Medieval church building including round tower and porch with Norman arch - which has exhibition space and studios for 10 artists.
Sainsbury Centre, University of East Anglia, Norwich
Join us for a unique architectural tour of the iconic Sainsbury Centre and the Ziggurats building. Go behind the scenes with an exclusive tour of the famous Crescent Wing corridor where scenes from the Avengers: Age of Ultron were filmed.
Norwich Quaker Meeting House
This Grade II listed neoclassical building built in 1826 has connections with the notable Gurney family and was designed by architect John Patience. It is still used by more than 80 community groups and for Quaker worship, every Sunday and Wednesday.
St Augustine's Church Norwich
Explore this medieval church set in a large green churchyard with its wealth of memorials and the only 17th-century brick tower in the city.
From Kashmir to Paisley: One Motif, Many Crafts
A talk by Mansi S Rao examining the buta motif that originated in India and went on to become widely recognised as the Paisley motif.
‘Our Journey towards Salvation.’ A Talk on the East Window.
This talk discusses the stained glass of the East Window. Designed by Dunstan Powell in the early 1900s, the window depicts the story of our journey towards salvation, from before God created the universe to the present day.
East Anglian Air Ambulance's Base Open Day – Have you ever wondered what happens inside an air ambulance helicopter base?
Explore the world of helicopter emergency medical services at our Norwich base. Join a tour to uncover facts about this 24/7 life-saving charity and how every second counts when reaching the most seriously injured and unwell people in our region.
Norwich Guildhall Tour
Centered in the city for over 600 years, Norwich Guildhall is the largest surviving medieval civic building in the country outside London. Visit the 14th-century undercroft, the police cells and the Victorian courtroom.
King Street History walk
A guided stroll along King Street, exploring the street’s chequered past with local guides. Hear about the street that has been trodden by wealthy merchants and religious communities, by those who came to work and those who made it their home.
Norfolk Family History Society
On Heritage Open Days, we will welcome visitors to the Research Centre and assist them with their family history research.
Take a Star, Metal, Leather and add Wind
Julian Haggett talks about and demonstrates St Peter Mancroft's Collins organ in its 40th birthday year. Julian will follow his talk with a FREE one hour organ recital in the Mancroft Music series at 1.00pm. (Voluntary retiring collection).
Waterloo Park, Norwich
Visit Captain Sandys-Winsch's beautiful Grade II listed park, redesigned in the 1930s. As well as great views from the pavilion balcony, there will be flowerbeds in bloom, live music, and exhibitions of the history of the park and its bowling club.
St Mark's Church, Lakenham, Norwich
St Mark’s is a Victorian church with a spectacular interior, containing a gallery with a striking rood screen by Temple Moore, a war-memorial chapel with a Temple Moore reredos and some finely sculpted stations of the cross.
From Faith to Faith
A walk visiting a number of churches to illustrate the basic issues involved in the religious, social and political conflicts that arose at the Reformation and afterwards.
Tour of the Rosary Cemetery
Join a guided tour of the Rosary to learn about its history and some of the notable people buried in one of Nowich's hidden treasures.
Guided Heritage Tour of Dragon Hall
Come and explore the historic Dragon Hall, now home to the National Centre for Writing, and take a full guided tour with one of our Heritage Volunteer Guides.
Hidden History Walking Tour
This walking tour focuses on the often-overlooked western area of Norwich, within the city walls and ‘over the water’.
Step Into Dragon Hall Open Day
Step into Dragon Hall, one of Norwich’s most significant medieval buildings and home to the National Centre for Writing! Pick up a trail map and explore this historic site, take part in family-friendly crafts, or simply stop by to read in the garden.
A Church for Every Week, a Pub for Every Day - Walking Tour
We all know the old saying about Norwich, but is it true? Explore some of the city’s churches and pubs and uncover some interesting, often surprising, facts about their history, as well as unearthing some connections with our European neighbours.
Earlham Hall
Explore Earlham Hall on a guided tour.
The Plantation Garden
A restored Victorian garden in the centre of Norwich with a Gothic fountain and Italianate terrace, formal planting and woodland walks.
The Victorian Gothic Revival at Saint Johns
This guided ground floor tour explores the Victorian Gothic Revival movement and the place of the Catholic Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist, Norwich, in that movement.
Norwich School Chapel
Explore at your leisure Norwich School's medieval chapel, packed full of heritage. A guide will be available on the day.
MANCROFT RINGING CENTRE TOUR
The MRDC gallery was completed in 2018 and contains one of only four 'bell ringing simulators' in the world. Its bell tower is world famous because in 1715 the first ever peal was rung. You will see both.
Norwich Cathedral: man-made routes and natural connections
In order to build this cathedral, a means of getting the building materials to the site was devised. This tour starts at Pull’s Ferry, works its way through the Lower Close and will follow the man-made routes which allowed the construction to start.
Alleyways East Walking Tour
Taking its cue from this year’s theme of Routes, Networks and Connections, this tour gives us an opportunity to look at some of the alleyways, passages and yards that thread their way between the major roads to the east of Norwich city centre.
Norwich Cathedral: continuation and change - Norwich Cathedral from its foundation to the English reformations.
Explore the many reformations during the cathedral's history. Foundation, monastic times, the Reformation, dissolution of the monastery, religious changes of the 16th century, Civil War, Restoration, 19th century developments to the current day.
Norwich Cathedral: through the glass - a step through time
Norwich Cathedral’s fine selection of windows with stained glass date from the fourteenth century to the present day. This tour sheds light on the different styles, stories and histories of these colourful parts of the cathedral’s architecture.
Mancroft Ringing Centre Tour
The MRDC gallery was completed in 2018 and contains one of only four 'bell ringing simulators' in the world. Its bell tower is world famous because in 1715 the first ever peal was rung. You will see both.
Norwich School Air Raid Shelter
A unique opportunity to step back in time to the Blitz during World War II. The air raid shelter under our playground offers a well-preserved insight into Norwich’s wartime history.
PEREGRINATION, PIETY AND PROFIT
Keith Carlton looks at how two remarkable Norfolk women - Julian of Norwich and Mary Kempe - were able to flourish.
Exploring Norwich Textiles: Great Yarmouth, London and the East India Company, with Dr Michael Nix
A talk on the trade and export of Norwich-made textiles during the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries.
Celebrating the past, building our future: An RSPCA Story
Visit this special exhibition marking the 60th anniversary of the RSPCA Mid Norfolk and North Suffolk Branch, which coincides with the 200th anniversary of its parent charity, the National RSPCA.
The Great Hospital Tour
Visit our historic site and learn about the fascinating history of the Great Hospital, first established in 1249 and still used today as accommodation for those in need. Go inside the stunning heritage buildings spanning from Norman to modern times.
Routes to Your Roots
Connect with your ancestors with our introduction to family history workshop explaining how to use information gathered from your family and original sources available online to start tracing your family history.
Strangers - The Making of Norwich
Exploring Norwich’s 'Hidden Street' with the focus on the Strangers - a group of refugees who brought their innovative weaving skills across the sea and made us the rich and prosperous city we are today.
KING STREET GROWTH, DECLINE AND REGENERATION
Jonathan Hooten traces the rise, fall and rise again of what has been one of the most important roads in Norwich.
East Anglian Film Archive Screening
We'll screen an exclusive selection of films from EAFA’s collections responding to this year's theme; images and voices on film that convey a sense of community in your part of the UK.
The Norfolk Club
Explore the 250 year old Club for one day. The Norfolk Club is a Private Members Club that is not open to the general public. The Club building is Georgian and was previously a home, a bank and a school before coming the Club.
Norwich Cathedral: Edith Cavell
Norfolk-born Edith Cavell, a British nurse working in German-occupied Belgium during the First World War, assisted Allied soldiers to escape back to their own lines. She was arrested, tried and executed in 1915. She is buried at Norwich Cathedral.
Clocks and Royal Visits - Walking Tour
A timely and regal route, looking at some of the many clocks to be found in Norwich and recalling some of the Royal Visitations that have taken place
Pioneers of Medicine in Norwich – Medical Societies and the Origins of The Jenny Lind.
The Jenny Lind celebrates its 170th anniversary this year, and to highlight this, Richard England (paediatric surgeon) and Stephen Gillam (GP and past president) talk about the evolution and development of the Norwich Medico-Chirurgical Society.
Norwich Cathedral: how did they build this?
How was the ground plan for this Norman cathedral devised? How did the masons source, design, shape and bond the stones to produce this wonderful building? How did the woodworkers craft and assemble the remarkable wooden furnishings?
TOAST: Poetry of the Past
Join Norfolk’s favourite poetry producers, TOAST, for a journey into the past with poetry, but not as you know it.
Reading from the Archives: Norfolk Routes
Listen to extracts from letters, diaries and journals showcasing people’s travel to and around Norfolk during their holidays over the past 200 years.
Cut from the Same Cloth: Researching Ancestors in the Textiles Trade
A family history workshop with a focus on researching ancestors in the textiles trade.
NESW ST PETER MANCROFT TOUR
The Head Verger will take you on a relaxed tour of this wonderful medieval building. You will visit the Treasury, go behind the scenes to the Sacristy, tread The Processional Way, see the Lady Chapel and much more.
Mousehold Heath Geology and Landscape Walk
Join geologist Tim Holt-Wilson and a Norwich City Council Mousehold Heath warden for a guided tour of the Earth Heritage Trail and explore the geodiversity of the site.
Our Great British Parks
The Norfolk Gardens Trust brings us this fascinating insight into the history of one of our greatest ever institutions - our great British public park. We have all enjoyed them at some time in our lives but what do we really know about them?
CITY CENTRE CONNECTIONS WALKING TOUR
Local History Tour between St Peter Mancroft and St John Maddermarket
The Story of the Old Skating Rink
The Old Skating Rink is in the heart of Norwich and open to visit, but not many know the story of its remarkable survival. Join us to discover its interesting history and how it found new life as home to The South Asia Collection.
Bishops House Garden
Visit and discover this historic private four-acre garden. A formal city centre garden which has belonged to the Bishops of Norwich for over 900 years.
Historic Colegate guided tour
A 1½ hour guided walking tour, with Norwich tour guide Paul Dickson, looking at the stories of the people and places in Colegate, an area bursting with the history of Norwich.
Strangers' Hall
Discover one of Norwich’s most historic buildings for free as part of Heritage Open Days.
Bridges of Norwich - Walking Tour
Starting at Norwich's oldest remaining bridge and ending at New Mills, this tour looks at the stories behind how Norwich has connected either side of the Wensum.
City Walls and Statues - Walking Tour
Join this walking tour across the city of Norwich.
Norwich Cathedral Cloister
Norwich has one of the finest cathedral cloisters in Europe.
From Leprosy to Lunacy – Caring for the Sick in Norwich Over the Centuries
We are so fortunate today to have the NHS - however much under pressure. But what happened when you were sick or old in the past?
Jarrolds History Tour
Explore the often-unseen history of the Jarrolds Department Store in heart of Norwich.
Behind the Scenes at The Forum
A wonderful opportunity to see behind the scenes of this Millennium building, including the Millennium Library Stacks Room. The tour will provide an insight to the building's operations and history.
Maids Head Hotel
Join us for a special tour with Norwich Tour Guide, Paul Dickson. Discover the Maids Head 800 year old past.
Julian's Medieval Norwich guided tour
This tour celebrates Julian of Norwich, the 14th and early 15th century mystic and the medieval city in which she lived.
NESW ST PETER MANCROFT TOUR
The Head Verger will take you on a relaxed tour of this wonderful medieval building. You will visit the Treasury, go behind the scenes to the Sacristy, tread The Processional Way, see the Lady Chapel and much more.
THE HOTBLACK FAMILY
What lies behind the tablet dedicated to John and Virtue Hotblack in St Peter Mancroft church?
Inanna's Festival
Join this talk to discover the history of this 17th century weaver's flint-walled house with timbered beams. The talk includes a chapter on the life of the weavers and their place in the history of Norwich.
Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
An exciting opportunity to explore the Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell for free as part of Heritage Open Days.
Norwich Over the Water - Walking Tour
The area north of the River Wensum is one of the longest settled parts of the city. This walking tour looks at the interesting history and stories associated with the area.
St Mary Magdalene Church, Norwich
St Mary Magdalene (built in 1903) serves a parish that includes Mousehold Heath. Objects transferred from St James Pockthorpe include screen panels and the font. There will be information about the local area and both churches.
Meet the Curator
Ever wondered how this exciting collection of South and South East Asian art and crafts found itself in the centre of Norwich? Discover more about our wonderful collection and behind-the-scenes work with our curatorial team.
NESW ST PETER MANCROFT TOUR
The Head Verger will take you on a relaxed tour of this wonderful medieval building. You will visit the Treasury, go behind the scenes to the Sacristy, tread The Processional Way, see the Lady Chapel and much more.
Norwich Cathedral: Library links
Routes and networks through the collections of Norwich Cathedral Library, beginning with the oldest book in the collection, printed in 1474.
Brandland: Norwich and the Birth of Modern Brands
We live in a world of brands. Most of us have brands we love (or hate). But did you know that modern branding started in Norwich?
Entanglements: Impact on Wildlife Rehabilitation
Hear from the RPSCA how wildlife get caught in human litter and what we can do to avoid this from happening.
Northwest Clog Dancing
Fiddlesticks Northwest Clog Dancers will be performing in Norwich city centre on 14th September
RSPCA - Who they really are
Hear where it all began, this talk will look back to where the SPCA began, before it received it's Royal "R" status, when it arrived in Norfolk and how it evolved.
City of Norwich School Heritage Day
The City of Norwich School is open to the public on Saturday 14th September from 10am to 3pm for the Norfolk Heritage festival.
Norwich Castle
An exciting opportunity to explore Norwich Castle Museum & Art Gallery for free as part of Heritage Open Days.
Above and all around us - the Second Air Division and their legacy
Join us for a day of talks and collections displays as we examine the US Army Air Forces in WW2 East Anglia through the items they left behind and discuss their lasting impact on the landscape.
John Lewis & Partners Norwich - History of the shop talk and behind the scenes Georgian Cottage tour
Discover the history of the shop, from its small beginnings as Bonds drapers shop in 1879 to the John Lewis & Partners shop it is today.
CITY CENTRE CONNECTIONS WALKING TOUR
Local History Tour between St Peter Mancroft and St John Maddermarket
Norwich Cathedral: Family learning and library event
Doorways to the past - activities for primary-aged children in Norwich Cathedral Cloister
Chapel Field Road Methodist Church
This church designed by Edward Boardman. the well known Norwich architect, was opened in 1881 to accomodate 1000 worshippers. The church retains its Victorian character, has a fine Norman Beard organ and is a listed building.
The Garage Heritage Open Day with The Creative Wellbeing Project - includes Print Making, Building Tour and Cake
Come and celebrate our 20th Anniversary, take part in a print making workshop, have a tour of our building and join us for tea and cake.
RSPCA at War
A look back to the pivotal role the RSPCA undertook during times of conflict focussing on the First and Second world wars throughout the 20th century.
Saint Michael and All Angels Ruin: its place in the landscape and history of Bowthorpe
Discover a 14th-century ruin with an illustrated guide to points of archaeological interest. There will also be displays and information on local history and famous figures over the years, as well as a themed quiz for all to enjoy.
Silks, Shawls and Other Stuff: Norwich and the Textiles Trade
A display tracing the development of the textiles industry in Norwich.
Adat Yeshua Messianic Synagogue
Come and tour the Synagogue and learn about the history of the building. There will also be plenty of Jewish artefacts to view and hear about their history and use in the synagogue. There will be free refreshments available.
Eaton Park: Routes, Connections and Networks
We meet in 'The Friend's Room', in the Pavilion by the bandstand, for a short presentation and visual display of old photographs. Afterwards, a walk by the Lily Pond to the boating lake (with rooftop views of the park) and finally a train ride.
Historic Blofield
Drop in to this large historic church to discover Blofield's history exploring old maps, aerial views and photographs of people who have lived here.
Mousehold Heath History Walk
Mousehold Heath History Walk focusing on the story of St William's Chapel and Kett's Rebellion.
Illustrated talk: Kett’s Rebellion – networks and connections
Kett’s Heights in Norwich was the headquarters of Kett’s rebellion in July and August 1549. This talk explores social and family connections, historical parallels, and the landscape of rebellion.
Norwich Cathedral: Queen Elizabeth I's East Anglian journey 1578
In August 1578, during her East Anglian progress, Elizabeth I stayed in Norwich for a week and attended a service at the Cathedral, where her Boleyn ancestors are buried. This tour focuses on contemporary and other visible reminders of this visit.
Norwich Synagogue
Come and visit our beautiful Synagogue with its beautiful windows which give the building its feeling of peace. There will be a display about the history of the Jewish people from Medieval times to the present as well as three talks during the day.
Stories from Norwich Theatre
Stories from Norwich Theatre will give a glimpse into the storied history of the largest theatre in the region. All ages are welcome for a theatrical exploration of our archive, including activities for families and adults to get creative.
Lazar House
Lazar House was originally was built in 1101 by Bishop Herbert de Losinga, as a hospital for male lepers and the sick poor. It has since had many purposes and has a rich and interesting history.