Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Explore Norwich's industrial past through interactive exhibits in a historic former prison. A journey through trade, daily life, and innovation.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Reduced entry fee!
Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell
Best Time
Reduced entry fee!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore Norwich's industrial past through interactive exhibits in a historic former prison. A journey through trade, daily life, and innovation.
"A superb museum with artefacts looking back on Norwich's history as the second city of the UK!"
🎯 Great Value Entry
Tickets can be as low as £2.50 near closing time. A fantastic deal for hours of exploration! :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Walkable from Station
Perfect for a short visit if you have a couple of spare hours before your train. :train2:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Norwich's Industrial Heart
Ground Floor Galleries
Explore the city's rich history as the UK's second city, focusing on trade and manufacturing.
Victorian Street Scene
Ground Floor
Step back in time with immersive recreations of shops and market stalls from the past.
Post-War Household Life
First Floor Galleries
Discover how families lived, played, and entertained themselves after World War II.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
What to Expect Inside
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Great Value Entry
Tickets can be as low as £2.50 near closing time. A fantastic deal for hours of exploration! :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Walkable from Station
Perfect for a short visit if you have a couple of spare hours before your train. :train2:
🤝 Friendly & Helpful Staff
Staff are enthusiastic and go the extra mile to help you find answers. :star:
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The museum is well-equipped for visitors with mobility needs. :wheelchair:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Great Value Entry
Tickets can be as low as £2.50 near closing time. A fantastic deal for hours of exploration! :moneybag:
🚶♀️ Walkable from Station
Perfect for a short visit if you have a couple of spare hours before your train. :train2:
🤝 Friendly & Helpful Staff
Staff are enthusiastic and go the extra mile to help you find answers. :star:
♿ Wheelchair Accessible
The museum is well-equipped for visitors with mobility needs. :wheelchair:
🖼️ Engaging Exhibits
Interactive features make learning about Norwich's history fun for all ages. :bulb:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Museum of Norwich for its engaging and interactive exhibits that bring the city's industrial history to life. The affordable entry, especially near closing, and the helpful staff are frequently highlighted as major positives. While some found the gift shop lacking specific museum merchandise, the overall experience is considered excellent value and highly recommended for a fascinating glimpse into Norwich's past.
"I visited the Museum of Norwich in the last hour before closing and had no wait to get in. Tickets were reduced to just £2.50, which was a great deal!
The museum itself was really interesting, with lots of interactive features that made the history of Norwich engaging and easy to explore. From local industries to everyday life in the past, there was plenty to see and do.
The only downside was the gift shop—while they had Norwich-themed fridge magnets, there wasn’t anything specifically about the museum itself, which was a bit disappointing. Still, for the price and experience, I’d definitely recommend a visit!"
Rae
"This was a superb museum to visit, with artefacts looking back on Norwich's history as the second city of the UK in medieval times! Trade of items like coffee and tea is focused on, these old relics are shown as they would have been shipped. Coffee house section even allows to do fancy dress and a metal sheep depiction is taken in from an ancient pub, manufacturing machinery is brought in and a room is used for insight into how this was undertaken! I really enjoyed the market section with the items that would have been sold on the streets years ago and the classic store goods in their old form, carts are a superb addition. An old bar is incorporated and a mini train runs across the top, displays include a motorbike and pram as well. One area explores the household lives of people after World War 2 and exhibits the games that became popular, TV and childhood entertainment are both delved into too!"
K. Peake
"Fascinating museum of local history covering a wide range of subjects, from Norwich's status as England's second city, up to more recent industrial history. The building itself is interesting, having been a prison in the past.
Thoughtfully curated displays, immersive recreations of shops and street scenes from the past, and a host of historic artefacts make this a great way to spend a few hours learning about Norwich.
With limited time to spend, we elected to visit this museum instead of the Castle and were not disappointed. Both have plenty to offer, but Bridewell's focus on the history of Norwich as a working city made it particularly interesting. We learned a lot about the confectionery and shoemaking industries that formerly employed many people in the city.
The museum is well provided for, with a small gift shop and toilets onsite. Tickets at the time of our visit were £7.80 for adults, with discounts for concessions; good value considering the quality and range of exhibits. Advance booking is recommended during holidays."
Andrew Thomas
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is conveniently located within walking distance of Norwich train station, making it an ideal stop for day-trippers or those with limited time. It's also easily accessible by public transport within the city.
While specific parking details aren't widely shared, Norwich city center has several car parks. It's often recommended to use public transport or walk if possible, especially given its central location.
Yes, the Museum of Norwich is perfect for a shorter visit. Many visitors find it manageable to explore key exhibits within two hours, especially if you focus on specific areas of interest.
Absolutely! The Museum of Norwich is a fantastic indoor activity, offering a rich historical experience regardless of the weather.
The museum is centrally located, so a pleasant walk from most city center attractions will get you there. Taxis are also readily available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but visitors have reported paying as little as £2.50 for entry, especially in the hour before closing. Standard adult tickets are around £7.80, with concessions available. +1
Advance booking is recommended, particularly during holiday periods, to ensure entry and avoid potential queues.
Yes, discounts are available for concessions. Additionally, visiting close to closing time can often result in reduced ticket prices.
Opening hours can vary, but it's advisable to check the official website or social media for the most up-to-date information. Some visitors have noted successful visits in the last hour before closing.
The museum is not free to enter, but offers excellent value for money with affordable ticket prices, especially if you visit during off-peak times or near closing.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Expect a wide range of exhibits covering Norwich's industrial history, from its medieval status as the UK's second city to its manufacturing past. You'll find recreations of shops, market stalls, and insights into household life. +1
Yes, the museum features many interactive elements that make learning about Norwich's history engaging and accessible for all ages.
The interactive nature of the exhibits and the engaging displays make it a great place for children to learn about history in a fun way.
Most visitors spend at least two hours exploring the museum to fully appreciate the exhibits. However, you can tailor your visit to your available time.
Yes, the museum is wheelchair friendly and offers a good experience for visitors with mobility needs.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally permitted for personal use, but it's always best to check for any specific restrictions on certain exhibits or areas. 
The immersive recreations of historical street scenes and shops offer great photo opportunities. Artists have even created window drawings for special events.
The museum's lighting is designed to showcase the exhibits. Visiting during less crowded times might allow for more unobstructed shots.
It's common for museums to prohibit flash photography to protect delicate artifacts. Always look for signage or ask staff if unsure.
Short videos for personal social media are usually allowed, but professional filming may require prior permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during less crowded times, like weekday mornings, to allow children ample space to explore and interact with the exhibits. The staff are known for being enthusiastic and helpful, which can add to the positive experience for younger visitors.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Given its central location and proximity to the train station, it's an easy and cost-effective addition to a day trip to Norwich without needing extra transportation costs.
📚 History Enthusiasts
The museum's exploration of post-war household life, including popular games and entertainment, provides further depth. The building itself, a former prison, adds an extra layer of historical intrigue to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Norwich: A City of Stories
Social media content often highlights Norwich's charm, with creators sharing glimpses of its autumnal beauty and its appeal as a city break destination.
Beyond the museum, the city itself is a treasure trove of historical architecture and independent shops, as seen in various travel vlogs.
Interactive Learning at the Museum
This approach is particularly effective for families and those who appreciate a more dynamic museum visit. The museum's commitment to interactivity ensures that learning about Norwich's industrial heritage, its trade in coffee and tea, and post-war entertainment is not just informative but also fun.
Real visitors highlight how these interactive elements make the history of Norwich 'engaging and easy to explore.'
Bridewell's Unique Building History
Visitors often note the building's interesting architecture as part of the overall appeal.
While the museum focuses on Norwich's industrial and social history, the Bridewell's own narrative is an intrinsic part of the visit. It offers a tangible connection to the city's evolution, from its medieval prominence to its more recent industrial past, all within a structure that has witnessed significant historical change.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit