Norwich Guildhall Tour
Thursday 10 October, 11.00am–Thursday 12 December, 11.00am
Norwich Guildhall
Tickets: £5
Take a tour around England’s largest and most elaborate provincial medieval city hall.
Norwich Guildhall was the centre of city government from the early 15th century until its replacement by City Hall in 1938. As well as various courts, a prison and a chapel, the building contained facilities for accounting and tax collection, accommodation for civic officials (it remains the home of the Sheriff’s parlour today) and storage space for records, money and civic regalia. The Sheriff’s Court was designed for meetings of the full medieval Council and now contains a virtually intact late Victorian courtroom. The Council Chamber is more elaborate with oak panelling, renaissance decorative woodwork and stunning stained glass – designed to impress from the start. The undercroft, beneath the east end, pre-dates the building and is thought to be an original feature of the earlier toll-house on this site. It was used to accommodate more dangerous criminals. The exterior provides an excellent example of the flint work that the city is so famous for.
Having more recently hosted cafes, the tourist information centre and an escape room, the majority of the building currently acts as an office and home to Norfolk & Norwich Festival which has just celebrated its 250th anniversary.
These tours are delivered by guides from The Norwich Society.
Waiting list: Our tours can sell out quickly. Email boxoffice@nnfestival.org.uk (with your name, phone number and the number of tickets you would like) or give us a call on 01603 531800 to be added to the waiting list for any returns or to hear about future tour dates.
Important information
Venue: Norwich Guildhall
Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Access: The tour takes you through the many spaces of Norwich Guildhall. There are a number of staircases throughout the building. To get to the crypt, you will need to descend a narrow, spiral staircase without a handrail. To enter the cells, you will need to descend a steep ramp. We ask that visitors use their own judgement on whether to enter a space.
Please Note: The building is a working office and home to Norfolk & Norwich Festival. There may be staff working while you are on your tour.
Tickets
Tickets: £5
Essential Companions: Any audience member requiring an essential carer/companion can get one free ticket. Relevant discounts or concessions still apply to the paid ticket.
Select a performance
Thursday
29 August
11:00 am
£5.00
Thursday
10 October
11:00 am
£5.00
Friday
25 October
11:00 am
£5.00
Friday
15 November
11:00 am
£5.00
Thursday
28 November
11:00 am
£5.00
Friday
6 December
11:00 am
£5.00
Thursday
12 December
11:00 am
£5.00