Reopened castle getting about 1,500 visitors a day

Norwich Castle reopened to the public on 7 August

The reopening of a city's Norman castle after a £27.5m revamp has been hailed a success after strong visitor numbers.

Norfolk Museums Service said a daily average of about 1,500 people had been visiting Norwich Castle since 7 August.

Work started in the summer of 2020 but delays meant it was not until earlier this month that features including the recreation of its great hall could be viewed.

Jo Warr from the museums service said: "We're delighted with the increase in visitor numbers following the completion of the major redevelopment of its Norman keep."

The restored levels of the Grade I listed keep

The Royal Palace Reborn project was delayed by issues including the Covid pandemic and difficulties sourcing building materials, which contributed to the rise from the initial £20m estimate.

The discovery of hidden Norman and Victorian features in the 900-year-old building, alongside a leaking roof, also delayed construction.

However, in recent weeks, visitors have been able to inspect the restored original floor levels in the Grade I listed keep and the apartments of Norman kings.

Ms Warr continued: "The immersive audio-visual projections in the great hall have been a big hit with visitors, as has the Gallery of Medieval Life, developed in partnership with the British Museum.

"The strong visitor numbers not only reflect the fondness local people have for their castle, but the reopening has generated significant international attention, shining a light on Norwich as a cultural destination with a rich medieval heritage."

The recreated great hall of Norwich Castle

A new glass atrium, shop, cafe and learning space opened last year, with the project partly financed by a £13m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The castle was built by the Normans using limestone shipped from France and hosted King Henry I for Christmas in 1121.

It was later used as a prison for at least 500 years, until 1883, opening the following year as a museum.

Its revamp was featured in a Channel Four documentary narrated by Stephen Fry on Sunday, which was produced by Norwich company Eye Film.