Building History & Undercroft Tour

The Building History & Undercroft Tour is taking place at the Museum of Norwich on Saturday 7 November 2026. It’s a focused look at the heritage of the museum site, which is situated in Bridewell Alley. Rather than just looking at the exhibits on display, this tour is designed to guide visitors through the physical structure of the building, highlighting the architectural elements that have survived over the centuries. It’s a way to engage with the building as an artifact in its own right, rather than just a container for the museum's collection.

The tour covers the history of the site, which is quite extensive. One of the main features is the medieval flint wall. It’s a significant piece of the city's history that remains part of the museum's structure, and the tour allows you to get a closer look at it. The tour also includes a behind-the-scenes walk around the largest vaulted undercroft in Norwich. These undercrofts are a distinct part of the city's medieval architecture, and getting a chance to see this specific one provides a different perspective on how the building has been used and adapted over time. It’s a chance to see the parts of the museum that aren't always the focus of a standard visit, offering a glimpse into the layers of history that exist beneath the modern street level.

The tour lasts for 45 minutes, running from 11:00 am to 11:45 am. It’s priced at £5.00. There is an important detail regarding accessibility to keep in mind if you are planning to go. While the museum itself is generally accessible, the undercroft is accessed by stairs, meaning there is no step-free access to that specific part of the building. All other areas of the museum are step-free, so the rest of the site remains fully accessible. It’s worth noting this distinction if you or anyone you are going with has mobility requirements, as it might affect how you navigate the tour route. If you are interested in the medieval history of Norwich, this is a straightforward way to see a part of the city's heritage that is usually tucked away from public view.