Famous English landmark that was once a royal palace to finally reopen after five years – with huge £13m revamp
OUT WITH THE OLD
OUT WITH THE OLD Famous English landmark that was once a royal palace to finally reopen after five years – with huge £13m revamp
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A FAMOUS castle will be reopening its doors to the public following a £13million redevelopment.
The 900-year-old medieval keep is opening once more after its five year closure.
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The famous English landmark will be reopening its doors to the public this summer
Credit: Alamy
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The medieval keep has undergone a £13m revamp
Credit: Getty
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Works began on the 900-year-old castle in Summer 2020
Credit: Getty
Norwich Castle to welcome visitors again
Supported by a hefty multi-million pound grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Grade-I listed keep will be welcoming visitors from August 7.
Norwich Castle's official Instagram announcement read: "We can't wait to welcome you!
"Step back in time in the National Lottery Heritage Fund Norman Palace."
Users were quick to express their excitement, with one writing: "Could not BE more ready for this!"
While another commented: "I am genuinely coming back from my social media break to comment saying I MUST go."
Located in Norwich city centre, the redeveloped keep will transport visitors 900 years in time to Norman England.
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The castle is located in Norwich city centre
Credit: News Group Newspapers Ltd
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It plans to reopen its doors on August 7
Credit: Instagram
A family day out
Things to do on the visit include, immersive experiences and enjoying breath-taking views from the castle roof, which has been made accessible for the first time in 900 years.
Also, in partnership with the British Museum, a new Gallery of Medieval Life has been created and will display nearly 1,000 artefacts.
The redevelopment has seen the restoration of the original medieval floors, as well as upgraded visitor facilities, including a new shop, cafe and learning space.
When it reopens its doors, it will also become the UK's most accessible castle, with new lifts to transport guests to all five floors, from the basement to the rooftop battlements.
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Work started on the castle in the summer of 2020 but was delayed due to the Covid pandemic and challenges sourcing building materials.
The stone keep was completed in 1121 by King Henry I.
Over the years, it has served as a Victorian prison and a museum.
Three other castles to visit in the UK
THE UK is home to some amazing castles - here are some of the best:
Bamburgh Castle
This medieval fortress is built overlooking the stunning Northumberland coast, offering a wonderfully picturesque place to explore some of England's history.
The castle itself is incredibly well preserved and dates all the way back to the 11th century.
Kenilworth Castle
Brits can find out about sieges and royal scandals at Kenilworth Castle, one of the most famous forts in the country.
The medieval castle has had a fascinating history and was even transformed into an Elizabethan palace.
Today its keep, its Tudor towers and Elizabethan garden are among the sites people can explore.
Edinburgh Castle
Dominating the skyline of the Scottish capital, Edinburgh Castle has been dubbed "defender of the nation" by locals.
Today, the castle is still an active military base, with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo remaining a highlight among visitors.
It's also home to Scotland's Crown Jewels as well as other national treasures.
Redevelopment plans across UK
The UK's oldest museum has also revealed plans for a multi-million pound redevelopment.
The Royal Armouries, Leeds, claims to be the oldest museum in the UK and has recently secured a government loan to purchase the land it stands on.
Home to the national collection of arms and armour, the museum director, Nat Edwards, has big plans for its future.
These plans include the refurbishing of its exhibition galleries, the development of a riverside arts space and the addition of immersive spaces.
Nottingham Forest has also recently been given the green light for a major stadium redevelopment.
This will see the demolition of one of the stands, to make way for the new Peter Taylor stand.
The plans were approved by Rushcliffe Borough Council in June, and will cost the club around £130million.
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