The 10 Best History Museums in Norfolk, England

January 13, 2022 Lashaunda Abraham

A holiday in Norfolk is not a glamorous break. While the Norfolk Broads of East Anglia are a beautiful part of the UK, they represent a relaxing rural getaway rather than a high-powered city-break. Although its reputation is mostly rural, with people associating the county mostly with the wetlands of the Norfolk Broads, there are also towns such as Norwich and King's Lynn to visit, both of which provide shopping opportunities, nightlife and entertainment. Norfolk also contains a large stretch of coastline, and seaside destinations such as Cromer and Great Yearmouth mean there are great beaches to be found as well. Many areas of the Norfolk Broads and the coastal region are sites of outstanding natural beauty, and are also protected as bird reserves, so take a pair of binoculars on holiday. There are also popular wildlife attractions such as Banham Zoo, with a great collection of big cats, and Great Yarmouth's Sea Life Centre, one of the biggest of its kind in the country, complete with tropical sharks and conger eels. And of course, if any of your family are interested in boating, you'll need to rent a boat and explore the waterways of the Broads themselves!


Restaurants in Norfolk

1. The David Howkins memorial Charity Museum

39-40 King Street, Great Yarmouth NR30 2PN England +44 1943 852637 http://www.davidhowkinscharitymuseum.co.uk
Excellent
90%
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5.0 based on 21 reviews

The David Howkins memorial Charity Museum

2. Forncett Industrial Steam Museum

Kingsmuir Low Road Forncett st Mary, Norwich NR16 1JJ England +44 1508 488277 [email protected] http://www.forncettsteammuseum.co.uk
Excellent
90%
Good
10%
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5.0 based on 20 reviews

Forncett Industrial Steam Museum

See 14 awe inspiring steam engines working in full steam including the engine that used to open Tower Bridge. Come and visit on a Steam Day, first Sunday in month May to October when everything is running and you can also enjoy home made cakes and hot pork rolls .The whole collection is available to view static every Wednesday and Sunday through the year. All info on our web site.

3. Sutton & Wawne Museum & Family History Centre

25 Church Street Sutton on Hull, Sutton HU7 4TL England +44 7594 027072 [email protected] http://www.suttonandwawnemuseum.org.uk
Excellent
100%
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Sutton & Wawne Museum & Family History Centre

We are a local Folk Museum and Family History Centre in a Grade II listed Victorian school of 1859; the oldest former council school in Hull still used for educational purposes. We specialise in displaying Victorian/Edwardian education artefacts, and also offer Family History Research. We have a tearoom for light refreshments, tea/coffee, biscuits, etc, and visitors are welcome to bring their own sandwiches.

4. Norwich Castle

24 Castle Meadow, Norwich NR1 3JU England +44 1603 493625 [email protected] http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/norwich-castle
Excellent
51%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,233 reviews

Norwich Castle

Built as a Norman Royal Palace and once a prison, Norwich Castle Museum and Art Gallery is packed with treasures, including fabulous fine art, archaeology, and natural history. During 2020 and 2021 construction work will be underway on the exciting Norwich Castle: Royal Palace Reborn project to transform the Castle’s Norman Keep. During these works some areas of the Castle are not accessible and this includes the main Castle Keep.

Reviewed By Sunshine25580300779 - York, United Kingdom

Fascinating visit on a wet dreary autumn day. Art gallery very good with excellent audio visuals. Historical display rooms surpassed excellent with audio visuals and commentary especially enjoyed Anglo Saxon display. Don’t miss visiting. Staff very pleasant too.

5. Sheringham Museum at the Mo

Lifeboat Plain, Sheringham NR26 8BG England +44 1263 824482 [email protected] http://www.sheringhammuseum.co.uk
Excellent
65%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
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4.5 based on 233 reviews

Sheringham Museum at the Mo

Reviewed By Bunhunter

It was almost by chance that we visited the 'Mo' as my wife who is interested in local folk art noticed there was an exhibition of the same on display. The whole museum is excellent covering the history of the town and how it changed from a sleepy coastal fishing village to the coming of the railway in the We visited the "Mo' almost by accident as my wife noticed there was an exhibition of folk art on display and so we went in and found the whole museum excellent. Beautifully set out with very friendly staff, it told how the town changed from a sleepy coastal fishing community to catering for tourists with the coming of the railway in the 1880s Also what we found fascinating was the artists, writers, photographers and musicians who either visited Sheringham over the years or made the place their home. Whilst you are there do climb up to the viewing tower and I also found the offshore wind farm information very interesting. A must visit for both young and old and nearly forgot we had a chat with their resident artist which made the icing on the cake for us. Brilliant!

6. Gillings of Diss

Oxford House 24 Mission Road, Diss IP22 4HX, Diss England +44 1379 642983
Excellent
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4.5 based on 2 reviews

Gillings of Diss

7. City of Norwich Aviation Museum

Aviation Museum Old Norwich Road, Norwich NR10 3JF England +44 1603 893080 http://www.cnam.org.uk/
Excellent
66%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 239 reviews

City of Norwich Aviation Museum

The museum started out as an aviation enthusiasts group for members of the Eastern Counties Omnibus Company way back in 1977. The membership was later opened up to non employees and a temporary site was secured on the 17/35 runway at Norwich Airport. In early 1982, museum exhibits included Avro Anson (TX228), Westland Whirlwind (XP355), Sea Vixen (XP919) and a Dassault Mystere IV (121). 1983 saw the arrival of our Vulcan bomber which flew in to the airport after its retirement from service. By 1985 the museum had moved to its present site and an air fair held to help raise funds to expand the museum. At this time the Anson had gone (having been damaged beyond economical repair during gales) but Vampire (XD373) had arrived. 1986 saw another air fair on 14th September that saw attendance figures break the 20,000 barrier and another arrival, T-33 (16718). Over the next few years, services were laid, the main exhibition hall erected and the arrival of more aircraft.

Reviewed By 849andrewg

I would recommend a visit to this attraction. The staff on site are, friendly, knowledgeable and prepared to take time to answer questions from the visitors. We had guided tours of their Vulcan Bomber and Nimrod exhibits, both presented by two very knowledgeable people who explained things in an easy to understand way. The tea room was well stocked and service was with a lovely smile. If you are worried about the cost, don't, it must be one of the most reasonably priced attractions I've visited. Believe me there, is a lot for little money. I am happy to recommend the museum to anyone from very young, to very old, male or female. we spent quite some time there, due to the fact I wanted to experience the inside of the iconic Vulcan and Nimrod. Easily accessed by car but don't know about public transport.

8. Lynn Museum

Old Market Street, King's Lynn PE30 1NL England +44 1553 775001 [email protected] http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/lynn-museum/
Excellent
53%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
2%
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4.5 based on 163 reviews

Lynn Museum

Lynn Museum will be reopening on Tuesday 18th May. Safety measures are in place. Tickets must be booked in advance at: https://norfolk-museums.arttickets.org.uk/lynn-museum Come and enjoy this delightful museum which tells the story of West Norfolk. Meet Horace the taxidermy tiger in reception! Be amazed by the Bronze Age timber circle known as 'Sea Henge' which is the museum's stunning centrepiece. Learn about the people who meticulously crafted the timbers and study the marks left by their bronze axes. Browse around the 'West Norfolk Story'. Marvel at gold coins concealed inside a cow bone since Roman times. Imagine being a pilgrim in the thriving medieval port of King's Lynn or riding on a magnificent Victorian merry-go-round. With thousands of fascinating objects, interactive displays and audio guides, there's plenty to keep the whole family entertained. Family friendly events and museum trails throughout the year. Changing temporary exhibition programme, see website for details.

Reviewed By Joeonthebus - Norwich, United Kingdom

Very interesting place to learn about local history of the Kings Lynn and West Norfolk area. I often work in Lynn as a coach driver and have hours to kill during the day. Lynn museum has free entry and was a great way to spend an hour or so,

9. North Walsham Information and Heritage Centre

Vicarage Street, North Walsham NR28 9DQ England [email protected] http://www.northwalshamheritage.org.uk/
Excellent
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4.5 based on 4 reviews

M.i. North Walsham is the home of our town's information centre and also our Heritage Centre. The volunteers on our front desk can help you with information on travel, accommodation , walks, local events and anything else related to North Walsham. The Heritage Centre displays the rich history of our town from the Peasants Revolt through to modern times

10. Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse

Gressenhall, Dereham NR20 4DR England +44 1362 860563 [email protected] http://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/gressenhall
Excellent
72%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
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4.5 based on 448 reviews

Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse

Stand in the evocative workhouse settings, face to face with projections of staff and inmates and listen to first hand stories, often tragic, sometimes inspirational, from the people who once walked these whitewashed corridors. Visit Land Girl and Lumber Jills, old village shops, re-created cottage garden, orchard and traditional farm with rare breed livestock. Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse makes a superb setting for themed event days, family fun activities, school holiday fun and courses in traditional crafts.

Reviewed By BillyFarmer1 - Aylsham, United Kingdom

I visited (with a friend) Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, last Thursday (March 12th), my friend got in free, because I have got health issues, we enjoyed looking around many parts of the Museum, including the Museum of Norfolk Life, the Engineering Galleries, the Rural Life Gallery, the 1950's Room, the many sections of the Museum, where you could read about the Workhouse, Cherry Tree Cottage, the School Room, the Chapel and Village Row Shops, we also enjoyed looking at the Panhard Car, there was lots of interesting information, to read, there wasn't time to read everything, unfortunately, me and my friend, didn't have the time to visit Gressenhall Farm, we will definitely visit the Farm, next time, we visit Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, we went in the Mardlers Rest Cafe, where I enjoyed a cup of Tea, a Bakewell Tart and a packet of Cheese and Onion Crisps, my friend enjoyed a cup of Tea, I bought some nice items, in the Gift Shop, the staff at Gressenhall, were very friendly, I last visited Gressenhall Farm and Workhouse, two years ago, with my mum and her sister, recommended for anyone interested in history.

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