Norfolk


<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><a href="https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Norwich Castle</a>, Norfolk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/08/norwich-castle.jpg" alt="Norwich Castle" class="wp-image-17981" /></figure>



<p>If you’re heading up city, make time for a stop at the impressive castle, built by the Normans as a Royal Palace over 900 years ago. It’s currently undergoing a £13.5 million National Lottery-funded restoration project to transform the castle’s Norman Keep, but while that’s going on there’s still the museum and art gallery to explore with everything from Egyptian mummies to polar bears, beautiful artworks and ancient axes. There are also tours to be taken of the dungeons, keep, battlements and the Victorian courthouse. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-castle-rising-norfolk"><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castle-rising-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Rising</a>, Norfolk&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/08/castle-rising.jpg" alt="Castle rising from above" class="wp-image-17984" /></figure>



<p>Castle Rising, as the name suggests, is atop a very steep hill that&#8217;s perfect for rolling down (the kids, not you!). It is one of the largest and best preserved medieval keeps in the country and is surrounded by 20 acres of amazing earthworks. You can go inside and see the lavishly decorated Great Hall as well as Queen Isabella’s apartments.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/castle-acre-castle-and-bailey-gate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Castle Acre</a></strong>, Norfolk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Castle-Acre-castle-1.jpg" alt="Castle Acre Castle" class="wp-image-41200" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Castle-Acre-castle-1.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Castle-Acre-castle-1-800x400.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Castle-Acre-castle-1-768x384.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Castle-Acre-castle-1-900x450.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Given it was built all the way back in the Norman Conquest days of 1066, the medieval ruins of the motte-and-bailey castle at Castle Acre are in pretty good nick. There’s loads to explore on a day out, including the impressive earthworks and Bailey Gate, which flanks the main road into the village. Head to the stunning historic priory nearby, where you can plug into an audio tour, before rounding off your day with some hearty fare at village pub, <a href="https://www.theostrich.pub" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ostrich</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/burgh-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Burgh Castle</a></strong>, Norfolk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Burgh-Castle-ruins.jpg" alt="Burgh Castle ruins" class="wp-image-41196" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Burgh-Castle-ruins.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Burgh-Castle-ruins-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Burgh-Castle-ruins-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Burgh-Castle-ruins-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Sign up to one of the free guided tours of the 3rd century fort at Burgh Castle, which run on Sundays from May to September, to take a trip back in time at one of the best-preserved Roman monuments in Britain. This English Heritage lovely was originally built as part of the Roman network of coastal defences, so it boasts stunning views over Breydon Water. The land around the fort is also a wildlife haven, perfect for the nature lovers in your gang.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.caistercastle.co.uk/castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caister Castle</a></strong>, Norfolk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="500" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Caister-Castle.jpg" alt="Caister Castle" class="wp-image-41194" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Caister-Castle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Caister-Castle-800x400.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Caister-Castle-768x384.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Caister-Castle-900x450.jpg 900w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>Though the castle at Caister fell into ruin in the 1600s, its 100-foot-high tower is standing strong and visitors can still climb it to take in the gorgeous views. In the 1960s, the <a href="https://www.caistercastle.co.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Caister Castle Car Collection</a> was opened in the south-west of the grounds, and today it’s home to vintage, classic and sports vehicles which are part of its impressive 120 cars and 100 bikes. Elsewhere, there’s a picnic area and woodland walk to make a day of it. It opens for the season from&nbsp;<strong>Mon 15 May.</strong></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.visiteastofengland.com/attraction_activity/mettingham-castle-house" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mettingham Castle</a></strong>, Norfolk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="666" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Mettingham-Castle.jpg" alt="Mettingham Castle" class="wp-image-41199" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Mettingham-Castle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Mettingham-Castle-800x533.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Mettingham-Castle-768x511.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Mettingham-Castle-788x525.jpg 788w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The flint gatehouse, barbican and curtain walls are the main surviving ruins of the original manor house of Mettingham Castle, which was first built all the way back in 1342. Much of the castle was ripped down in the 18th century, though a farm house created there years later reused the stonework of the original castle. There are open days on&nbsp;<strong>Sun 25 Jun, Sun 16 Ju</strong>l and&nbsp;<strong>Sun 13 Aug</strong>, but you’ll need to contact the owner in advance.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.visiteastofengland.com/attraction_activity/bungay-castle" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bungay Castle</a></strong>, Suffolk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img decoding="async" loading="lazy" width="1000" height="800" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Bungay-Castle.jpg" alt="Bungay Castle" class="wp-image-41195" srcset="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Bungay-Castle.jpg 1000w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Bungay-Castle-800x640.jpg 800w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Bungay-Castle-768x614.jpg 768w, https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/norfolk/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2023/04/Bungay-Castle-656x525.jpg 656w" sizes="(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px" /></figure>



<p>The crowning glory at Bungay Castle is definitely the pair of massive gatehouse towers, but there’s also the bridge pit and curtain walls to explore at the Norman site, which was first built by the Bigods in 1165. The grassy inner bailey gives you great views across the Waveney Valley and it’s a short stroll to the picturesque Bungay market square and the town’s lovely indie shops and restaurants.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-framlingham-castle-suffolk"><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/framlingham-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Framlingham Castle</a>, Suffolk</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2022/09/Framlingham_Castle_from_the_Air-1.jpg" alt="Framlingham castle" class="wp-image-28462" /></figure>



<p>You’ll need a head for heights for this castle because the main attraction is a wall walk along the towering walls with stunning views across the Suffolk countryside.&nbsp;<a href="https://suffolkcambs.muddystilettos.co.uk/best-places-to-live/suffolk/framlingham/">Framlingham</a>&nbsp;is one of the best castles in the country and there’s a lot of history to discover here (including the fact that Mary Tudor was crowned Queen of England here) and you can discover it all on the audio guide. It’s great for kids, with a summer explorer quest to complete, plus there’s a cafe, shop and dogs on leads can even join you.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/orford-castle/">Orford Castle</a>, Suffolk</strong></h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/08/orford-castle.jpg" alt="Orford castle" class="wp-image-17975" /></figure>



<p>This jaunty little castle near the Suffolk coast is one of England’s most unusual and complete keeps. Because it is so intact you can explore everything from the basement right up to the roof, which has amazing views over Orford Ness. There are audio guides to tell you all about the royal history (it has been owned by everyone from Henry II and Richard I) and the keep also houses lots of ancient artefacts as part of Orford Museum. Oh and there’s a shop for kids to spend their pocket money on tat (we mean souvenirs) afterwards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">FURTHER AFIELD</h2>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hedingham-castle-essex"><a href="https://www.hedinghamcastle.co.uk/visit">Hedingham Castle</a>, Essex&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/08/Hedingham-castle.jpg" alt="Hedingham Castle from the sky" class="wp-image-17979" /></figure>



<p>This castle is an iconic medieval fortress in Essex and its Great Tower is a thing of beauty. There’s a lot to discover so you can make a day of it, with everything from dungeons and towers and castley nooks and crannies to discover, plus tree trails and wooded glades for picnics. Bit of a macabre royal link here – Matilda, wife of&nbsp;King Stephen, died at Castle Hedingham in 1152. In happier news you’ll want to keep an eye out for all the fun events that take place here throughout the year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-mountfitchet-castle-essex"><a href="https://mountfitchetcastle.com/">Mountfitchet Castle</a>, Essex&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/08/Mountfitchet_Castle_-_geograph.org_.uk_-_188986.jpg" alt="Mountfitchet castle" class="wp-image-17987" /></figure>



<p>The kids will absolutely love visiting Mountfitchet near Stansted in Essex. It is the only medieval castle and Norman village reconstructed on its original site in the world and you can step back in time and feel exactly what life was like hundreds of years ago in Domesday England. There’s a whole village to explore, and you can go inside the little houses with their log fires and roaming livestock. There’s also a toy museum on site, which has the largest collection of toys in the world apparently.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-rockingham-castle-northants"><a href="https://www.rockinghamcastle.com/">Rockingham Castle</a>, Northants&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2020/08/rockingham-castle.jpg" alt="Rockingham Castle " class="wp-image-17989" /></figure>



<p>This Norman castle was built under the instruction of William the Conqueror so you can imagine it’s steeped in history. It’s actually still a family house (nice for some!) and has been continuously occupied for over 1000 years so if in incredibly good nick. There’s a lovely tea room and the gardens are lovely to walk around, plus you can take a tour of the Servants Hall, The Street, Old Kitchen, The Great Hall, Naval Lobby, Panel Room and Long Gallery.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-berkhamsted-castle-herts"><a href="https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/berkhamsted-castle/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Berkhamsted Castle</a>, Herts&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/04/berkhamsted-castle-hero.jpg" alt="Berkhamsted Castle" class="wp-image-32685" /></figure>



<p>Considering it was built during the Norman Conquest, way back in 1066, what remains of this timber motte-and-bailey castle is still pretty substantial (come on, use your imagination!) and a great option for a family walk peppered with history. The castle was kept in royal hands when it was whole and was occupied by key figures such as Thomas Becket, Richard, Earl of Cornwall, and the Black Prince. The heritage site is open to visitors from 10am – 6pm.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-leeds-castle-kent"><a href="https://www.leeds-castle.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leeds Castle</a>, Kent&nbsp;</h2>



<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://dev.muddystilettos.co.uk/suffolkcambs/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2023/04/leeds-castle-1024x527-1.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-32681" /></figure>



<p>Perched on an island in the middle of the River Len, five miles southeast of Maidstone, this castle has been described as the “loveliest castle in the world” and has a lot on offer for a jam-packed day including – deep breath – playgrounds, Birds of Prey Centre, mini golf, pretty gardens and restaurant. The royal history? The Castle became a royal palace for&nbsp;Edward I&nbsp;and Queen Eleanor of Castile in 1278, has been home to six medieval queens, and was owned by King Henry VIII.</p>


Fit for a king! Castle day trips in Norfolk and beyond

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