Open to the public
Here are some of the underground Norwich places that can be accessed by the public. Some can be visited all the time, some only on tours or heritage days.
Undercrofts
Here’s a of undercrofts open to the public either on a regular basis or occasionally.
1. The Shoebox Community Hub Missing Kind/ KindaKafe
Hidden History Tour – Castle Meadow
NUMBER 21-23 CASTLE MEADOW
Beneath the former Ponds shoe shop is cellar which is reached from within the shop by a set of steps. From this cellar, another set of steps leads to a far more interesting cellar.
“A fascinating tour of the historic basement and undercroft lying beneath KindaKafe The Shoebox Community Hub in Norwich, led by a local storyteller, historian and performer.
Ponder the myths of eerie prison cells, hidden streets and curious tunnels. Come help us unlock the many mysteries of this space…”
2. Strangers Hall
14th century and open when the museum is open. There is also a 15th century brick undercroft not open to the public.
https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/strangers-hall
3. Bedfords
Open for music events and can be hired. Probably the best undercroft in Norwich.
https://www.bedfordsbar.co.uk/the-crypt
4. Louis Marchesi
The Crypt
“We have a crypt under the building that is one of the oldest and few working crypts in Norwich. There is a fully functioning bar, seating area, DJ stand and dance area. We host a lot of parties and functions down there, as well as things like acoustic nights, casino nights and poetry nights.
The Crypt is now also a games room, with a pool table, dart board, and xbox.“
http://www.louismarchesi.co.uk/
5. Grosvenor fish bar
Cosy place to eat your fish and chips.
6. Guildhall
Open Monday afternoons as part of Guildhall tour. Has to be booked, but well worth it.
7. St Gregory’s church
Under chancel is a barrel vaulted chamber, open when antique centre is open.
8. Trattoria Rustica
Can be booked at the weekends.
https://www.trattoriarustica.com
9. Zelleys
Bookable HODs tours.
10. Fat Face
Bookable HODS tours.
11. Assembly House
3 interconnected undercrofts, the oldest probably 14th century. Occasionally open for HODs.
12. Dragon Hall
Was open when still a museum but now only for HODs tours.
13. St Andrews Hall
Crypt used to be coffee bar, but if you ask at the desk they’ll let you have a look.
14. Bridewell
Open for HODs tour and occasionally during the year.
https://www.museums.norfolk.gov.uk/museum-of-norwich/whats-here/undercroft
15. W H Smith, Gentleman’s Walk
If you ask at the counter they will take you down to look at it.
16. Augustine Steward House(14 Tombland)
Now Cryptic Escape, you have to book Escape rooms, 2 of which are in the undercroft
17. Jurnets Bar
Actually 2 undercrofts, a 12th century stone one and a 15th century brick one. It is open on weekday evenings and is a great place to enjoy a pint while listening to music (Fridays and the last Wednesday of the month)
Other places
The Norman House
Norwich Magistrates is built on top of the ruins of an old Norman house, the ruins were incorporated into a basement specially constructed beneath the Magistrates Courts. Access is by a spiral staircase and can be visited on Heritage open days.