UPDATE – February 2024
We recently (below) shared big sad news with you about the impending closure of our friends, the Shoebox Experiences (Shoebox Hub). Good news! We’re delighted to announce that, after the outpouring of support from tour-goers, social media followers, content creators and media outlets, their landlord has had a change of heart and their lease has been extended for another three years! Hooray!
This means they can continue to host our vital community activities and peer support groups and run our popular ‘hidden street’ tours, which helps fund our community work. Suffice to say, we’re extremely delighted for them.
That means there’s even more opportunity to save 10% OFF the famous Hidden Street Tour with your Enjoying Norfolk Card. Valid Sunday to Friday inclusive.
Last chance to see Norwich’s ‘Hidden Street’…
After six thrilling years, we are sad to announce that the marvellous Shoebox Experiences will cease to run tours of Norwich’s ‘hidden street’ from 14 April 2024.
Despite it being heralded in The Sunday Times as one of ‘Seven of the UK’s most unusual historic sites’, unfortunately, they have received notice from their landlord to end their lease for The Shoebox, which includes the ‘hidden street’, and to leave the property by the end of April 2024.
If you haven’t ventured underground yet to discover Norwich’s ‘hidden street’, make sure you do before it’s too late – it’s a very unique experience. All proceeds support their social enterprise The Shoebox Community Hub to enable people to connect with their communities and lead fulfilling lives.
Until 14th April 2024, save 10% OFF the famous Hidden Street Tour with your Enjoying Norfolk Card. Valid Sunday to Friday inclusive.
With Jurnet’s Bar (formerly found in a medieval crypt at Wensum Lodge near King Street) permanently closed and the undercroft on Castle Meadow run by Shoebox Experiences closing in April the number of Norwich undercrofts that can be visited is getting smaller. Terry George has wonderfully out together a list of those that are open regularly or occasionally in the city. Terry has a Facebook group called ‘Medieval Undercrofts of Europe‘, which is. frankly fascinating. He has kindly given us permission to share the list below and requests that if you spot any glaring omissions or errors, please point them out.
19-21 Bedford Street – C15 rib vaulted undercroft. Can be booked for parties/events.
Bridewell Museum of Norwich, Bridewell Alley – C13/14 undercroft. Bookable Tours at 11am, 12 midday, 1:30pm and 2:30pm. Last Saturday of the month. Admission charge for museum, unless you hold a Norfolk Museums Pass.
Carnary College, The Close – C14 stone undercroft. Crypt Gallery open for regular exhibitions.
Bishop’s Palace, The Close – 3 undercrofts. Private tours out of school term time.
Strangers Hall, Charing Cross – C14 undercroft. Museum open Wed 10-5, Sun 1-4.30pm.
27-30 Gentleman’s Walk – C15 undercroft. Can be visited on request Mon-Fri. Just ask at the desk to arrange a visit.
Guildhall, Guildhall Hill – C14 undercroft. Occasional bookable tours/HODs.
3 and 4 Haymarket – late C15 undercroft. Open for bookable tours during HODs (Sept). Usually fully booked within minutes of booking opening.
Dragon Hall King Street – C14 and mid-C15 undercroft. Tours third Monday of month 2pm. Donation.
28 Lower Goat Lane – C15 barrel vaulted undercroft. Fish and chip shop/restaurant.
20 Princes Street – C15 rib vaulted undercroft at rear, 2 bays and side chambers. C16 barrel vaulted undercroft at front. Restaurant, undercroft can be booked for private functions.
Suckling House, St Andrews Street – C15 undercroft. Cinema City’s Bar & Restaurant.
St Andrews and Blackfriars Hall (‘The Halls’), St Andrews Plain – C14 undercroft. Open for bookable tours during HODs (Sept).
Assembly House, Theatre Street – 4 brick built undercrofts. Monthly bookable tours which are free and usually fully booked within minutes/HODs.
14 Tombland – C15 undercroft. Cryptic Escape – undercroft divided into 2 escape rooms. Need to book.
17 Tombland – Late C15 brick undercroft. Music events and private bookings.
St Gregory’s Church – C14 barrel vaulted undercroft beneath chancel. Part of Antiques centre.
