I don't really know Norwich Castle as a visitor - it's my local, and I've known it since I was small. It dominates the city of Norwich, where you can't really move without stumbling over some bit of medieval history - a church every 50 yards, a bit of city wall here, an ancient pub there. But Norwich Castle tops it all - quite literally - from its Norman mound. It's never been ruined because it's never been out of use. The keep is all open inside, and feels strangely small after you've looked up at its monolithic form from outside. It certainly gives you an idea of what it must have been like for the Normans, crammed together in a stinky, smoky hall. And you get a sense of everything that's gone on since. It was a prison for hundreds of years, and must have been pretty grim, but now I find it rather homely. It's got an art gallery (with stalwarts from the almost-famous Norwich School of painters) and even, slightly bizarrely, a rather good but compact natural history museum. As a local, I reckon its best moment was when they introduced the one hour, one pound ticket.

Castle Meadow, Norwich, Norfolk
museums.norfolk.gov.uk/default.asp?Document=200.21
Castle ticket £6.20, children £4.40
Google map: tinyurl.com/2wkkq5t

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Inspire is a different kind of museum, one where children and adults can explore science through fun hands-on activities. stimulates curiosity and interest in science and technology. They have fun making projects. Our grandchildren, aged three and six, loved the experience. It is suitable for older children too.

St Michael's Church, Oak Street
www.inspirediscoverycentre.com
Google map: tinyurl.com/37p6kjw

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