Carrow House and The Forgotten Vaults tour in Norwich

A grand house and the atmospheric vaults beneath it, sealed away for decades.

A 90-minute guided tour of Carrow House, the former residence of Norwich's Colman mustard family, followed by descent into the atmospheric vaults hidden underground and sealed for decades. The tour includes admission and a live English-speaking guide. Children are welcome from age 4. Choose your start time at checkout: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, or 3 pm.

Step-by-step itinerary

Explore Carrow House and vaults

• Meet guide at Old Carrow House
• Tour historic rooms of Carrow House
• Hear stories of Colman family legacy
• Descend into underground vaults
• Explore atmospheric hidden vaults

The Experience

Carrow House sits on the edge of Norwich's industrial past, a grand reminder of the Colman family's influence on the city. Your guide meets you at the entrance and walks you through the historic rooms where the family lived, sharing the stories behind the mustard empire that shaped Norwich's economy and reputation. You'll see the spaces where innovation and ambition played out, and hear how one family's business became woven into the city's identity.

Then comes the part most visitors never experience: the descent below ground. The vaults beneath Carrow House have been sealed away for decades, and stepping into them now means walking through spaces that have been closed to the public until recently. Your guide leads you through these atmospheric underground rooms, revealing another layer of the building's history. The 90-minute experience combines the grandeur of the house above with the mystery of what lies beneath.

What’s included

• Admission to Carrow House and the vaults.
• 90-minute guided tour with a live English-speaking guide.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by The Shoebox Experiences

Is this one for you?Pick a start time that works with your other Norwich plans: morning, afternoon, or evening slots let you build your own itinerary rather than work backward from a fixed departure.

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Top questions

What was Carrow House originally used for?

Carrow House was the residence of the Colman family, the makers of Norwich's famous mustard. The tour explores the rooms where they lived and tells the story of how their business shaped the city.

Can I visit the vaults on their own, or only as part of this tour?

The vaults are visited as part of this guided tour only. They're included in the full 90-minute experience, which starts in the house above ground and then descends below.

What are the start times, and can I choose which one suits my day?

Three start times are available: 10:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 3 pm. You pick your preferred time when you book.

Is this tour suitable for children?

Children are welcome from age 4. Infants and small children can be brought in a pram or stroller, and the tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it does involve descending stairs into the underground spaces.