National Centre for Writing is located at Dragon Hall, 115–123 King Street, Norwich, NR1 1QE.
Opening hours
Our drop-in visiting days are currently closed for the winter season as we carry out our annual maintenance programme. Dragon Hall will reopen to visitors in spring 2026. For the latest updates, please subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media.
Visit our What’s On page to view our public programme of events, guided tours, workshops and activities for adults, families and communities.
Our Writers’ Room is open on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year. Click here for more information.
Our office hours are 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday.
Contact
The best and easiest way to contact us is by telephone 01603 877177 or by email [email protected]. You can also pop in to speak with us face-to-face during our drop-in visiting hours.
Getting here
By train
Norwich Train Station is a seven-minute walk to Dragon Hall; cut through Riverside and over Lady Julian Bridge to reach us.
There are direct trains to Norwich from: Great Yarmouth (60 mins), Sheringham (60 mins), Cambridge (75 mins), Peterborough (85 mins), London (105 mins) and further afield. Plan your journey using the National Rail website.
By bus
The Green and Blue bus lines stop at Norwich train station. Dragon Hall is then a seven-minute walk through the Riverside pedestrianised area.
The Pink, Turquoise, Orange, Yellow and Purple lines stop at Upper King Street. Dragon Hall is then a 5–10 minute stroll across Prince of Wales Road then along King Street.
Norwich Bus Station is an 11-minute walk to Dragon Hall.
Plan your journey via the Good Journey website.
By bike
There are Beryl bikes available nearby for short hire from 5p a minute – you can find them on Music House Lane, St. Julian’s Alley, and on Rouen Road, which runs parallel to King Street. Get the app here.
Using your own bike? Plan your journey using this helpful website.
By car
There is no parking available on site.
The nearest car park is Rouen Road Car Park, NR1 1QU or Rose Lane Car Park, Mountergate, NR1 1PY. Blue Badge holders should follow Norwich City Council advice.
By foot
Dragon Hall is located on King Street in the city centre, a five-minute walk from Castle Quarter and across the bridge from Riverside Retail Park. Download a map of the city here.
Venue map
Download a venue map ahead of your visit or pick up a paper copy from the entrance on arrival. Our map will help you to explore the site, locate key facilities, and also includes prompts and questions to enhance your experience of each space.
Access
We want to ensure that Dragon Hall is open and accessible for all. It is largely wheelchair accessible and is equipped with two raising platform lifts, disabled access toilets, hearing loop facilities and some dimmable lighting. Click below for details on parking, access into the building, a breakdown of terrain, facilities, ticketing and concessions, and more.
Eat & drink
There is no café on site at National Centre for Writing; however, there is a water cooler located in the Writers’ Room which all visitors are free to use. You are welcome to bring hot and cold drinks on site, or to enjoy a packed lunch in our garden. There are some great café’s nearby, including The Butterfly Café, The Café Club, and Snowdrop Coffee Shop.
Box office & shop
Our box office and shop is located within the entrance space of Dragon Hall. Visit us between 10am–3pm on Sunday to Wednesday. Payment by card only. Outside of these hours, book online via the website or send us an email at [email protected]. For booking terms & conditions, click below.
We’re in the National Art Pass network
Show your National Art Pass for 10% discount in the Dragon Hall Shop.
Our shop is open 10am – 3pm, Sunday to Tuesday.
To join the National Art Pass network, visit www.artfund.org.
Frequently asked questions
Are there toilets on site?
Dragon Hall has public toilets on site, including disabled toilets and baby changing facilities.
Do you have baby changing facilities?
Yes! Our baby changing facilities are located within the disabled toilet by the St Ann Lane door. We do!
Where is the nearest Changing Places toilet?
The nearest Changing Places facilities are located at the Castle Museum and within Castle Mall Shopping Centre itself.
Do you sell refreshments on site?
Unfortunately, we are unable to sell refreshments at Dragon Hall outside of some select evening events. For hot and cold drinks, as well as an assortment of snacks, we recommend paying a visit to:
- Butterfly Café over the road (Mon–Fri 7.30am–3.30pm and Sat 9am–3pm)
- The King’s Centre on King Street (Mon–Fri 8am–5pm)
- Café Club on King Street (Mon–Fri 7.30am–3.30pm)
We have a free water cooler, located in the Writers’ Room, that you are welcome to use.
Can I eat and drink at Dragon Hall?
You are welcome to bring refreshments on site to eat in the garden or the Gallery space.
Is there public Wi-Fi?
Yes, please ask a volunteer or member of staff for the details.
Where is the nearest cash point?
The nearest cash points are in the Hollywood Bowl and Riverside shopping centre car park, or at John Lewis.
Are dogs permitted in Dragon Hall?
Dogs are not permitted in Dragon Hall for visitors or ticket holders unless permission has been granted by a member of the NCW team. Assistance dogs are welcome at any time.
Dragon Hall is described as a Place of Sanctuary. What does that mean?
NCW was awarded Place of Sanctuary status in January 2025, in recognition of our dedication to supporting refugees, asylum seekers, and individuals fleeing violence and persecution. This prestigious designation underscores NCW’s commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and creative space for all members of the community.
Dragon Hall is a safe, warm and free environment for you to use during our visiting hours. All are welcome.
Support Dragon Hall
Your generous donation will help keep our beautiful medieval home open to all.
Our drop-in visiting days are currently closed for the winter season as we carry out our annual maintenance programme. Dragon Hall will reopen to visitors in spring 2026. For the latest updates, please subscribe to our newsletter or follow us on social media.
Visit our What’s On page to view our public programme of events, guided tours, workshops and activities for adults, families and communities.
Our Writers’ Room is open on Thursdays and Fridays throughout the year. Click here for more information.
Find us at National Centre for Writing, Dragon Hall, 115–123 King Street, Norwich, NR1 1QE.
We are a short walk from Norwich train station and local bus routes. Find out more here.
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