History

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This charming merchant's house, on the quayside in Great Yarmouth, was built around 1596 by Benjamin Cowper.

Over the years the building has been altered several times before it was given to the National Trust in 1949.

Today the Elizabethan House is a museum managed by Norfolk Museums and Archaeology Service showing life ‘upstairs and downstairs’ from Elizabethan times through to the Victorian period. 

At the heart of Great Yarmouth’s ‘Heritage Quarter,’ it's only a short walk away from other sites of historic interest.

Baking in the Kitchen at Elizabethan House Museum, Norfolk © National Trust

Baking in the Kitchen.

© National Trust

Special events

Look out for our special events throughout the season focussing on food created to period recipes.

Volunteers in full costume are on hand to provide information about the house and are always willing to answer any questions you may have.

For more information on this and other museums in Great Yarmouth visit the museums' website or email the museum.

Hands on Experience

  • The Conspiracy Room at Elizabethan House Museum, Norfolk © National Trust

    Conspiracy Room

    Visit the Conspiracy Room and decide for yourself if the death of Charles I was plotted here.

  • Volunteers help visitors try on period costumes at Elizabethan House Museum, Norfolk © National Trust

    Experience Tudor life

    Try on replica Tudor costumes in the bedroom and kitchen and let children play in the activity packed toy room

  • A group on an educational visit to the Elizabethan House Museum. © National Trust

    Victorian maids' domain

    Get hands on in the 1950s dining room and see how a Victorian maid would have completed the weekly tasks.

New for 2011

A view of the kitchen in the Elizabethan house museum before all the cooking and creating starts

Come and take a tour with a hand-held audio guide including commentary on all the different rooms. We also offer a virtual DVD tour of the house for less mobile visitors.