Norwich Printing Museum

The clatter of Victorian printing presses fills the air the moment you walk in - it's genuinely absorbing stuff, even if you've never given printing a second thought. Norwich Printing Museum is housed in a proper working print shop, which means you get to see the machinery in action rather than staring at static displays behind glass. The collection spans from hand-set type to early mechanical presses, and staff members actually demonstrate how it all works, rolling ink and pulling proofs in front of you.

This one's best suited to history buffs and anyone with a fascination for how things actually work. Kids will find it interesting for twenty minutes or so - the hands-on demonstrations help - but it won't keep them occupied for hours. Admission is free, which is generous, though opening hours can be a bit erratic so ring ahead before you visit.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby caravan parks - Deer's Mead or Top Farm Campsite are both within three miles - the museum makes a solid wet-weather option or a morning visit before heading out to explore Norwich properly. It's the sort of place that deepens your appreciation for the city's industrial heritage without demanding a huge time commitment. Worth an hour if you're already in town, less essential if you're pressed for time.