One of Norwich's historical gems is getting ready to close for its annual winter break – and people are being encouraged to join in with one of Dragon Hall's last guided tours of the year.

The Grade I listed King Street building dates back to 1430 and on the guided tours people can discover a great deal about the trading hall's wealth of history.

The last guided tours this year are on Tuesday, November 22 and Thursday, November 24.

Stephanie Potts, manager of Dragon Hall, said: 'The tours were originally every Tuesday but we extended them to Thursday because they have been very popular.

'They are led by our volunteers who are extremely knowledgeable about the building.'

The tours put Dragon Hall and its founder Robert Toppes into context with the growth of the city and the part they played in it, and look at how there have been buildings on the site for more than 1,000 years.

Ms Potts said Dragon Hall would be shut as a heritage attraction from November 27 until April, but she said during that time the building would still be hosting special events.

She said: 'It gives us the opportunity to hold lots of different events like the vintage Christmas ball, a family Christmas day, and a Christmas market.

'Even though we are closed as a visitor attraction, there are still lots of things going on and Dragon Hall can be hired for private functions.'

Dragon Hall's Medieval Christmas Market is on December 3 and 4 from 10am until 5pm, while the Dragon Hall Vintage Christmas Ball is on December 10 from 7pm until midnight.

On December 11, the venue is hosting a Family Christmas Carousel where children can visit Father Christmas and families can enjoy carolling, festive medieval dancing, storytelling, mince pies and a warming brew of Dragon's Tipple ale or mulled wine.

Until November 27, Dragon Hall is open Monday to Friday from 10am until 4pm and on Sunday from midday until 4pm.

The Tuesday and Thursday 2pm guided tours are suitable for all ages and the last tours this year are on Tuesday, November 22 and Thursday, November 24.

The tours are included in the usual admission prices, which are �5.50 for adults, �4 for concessions, �15 for a family ticket (up to two adults and three children under 16), and under fives are free.

For more information about Dragon Hall and its special events, visit www.dragonhall.org

Are you involved in a new heritage project in Norwich?

Call Evening News reporter Emma Knights on 01603 772428 or email emma.knights@archant.co.uk