Maids Head Hotel
Tombland, Norwich city centre · Hotel
View on Google MapsPhoto: The Maids Head Hotel
Independent four-star hotel in Norwich's cathedral quarter, claiming more than 800 years of trading and set beside Elm Hill and Tombland.
What's nearby
- Lucky Spice (formerly Spice Lounge) next door
- The Erpingham Gate next door
- The Glass House next door
- Elm Hill Craft Shop 150m away
- Norwich Cathedral 150m away
Distances as the crow flies, via Google
Good to know
Accessibility
- ✓Accessible parking
- ✓Accessible entrance
Payment
- ✓Debit cards
- ✓Contactless
Details via Google — worth confirming with the hotel before you travel, especially for access needs.
Photos
Photos via Google
About Maids Head Hotel
The Maids Head stands on Tombland in the cathedral quarter of Norwich and claims a continuous history of more than 800 years, which would make it among the oldest hotels in the country. Archaeology in the cellars points to a building on the site in Anglo-Saxon times, and the inn appears by name in the Paston letters in the fifteenth century. It remains independently owned and holds an AA four-star silver rating.
The interior mixes periods rather than pretending to a single one, with a Jacobean-style bar, a glazed courtyard and corridors that wander between wings. There are around 84 bedrooms across categories from compact classic doubles to feature rooms with four-posters and beamed ceilings. Rooms are traditionally furnished with modern bathrooms, air conditioning in most of the newer wing, and there is a lift, private car park and accessible accommodation, which is unusual for a building of this age.
Dining is in the WinePress restaurant, which serves Norfolk beef, coastal fish and a well-regarded breakfast, and there is afternoon tea in the lounge and a courtyard for warmer days. The bar is open to non-residents and gets a mix of hotel guests and locals. Meeting rooms and a function suite mean the hotel also handles weddings and business events through the week.
The location is the strongest argument for staying here. Norwich Cathedral is across the road, Elm Hill and the cobbled lanes are a minute away, and the castle, the market and the Norwich Lanes shopping streets are all within a ten-minute walk. The station is about fifteen minutes on foot. It suits city breaks, cathedral and museum visits, and travellers who want a car park in a centre where parking is otherwise difficult.
Reception hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours.
What guests say
The staff made our special day one to remember. Right from the start of us initially enquiring with the hotel about a function room and accommodation rooms we were given exceptional customer service. We have had a lot of feedback from friends who attended the party, and some who also stayed to say how helpful and friendly you all are and that nothing was too much trouble. We ate here before the function and had breakfast next morning and the food and service where very good and the staff were very kind to be able to accommodate us so we were all sitting together. We would like to say thank you to Jim for the ride in the Bentley, which was very interesting in regards to history around the area - he has a great personality and made it fun. Thank you Rose and Sophie for responding swiftly to my endless trail of emails and to all the reception, bar and restaurant staff, particularly the duty manager on Saturday who made it possible for the venue poster to be displayed on an A3 paper - she did a marvellous job (sorry I have forgotten her name). The room maid we had a quick chat with on Sunday morning who was very friendly and it showed how much she enjoyed working there. We can see why the hotel has so many Excellence Awards - they are well deserved with the hard work and dedication that staff put into their roles. Once again, thank you
a month ago · via Google
Lovely old hotel in the heart of Norwich. Warm welcome, comfy room with option for pillow change to suit preferences. Nice hot shower and room well equipped with ironing board, iron, fan, hangers etc. Extra heater also provided. We really enjoyed the complimentary ride round Norwich in the lovely old Bentley, an unexpected treat in a beautiful car. Great breakfast buffet and extras cooked for you if needed. The chef is clearly very good. An old building full of atmosphere and style. Really exceptional experience and would love to visit both the hotel and Norwich again 💖
4 months ago · via Google
Beautiful hotel in Tombland, close to reataurants and bars. Lovely rooms with helpful staff and amazing breakfast. We took the free tour of the city in a beautiful 1960’s Daimler , 30 to 40 minutes of pure indulgence and absolute joy. Jim , our chauffeur and guide was knowledgeable , entertaining and really good fun. Would thoroughly recommend the hotel and the tour
a month ago · via Google
Wonderful experience at the maids hotel. All the staff were so lovely and attentive. There are 3 electric charging bays available for £15 per night. The breakfast was lovely and there’s an option to order too if you didn’t fancy the breakfast buffet selection. The rooms were clean, but the only thing I would say is that there was a dip in the bed. There are also a range of bikes (including a children’s bike) that you could hire. The staff even bought a children’s helmet and high-vis so my son could ride the bike along the canal. Location wise, right next to the cathedral, elm hill and beautiful surrounding canal! Great location near the centre too!
3 months ago · via Google
Guests consistently praise this hotel for its helpful and friendly staff, delicious breakfast and afternoon tea, air-conditioned rooms with a pillow menu, and the unique experience of a complimentary Bentley tour around Norwich. These positive aspects contribute to a memorable and enjoyable stay.
Some reviews mention the rooms can be noisy.
Summary via Google
At a glance
- Address
- 20 Tombland, Norwich, NR3 1LB Get directions
- Property type
- Hotel
- Location
- Tombland, Norwich city centre
- Star rating
- 4 star
- Guest score
- 8.6 / 10 (3,200 reviews)
- Prices from
- £110 per night
- Good for children
- No
- Destination
- Norfolk