Junior suite
The Shardlake Junior Suite
Named after the lead character in C.J. Sansom's novel Tombland, with a roll-top bath in the bedroom and views towards the Erpingham Gate.
- Sleeps 2
- King bed or Twin
- Roll-top Bath in Room; En-Suite Shower
Norwich's Landmark Heritage Hotel
Eight hundred
years of welcome.
Historic character, contemporary comfort and award-winning hospitality in the heart of the Cathedral Quarter.
A hotel old enough to remember the Normans, and young enough to surprise you.
The Maids Head is one of the UK’s oldest hotels, welcoming guests to Norwich’s Cathedral Quarter since 1287. An independent AA 4-Star Silver hotel, we combine centuries of character with thoughtful modern comfort, 2 AA Rosette dining at the WinePress Restaurant, and the kind of warm hospitality that only an independent hotel can offer.
Catherine of Aragon dined here. The Black Prince celebrated a joust. Nelson is said to have ordered a drink at our bar. We don’t advertise this; we mention it the way you might mention a great-grandfather in a story, fondly, briefly, then on to the present.
Today, seven buildings woven together over the centuries hold eighty-four bedrooms, a two-rosette restaurant, an undercover courtyard and rather more crooked floors than is strictly fashionable.
- Silver
- 4 ★
- Years of welcome
- 800
- Grade listed
- II*
- Rosettes
- AA
- Hotel of the year
- 2026
- UK oldest hotel
- No 1
Eighty-four rooms, no two quite the same.
Junior Suites
The Filby Junior Suite
Beneath the eaves, exposed beams and cathedral views, with a scheme inspired by the Birds of Paradise flower.
- Sleeps 2
- King Bed
- Roll-top Bath in Room; Walk-in Shower
Junior suite
The Wensum Junior Suite
Named after one of Norfolk's rivers, with whimsical tree wallpaper, exposed beams, a large sitting area and a roll-top bath.
- Sleeps 2
- King Bed
- En-suite with Roll-top Bath & Walk-in Shower
Junior suite
The Ranworth Junior Suite
A luxurious king-size four-poster bed anchors this suite, with a feature fireplace, exposed beams and a comfortable sofa area to relax in.
- Sleeps 2
- King-size Four-Poster Bed
- Shower over bath
Junior Suites
The Hickling Junior Suite
Original exposed beams and a luxurious roll-top bath, tucked into a warm, cosy retreat.
- Sleeps 2
- Double Bed
- Roll-top Bath in Room; Walk-in Shower
Junior Suites
The Surlingham Junior Suite
Set beneath the eaves, a roll-top bath overlooking the Cathedral close, and a scheme inspired by Thetford Forest.
- Sleeps 2
- Double Bed
- Roll-top Bath in Bathroom; En-Suite Shower
Junior Suites
The Erpingham Gate Junior Suite
Named after the Cathedral's historic gate, with a roll-top bath set right in the bedroom.
- Sleeps 2
- Double Bed
- Roll-top Bath in Room; En-Suite Shower
Junior Suites
The Waveney Junior Suite
A brick-built fireplace, stained glass windows and a separate dressing room full of storage.
- Sleeps 2
- King Bed
- Roll-top Bath in Room; Walk-in Shower
Signature suite
The Queen Elizabeth Suite
This iconic suite, with its original headboard and furniture, is named after Queen Elizabeth I. The Maids Head is rumoured to have sheltered Elizabeth I in 1587.
- Sleeps 2
- Double Bed
- Separate Lounge Area
Historic suite
The Catherine of Aragon Suite
Named after Catherine of Aragon, who visited and was entertained here in 1520, this historic suite overlooks the courtyard and features a fireplace that adds to its character.
- Sleeps 2
- King Bed
- Separate Lounge Area
Four-poster suite
The Paston Suite
Named after the medieval letter-writing family, with high ceilings and Georgian sash windows looking out over Tombland. A roll-top bath, luxurious shower and walk-in wardrobe make this the most superior suite in the hotel.
- Sleeps 2
- King Bed; antique carved four poster
- En suite bathroom & Roll-top Bath
Signature suite
The Cathedral Suite
First floor, cathedral views and an oversized roll-top bath. The Cathedral Suite combines bedroom and living space, with a feature fireplace and exposed beams adding character, mornings worth waking early for.
- Sleeps 2
- Double Bed
- Separate Lounge Area
Experiences in Norwich
More than a stay
A drive
A spin in a vintage Bentley
Three classic Bentleys live in our glass-fronted showroom. Take one with our chauffeur through Norwich's medieval lanes. Complimentary for staying guests.
A tour
Walking around Norwich
Discover Norwich's hidden history with guided walking tours, including the popular Shardlake Tour, which tells the story of the Maids Head and its place in the city's past.
A cycle
Norwich by Bobbin Bike
Pastel-painted bikes with wicker baskets, lent at reception with everything you need to explore the city. Complimentary for guests.
Award-Winning Dining in Norwich
The WinePress
The WinePress Restaurant is one of Norwich’s most celebrated dining destinations. Awarded 2 AA Rosettes and recognised with a Taste of England Award in 2026, our kitchen champions seasonal Norfolk produce and local suppliers in a setting that has been welcoming diners for centuries.
Our restaurant occupies what was once the fifteenth-century courtyard, now glassed over and watched by a small congregation of carved saints from the cathedral.
Dinner. Sunday lunch. Afternoon tea. Historic courtyard dining.
- AA Rosettes
- 2
- Local wines
- 09
Norwich Wedding Venue · Civil ceremonies since 1872
An intimate wedding, the kind people remember.
A Grade II Listed building with centuries of celebration woven into its walls, the Maids Head is one of Norwich's most distinctive and sought-after wedding venues. From intimate ceremonies to grand receptions, we create weddings with genuine warmth, character and a sense of occasion.
- Guest capacity
- 110
- First recorded
- 1872
Historic Meetings & Events
Meetings worth the journey.
The Minstrel Suite
The Maids Head's largest and most versatile event space, designed to host everything from conferences and gala dinners to wedding celebrations.
The Oak Room
Natural light, wood-panelled surroundings, and space for meetings, presentations and private gatherings in the heart of the hotel.
The Snug
A smaller room for private conversations, informal catch-ups, and dinners that work better away from the main restaurant.
Said about us, once.
A fantastically rambling but
comfortable old place.
The Journal
News, itineraries, and the occasional story
18th August 2026
Sunday Roast at The Maids Head
Picture the smell of gravy drifting through the room. Add a table full of trimmings. Then add a few relaxed hours with nowhere else to go. At the Maids Head Hotel, the UK's oldest hotel, we turn Sunday Roast into a proper occasion.
5th August 2026
Afternoon Tea Week Norwich
There’s always something a little special about Afternoon Tea here at The Maids Head. This August, we have teamed up with a wonderful Norfolk charity for Afternoon Tea week.
23rd July 2026
Summer Dining in Norwich
New Summer Menu, courtyard dining and 800 years of history – discover summer at The Maids Head Hotel, UK’s oldest hotel.