Elm Hill in Norwich
Joshua Patrick Photography, Elm Hill
Elm Hill in Norwich has been named as one of Britain’s 20 prettiest streets.
We are delighted that Sarah Baxter has written about Norwich in her article for The Telegraph, dated 12th January 2026, naming Elm Hill as one of the prettiest streets in Britain. Sarah is a travel writer specialising in walking, adventure and the UK.
Elm Hill, Feature Room
Elm Hill is literally on our doorstep, just a stone’s throw away! One of the Hotel’s four uniquely designed Feature Rooms is named after it. It is a famous Norwich landmark and the most complete medieval street in the City. The beautiful cobbled street is lined with properties which were rebuilt after a major fire destroyed almost everything in 1507. Buildings include Merchants’ houses, speciality shops, including the Bear Shop and small cafes. You can also find St Peter Hungate at the top of the Hill which is now an exhibition space showcasing medieval art and architecture.
Image of Elm Hill on the bathroom tiles.
Elm Hill and the Paston Family
There is a blue plaque at the Strangers’ Club in Elm Hill which marks the site of the Paston’s house. It was in a Paston letter, dated 22nd November 1472 which gives the first mention of the Maids Head. You can download a map and follow the Paston Footprint’s Norwich Heritage Walk which takes you down Elm Hill past the Maids Head, into the Cathedral and then continues to Dragon Hall and the market.
Elm Hill is a photographer’s dream, creating a highly popular backdrop for some iconic wedding photos. It was also used as a location for the filming of Netflix’s Jingle Jangle.
Britain’s 20 Prettiest Streets
At the time of writing this Blog, Elm Hill had received 169 votes, making it the third prettiest street in Britain. Read the full article here to add your vote and let’s try and make Elm Hill Norwich, the No 1 prettiest street in Britain.
Trinity Street in Cambridge, named after Trinity College, also receives a mention, with many buildings along the street dating back to the 16th and 18th Century. Trinity Street is just a short stroll from our sister hotel The Gonville.