The Maids Head Hotel claims to be the oldest hotel in the UK. It certainly has a long and rich history. The first Norman Bishop of Norwich, Herbert de Losinga had his original palace here, so we base our claim on the site’s continuous use for hospitality since the middle of the 1090s.
Just over the road from Norwich Cathedral and located in one of the oldest parts of the city – Wensum Street is thought to date from Roman times – the hotel is the perfect base for a city break or an exploration of the county. The Norfolk Broads are close by – take the train Wroxham, the ‘capital’ of the Broads or stay on board and visit the coastal resorts of Cromer and Sheringham.
The oldest parts of the Maids Head, above ground, date from the 15th century. So when you dine or take breakfast in our AA two star Wine Press Restaurant, you will be sitting in the courtyard of a 15th century inn. The fabulous wood-panelled Oak Room, the perfect place to enjoy our luxurious afternoon tea, is also believed to date from the same era.
The bar and snug are slightly ‘younger’, added in the late 16th century. Relax in the bar with a local beer or glass of wine and imagine the comings and goings when the Maids Head was a busy coaching inn during the 18th century.
Today, we are a proudly independent hotel. Our owners have carried out a range of sympathetic refurbishment and renovation projects, to ensure that our historic building meets the expectations of our 21st century guests.
Have a read of this article on Classic British Hotels on the subject of the history of Maids Head Hotel.
Make sure you include a visit to us next time you are in Norfolk, whether for a stay in one of our beautifully appointed bedrooms or perhaps a meal in our 2 AA Rosettes Winepress Restaurant.
