The journal

From hosted wine tastings and live music to seasonal menus, afternoon tea and festive celebrations, discover everything happening at the Maids Head throughout the year. Whether you're joining us for an evening or extending your stay, there's always something to look forward to.

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.

Sunday Roast at The Maids Head

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.

Afternoon Tea Week Norwich

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.

Summer Dining in Norwich

8th July 2026

Celebrate Graduation week in Norwich

Graduation is a milestone worth celebrating, and we’re looking forward to welcoming graduates, families and friends to the Maids Head Hotel during Graduation Week from 13-17 July.

Celebrate Graduation week in Norwich

20th May 2026

The 20th Century

Welcome to a piece of our recent history dating back to the 20th century. The hotel has a fleet of classic Bentleys for our guests to enjoy.

The 20th Century

13th May 2026

Norwich Wine Week 2026

Norwich Wine Week 2026 returns for another exciting year. The Maids Head are delighted to once more be joining in the celebration.

Norwich Wine Week 2026

13th May 2026

Norfolk & Norwich Festival

The Norfolk & Norwich Festival 2026 is once again now in full swing. The Norfolk & Norwich Festival is a charity and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival

6th May 2026

Closest Hotel to EPIC Studios

We are indeed the closest hotel to EPIC Studios on Magdalen Street! EPIC Studios offer a complete range of events throughout the week and throughout the year.

Closest Hotel to EPIC Studios

14th April 2026

Summer Events in Norwich

As the warmer weather arrives, we are getting ready to once again launch our popular Summer Events in Norwich. Join us in the courtyard for our summer events.

Summer Events in Norwich

14th April 2026

Spring City Break in Norwich

If you are looking for the perfect Spring city break in Norwich, the historic Maids Head Hotel offers an ideal base from which to explore this vibrant and beautiful city.

Spring City Break in Norwich

1st April 2026

Norwich Voted Best Place to Live

So, not only did the Maids Head scoop three awards in the Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards in March, but also, Norwich was voted Best Place to Live by the Sunday Times!

Norwich Voted Best Place to Live

18th March 2026

Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards

The Maids Head Hotel has brought home an impressive three awards at this year’s Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards. This marks a significant achievement for both the hotel and the city of Norwich.

Suffolk and Norfolk Tourism Awards

11th March 2026

Cheryl Cade -VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar

Meet Cheryl Cade – VisitEngland Tourism Superstar. Norwich is so proud to announce that our very own city tour guide and beer and cheese sommelier is a finalist for VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar Award 2026.

Cheryl Cade -VisitEngland’s Tourism Superstar

4th March 2026

Open House on Sunday 19th April 2026

Meet Rose, Sophie and Jo, our experienced Weddings and Events Team. They will be on hand to show you around and to discuss your plans for celebrating in 2026 and beyond.

Open House on Sunday 19th April 2026

4th March 2026

Elm Hill in Norwich

Elm Hill in Norwich has been named as one of Britain’s 20 prettiest streets.

Elm Hill in Norwich

28th January 2026

Norwich Food Week

We are delighted to be taking part in Norwich Food Week, an initiative inspired by VisitNorwich that celebrates the rich and vibrant food scene across our fine city.

Norwich Food Week

10th December 2025

Celebrating 60 Years of Dedication

We are celebrating 60 years of dedication from two long-serving team members. We marked a very special milestone at this quarter’s Vision and Values Awards.

Celebrating 60 Years of Dedication

12th November 2025

Wellness Wednesday

Each month the Hotel offers the staff a Wellness Wednesday opportunity. 12 staff members are picked from a hat to experience a private, one on one 20 minute massage session.

Wellness Wednesday

10th September 2025

UNLONDON with Anglia Railways

The Maids Head offers the perfect base to UNLONDON with Anglia Railways! Travelling couldn’t be easier. With Anglia Railways Weekender Tickets starting from just £28, your Norwich weekend break is great value too.

UNLONDON with Anglia Railways

23rd August 2025

Introducing Sophie, our Maintenance Supervisor

We are proud to introduce Sophie, our Maintenance Supervisor. Sophie, who quickly became affectionately known as Soph, by all her colleagues, joined the Hotel’s Maintenance team in January 2025.

Introducing Sophie, our Maintenance Supervisor

20th August 2025

GoGo Safari in aid of Break

GoGo Safari in aid of Break is certainly generating a great buzz in the City. The Safari trail of the Big 5 launched in June and is available to explore until the end of August.

GoGo Safari in aid of Break

15th August 2025

Celebrating Norfolk Day 2025

On Sunday, 27th July 2025, the Hotel was once again proud to be celebrating Norfolk Day. Norfolk Day was first introduced in 2018 as a joint venture between the EDP and BBC Radio Norfolk.

Celebrating Norfolk Day 2025

13th August 2025

Norwich Castle’s Royal Palace

After 5 years of reconstruction, Norwich Castle’s Royal Palace has officially reopened to great fanfares.

Norwich Castle’s Royal Palace

7th May 2025

Hamilton at Norwich Theatre Royal

See Hamilton at Norwich Theatre Royal this Autumn and book an overnight stay at the Maids Head.

Hamilton at Norwich Theatre Royal

26th March 2025

Bowhill and Elliott Partnership

We are delighted to share news of our Bowhill and Elliott partnership. The oldest Hotel in Britain links with 150 year old makers of fine footwear.

Bowhill and Elliott Partnership

5th March 2025

The Maids Head Guest Experience

At the Maids Head, creating an exceptional guest experience is at the heart of everything we do.

The Maids Head Guest Experience

19th February 2025

Norfolk & Norwich Festival Accommodation Partner

We are extremely proud to announce that we are the Norfolk & Norwich Festival Accommodation Partner for 2025. The Norfolk & Norwich Festival is a charity and an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation.

Norfolk & Norwich Festival Accommodation Partner

5th February 2025

The Maids Head’s Sustainability Pledge

The Maids Head’s sustainability pledge is continuously being refreshed, but here are some of the initiatives we are currently committed to.

The Maids Head’s Sustainability Pledge

5th February 2025

New Year, New Head Chef, New Rosette Menu

We are very excited to kick off the new year with a new Head Chef and a new Rosette Menu for the WinePress Restaurant. Our AA 2 Rosette, WinePress Restaurant is heading into 2025 with a fresh new start.

New Year, New Head Chef, New Rosette Menu

7th January 2025

Norwich is a great place for a Wedding

Norwich is a great place for a Wedding. The City offers so many opportunities for iconic photos. You can choose so many different options.

Norwich is a great place for a Wedding

19th December 2024

Community Hero Award

Jo Hoy, our lovely Sales Exec, was presented by Age UK Norwich with their Community Hero Award.

Community Hero Award

30th October 2024

Norfolk Restaurant Week 2024

Our kitchen brigade are once more delighted to be taking part in Norfolk Restaurant Week 2024. This highly popular event runs from Monday 4th until Friday, 15th November, (Monday to Friday only, excludes weekends).

Norfolk Restaurant Week 2024

23rd October 2024

Lonely Planet recommends East Anglia

Lonely Planet recommends East Anglia in it’s big unveil this month. Our secret is out! We’ve always known how diverse and magnificent our region is.

Lonely Planet recommends East Anglia

9th October 2024

Vision and Values Awards

The Awards provide an opportunity for the Maids Head family to get together over lunch and to celebrate success. Staff from across all the departments attended the event.

Vision and Values Awards

18th September 2024

Environmental impact and sustainability

The brilliant Maids Head team are committed to the environmental impact and sustainability of the hotel. In 2022 a Sustainability Committee was formed which has generated many initiatives.

Environmental impact and sustainability

9th September 2024

AA 4 Star Silver Reconfirmed

We are delighted to announce that our AA 4 Star Silver has been reconfirmed for another year. In August we unsuspectingly welcomed the AA Inspector to stay at the Hotel.

AA 4 Star Silver Reconfirmed

29th August 2024

The Paston Family

The Paston family were one of the most powerful and influential families in late medieval Norfolk. They rose to being wealthy landowners and courtiers.

The Paston Family

6th August 2024

Brigadeiros from Emporium Norwich

Brigadeiros from Emporium Norwich have to be tasted! We are delighted to announce that we have forged a partnership with the incredibly talented Marcela Romagnoli Da Costa to offer brigadeiros from Emporium.

Brigadeiros from Emporium Norwich

11th July 2024

Summer Menu

This week the WinePress Restaurant launched their summer menu. It may not feel like summer, but our menu is packed with seasonal flavours.

Summer Menu

21st May 2024

May Bank Holiday Offer

We have a great May Bank Holiday offer. Stay with us on Sunday, 26th May and enjoy the night of Monday, 27th for half price.

May Bank Holiday Offer

15th May 2024

Dawn Calls Time at the Maids Head

After over 40 years, much loved member of the Maids Head family, Dawn Medley, calls time at the Maids Head. Initially Dawn worked part time at the Hotel when her children were little as the hours fitted around family life.

Dawn Calls Time at the Maids Head

14th May 2024

Norwich Wine Week Showcase Event

Our Norwich Wine Week Showcase event takes place on Wednesday, 19th June. With a successful debut event in 2023, Norwich Wine Week returns in 2024.

Norwich Wine Week Showcase Event

7th February 2024

29th February 2024 – The Gift of an Extra Day

A leap year brings with it the gift of an extra day, a bonus 24 hours that needs to be celebrated. Not only that, those born on the 29th of February have a rare opportunity to celebrate their birthdays.

29th February 2024 – The Gift of an Extra Day

22nd January 2024

Maids Head Open Day

Our Maids Head Open Day held on Sunday, 21st January, was a roaring success. A massive thank you to everyone who attended.

Maids Head Open Day

What’s on

Events coming up

All events

Friday 13th November at 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Festive Wine Tasting Dinner

Maids Head Hotel Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Four seasonal dishes from our new festive menu, each paired with a wine chosen and presented by our Hallgarten wine specialist.

Sunday 6th December at 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm

Festive Murder Mystery Dinner

Maids Head Hotel Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

A three-course dinner with a festive whodunnit from A Handful of Monkeys. Fancy dress optional, sharp wits essential.

Sunday 13th December at 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Christmas Choir Sunday Lunch

Maids Head Hotel Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Invidia Voices sing you in before a traditional three-course Sunday lunch, then return over coffee for more Christmas favourites.

Sunday 13th December at 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

Santa’s Tea Party

Maids Head Hotel Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

A children’s tea party with cake decorating, entertainment and a gift from Santa. One adult per child goes free.

Sunday 13th December at 7:00 pm to 10:30 pm

Festive Murder Mystery Dinner

Maids Head Hotel Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

A three-course dinner with a festive whodunnit from A Handful of Monkeys. Fancy dress optional, sharp wits essential.

Sunday 20th December at 12:30 pm to 3:00 pm

Christmas Choir Sunday Lunch

Maids Head Hotel Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

Invidia Voices sing you in before a traditional three-course Sunday lunch, then return over coffee for more Christmas favourites.

Thursday 31st December at 7:00 pm to 1:00 am

New Year’s Eve Candlelit Dinner Party

The WinePress, Maids Head Hotel Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

A four-course tasting menu in The WinePress, then our resident DJ until 1am. Stay-over packages available.

Thursday 31st December at 7:00 pm to 1:00 am

Masquerade Gala Ball

Minstrel Suite, Maids Head Hotel Tombland, Norwich, Norfolk, United Kingdom

A five-course tasting menu in the Minstrel Suite, then a live band until 1am. Stay-over packages available.