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.
Rooms and Suites · since 1287
A room for every
kind of stay.
Heritage four-posters, beamed attic suites, courtyard-facing singles, eighty-four characterful bedrooms, each with its own story.
The finest rooms in the house
Each named for a moment in the hotel's eight-hundred-year story, kept refurbished, kept refined, kept available for guests who book well ahead.
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.
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.
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.
Rooms by type
A Room for Every Kind of Stay
Eight rooms with stories of their own
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.
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.
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.
Junior Suites
The Filby Junior Suite
Beneath the eaves, exposed beams and cathedral views, with a scheme inspired by the Birds of Paradise flower.
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.
Junior Suites
The Erpingham Gate Junior Suite
Named after the Cathedral's historic gate, with a roll-top bath set right in the bedroom.
Junior Suites
The Hickling Junior Suite
Original exposed beams and a luxurious roll-top bath, tucked into a warm, cosy retreat.
Junior Suites
The Waveney Junior Suite
A brick-built fireplace, stained glass windows and a separate dressing room full of storage.
Why book direct
Better when
you come direct.
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Plans change. So can yours.
Cancel your room without charge until 2pm on day of arrival. Late checkout when we can.
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No Prepayment
We take a card to secure your reservation, but nothing is charged in advance. Payment is taken on arrival, in person.
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Best price, kept honest.
Find a lower published rate within 24 hours and we'll match it. No fine print, no fuss. The occasional upgrade, reserved for guests who come straight to us.
A weekend to remember
A selection of experiences and overnight packages designed around the Maids Head.
Stay & Dine
Enjoy an overnight stay paired with dinner in the 2 AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant, with an allowance towards your evening meal and breakfast the following morning. Ideal for guests looking to combine a city break with Norfolk's best seasonal produce.
Timeless Sunday Tea Escape
A slower way to end the weekend, combining an overnight stay, traditional afternoon tea and breakfast the next morning. Designed for guests who prefer lingering a little longer before Monday arrives.
The Ultimate in Romance
Two nights in one of the hotel's most characterful rooms, complete with chilled prosecco on arrival, dinner in the WinePress Restaurant and time to explore Norwich together. A thoughtfully arranged escape designed for special occasions and memorable evenings.
Sunday Roast & Stay
A traditional Sunday lunch in the WinePress Restaurant, a night in a Classic Double Room and a full English breakfast before you head home.
Shardlake Two Night Escape
Inspired by C.J. Sansom's Tombland, this two-night stay invites you to discover the history, landmarks and literary heritage that shaped the acclaimed novel. Dinner in the 2 AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant on one of the evenings, with an allowance towards your evening meal and breakfast each morning.
Friday Feeling
Ease into the weekend with a Friday night escape, complete with a bottle of house wine and a cheese board waiting in your room on arrival. The perfect excuse to unwind, explore historic Norwich and leave the working week behind.
Will You Marry Me Proposal Package
An unforgettable proposal in the heart of historic Norwich. Enjoy exclusive use of our restaurant or courtyard, celebrate with sparkling wine and begin your next chapter together in one of the UK's oldest hotels.
Said about our rooms
- AA Silver
- 4 ★
- Rosettes
- 2 AA
- Grade listed, 1954Grade listed
- II*
- UK oldest hotel
- No 1
Add a chapter to your 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.
