Norwich Hotels

Best places to stay in Norwich

Discover the perfect accommodation for your Norwich city break, catering to all preferences and budgets:

City Centre

• Ideal for Explorers: Stay in the heart of Norwich to be surrounded by history and culture.

• Fancy Stays: Find upscale accommodations amidst the city's historic charm.

• Accessibility: Just a 15-minute walk from the main train station.

Near the Train Station

• Budget-Friendly: Opt for more economical hotels close to the train station for convenience and value.

• Ease of Travel: Perfect for those looking to explore Norwich without a car.

Along the River Yare

• Scenic Views: Enjoy stays with beautiful riverside scenery, ideal for nature lovers.

• Gateway to the Countryside: Prime location for venturing into the surrounding countryside or towards the coast.

Nearby Villages

• Charming Escapes: Hotels in nearby villages offer a quaint and quiet retreat.

• Best of Both Worlds: Experience the tranquillity of the countryside with easy access to city amenities.

Norwich offers a compact and accessible destination where historical sites and modern conveniences are within easy reach. Whether you're seeking a luxurious stay in the city centre, a budget-friendly option near the train station, or a scenic getaway along the River Yare, Norwich accommodates all visitors with its diverse range of hotels.

Where to find cheap hotels in Norwich

Despite being a small city, there are plenty of hotels in Norwich to cater to all budgets – and you needn’t stay far out of town either. The Premier Inn Norwich City Centre, on Duke Street, usually has rooms for under £50/night and is the perfect choice for modern comfort in a central location (with handy breakfast options too). The Travelodge Norwich Central Riverside also offers rooms starting from £35/night for a truly budget option with all the modern amenities you expect from a Travelodge. The Riverside Hotel Bed and Breakfast is also a convenient walk from both the station and the town centre, offering simple double and twin rooms, with breakfast, from less than £100/night. If you’d like to be close to the station, the Marlborough Hotel is more of a traditional guesthouse, with a simple, modern interior. It offers double rooms with breakfast for under £70/night, as well as family triples and quad rooms for around or under £100.

Where to stay as a solo traveller

Solo travellers will want to stay as close to the centre of town as possible, to have everything within walking distance – especially if travelling by train. If you don’t fancy the super-budget hotels above but are looking for something slightly less luxurious than the hotels listed below, The Georgian Townhouse is the perfect choice. It’s trendy, thoughtfully decorated and small, and has a lovely garden space for summer visits as well as a rated restaurant. It’s right by The Plantation Garden and The Cathedral of St John the Baptist, just on the edge of the city centre and you’ll find elegant rooms for £150–180 per night.

The 8 must-sees of Norwich

• **Norwich Cathedral **– This beautiful, romanesque cathedral, dating from the 11th Century, is steeped in history and fascinating to explore.

• Norwich Castle – A fascinating medieval castle, dungeons and battlements, hosting various exhibitions and museums including the Norfolk Wildlife Gallery and the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum.

• **The Cathedral of St John the Baptist – **An impressive Catholic church with grand architecture and a small but interesting exhibition.

• **The Plantation Garden **– A beautifully kept, terraced English garden which is at its best in spring and summer.

• Sainsbury Centre art museum – A funky, modern building hosting intriguing art collections from various ages and regions of the world.

• Whitlingham Country Park – Large country park with an adventure sports centre offering kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing and more, as well as a bird reserve. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon while still within walking distance from the city centre.

• BeWILDerwood Norfolk – Just a 25-minute drive from Norwich centre, BeWILDerwood is an outdoor-themed adventure park in the woodlands, complete with treetop walks, adventure playgrounds, mazes and a boating lake. It’s ideal for rewilding your kids. Other nearby experiences for kids include the ROAR! Dinosaur Adventure Park and the Bug Parc.

• **Pull's Ferry – **This historic, 15th century watergate is certainly worth a look and a snap, but is mostly a great place to start a serene riverside walk.

Of course, if you’re looking for a day trip, Norwich is the perfect place from which to explore the Broads and the beautiful Norfolk coastline; Great Yarmouth, Hemsby and Horsey Gap are all close by.

Museums and cultural heritage

If you still have time left in Norwich, there are a few more museums worth popping into.

• The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell

• Strangers' Hall

• City of Norwich Aviation Museum

Party and nightlife in Norwich: From club bangers to quirky pub crawls

Forget the guidebooks; this is Norwich nightlife, local style! Whether you're a dance floor dynamo or a chilled-out lounge lizard, get ready to dive into the city's diverse offerings.

Nightclubs:

• Prince of Wales Road: Dive into the heart of the action on Prince of Wales Road, where clubs throb with energy. Hit up Mantra for Asian-inspired vibes and VIP booths, or let loose at Mojo's with chart-topping tunes and student-friendly prices. Feeling nostalgic? Popworld serves up retro hits and flamboyant decor, guaranteed to get your party started.

• The Lanes: Tucked away in Norwich's cobbled heart, The Lanes offer a more intimate clubbing experience. Check out Fiction for underground sounds and fresh DJs, or lose yourself in the indie and alternative beats at The Waterfront. Don't miss Norwich Arts Centre, a hidden gem for live music and club nights with a creative twist.

• Live music: Feeling like headbanging to live bands? The Norwich Arts Centre, The Waterfront, and the Norwich Puppet Theatre regularly host gigs showcasing local and touring talent across various genres. Catch renowned artists at the majestic Theatre Royal, or unwind with an acoustic set at The Elm Tree pub.

Secret party spots:

• Hidden bars: Norwich loves its speakeasy vibes! Uncover The Last Wine Bar behind a bookcase, or seek out The Vault, accessed through a discreet alleyway. For a touch of magic, step into The Mischief Bar hidden beneath a fish and chip shop (don't worry, the chips are legendary too!).

• Rooftop revelry: Soak up city views with a cocktail in hand at The Roof Gardens, or sip craft beers amidst stunning panoramas at The Assembly House rooftop bar.

• Quirky pubs: Fancy a night with a unique twist? The Murderers pub boasts ghost stories and real ale, while The Fat Cat serves up delicious food and board games galore. Feeling arty? The John Innes Centre pub transforms into a vibrant pop-up bar during exhibitions.

Best neighbourhoods for going out:

• Prince of Wales Road: The undisputed clubbing hub, buzzing with activity from students to professionals.

• The Lanes: Independent venues and quirky pubs cater to alternative tastes and laid-back vibes.

• Elm Hill: Historic charm meets lively pubs and restaurants, perfect for a sophisticated evening.

• Tombland: Cathedral quarter with traditional pubs and lively bars offering a mix of crowds.

Remember: This is just a taste of Norwich's vibrant nightlife scene. With its friendly atmosphere, diverse venues, and hidden gems, you're sure to find your perfect party spot! So grab your dancing shoes, explore beyond the mainstream, and discover the true rhythm of Norwich's nightlife.

Going shopping in Norwich

As well as a thriving high street and town centre, with plenty of independent and chain shops, you can find these dedicated shopping venues in Norwich:

• Norwich Market – Large, semi-covered market in a historic market square with sellers offering artisan products, food, gifts and crafts.

• Chantry Place – Modern, indoor shopping centre with all the high-street favourites and places to eat.

• Castle Quarter – Extensive, indoor shopping centre with high-street and independent brands as well as a food court.

• Jarrolds – A chic, independent department store selling homewares, food, beauty and more.

Hotels with gourmet restaurants

The Maids Head Hotel is a four-star delight, housed in a historic building right in the heart of Norwich. The suites are all themed around their gorgeous original features with a focus on luxury in the indulgent furnishings and amenities, while the rooms are more contemporary luxury (and there are dog-friendly rooms too). But what really draws the guests here is the promise of the gourmet WinePress restaurant, which has won two AA Rosettes for its exquisitely presented and delectable tasting dishes, not to mention the service. The romantic courtyard dining area, dripping with flowers, is the icing on the cake.

Spa hotels in Norwich

No need to head out of town for TLC and relaxation; Norwich’s top spa hotel is conveniently located right in the heart of the action, close to Chapelfield Gardens, the theatre and the market. St Giles House Hotel is in an elegant 1800s building with a fabulously preserved interior that blends vintage grandeur with modern creature comforts. The rooms are spacious and well-appointed, while the bathrooms in the suites are outright extravagant. The Spa at St Giles is a treatments-only facility, offering massages, facials and body treatments and very reasonably priced packages for a head-to-toe pamper.

Norwich Luxury Hotels

For picture-perfect modern luxury in every aspect, look no further than The Assembly House, close to the historic market place and Chapelfield Gardens. The building is a delightful, red-brick Edwardian house with a charming courtyard garden that’s a sun-trap in summer and a thoughtfully decorated interior blending old and new. Each room is uniquely decorated, with its own beautiful colour theme and its own layout and furniture. Some have small yet perfect terraces or balconies. Breakfast and lunch are available here, but the hotel really specialises in dainty and colourful afternoon teas. The team runs limited-edition themed afternoon tea menus such as Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, Narnia Afternoon Tea, Afternoon Seas and even Afternoon Cheese – for those with a savoury palate. Staying here is an indulgent and unique experience.