Norwich hotels, United Kingdom

Best places to stay in Norwich

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

City center

• 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 tranquility 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 center, 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 don’t need to stay far out of town either. The Premier Inn Norwich City Center, on Duke Street, usually has rooms for under $63/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 $44/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 center, offering simple double and twin rooms, with breakfast, from less than $126/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 $88/night, as well as family triples and quad rooms for around or under $126.

Where to stay as a solo traveler

Solo travelers will want to stay as close to the center of town as possible, to have everything within walking distance – especially if traveling 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 center, and you’ll find elegant rooms for $189–227 per night.

The 8 must-see attractions in Norwich

• Norwich Cathedral – This stunning Romanesque cathedral, dating back to the 11th century, is rich in history and offers a fascinating exploration experience.

• Norwich Castle – A captivating medieval castle featuring dungeons and battlements, housing various exhibitions and museums such as the Norfolk Wildlife Gallery and the Royal Norfolk Regimental Museum.

• The Cathedral of St John the Baptist – An impressive Catholic church boasting grand architecture and a small, yet intriguing, exhibition.

• The Plantation Garden – A beautifully maintained, terraced English garden that blooms most vibrantly in spring and summer.

• Sainsbury Centre Art Museum – A modern and stylish building hosting intriguing art collections from diverse eras and regions around the globe.

• Whitlingham Country Park – A large country park equipped with an adventure sports center offering kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and more, along with a bird reserve. It’s the perfect place to spend a summer afternoon without straying far from the city center.

• BeWILDerwood Norfolk – Just a 25-minute drive from the center of Norwich, BeWILDerwood is an outdoor-themed adventure park nestled in woodlands, complete with treetop walks, adventure playgrounds, mazes, and a boating lake. It's perfect for giving your kids a taste of the wild. Other nearby attractions for kids include the ROAR! Dinosaur Adventure Park and the Bug Parc.

• Pull's Ferry – This historic 15th-century watergate is definitely worth a visit and a photo, but it's primarily a great starting point for a peaceful riverside walk.

For a day trip, Norwich serves as the perfect launch point to explore the Broads and the scenic Norfolk coastline. Great Yarmouth, Hemsby, and Horsey Gap are all within easy reach.

Museums and cultural heritage

If you have extra time in Norwich, there are a few more museums worth visiting.

• The Museum of Norwich at the Bridewell

• Strangers' Hall

• City of Norwich Aviation Museum

Party and nightlife in Norwich: From club favorites to unique pub crawls

Forget the guidebooks; this is Norwich nightlife, local style! Whether you're a dance floor enthusiast or prefer a laid-back lounge experience, get ready to dive into the city's diverse offerings.

Nightclubs

• Prince of Wales Road: Immerse yourself in the heart of the action on Prince of Wales Road, where clubs pulse with energy. Visit 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 offers retro hits and flamboyant decor, guaranteed to get your party going.

• The Lanes: Nestled in Norwich's charming cobbled center, 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 spin.

• Live Music: Want to rock out to live bands? The Norwich Arts Centre, The Waterfront, and the Norwich Puppet Theatre regularly host gigs featuring local and touring talent across various genres. Catch renowned artists at the grand Theatre Royal, or unwind with an acoustic set at The Elm Tree pub.

Secret party spots

• Hidden Bars: Norwich loves its speakeasy vibes! Discover The Last Wine Bar behind a bookcase, or find The Vault, accessed through a discreet alleyway. For a touch of magic, step into The Mischief Bar hidden beneath a fish and chip shop (and yes, the chips are legendary too!).

• Rooftop Revelry: Enjoy city views with a cocktail in hand at The Roof Gardens, or sip craft beers amidst stunning vistas at The Assembly House rooftop bar.

• Quirky Pubs: Looking for a night with a unique twist? The Murderers pub is known for ghost stories and real ale, while The Fat Cat offers delicious food and board games galore. Feeling artsy? The John Innes Centre pub transforms into a lively pop-up bar during exhibitions.

Best neighborhoods 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 glimpse of Norwich's vibrant nightlife scene. With its friendly atmosphere, diverse venues, and hidden treasures, you're sure to find your ideal party spot! So grab your dancing shoes, explore beyond the mainstream, and discover the true rhythm of Norwich's nightlife.

Going shopping in Norwich

In addition to a bustling downtown with plenty of independent stores and popular chains, Norwich offers these dedicated shopping destinations:

• Norwich Market – A large, semi-covered market located in a historic square, featuring vendors selling artisan products, food, gifts, and crafts.

• Chantry Place – A modern indoor shopping center with all the high-street favorites and dining options.

• Castle Quarter – A spacious indoor shopping center offering a mix of high-street brands, independent shops, and a food court.

• Jarrolds – A chic, independent department store offering home goods, food, beauty products, and more.

Hotels with gourmet dining

The Maids Head Hotel offers a four-star experience in a historic building located right in the center of Norwich. Each suite is designed around its stunning original features, emphasizing luxury with lavish furnishings and amenities. The rooms offer a more contemporary luxury vibe, including options for dog-friendly accommodations. However, the highlight for most guests is the gourmet WinePress Restaurant, renowned for its exquisite presentation and delicious dishes, having earned two AA Rosettes. The service is equally noteworthy, with a romantic courtyard dining area adorned with flowers providing the perfect finishing touch.

Spa hotels in Norwich

For those seeking relaxation and pampering, Norwich's top spa hotel is ideally situated in the heart of the city, near Chapelfield Gardens, the theater, and the market. St Giles House Hotel is set in an elegant 1800s building that masterfully combines vintage charm with modern comfort. The spacious rooms are beautifully appointed, and the suite bathrooms are extravagantly designed. The Spa at St Giles, a treatments-only facility, offers massages, facials, and body treatments, with affordable packages for comprehensive pampering from head to toe.

Luxury hotels in Norwich

For a quintessentially modern luxury experience in every detail, The Assembly House is the place to be, located near the historical marketplace and Chapelfield Gardens. This delightful, red-brick Edwardian house features a charming courtyard garden perfect for sunbathing in summer and combines thoughtfully decorated interiors with a blend of old and new elements. Each room is uniquely styled with its own color scheme and layout, some including cozy terraces or balconies. While breakfast and lunch are available, the hotel truly shines with its exquisite afternoon teas, featuring themed menus like Alice in Wonderland, The Wizard of Oz, and Narnia Afternoon Tea, among others, including savory options for cheese lovers. Staying here promises an indulgent and unforgettable experience.