Culture in Norwich: The Norfolk Mead

8 October 2025

Culture in Norwich: The Norfolk Mead

After a jam-packed summer, there’s no better way to reset than with an autumnal getaway!

The tranquil spot you’re looking for? The Norfolk Mead.  

Surrounded by the luscious Broads National Park and just 15 minutes from Norwich, this is a country hotel that offers the best of both worlds. Not to mention, fine dining dishes with fresh Norfolk produce and a rejuvenating spa with unique treatments.  

So, if you’re looking for a little luxury- whether it’s an overnight stay or spa day- take note of The Norfolk Mead. 


The Norfolk Mead's boat

Enjoy an afternoon tea picnic style on board The Norfolk Mead’s boat

What makes The Norfolk Mead the ultimate autumnal getaway? 

There’s something magical about The Norfolk Mead in the autumn months. As the air turns crisp and the trees glow with shades of gold and amber, the hotel takes on an even more peaceful charm. Guests can wrap up warm for morning walks beside the River Bure or linger over breakfast in bed while watching the wildlife move through the gardens as the morning mist lifts from the lawns.

Cosy evenings are best spent by the fire with a glass of wine or a perfectly mixed cocktail. Whether you’re here for a romantic weekend, a midweek recharge, or simply to enjoy the changing seasons in comfort, The Norfolk Mead is perfectly placed to help you savour autumn at its best. 

Where can we find you?

The Norfolk Mead is tucked away on the banks of the River Bure in Coltishall, at the heart of the Norfolk Broads National Park. This is a place of big skies, winding waterways, and an unhurried pace of life.

In the warmer months, guests can take to the water in our private boat and explore the Broads at their own leisure, discovering hidden corners and spotting wildlife along the way. Back at the hotel, our eight acres of grounds include manicured lawns, meadows and a thriving walled garden. It feels wonderfully private, yet we’re just a short drive from the medieval city of Norwich, with its lively market and boutique shops, or the wide, sandy beaches of the North Norfolk coast.

Beer or prosecco spa anyone?

A stay at The Norfolk Mead isn’t complete without a spa trip! What can we expect? 

Our spa is all about relaxation with a touch of the unexpected. Recently named Best Spa in East Anglia and one of the UK’s Top 50 by The Times, it offers everything you’d hope for. There’s a hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, Jacuzzi and an experience shower to transport you somewhere tropical (or arctic, if you prefer)! Ice buckets are on hand for the brave, while tranquil relaxation rooms offer a calm pause between treatments.

Our treatment menu uses carefully selected natural products, and at the moment, our aromatherapy massages are the clear favourite! This autumn, we’re also offering the Autumnal Refresh Ritual, a 60-minute facial designed to help skin recover from summer and settle into the season ahead. It combines immune-boosting vitamin C, the comforting scents of fig, cedar, and vanilla, and expert techniques to provide a full sensory reset, just in time for slower days.

Your Beer Spa was the first in the UK, and now you’ve introduced a Prosecco Spa. Tell us more. 

We’ve always enjoyed creating spa experiences that stand out. The Beer Spa was our first – a warm, aromatic bath infused with hops, barley and essential oils to soothe muscles and nourish the skin, while guests sip chilled beer from their own tap!

The Prosecco Spa has been very popular – featuring luxurious ingredients including pearl and caviar extracts, plus champagne leaf to help boost collagen, while a glass of fizz adds a celebratory touch. Cleopatra was said to have slept in a gold mask to keep her skin radiant – here, you can enjoy that same sense of luxury!

The Norfolk Mead’s 2AA Rosette restaurant honours local and seasonal produce

And the luxury doesn’t stop there. What inspires the menu of your 2AA Rosette restaurant? 

Our menus are led by the seasons and Norfolk’s exceptional produce. This county is blessed with some of the finest ingredients in the country – from rich meats to outstanding seafood, fresh vegetables, orchard fruits, and artisan cheeses. Our chefs work with trusted local suppliers to celebrate that quality, creating dishes that combine flavour, elegance, and a touch of creativity. Whether you’re in the mood for a leisurely afternoon tea, a relaxed lunch, or a fine dining evening, every plate is memorable.

I want to plan a couple’s getaway to The Norfolk Mead. What do you recommend we do during our stay? 

Start with a relaxed check-in, then take a slow stroll through the gardens to settle into the peaceful rhythm of the place. Book a spa visit – whether a classic massage, the Autumnal Refresh Ritual, or something a little different like the Beer or Prosecco Spa, it’s the perfect way to relax together. Guests can also enjoy two complimentary hours in our spa facilities.  

In the evening, sip cocktails in the lounge beside the fire before a candlelit dinner in our restaurant. The following morning, linger over a proper cooked breakfast before heading off to explore Norwich’s historic streets, independent shops, and lively cultural scene. Alternatively, indulge in afternoon tea at The Norfolk Mead in our Restaurant, lounge or sit in the sun on our outside terrace.  

The Norfolk Mead offers the perfect base for a romantic escape – private, peaceful and full of thoughtful touches that make every moment feel special! 

You’ll find The Norfolk Mead in the Broads National Park. Book a stay or spa day (or both!) via their website.