One of the joys of going on holiday in the off-season is that you get the chance to discover somewhere without the summer crowds. Need a bit of convincing? We’ve put together our top recommendations for winter in Norwich and Norfolk – from where to eat and where to stay, to brilliant experiences to enjoy.
For a touch of luxury, we recommend The Assembly House. This Georgian gem in Norwich boasts 15 luxury bedrooms with exquisite furnishings. Book now to make use of their exclusive offer – stay for a night and get a bottle of fizz, and an afternoon tea for two for £149 in January and £199 from February – April.
The Assembly House Norwich
To be in the heart of it all, stay at the Maids Head Hotel, just a stone’s throw away from Norwich Cathedral. This historic hotel has classic rooms as well as large and luxurious suites. Prices start from £105 per night.
If you want oodles of charm, book Gothic House – a regency Grade II listed building. With only two rooms, this is where to go if you want a quiet and peaceful escape. Rooms from £110 per night including breakfast.
For a unique break in Norwich, stay at Gothic House in one of its charming bedrooms
For comfortable and friendly accommodation that’s easy on the purse, there’s the Best Western Annesley House Hotel from £80 per night. Or a short drive or bus ride from the city centre, and you’ll find the Holiday Inn Express. Rooms from £72.50.
If you want to be out in the countryside, but within reach of Norwich, there’s plenty of options. Want a luxury weekend away? Park Farm Hotel & Leisure, which has its own spa, is set in 200 acres of idyllic countryside but is still only a few miles outside Norwich. From £109 per night.
The Norfolk Mead is a fantastic boutique stay in the riverside village of Coltishall (from £135 per night). For lovers of golf, take a break at Barnham Broom which has its own fantastic 18-hole course (from £112 per night). Or for an idyllic escape to comfortable countryside retreat, Stower Grange should do the job (from £120 per night).
The Norfolk Mead Hotel
Fancy enjoying a hot tub while looking up at the winter night sky? What’s better for a romantic winter escape – find this at Poolside Lodges (from £85 per night). For a low-key self-catering experience in gorgeous surroundings, we recommend Fielding Cottages, Kett Country Cottages, Spixworth Hall Cottages or Pinewoods Holiday Park.
Even when the weather isn’t playing nice, there’s plenty to enjoy in Norwich and Norfolk. Take a stroll around one (or both!) of Norwich’s cathedrals. Norwich Cathedral has the largest monastic cloisters in the country, and the Cathedral of St John the Baptist is a stunning example of Victorian gothic revival architecture. And both are free to visit!
Discover The South Asia Collection, tucked away on Bethel Street in Norwich and free to see. This hidden gem is sure to wow you. Housed in a Grade II listed Victorian Skating Rink you’ll find jewellery, fabrics, furniture, artwork and more from a variety of countries in South Asia. And there’s the adjoining Country & Eastern shop – perfect for finding a unique souvenir. It’s also worth noting that it’s just been named in The Sunday Times as one of the best 50 independent shops in the country!
The South Asia Collection in Norwich which houses a range of fascinating pieces
Take your time marvelling at Norwich Castle and the museum and art gallery housed within (tickets £6.70 adults, £6.40 children). There’s something for everyone here, from fine art to natural wonders and a teapot collection! Or you can visit the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts (free entry), which houses a permanent collection of beautiful art and sculpture and has its own Sculpture Park stretching 350 acres.
The Anthony Caro Goodwood Steps at The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts Sculpture Park
Take a day trip from Norwich to the coast and catch a glimpse of the seals! Horsey Gap is a 40-minute drive from the city, and in winter the seals come ashore to give birth from late October to early February. Stroll along the beach and see these marvellous animals for yourself. England’s largest Grey Seal colony can be found at Blakeney Point, an hour’s drive from Norwich. You have to get a boat out to see these seals, but it’s worth it for the gorgeous surroundings in Blakeney.
If you like a winter walk, any of Norfolk’s beaches would provide the perfect backdrop. Or why not wander the grounds of some grand houses – we recommend Holkham Hall for this.
Norwich is a foodie heaven! With international cuisine, street food and fine dining alike – you’ll be spoilt for choice.
For fine dining, we recommend Benedicts. A modern British restaurant serving up only the best locally sourced food – it’s the perfect spot to celebrate a special occasion. If you want to try out a an independent that’s popular with the locals, pop along to The Waffle House. Which is just as sweet a spot as it sounds (although there’s savoury options too!) And it’s perfect for brunch. Or you can transport yourself to Italy with some of the best pizza in town at Saporita. Indulge yourself and try a Panzerotto when you’re there – deep fried dough with a Nutella filling. Delicious.
Food at The Waffle House
And don’t forget you can’t miss a visit to Norwich Market. With freshly made Thai, Indian, Chinese, Japanese, Chilean, Italian, British and fusion food all on the menu – the only problem is deciding what to have! And to wash down all that tasty food, stop off at Sir Toby’s Beers – Norwich’s smallest bar. Serving up local craft ales this charming stall will win you over.
And of course – we can’t forget some of the best fish and chips in Norwich. The Grosvenor Fish Bar has all the fish and chip shop classics, as well as homemade dips and specials such as veggie chilli on chips, battered squid rings, sea bass fillet wrap, battered cod cheeks and more!
