Where to Stay for a Fantastic Christmas Break in Norwich & Norfolk

1 November 2023

Where to Stay for a Fantastic Christmas Break in Norwich & Norfolk 

When you’re looking for somewhere to stay at Christmas, what matters most to your trip? Is it a boutique hotel with comfortable rooms and wonderful location? Is it a beautifully Christmassy city to explore? Both? Whatever you want from your trip, Norwich has it in abundance, especially at this festive time of year.  

From the historic to the boutique, countryside breaks to city centre stays, the City of Stories is full of incredible hotels that will make your Christmas stay truly magical. Read on for our top recommendations! 

The Assembly House 

There are few better places to stay at Christmas than a Georgian Grade I listed hotel. The Assembly House truly has everything you could want and need from a festive stay here in Norwich. This hotel is located in the heart of the city centre, has gorgeous individually decorated rooms, and wonderful decoration for the season. It’s a fantastic stay. 

No room is alike in their décor, so be sure to look through and book your favourite! Each room also comes with a luxurious bathroom, while some come with a garden, some a balcony, and some are extravagantly large suites.  

And we can’t forget their delicious and award-winning themed afternoon teas… especially not when their Christmas ‘Nutcracker Afternoon Tea’ makes its return (Available from Wednesday, November 1)! A must-try if you’re staying at The Assembly House, indulge in these three tasty tiers of finger sandwiches, scones, pastries, and cakes, all with festive decoration and flavour! You’ll certainly be coming back time and time again. Available at £29.50 per person, or £18 for guests under 12.  

Rooms available from £170 per night from Wednesday, November 1.
Family rooms: Room 1 (suite, sleeps 6), Room 5 (sleeps 3), Room 6 (sleeps 5), Room7 (sleeps 4), Room 10 (sleeps 4), 12 and 16 (sleeps 3).
Accessible room: Room 3 (2 people, and can be made into a twin). 

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One of the luxurious rooms at The Assembly House

One of the gorgeous and luxurious rooms at The Assembly House, each one is individually decorated!

Maids Head Hotel 

Another historic city centre stay, the Maids Head Hotel is a fantastic choice this Christmas. This hotel claims to be the oldest in the UK, with records going back an extraordinary 800 years. And yet, with its modern charm, you’ll find the right balance to your time in this hotel. And it looks even better when adorned from top to bottom with Christmas decorations! 

Plus, the Maid’s Head Hotel’s location is perfect. It’s just a minute’s walk away from Norwich Cathedral (ideal if you’re planning on visiting them or any of their Christmas events), and just a ten-minute walk away from the rest of the hustle and bustle of the City of Stories, so you can discover everything there is to see comfortably. 

And if you’re looking for a good meal out, look no further than the Maids Head’s very own restaurant, the WinePress, one of Norwich’s finest dining establishments. Awarded two AA Rosettes, you can choose between an a la carte menu, or opt for the Chef’s 7-course tasting menu with optional wine pairings!  

The Maids Head have plenty of Christmas events on through November and December, too. From wine tasting evenings and Christmas Party Nights, to Wreath Making and Christmas Murder Mystery Specials! Check out the Maids Head website for more information on these events! 

Rooms available from £130 per night from Wednesday, November 1.
Interconnecting rooms: 2, plus 4 suites, 8 junior suites with sofa beds (2 children), 4 uniquely designed Feature Rooms with a sofa bed, 26 Executive Rooms which can accommodate a Z bed for one child plus a travel cot.
Dog friendly rooms: 3
Accessible room: 1 

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The Maids Head Hotel is a great stay for anyone looking to be right in the centre of the city! Credit: ETT Photography

No. 82 The Unthank 

Looking for a bit more independence in where you stay during your time in Norwich? No. 82 The Unthank is the place to be. A home away from home, and just a ten-minute walk from the festivities, these 19 comfortable and individual apartments offer a huge amount of choice in your stay.  

With a variety of beds to choose from (two singles, king-size, and regular), modern kitchens and private bathrooms in each room, and washing machines in select rooms, you’ll find your stay at No. 82 The Unthank to be the ideal living space. Just what you want for those longer stays. Plus, this hotel is completely dog-friendly, so your furred friend can join in all the Christmas celebrations! 

Every apartment also comes with free access to No. 82 The Unthank’s modern fitness centre and full use of their concierge service, which is helpful for planning your days out in the City of Stories! And, just between us, you can even save 10% on your stay when you use code: VISITNORWICH10 at checkout… It really is a merry Christmas in Norwich!  

Rooms available from £85 per night from Wednesday, November 1
Families: Rollaway beds in some rooms, as well as cots
Accessible rooms: 2
Dog Friendly Throughout 

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No. 82 The Unthank is ideal for those looking for some independence in their stay!

Gothic House 

If you’re travelling as a pair/couple, or even embarking on a solo journey to see the City of Stories in the festive season, Gothic House is a great option for your accommodation. A truly unique stay, this wonderful B&B is tucked away just off Magdalen Street right in the city centre. 

Inside this one-bedroom, Grade II-listed Regency House built in the 1800s, you’ll find more than enough to fall in love with. It’s incredibly picturesque – you’d never believe it was in the middle of a busy city. And it’s rumoured to have been built for a Mayor of the City, Barnabas Leman, so there’s plenty of fascinating history to go with it! 

Breakfast is included, served when requested, and is homemade using local produce where possible. The double room can be converted into a twin room and includes fluffy robes, slippers, toiletries, Wi-Fi, and tea/coffee making facilities. All the essentials for a cosy Christmas trip! 

Room available at £110 per night for double occupancy and £80 per night for single occupancy. 

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The bedroom of Gothic House is just as beautiful as the rest of the building!

Norfolk 

Park Farm Hotel 

For a quiet break not far from the joys of the city, Park Farm Hotel is the blissful retreat for you. Set in 200 acres of beautiful countryside, this hotel is truly gorgeous, and ideal for those crisp winter mornings while you relax and enjoy your time away from it all. And, if you fancy heading into the city for some Christmas shopping, any events, or even a festive meal out, you’re just a 15-minute drive from it all at Park Farm!  

There’s plenty of rooms on offer, so you can find something to suit any and all of your needs. Make the difficult choice between standard, deluxe, and family rooms and suites, or go bold with their choice of Scandi style lodges (which are just perfect for this time of year). 

And if you’re looking for the best ways to really relax, Park Farm’s swimming pool, sauna, spa, gym, and leisure facilities are a must. You’ll leave feeling a weight off your shoulders in no time! It’s a great way to treat yourself, it is Christmas after all… 

Rooms available from £133 per night from Wednesday, November 1
Accessible Rooms: 2 

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Park Farm Hotel’s Skandi Lodges are perfect for those festive stays!

Norfolk Mead Hotel 

Who wouldn’t want to stay in a Georgian, Grade-II listed country house like the Norfolk Mead Hotel? Located in eight acres of wonderfully kept grounds in the heart of the Broads National Park, you’ll find this fantastic hotel on the banks of the River Bure. At Christmastime, it’s even more special, we can only hope for some snow to make your trip that much more picturesque! 

With superbly elegant rooms, an outstanding 2-Star AA Rosette award-winning restaurant serving delicious dishes, serene spa treatment rooms, and so much more, you’ll be spoilt for choice at this AA Four Star Silver Country House. It’s in the top 1% of hotels worldwide for good reason! And the best bit? It’s just 20-minutes away from the city centre! Christmas shopping in the morning, an afternoon in the spa, then a tasty meal in the restaurant in the evening, anyone? 

Rooms available from £175 per night from Wednesday, November 1
Accessible Room Available 

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The Norfolk Mead Hotel is a beautiful setting, especially at Christmas!