It’s fair to say that 2020 has been a bit of a rollercoaster year so far. For lots of us, lockdown has consisted of 9am exercise classes with Joe Wicks, panic-bought loo roll, and consumption of more banana bread than we care to admit – that’s enough to make anyone want a holiday! Lots of you will be itching to get away right now.
So, this year, why not make Autumn the new Summer? With attractions, restaurants, bars, and cafés slowly starting to open their doors to the public once more, and with great deals available from accommodation providers later in the year, a holiday in Autumn feels like a no-brainer! So, to help you with your planning, here’s our list of the best holiday stays and things to do in Norwich this Autumn.
Maid’s Head – 4 Star Hotel, prices from £95 per night
With an abundance of venues to choose from, and each with its own story to tell, you’re never short of options in Norwich. The 4-star, award-winning Maids Head Hotel, known to be one of the oldest hotels in the UK, is famed for its luxurious holiday packages and experiences, as well as its 2 AA Rosettes Restaurant – The WinePress. And with double rooms starting from as little as £95 a night in September, we might just book a stay for ourselves! The Maids Head Hotel has also acquired a rare 1950 Bentley Mark 6 and guests are offered the opportunity to take a spin around the city, with a chauffeur who will point out the iconic sites of Norwich.
Maids Head Hotel
Gothic House – Beautiful B&B, prices from £105 per night
Or if you’re looking for a more intimate break, we’d recommend Gothic House. This beautiful, Grade II-listed Bed & Breakfast is located in a quiet courtyard close to Norwich Cathedral and offers two spacious double rooms each with private bathrooms. And to ensure social distancing measures are met, Gothic House are currently only accepting one booking at a time, meaning you’ll be the only guests during your stay! A peaceful city break, with rooms starting at £105 per night (breakfast included).
The Assembly House – Boutique Hotel, prices from £170 per night
If you’re planning to treat yourself after weeks of lockdown, then a stay at The Assembly House is a must. Immerse yourself in stunning Georgian architecture and newly-refurbished rooms with their own private gardens. And after a fabulous night’s sleep in this Grade I listed house, enjoy breakfast made from locally-sourced, seasonally-inspired ingredients. Rooms start at £170 per night and include breakfast. You can also enjoy a fantastic range of afternoon teas from The Assembly House, including sandwiches, scones, pastries, cake, and a wide range of tea. Menus start from £22.95 for one or £45 for two adults.
Annesley House Hotel – Georgian charm, prices from £85 per night
If you’re looking for a city stay, without the buzz of city life, we’d recommend The Best Western Annesley House Hotel. Consisting of three Grade II listed Georgian guest houses located on 3 acres of grounds, Annesley House provides a peaceful break without having to leave the city. Enjoy award-winning gardens and the AA Rosettes Conservatory Restaurant, offering world-wide cuisine. This stay is just a ten minute stroll from Norwich city centre and rooms start at a very reasonable £85 per night.
The Assembly House Hotel
Sainsbury Centre for the Visual Arts
A world-class museum of art from around the world (and home to The Avengers!), the Sainsbury Centre houses some of the most ground-breaking displays and exhibitions in the UK. Situated on the grounds of the University of East Anglia (UEA), you can explore works from Pablo Picasso, Francis Bacon and Edgar Degas, and art spanning the 5,000 years of human creativity from across the globe. You can also enjoy the outdoor Sculpture Park for free.
Prices: Free admission for the permanent collection and Sculpture Park. Ticketed for special exhibitions
Paul Dickson Tours
Learn more about Norwich, the City of Stories with a guided walking tour from local historian, Paul Dickson. Discover the rich history of the city and explore key landmarks. Tours include: ‘Historic Pubs of Norwich’; ‘The Great Market’; the ‘City of Stories’ tour; and ‘Norwich on the Dark Side’, an exploration of historic crime and punishment in the city!
Price: Tours start from £8 pp
Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts
Norwich Cathedral
A trip to Norwich isn’t complete without a visit to Norwich Cathedral. This magnificent Romanesque Cathedral is open for all to visit. Boasting the second tallest spire in England, the Cathedral can be seen from all across the city. Explore beautifully-kept open grounds, stunning architecture, and the largest monastic cloisters in the country.
Price: FREE to all visitors.
Plantation Gardens
One of Norwich’s best-kept secrets, and often to referred to as the ‘Secret Gardens’. This 3-acre, Grade II English Heritage registered garden is hidden beside the Roman Catholic Cathedral, just 600 yards from the rush of Norwich city centre. Enjoy huge gothic fountains, flower beds, lawns, woodland walkways, and Victorian-style greenhouses. Established over 1000 years ago in an abandoned chalk quarry, Plantation Gardens is a haven of peace and tranquillity.
Price: £2 per adult. Under 16s free with a full-paying adult.
Norwich Market
Norwich Market
Situated in the heart of Norwich, the market is one of the oldest and largest open-air markets in the country. Open Monday – Sunday, you can enjoy a delicious range of quality local foods including fresh meat and fish, breads, jams, chutneys, and cheese. Norwich Market also boasts some of the finest international cuisine, with a wide range of renowned street food on offer. Winner of the Great British Market Awards 2019, this is a must for any visit to Norwich.
Norwich really is a city of foodies. Being in the centre of a large farming county, we enjoy the spoils of the finest local produce. We’re famed for our incredible street food scene and for having some of the finest chefs in the country, who have trained in internationally-renowned kitchens and come back to set up shop here. Nisbets also voted us Britain’s most vegan and veggie-friendly city, so there really is something for everyone!
