Norwich tour guide, Paul Dickson will introduce you to the story of the Maids Head Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the country. To include a tour of the historic public spaces, featuring the late 16th century bar, 17th century Oak Room, former courtyard (now the restaurant) and 18th century assembly room (now the Minstrel's Suite).

The first inn on the site, the Murtel Fish tavern was operating in the middle of the 13th century. A new inn called the Maids Head was constructed in the 15th century and was given it's first name check in a 1472 Paston Letter. The Maids Head went on to become an important coaching inn, with stabling and livery yard for more than 100 horses. It was acquired by Walter Rye in the late 1880s who expanded the hotel on Tombland. The Maids Head has been privately owned by the Chaplin family since 2012. They also own The Ship Hotel, Brancaster and The Gonville, Cambridge.

Please note there are two ticket options, for this event. Tour followed by afternoon tea starting at 2pm or afternoon tea followed by tour starting at 2.45pm. Tour groups will come together at 2:45pm to enjoy the Maid’s Head Hotel’s fabulous Afternoon Tea in a private dining room.

Please email with any dietary requirements.

Norwich tour guide, Paul Dickson will introduce you to the story of the Maids Head Hotel, one of the oldest hotels in the country. To include a tour of the historic public spaces, featuring the late 16th century bar, 17th century Oak Room, former courtyard (now the restaurant) and 18th century assembly room (now the Minstrel's Suite).

The first inn on the site, the Murtel Fish tavern was operating in the middle of the 13th century. A new inn called the Maids Head was constructed in the 15th century and was given it's first name check in a 1472 Paston Letter. The Maids Head went on to become an important coaching inn, with stabling and livery yard for more than 100 horses. It was acquired by Walter Rye in the late 1880s who expanded the hotel on Tombland. The Maids Head has been privately owned by the Chaplin family since 2012. They also own The Ship Hotel, Brancaster and The Gonville, Cambridge.

Please note there are two ticket options for this event. Ticket Option 1: Tour followed by Afternoon Tea starting at 2pm or Ticket Option 2: Afternoon Tea followed by Tour starting at 2.45pm. Tour groups will come together at 2:45pm to enjoy the Maid’s Head Hotel’s fabulous Afternoon Tea in a private dining room.

Please email any dietary requirements.

Norwich tour guide, Paul Dickson will escort you on a circuit of Tombland and also discuss the various buildings that make up the Maids Head Hotel. Hear about the riot of 1272, the impact of the Strangers, Walter Eghe's great escape, Louis Marchesi and the Round Table, Sir Thomas Erpingham, Augustine Steward, Samson and Hercules and much more.

The tour ends at the Maids Head Hotel for a Charcuterie Board of cured meats, artisan cheeses, pickles, bread, dips, crackers, olives, roasted peppers, dressed leaves and more and a glass of wine or a soft drink.

Please email dietary requirements to admin@thenorwichsociety.org.uk

The tour starts and finishes at the Maids Head Hotel