Norwich, Norfolk
The Maids Head is renowned as Norwich's most haunted hotel, home to two well-documented resident spirits. The Grey Maid, believed to be a former housekeeper from the early 1900s, appears in her mid-to-late 60s wearing an outdated grey maid's uniform. She's frequently seen around the bar area going about her daily chores, always accompanied by the overwhelming smell of musty lavender. The second spirit is Thomas Anguish, a former Mayor of Norwich (1611-1617) who lived in a house that later became part of the expanding hotel. His ghost appears in the courtyard, angrily shaking his head before traveling toward the restaurant area and his former house.
The Grey Maid (elderly woman in Victorian maid's uniform) and Thomas Anguish (former Mayor of Norwich)
Thomas Anguish: The former mayor's spirit is seen in the hotel's courtyard, angrily shaking his head as if deeply upset by something. He then travels to the restaurant area before turning right toward his former house. His presence can be sensed throughout the hotel corridors, where he appears to be walking and surveying his old domain. A plaque commemorating his connection to Tombland can still be found today.
A kindly elderly housekeeper spirit who died in the hotel in the early 1900s and continues to tend to her duties, appearing in an outdated grey maid's uniform and always accompanied by the scent of musty lavender.
The spirit of Thomas Anguish, who served as Mayor of Norwich from 1611-1617, continues to patrol the hotel grounds. He lived in a house that was later incorporated into the Maids Head and appears deeply troubled by something he observes.
Dating back to the 13th century (over 800 years old)
Originally bishops' palace, later became taverns and eventually a hotel
Claims to be the oldest hotel in Britain, continuously operating for over 800 years. Originally owned by early bishops in the days of William the Conqueror. The building comprises six interconnected historic structures, creating a unique architectural tapestry. Notable guests include Queen Elizabeth I (1587), the Black Prince (1359), Cardinal Wolsey, and Catherine of Aragon (1520). The hotel was home to Norwich's first Masonic temple and played a significant role in the city's religious and political history.
Eclectic mix of architectural styles reflecting its 800-year history - Tudor façade with 13th-century foundations, Georgian and Victorian additions. Features exposed oak beams, leaded windows, original inglenook fireplaces, and Jacobean oak paneling in the bar area.
Staff and guests regularly experience classic paranormal phenomena including sudden temperature drops, unexplained cold spots, and the overwhelming scent of lavender when the Grey Maid is present. Objects occasionally move on their own, particularly in the bar area where glasses may shift slightly or doors close gently, attributed to the Grey Maid still tending to her duties. Guests report feeling watched or experiencing the sensation of a gentle, motherly presence in their rooms.
The bar area is the Grey Maid's primary domain, where she's most frequently sighted and where her lavender scent is strongest. The courtyard and restaurant area are where Thomas Anguish is most commonly encountered. The oldest parts of the hotel, particularly the 13th-century sections, experience the most supernatural activity. The grand staircase and upstairs corridors also have reports of both spirits being sensed or glimpsed.
Multiple independent witnesses have documented encounters spanning decades. The Events Manager Sue's sighting was corroborated by reception staff. A guest from London detailed in the guestbook seeing 'a kindly old woman in black by their bed, who smiled before fading away.' Staff members across different departments have grown accustomed to the spirits, with housekeeping staff regularly commenting on the Grey Maid's presence. The hotel management openly acknowledges their resident ghosts as part of the building's character.
While not subjected to major television investigations, the hotel's reputation is well-established in paranormal circles. Local ghost tour operators regularly feature the Maids Head as a key stop, sharing the documented encounters with visitors. The hotel's long-standing recognition as one of Norfolk's most haunted locations has made it a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts, though the spirits are considered benevolent rather than frightening.
📅 Sample dates:2025-06-06 to 2025-06-08 • 2 adults
Dates and guest count can be changed on booking sites
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Paranormal Tip: Book rooms the bar area is the grey maid's primary domain for the best chance of supernatural encounters!
While no specific ghost packages are offered, the hotel provides character rooms and historical feature rooms that showcase the building's heritage. Special dining experiences in the 2 AA Rosette WinePress Restaurant, afternoon tea packages, and wedding celebration options are available.
As a historic 800-year-old building, accessibility is limited. No elevator access to upper floors, with steep narrow staircases typical of medieval architecture. The restaurant and bar areas on the ground floor are accessible. Free on-site parking available (35 spaces) which is valuable given the city center location.
Located in Norwich, England's most haunted city. Within walking distance: Norwich Castle (0.2 miles) - haunted by several spirits including a lady in black; Adam & Eve pub (0.3 miles) - Norwich's oldest pub haunted by Lord Sheffield; Elm Hill (0.1 miles) - haunted cobbled street with multiple ghost stories; Norwich Cathedral (adjacent) - various ghostly encounters reported. The hotel is ideally positioned for Norwich Ghost Walks which often start nearby.
Book your stay and experience The Grey Maid and the other spirits firsthand. Many guests report paranormal encounters during their visits.