Chez Mapkinson

The clatter of Norwich market drifts faintly on the wind here, close enough to feel the city's medieval pull, far enough to sleep soundly under dark Norfolk skies.

This is a proper base for anyone wanting to explore Norwich properly — cathedral, cobbled lanes, riverside pubs — without camping in a field miles out. The guest house rooms suit couples after a comfortable bed and a proper breakfast, while the camping pod works for friends or families wanting something a bit different, or dog walkers who'd rather ask first than assume. Year-round opening means you can visit in any season, which matters in a city that's just as good for winter galleries as summer river trips.

Facilities aren't listed in detail, so ask when you book what's included and whether you can light a fire — it's a check-on-arrival situation. The vibe feels more urban bolthole than countryside retreat, honest and unfussy, with Norwich's tangle of history and independent shops right there when you want them.