The Gunton Arms
Thorpe Market, Norfolk, NR11 8TZ
In a Nutshell: Chic, country-house decor, rustic modern cooking and gorgeous rooms at this restored inn set within a vast deer park
Think of Norfolk and the theme of water – in particular the Norfolk Broads, a network of mostly navigable rivers and man-made waterways – usually springs to mind. The North Norfolk Coast, probably the finest of its kind in Europe, is another major visitor attraction in this corner of the country particularly for family friendly and dog friendly holidays.
The coastline here represents a world of lonely beaches, vast salt marshes and extensive sand dunes stretching to the horizon. In places, there is a strange, unsettling atmosphere but during the summer months the coastal resorts of Wells-Next-the-Sea, Brancaster, Cromer and Hunstanton bustle with crowds on bucket and spade style family holidays.
Norfolk prides itself on its wealth of historic houses, the most famous being Sandringham, where Her Majesty the Queen and other members of the Royal Family spend Christmas. ‘Dear old Sandringham, the place I love better than anywhere in the world,’ wrote George V. Apart from Sandringham, other great houses in the region include Holkham Hall, and the National Trust properties of Blicking Hall and Fellbrigg Hall.
Many of Norfolk’s towns have a particular and individual charm. The quiet market towns of Fakenham and Swaffham are prime examples, and there is also Thetford, with its popular museum focusing on the iconic BBC television comedy series Dad’s Army. Much of the filming took place in the town and nearby Thetford Forest. The city of Norwich oozes history and Cromer on the coast still recalls the heyday of Victorian seaside resorts.
In a Nutshell: Chic, country-house decor, rustic modern cooking and gorgeous rooms at this restored inn set within a vast deer park
In a Nutshell: Striking contemporary styled inn oozing 16th-century charm with rustic-smart bars, bathtubs in cosy individual bedrooms, good pub food (great pizzas) and garden dining pavillions
In a Nutshell: Stylish inn on the coast path and a stroll from the beach - come for fishy menus, quirky boutique rooms and a relaxed vibe
In a Nutshell: Good Asian-inspired food and comfortable rooms at this country-rustic village pub peacefully tucked away from the coastal throng
In a Nutshell: Rustic-chic inn a stroll from the Quay; come for seasonal menus. owner-brewed ales, and stylish, individual rooms
In a Nutshell: Impressive manor-like pub set in extensive grounds with country-chic interior, seasonal menus, Norfolk ales and four cosy bedrooms.
In a Nutshell: A relaxed seaside feel, menus brimming with local produce, summer pizzas and nineteen very comfortable rooms draw a discerning crowd to this spruced up old inn by the green
In a Nutshell: Menus brim with local goodies at Ben & Sarah Handley’s fabulous foodie pub with rooms close to glorious beaches and saltmarshes.
In a Nutshell: Innovative cooking, classic and contemporary garden rooms (hot tubs) and fabulous saltmarsh and sea views are the draw at this stylish and informal hotel-bar on Norfolk’s north coast
In a Nutshell: Slick seaside inn with stunning saltmarsh views, innovative fishy menus, sea-breezy modern bedrooms, and great walking
In a Nutshell: Sleepy village setting for this rustic-smart pub that's worth the detour for seasonal menus and chic, French-style rooms
In a Nutshell: Seek out this rustic-chic foodie pub with rooms for local seasonal food and contemporary-smart rooms; just yards from the coast path and bird-rich salt marsh.