Almost mythically flat and endless, Norfolk is a watery county, with its beautiful inland broads, salt marshes, rolling dunes and smooth beaches. This is a relaxing place to travel around dotted with ancient chutes, castles and charming seaside towns. It’s this peacefulness which makes it such a wonderful destination to discover the old way, via the highways and byways, staying in the best pubs with rooms in Norfolk along the way. Norfolk does have a reputation for being slightly old fashioned, but while there are still plenty of pubs offering rooms, they’re not at all fusty or musty! Our Guru’s recommendations include a lively inn overlooking the Brancaster estuary and a modernised country inn beside one of Norfolk’s most beautiful sandy beaches. Plus good food, comfortable rooms, local tips and a friendly welcome every time.
To Escape to!
- The Lifeboat Inn is a charming rural inn on north Norfolk's beautiful coastline. There are just 13 rooms, which blend contemporary style yet retain the original charm. Downstairs you'll find a warm, fire lit lounge, a buzzing bar and exemplary restaurant.
- The Dabbling Duck is a quaint Norfolk pub with nine charming, characterful rooms. In season the restaurant serves local game, and the beautiful, countryside setting really makes it feel like a proper rural escape, even though you’re not far from Kings Lynn, and Sandringham.
For the Norfolk Coast
- The Crown Hotel, in the coastal town of Wells next the Sea, has 17 elegantly styled rooms with enormous sash windows and antique furniture, and downstairs there's a traditional restaurant where they use local produce to great effect.
- Blakeney is a pretty coastal village, and The White Horse Blakeney's nine rooms are chic, contemporary, bright and airy with white-washed walls, crisp white linen, exposed beams and monochrome soft furnishings. The laid-back restaurant serves 'innovative British fare'.
- The Globe Inn is in a spectacular spot close to some of Norfolk's most beautiful sandy beaches. The seven contemporary rooms are light and airy with brightly patterned wallpaper, crisp white linen and modern bathrooms. Downstairs exemplary pub fare is served in the restaurant and there's a cosy lounge too.
For Foodies
- The Black Lion Hotel is a beautifully refurbished inn in an historic village, with six rooms, individually styled to keep their original period features, with white-washed walls and just a few carefully placed artefacts. The fantastic restaurant serves British classics using the finest local produce.
- The Brisley Bell in rural north Norfolk is a recently restored brick-and-flint coaching inn, with oodles of character, a large inviting bar and acclaimed food. the generous sized, individually designed bedrooms are set in a private courtyard. Rooms start from around £90 per night.
- Or, also in north Norfolk, and for a similar rate per night you might like to try The Ship Hotel, a charming, recently refurbished village pub, with well placed pieces of art, crisp white linen and beamed ceilings. The bar is atmospheric and the restaurant serves up innovative fare.
For Couples
- The Kings Head is a charming country inn with beautifully styled interiors and impeccable pub fare. It has just four elegantly styled rooms, which are traditional yet unfussy, with well placed art, crisp white linen and soft pastel hues; it's dog-friendly, too. The restaurant uses mainly local produce and there's a great ale selection.
- Built in the 16th century, The Chequers Inn offers original features - think oak beams and flagstone floors, but with chic, boutique-style comfort and detail. Whites, blues and greys echo the property's coastal nature, and there's an AA one Rosette restaurant
For a country inn
- On the North Norfolk Coast Road, the Victoria Inn is a comfortable, modernised country inn with access to the Holkham estate and one of England’s best sandy beaches. This is a great spot for birdwatchers, and the restaurant is good.
For great value
- The Wiveton Bell is another traditional country inn, this time in an enviable coastal spot. There are six chic rooms with some charming original features and nice antiques, plus a great restaurant serving modern British fare. A rural haven with great value accommodation.
- The Bedingfeld Arms in Oxborough, is a cosy countryside inn with just nine, recently renovated rooms and an authentic pub - with a menu offering traditional, locally sourced fare, some of it sourced from the pub’s own veggie garden. Peaceful and traditional, some rooms have interconnecting doors so work well for families.
Still not sure which to book?
