North Norfolk Coast
Cley Windmill
The Quay, Cley-next-the-Sea, NR25 7RP
Set in a Grade II listed building, one of the most photographed in north Norfolk, and with superb views across the reed beds, this is more expensive than most B&Bs but the location is faultless. Home-cooked candle-lit evening meals can be booked in advance. Self-catering is also available in the converted stable building.
Northeast Norfolk
The Green House
Cromer Road, Thorpe Market
A luxurious and comfortable B&B in a 17th-century flint-faced farmhouse, located on the edge of a ‘quiet lanes’ area in Thorpe Market a few miles from the sea at Overstrand. Five spacious double rooms and a homely lounge for relaxing in.
Lawson Cottage
Stubb Road, Hickling Green, NR12 OYS
With modern facilities in a lovely old cottage in the village of Hickling, this is conveniently placed for visiting much of the Broads and the northeast Norfolk coast. The cottage is only two minutes’ walk to the local pub and has a nice garden for taking breakfast in when the weather is fine.
North Central Norfolk
Byfords Posh B&B
1–3 Shirehall Plain, Holt, NR25 6BG
Byfords has a long-standing reputation for its food and also doubles as a place to stay, with 16 stylish but cosy rooms and one self-catering apartment. Describing itself as a ‘Posh B&B’, this is effectively an upmarket boutique hotel given the comfort, charm and facilities on offer.
Carrick’s at Castle Farm
Swanton Morley, Dereham, NR20 4JT
At the centre of a working farm close to Swanton Morley in the heart of central Norfolk, this moderately priced guesthouse has won several awards. Self-catering is also available at a cottage and converted stables. There are farm walks straight from the door, as well as the route of the Wensum Way.
The Old Bakehouse
33 High Street, Little Walsingham, NR22 6BZ
Hosted by Justin, a musician, and Charlotte, an artist, this homely B&B in a Tudor-period house in the pilgrimage village of Walsingham has a calm, creative atmosphere. There are just two cosy rooms to choose from, one Tudor-style and the other Georgian. Breakfast is self-service.
White Horse Barn
Sharrington Road, Holt, NR24 2PB
Both B&B cottage accommodation and self-catering in a choice of four luxurious barn conversions for a minimum of three nights. Home-cooked meals are available on request for all guests.
Norwich and the Yare Valley
38 St Giles
St Giles Street, Norwich, NR2 1LL
A good choice for Norwich, this very central boutique B&B in a renovated Victorian building is close to all the major sights so a car is unnecessary. Stylish rooms, all individually decorated, homemade cake on arrival and delicious breakfasts made with the freshest local ingredients. Quite pricey for a B&B but well above average in terms of décor and attention to detail.
The Cockatrice
Ferry Road, Norton Subcourse, Reedham, NR14 6SF
Close to Reedham village but on the south side of the River Yare and close to the chain ferry, the main strength of this beautifully situated B&B is its tranquil riverside location – an excellent base for walking or cycling.
The Parson Woodforde
Church Street, Weston Longville, NR9 5JU
A traditional oak-beamed pub in a village a few miles west of Norwich, with five comfortable, light and airy rooms above the bar and dining area.
The Waveney Valley
Grove Barn
Middle Road, Denton, Harleston, IP20 0AH
In the village of Denton, close to both Harleston and Bungay, this ‘adults-only’ B&B has three tastefully decorated en-suite rooms – one twin and two doubles. There’s also a pleasant courtyard where breakfast is served in good weather.
Breckland
Acer Lodge
Ashburton Road, Ickburgh, Mundford, IP26 5JA
With just three bright, modern rooms in a quiet Brecks village, this B&B is ideally located for visits to Grimes Graves, Thetford Forest and the surrounding area.
More information
For more information, see Laurence Mitchell’s guide to Norfolk: