Byfords, Holt, Norfolk

In the centre of Holt, with the town's collection of quirky, independent shops, this is a perfect base for shoppers who want to explore. The coast is a ten-minute drive away and quiet roads lead to the seaside village of Cley-next-the-Sea and the small harbour town of Blakeney. The Poppy Line's North Norfolk Steam Railway, which runs between Holt and Sheringham, stops at Weybourne en route.

It's under an hour's drive to reach the cultural city of Norwich.

By car: The hotel is 3 hours' drive from Birmingham, 3 hours 20 minutes from London and 45 minutes from Norwich. There is limited on-site parking, as well as free street parking and pay and display nearby.

By train: London Liverpool Street to Norwich station takes just under 2 hours. From there, you can take a 45-minute taxi, or change onto a train to Sheringham (1 hour) and then a 20-minute taxi. Book trains to Norwich.

One of the few buildings in Holt to escape destruction during a devastating town fire in 1708, parts of Byford date back to the fifteenth century. It boasts a host of original features and atmosphere, and the dining areas bustle with visitors from early morning to mid-evening.

Waiting staff are largely youthful and vibrant, with energy levels that rise to the task of keeping a steady turnover of customers fed and watered. A deli serves a range of sandwiches, salads, stone-baked pizzas, bread and cakes.

• Restaurant
• Family rooms
• Deli
• Self-catering apartment
• Free Wi-Fi

Categorised as either Posh or Double, depending on size, rooms come in muted colours and have exposed brick and flint-work and leather wing chairs. Whilst room numbers rise to 17, there are only 16 bedrooms total, as there's no number 13.

Room types: Double, Posh, Family, Apartment

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with bath and overhead shower, luxury toiletries, TV, entertainment system, tea and coffee-making facilities, hand-made biscuits, free Wi-Fi

Open for informal, all-day eating, the deli also supplies picnics in classic hampers, perfect for a day on the beach. There are main courses including pasta, burgers, mussels and curries, grazing dishes of pâtés, scotch eggs, Italian meatballs and croquettes, salads and "posh" or create-your-own pizzas.

Byfords Café: all-day dining, local produce, classic British dishes, pizzas, salads, sandwiches, afternoon teas, small plates. Open daily 8am-10pm. Mains from £13.25.