Morston Hall

A traditional, originally 17th-century flint country house surrounded by lush and verdant gardens, Morston Hall is an idyllic spot in a terrific location – right on the North Norfolk Coast, just a few miles from picturesque Blakeney and footsteps from Morston Quay and the Coast Path. It's so alluring that chef-patron Galton Blackiston has been here for over 30 years, nurturing the house and garden to become the destination restaurant and hotel it is today. Indeed, the eatery has held a Michelin star for a whopping 24 years. You couldn't hope for somewhere more comfortable to stay, and after a night or two here, you'll start to understand why Norfolk-born Blackiston was so taken with the place originally.

First, the guest rooms, which divide between six in the main house, including one accessible room on the ground floor, and a further seven 'Pavilion' rooms in a purpose-built annexe on the far side of the gardens. The Pavilion rooms are like mini-suites, with plenty of room for easy chairs and a private terrace overlooking the garden or the fields behind the property. They all have Smart TVs, digital radios and coffee- and tea-making facilities (including a Nespresso machine), and come with goodies like homemade cookies, fresh milk and still and sparkling water. The en-suite bathrooms are large, with a walk-in shower, robes and Noble Isle toiletries and a separate bathtub (with TV!). The main house rooms are more mixed but just as comfortable and have the same amenities.

Most guests come above all for the food and so opt for a Dinner, Bed & Breakfast package, but you don't have to, although it would be a shame to skip breakfast, which Galton makes a point of cooking himself every morning so he can chat to his guests and check they enjoyed their meal the night before. The seven-course dinner menu changes daily according to what's available – either from local fish and seafood suppliers, the Hall's fecund kitchen garden or the hotel's own mini-smokery. The food is seasonal, simple and delicious, served at a single sitting every evening at 6.45pm (and also at lunch on weekends) in the lovely conservatory-style restaurant. They also serve a sumptuous afternoon tea.

There's lots to do nearby, much of it possible without getting into your car. Just a short stroll away, boats leave on regular trips to see the seals at Blakeney Point, and it's only two miles or so into Blakeney itself on the coastal path. You may, however, prefer just to chill in the hotel gardens, which are a joy, with various spots to wander aimlessly, sip a drink before dinner, and above all, wonder at just how lucky you are to be staying here.