Courtesy: Jo Cochrane | News Source: theguardian.com

Where is the hotel? On the north Norfolk coast, overlooking the salt marshes and mud banks between Wells-Next-The-Sea and Cromer. The Blakeney is a stylish, 60-room grand hotel with an award-winning restaurant and a bounty of home comforts.

What’s new about the place? All rooms are individually designed and cosy. The restaurant’s daily changing menu reflects the freshness of the day’s catch, and the hotel’s attention to detail. There’s also a decent-size pool and mini gym, if you’re so inclined.

Sandbank picnic: a sailing adventure off the Norfolk coast – a photo essay

Star attractions? Blakeney Point’s grey and common seal colonies are the local heroes and a boat trip from Blakeney or Morston Quay for a peek at them, in their hundreds, is a must-see. Beans Boats’ wisecracking crew have been taking tours around the Blakeney nature reserve for years and there can’t be much they don’t know about the seals and migrating birds. Drive west to Holkham Bay to stroll along the dunes and miles of stunning beach.

Room at The Blakeney Hotel, Holt, Norfolk

Facebook Twitter Pinterest

A room at the Blakeney

Room with a view? Yes, definitely! The Lookout on the first floor is a large room with a panoramic window looking out over the estuary, complete with a telescope and binoculars. It’s a wonderful setting in which to watch the wildlife while enjoying an afternoon tea.

Cromer’s odyssey: from Victorian escape to foodie hub

Where’s good to eat? Try the Moorings in Blakeney High Street, for lunch, tea or supper.

And don’t forget to visit… Sandringham is only a half-hour drive away, and in winter the town of Holt, a few miles to the south, is lit up with magical street lights.

The lowdown From £141pp a night based on a two-night stay in autumn/winter for dinner, bed and breakfast, blakeney-hotel.co.uk.

Looking for a holiday with a difference? Browse Guardian Holidays to see a range of fantastic trips

Since you’re here…

We have a small favour to ask. More people, like you, are reading and supporting the Guardian’s independent, investigative journalism than ever before. And unlike many news organisations, we made the choice to keep our reporting open for all, regardless of where they live or what they can afford to pay.

The Guardian will engage with the most critical issues of our time – from the escalating climate catastrophe to widespread inequality to the influence of big tech on our lives. At a time when factual information is a necessity, we believe that each of us, around the world, deserves access to accurate reporting with integrity at its heart.

Our editorial independence means we set our own agenda and voice our own opinions. Guardian journalism is free from commercial and political bias and not influenced by billionaire owners or shareholders. This means we can give a voice to those less heard, explore where others turn away, and rigorously challenge those in power.

We hope you will consider supporting us today. We need your support to keep delivering quality journalism that’s open and independent. Every reader contribution, however big or small, is so valuable. Support The Guardian from as little as $1 – and it only