Congham Hall, Grimston, Norfolk

Six miles northeast of King's Lynn, on the outskirts of a small inland village, near the Peddar's Way footpath and close to RSPB Snettisham. Hunstanton, with its sandy beach and lively resort, the Queen's Sandringham Estate and Houghton Hall, with its exceptional walled garden, and Burnham Market and North Norfolk's beaches are within easy reach.

By car: Congham Hall is around 3 hours from central London, 1.5 hours from Cambridge and 2 hours from Nottingham. There is free parking at the hotel.

By rail: London King's Cross to King's Lynn takes around two hours. A taxi from the station to the hotel takes 10 minutes. Book trains to King's Lynn.

A gravel drive winds up to the pillared portico and flagstoned reception of this large, whitewashed mansion set in lawns and orchards. Elegant ground-floor public rooms, including a spacious sitting room, library and writing room, are furnished with easy chairs and coffee tables, which are all but made for afternoon tea.

The staff, mostly locals, are one of the big plus points of this hotel and the top facility is its spa (there are very few hotel spas in North Norfolk). Plans are afoot to extend the pool area, as its popularity with residents and day visitors means it can become over-busy, and children are limited to two sessions per day.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Herb garden
• Swimming pool
• Dog-friendly rooms
• Spa
• Sauna, steam room and hot tub
• Fitness suite
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Appropriately named after herbs, bedrooms are categorised as standard, good, better and best, boasting eye-catching wallpapers, tactile fabrics and alluring bathrooms. Garden rooms are particularly quiet, with large French windows and private patios.

Room types: Standard Rooms, Good House Rooms, Better Garden/House Rooms, Best Rooms, Suites, Cabins

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom, slippers and bathrobes, coffee-making facilties, homemade cookies, fresh milk, TV, free Wi-Fi

Seasonal menus are available in the large restaurant, which opens onto the garden, and on fine days tables are set outside on the terrace. Light lunches are popular with spa visitors and afternoon teas range from a tasty selection to a full blow-out with everything from opera gateaux to fruit bavarois.

The Restaurant: Kitchen garden produce, British and European inspired seasonal menu. Open for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner. Mains from £16-£24.