Which Are the Best Cheap Hotels to Book in Norfolk?

Remember those awful traffic jams while you were trying to get away from gigs and events? Stay here and leave the car behind – if you’re off to watch your favourite band at the Norfolk Showground it’s less than 30 minutes’ walk away. You’re also close to Norwich airport and the university. Rooms range from simple doubles to family-friendly suites, sleeping up to four in interconnecting rooms. Check in with local-savvy staff who can give you tips on clubs, bars and attractions in the county’s historical city.

Ideal if you’re visiting Norwich by train, the Central Hotel is just a two minute walk from the railway station. Ditch the bags and take a stroll to see the city’s cathedral, castle, shops and bars. Swing by Elm Hill, Norwich’s most complete medieval street, then pick up local crafts or fresh seafood at the buzzy outdoor market. Back at the hotel, bag a room with views of the River Wensum or go for value by sharing a bathroom.

In the hands of the Garrod family for over 60 years, the Furzedown Hotel is close enough to Great Yarmouth’s Golden Mile, Britannia Pier and Venetian Waterways boating lake to make the car redundant. Raise a drink to that fact in the bar and restaurant – named after the owners – and throw in a steak or seafood plate for good measure. Treat yourself and upgrade to a room with a sea view.

Golf fans can brush up on their skills at the country club’s indoor putting suite, where computerised SAM analysis shows why your balls are going astray. Not into golf? Top off your stay with a Jessica manicure or feel-good treatments by Elemis, Decleor or Guinot at the spa instead. This 16th-century manor isn’t just for couples – family rooms with two double beds mean the kids can come too.

It’s hard to believe that this hotel is so close to Great Yarmouth’s seafront. Despite lying next to the Venetian Waterways and less than 100m (330ft) from the beach, Gable End has managed to find itself in a pocket of peace. Collar a room with a sea view so you can watch the sun rise, then shoot off for a quiet drink in the bar and restaurant.

The elegant powder-blue frontage here will make you feel like aristocracy as you enter the Duke’s Head Hotel. The luxe vibe continues over venison and prune terrine followed by panko sea bass with curried mussels in the AA Rosette winning Turners restaurant. Lull yourself back to reality with one of the 28 gins lined up in Massey and Co, once a bank and now the hotel bar. Slap in the centre of the grand Tuesday Market Place in King’s Lynn, the Duke’s Head’s cosy doubles provide all the necessities you could need in a compact room, for bedding down on a budget.

At Andover House, owner Victoria keeps it very much in the family, with her husband, mum and dad and two younger brothers all helping out. Two Victorian townhouses knocked into one, this smart hotel only allows children over the age of 13. Stroll into Great Yarmouth or stay in for a southern fried chicken burger with red cabbage slaw in the Copper Kitchen. Sky Sports is available in all rooms and there’s ample on-street parking.

Expect a warm village welcome from owners Andy and Tina at the Dicklebrugh Crown near Diss. Comfy rooms in the converted outbuildings at the back of the pub sleep up to three and families can share interconnecting ones. Head over to the timber-beamed pub for real ale, Sky Sports and occasional live music. You’ll probably also get to meet a popular local – the pub cat.