The Best Hotels to Book Near Houghton Hall and Gardens

Explore the opulent rooms and extensive gardens at Houghton Hall
Explore the opulent rooms and extensive gardens at Houghton Hall | © Holmes Garden Photos / Alamy Stock Photo
Kim Gregory

Houghton Hall in Norfolk is a Palladian-style country house built in the 1720s for Britain’s first Prime Minister, Sir Robert Walpole. With so much to explore, opt to stay overnight at one of these top hotels nearby, bookable on Culture Trip.

Here at Houghton Hall, you’ll step inside to find a kaleidoscope of colourful, opulent rooms. It’s a must to explore the 1,000-acre (405ha) gardens – and discover temples, fountains, a 13th-century church and sculptures by world-renowned artists. Don’t miss the world’s largest collection of model soldiers in the Soldier Museum and finish up with a cuppa in the Stables Café. Here are our picks of the best hotels near Houghton Hall and Gardens.

1. The Ffolkes Hotel

Hotel

Sofa, deep armchair and two large upholstered chairs by a table, mirror and fireplace in lobby of the Ffolkes Hotel
Courtesy of the Ffolkes Hotel / Expedia

Bring the kids along to this 300-year-old coaching inn with its zip wire adventure play area and games room featuring shuffleboard. Work up an appetite for the exciting menu events like Sunday Pie Roasts and Street Feast, where Norfolk street food vendors serve up bao buns, burgers and more. Sleep off the indulgence in colourful, characterful rooms – book the Hayloft and you’ll get a hot tub and rooftop terrace. The included breakfast is a buffet featuring full English items and delicious pancakes.

2. The Pig Shed Motel

Boutique Hotel, Eco Hotel

The Pig Shed Motel room with headboard, rugs and desk
Courtesy of the Pig Shed Motel / Expedia

Do your bit with a stay at this eco-friendly, self-check-in hotel featuring a rainwater recovery system, solar power and an air-sourced heat pump that provides underfloor heating. Find peace in your lovely room with rustic wood panelling and vintage-style furnishings – kicking back in the classic armchair is bliss. The neighbouring George and Dragon is perfect for pub grub – including vegan options – and a nightcap. Houghton Hall is a 20-minute drive away – and the hotel has free parking.

4. The Orange Tree

Hotel

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Courtesy of the Orange Tree / Expedia

There’s a room for anyone at the Orange Tree – from families who’ll love a break in the conservatory-clad annexe of the Old Bakery, to dog owners who can stay by the courtyard. Choose a night in the Manor Lodge and you can expect luxurious bathrooms along with your own garden and terrace when you pick the Dragonfly, Coral or Sun Angel rooms. The restaurant here is award-winning – especially the seafood, so be sure to try Norfolk razor clams or signature halibut.

5. The Gin Trap Inn

Pubs with Rooms

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Courtesy of the Gin Trap Inn / Expedia

Since 1668, Ringstead has been home to this quintessential countryside pub and inn, historically praised by writer George Orwell. Expect individually styled rustic rooms with overhead beams, free-standing cast iron bathtubs and private garden terraces. There are suites with living areas – or you can book one of the cottages, including the cool former microbrewery. Gin lover? The pub serves 100 types of gin that you can pair with cheese boards, dry-aged sirloin on the bone or a hearty Sunday roast. Children will love the play area’s enchanting treehouse here, too.

6. Artist’s House

Guesthouse

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Courtesy of Artist’s House / Expedia

Book this whole Victorian terraced house for the whole family, including your pet. There’s a lounge with an open fireplace for relaxed evenings, an equipped kitchen to rustle up dinner for all and a patio with a barbecue for sunny weather. The shed’s packed with goodies for the kids – bucket and spade, fishing net and crabbing line for Hunstanton Beach 10 minutes away – and there’s a deep-soaking bathtub for some indulgent me-time.

7. Crow's Nest

Hotel

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Courtesy of Crow's Nest / Expedia

Make yourself at home in this self-catering stay that’s been awarded four stars. You’ll be half an hour’s drive to Houghton – not a problem with the private parking included here – and a five-minute walk to the Hunstanton seafront and all its family-friendly activities. Kids and dogs are welcome here: families will appreciate the handy cooking facilities, washing machine and TV for cosy movie nights.

8. Lynnfield Hall

Cottages

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Courtesy of Lynnfield Hall / Expedia

A family or group stay awaits at this well-reviewed, Hunstanton-based holiday home: a former school assembly hall. The big, open plan living space – featuring a kitchen, dining area and living room with TV and beautiful wood burner – is a perfect hangout spot. Both rooms are en-suite with super king-size beds. Enjoy all the essentials you could need, including private parking – though the seafront promenade is just a short walk.

9. Old Hunstanton Le Strange Arms Hotel BW Signature Collection by Best Western

Hotel

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Courtesy of Old Hunstanton Le Strange Arms Hotel BW Signature Collection by Best Western / Expedia

The first part of this hotel was built in the 1600s, and it’s still the ultimate seaside stay with seaview rooms – along with a lawn leading to the beach and a restaurant with a sunset-view terrace. Choose from a classically furnished en-suite room – think sash curtains and vintage-style lamps – or a self-catering lodge with great al fresco seating. The restaurant serves lovely afternoon tea or Norfolk cream tea on its terrace. Add a bottle of fizz to toast to the setting sun.

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