L

ooking out of your window in the ‘Room at the Top’ of this hotel near Brancaster, you’ll find no shortage of things to train your telescope on.

With miles of sandy beaches and tidal salt marshes stretching into the distance, you and the dog will both want to leave the unpacking til later. After a quick drink on the terrace – a favourite haunt of the local fishermen – you can join the coastal path at the bottom of the garden, gateway to the Norfolk Coast’s prized stretch of heritage marsh coastline.

The birdlife around here would cause Bill Oddy to explode with excitement, but if tracking a hen harrier doesn’t do it for you, perhaps a boat trip past the lazy seals over at Blakeney Point will.

Meanwhile, back at the hotel the buzzing restaurant is open for business. On the menu? Freshly caught fish finished off with a selection of local cheeses.