Bank House

The old port of King’s Lynn is one of England’s most historic towns, with more listed buildings than York and a unique waterfront district lined by Hanseatic warehouses and medieval mansions. It’s also home to one of North Norfolk’s best boutique hotels in the Bank House, which occupies a handsome Georgian banker’s house right on the quay – a creakily grand and evocative old place, done up with a dash of contemporary style and with a choice of twelve distinctive rooms.

It was refurbished by Jeannette and Anthony Goodrich who took the place over around a decade ago after cutting their teeth on the excellent Rose & Crown in Snettisham. Rates vary, but most of the rooms enjoy marvellous views over the river – although the large Captain’s Room and Bath Room are definitely the ones to go for if you can. Ask also if you can have a peek at the downstairs cellar, which like some of the nearby houses dates back around eight centuries and can be booked for private parties.

The bar (once the local bank manager's office) has an open fire and comfy sofas, while the hotel’s corner restaurant serves great food all day, from breakfast through lunch and afternoon tea to dinner (plus a fab carve-your-own Sunday lunch). It enjoys lovely views over the quayside and, like the bar, is pretty popular with non-residents, so be sure to book a table if you're staying.