The Dial House, Reepham, Norfolk

Quietly located in Norfolk's rural heartland, overlooking a broad square in a town which exudes old-fashioned charm. Close to the shopping streets of Aylsham and within an easy 30-minute drive of North Norfolk's sandy beaches, the lively city of Norwich and the Broads National Park. The National Trust's Blickling Estate with its C17th hall, formal garden and woodland walks.

By car: London and Birmingham are about 3 hours from the hotel. Cambridge is 1 hour 30 mins. There is free public parking by the hotel.

By train: London Liverpool Street to Norwich takes just under 2 hours. The station is a 30-minute taxi ride from the hotel. Book trains to Norwich.

So-called because of the large, square sundial on its redbrick exterior, this mellow, 18th-century Georgian building contains plenty of original features including wood panelling, sash windows and open fireplaces and is furnished with a quirky collection of antique and contemporary pieces.

There's no private parking area, and while there's free overnight and weekend parking in the town's central marketplace, at other times guests need to use the town's carpark a short walk away. Housekeeping is spot-on but the service in the bar and restaurant can be on the back foot even at quiet times.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Spa treatments
• Terrace
• Nearby parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Plenty of thought, and more than a dash of humour, has been invested in the eight bedrooms. All are different, themed around Georgian interests and discoveries. Old-fashioned gramophones with LPs are provided as standard along with roomy, marble bathrooms.

Room types: Natural History, The Orient, China, Africa, Parisian Garrett, Days of the Raj, The Print Room, The Italian Palace

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with luxury toiletries, drench shower, TV, tea and coffee facilities

Chef and owner Andrew Jones, who also has a restaurant in Norwich, runs the kitchen on the principle of "bistronomy" (aka fine produce rather than fine dining). Fixed-price and à la carte menus are available for lunch and dinner from Tuesday to Saturday, with roasts and afternoon teas on Sunday.

The Dial House: Seasonal set menu, à la carte, small plates, BBQ meats, Sunday roasts, kids menu. Dinner Weds-Sat, Lunch Weds-Sun, bed and breakfast available daily. Mains from £14.