The Lifeboat Inn, Thornham, Norfolk

Located in a chalk and flint-built coastal village, on a quiet lane overlooking marshland towards the North sea, five miles from the busy seaside resort of Hunstanton and close to some of the UK's best bird reserves. The Georgian shopping town of Burnham Market is a 15-minute drive. You'll find the salt marsh and dune bird reserve of RSPB Titchwell and the Queen's Sandringham Estate nearby.

By car: London is 3 hours 15 mins away, Birmingham is just under 3 hours and Cambridge is 1 hour 40 mins. There is free parking at the pub.

By train: The closest station to the hotel is King's Lynn. Trains run from London Kings Cross and take just under two hours. A taxi to the hotel then takes around 40 minutes. Book trains to King's Lynn.

One of the oldest inns along the coast with parts of the building dating from the 16th century, its beamed bar is exceptionally cosy, furnished with old pews and hung with vintage farming equipment. A large, open fire warms the reception room and upstairs, bedrooms come in contemporary colours with gleaming modern bathrooms.

Essentially an inn with rooms, facilities are limited to a large carpark for day visitors and residents. Run by a small team of mainly local staff who are happy to advise on the area and are in no hurry to rush guests along at meal times.

• Restaurant
• Bar
• Terrace
• Garden
• Lounge
• Pet-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

The smartly furnished bedrooms are categorised from 'Small Better Coast View' up to 'Best Rooms' and named after the crew of the Licensed Victuallers III, the last pulling lifeboat in Hunstanton, in use until 1931 including 'William West' and 'Holmes'. Bathrooms are modern and inviting.

Room types: Small Better Coast, Good Room, Good Coast View, Good Twin Room, Better Room, Better Coast View, Best Room

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with shower, TV, tea and coffee facilities, radio, phone, free Wi-Fi

Tables in a large, open-plan dining area or, for more privacy, groups of ten or 14 can opt for circular cedar-wood pavilions in the courtyard. Breakfast is served in the conservatory, under a 200-year-old grapevine. Lunch and dinner choices include classic pub favourites, including fish and chips, pizzas, burgers, curries and steaks.

The Lifeboat Inn: hearty pub food, local produce, seafood, Sunday roasts, pizzas. Served daily 12-9pm. Mains from £15.50.