Admirable charm

A FIRE blazing away in an antique grate is always a welcoming sign at a hotel and the 16th-century Hoste Hotel it was a throughly warming experience from start to finish.

In the heart of the stunning North Norfolk coast, with its endless golden beaches, it came as no surprise that this very hotel hosted Admiral Lord Nelson, who favoured the four-poster Room 5.

There are royal connections, too, with Prince William and Kate popping in for a drink in the wood-panelled bar after browsing through Burnham Market’s shops. Enjoy Brancaster oysters and Norfolk venison, just samples of the ever-changing seasonal menu in the award-winning, panelled dining-room restaurant dating back to the 17th century.

There are starters from £12 (try dressed Cromer crab or brown shrimp risotto), and mains, such as the pan-fried fillet of brill, from £20.

Lunch is best taken in the light and airy Garden Room, with views over the sheltered garden. Indulge in The Hoste full afternoon tea for £16. On fine weather days you can dine alfresco on the lawn.

Feeling peckish? Gurneys Fish Shop, owned by local Mike Gurney, offers locally-sourced fish, oyster and crab and Mike himself will dress the crab for you to take away. With Satchells Wine Merchant on hand to marry a fine wine to accompany your fish, you’ve got an al fresco lunch sorted.

Take a stirring walk on Brancaster Beach, looked after by the National Trust, with its four miles of golden sandy beaches and dunes. The remains of an old shipwreck, the SS Vina, which the RAF used for target practice prior to the Normandy landings in the Second World War, is revealed when the tide goes out. The Hoste has its own Nelson museum, Nelson Lodge. Artefacts include a leather bucket from HMS Victory, letters written by Nelson and a life mask cast in Vienna in 1800.

THE KNOWLEDGE

The Hoste (01328 738777/ the hoste.com) offers doubles from £140, B&B. Norfolk tourism: visitnorfolk.co.uk