The Feathers, Dersingham

Built from local carrstone, the Feathers Hotel is steeped in royal history. In 1882, the hotel was purchased as part of the Sandringham estate for Albert Edward, Prince of Wales and renamed The Feathers in his honour.

The en suite bedrooms are individually decorated in elegant country house style with super-king-sized beds and crisp white bed linen. The restaurant serves fine locally produced food and there are three bars, each full of character – one with an open fire.

Stately homes in the region include Holkham Hall, Houghton Hall and the Queen’s Royal retreat at Sandringham, the latter just under two miles away across a national nature reserve.

For bird watchers there are the RSPB reserves of Snettisham and Titchwell, both within easy reach, and many other attractions close by including Castle Rising, one of the most famous twelfth century castles in England.

Just seven miles away, the traditional Blue Flag seaside resort of Hunstanton has plenty of traditional seaside charm, and from here the rest of the celebrated North Norfolk coast is easily accessible, from bustling Cromer with its historic pier and famous Cromer crab, to more tranquil seaside spots including the spectacular sandy beach at Holkham, featured in the closing scenes of the film Shakespeare in Love.