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Machrimore - Wells-next-the-Sea

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Comfy B&B bolthole

British B&Bs have come a long way since the days of vicious landladies and 8pm curfews. Nowadays it’s all about luxury touches, fantastic breakfasts, and as much privacy as the guests require – in fact, for that perfect weekend break, many B&B’s give luxury hotels a real run for their money.

Cosy Norfolk B&B Machrimore is one of them, last year being named as one of the 100 top places to stay in Britain by The Sunday Times Travel Magazine. Owners Dorothy and Campbell have taken the classic set-up and run with it, with three comfy en-suite bedrooms and peaceful little terraces, perfect for dozing in the sunshine. Pretty gardens add to the tranquility, and all this just minutes from the picturesque seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea.

Breakfast at Machrimore is fresh, simple and plentiful, with sausages and bacon from the local butcher and locally-smoked kippers all on the menu. So set your alarm – you’ll need plenty of fuel to explore the gorgeous North Norfolk Coastline right on Machrimore’s doorstep.

Where is it?

Wells-next-the-Sea is one of the most picturesque little towns on the Norfolk Coastline. From its long sweeping beach bordered by pine woodland, along the little harbour with small fishing boats and children fishing for crabs, past the higgledy-piggledy shops on Staithe Street, to the tree-lined park with its fine Georgian houses, quiet pubs and restaurants, Wells has managed to remain an unspoilt seaside resort – quite an achievement.

Activities in Wells itself revolve mainly around pottering, whether it be through the narrow lanes, alleys and yards, in and out of the little shops and galleries on Staithe Street or along the harbour wall. It all gets very bustle-y during summer days, but by the evening, or in the months out of season, Wells might as well have invented the word ‘sleepy’.

For lovers of the open sea, miniature steam trains will take you the mile or so out to the edge of open water during the summer, or you could make the trip to nearby Blakeney and catch a boat out to see the famous seals on Blakeney Point (www.beansboattrips.co.uk Tel: 01263 740505). Otherwise, the whole of North Norfolk is within spitting distance. The beach at Holkham, part of the gorgeous estate at the magnificent Holkham Hall (www.holkham.co.uk Tel: 01328 710227) is ten minutes’ drive from Wells, and is only one example of white sands worthy of the Caribbean. In fact, that particular stretch was used in the closing scenes of Shakespeare in Love as the tropical island where Viola washes up.

Click on to The Weekenders Guide to North Norfolk for a full run-down of what to see and where to eat in the area.

Where can I eat?

Wells is the place to be for fish and chip fans, as Platten’s (Tel: 01328 711249), arguably Norfolk’s finest chippie is right on the doorstep.

If you’re after something a little more refined (and requiring less newspaper), then there’s only one place to go. The Victoria at Holkham (www.holkham.co.uk/victoria Tel: 01328 711008), 2 miles from Wells, is a gorgeous restaurant attached to the famously luxurious Victoria Hotel. One of the best places to sample Norfolk produce at its best, such as Cromer crabs, Blakeney mussels and venison reared on the Holkham estate, this special restaurant is worthy of the praise heaped upon it.

For more fab places to eat in the area, check out The Weekenders Guide to North Norfolk.

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Comfy bedrooms with their own terraces, pretty gardens and great breakfasts and all just minutes from the picturesque seaside town of Wells-next-the-Sea.