The Gin Trap Inn in Ringstead near Hunstanton, Norfolk, has been welcoming guests since 1668 and boasts 13 bedrooms, a restaurant and a bar serving a casual menu
Nestled just a stone’s throw from the picturesque Norfolk coast is a charming, dog-friendly inn that has welcomed weary travellers since 1668.
The Gin Trap Inn, in Ringstead near Hunstanton, is a stunning old pub with nearly 400 years of history – and was last year crowned the best pub for an overnight stay.
Those journeying across the stark beauty of the Norfolk Broads have long sought refuge here, close to some of the UK’s most pristine and untouched coastlines, home to Blue Flag beaches like West Runton, Cromer and Sheringham.
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With 13 individually styled bedrooms on offer, guests can enjoy antique furnishings, luxurious textiles, and a cosy bed to rest in after a day of exploring. This unique combination of charm and comfort helped The Gin Trap clinch the top spot in The Times and Sunday Times’ Best Places to Stay awards last year.
Not only does The Gin Trap boast delightful rooms, but it also impresses with its “imaginative dishes showcasing the superb local seafood, game and veg”, earning the pub’s restaurant three AA Rosettes.
Despite these modern accolades, the pub maintains its traditional roots as a 17th-century coaching inn, offering a relaxed menu in the bar area, distinct from the more formal dining room.
One ecstatic diner gushed on Tripadvisor: “This is without doubt the best pub food I’ve ever eaten. Me and my brother both had the duck leg, hash brown, fried egg and pineapple relish from the bar menu, it was something to behold – incredible. The side dishes were also delicious.
“To go with the incredible food, there’s a lovely atmosphere, friendly staff, good selection of drinks, dog friendly, a selection of board game in the bar area – you simply have to go if you’re in the local area.”
Adding to the chorus of approval, another satisfied patron shared: “We have just come back from an amazing weekend away. Fabulous food, attentive staff and cosy accommodation. It was just perfect.”
If your curiosity has been piqued about staying in the hotel and experiencing all the buzz for yourself, you’ll find that the most budget-friendly room over the next month is the ‘Botanist’, setting you back £165 for a single night stay for two, breakfast included.
The establishment says on its website: “Beautiful high ceiling, exposed beams and a king size brass bed. The Botanist is traditionally and tastefully decorated with a sprawling en-suite which includes a free standing, cast iron bath and a separate shower. This room is located upstairs in the Inn.”
Another cracker is Breckon beach, on Scotland’s Isle of Yell, which has been ranked the world’s third best beach thanks to its powdery sands, crystalline waters and lush emerald green fields that form its backdrop