The Victoria at Holkham, Norfolk
The Victoria at Holkham, Park Road, Holkham, Wells-next-the-Sea, Norfolk
The rooms are beautiful, the food is excellent, the welcome is very warm.
The Victoria isn't a corporate, contemporary hotel - it is interesting and a little rambling with no compromise on taste or comfort. Importantly it offers the welcome you need as a family: relaxed and friendly and accepting.
The hotel is quirky and interesting and rambling enough for you to have a wander around, flop on a sofa and even read a newspaper, or do a bit of colouring with the kids, over coffee. Unusual fittings hint at the days of the Raj - they were sourced from India to tie in with the empire days of Queen Victoria and the time when the original hotel was built.
Beautiful roll top baths to sink into after a long day on the beach, a menu selection which uses quality fresh foods selected for their taste, an interesting wine list and fine locally brewed ales - just some of the ingredients which have made the Victoria Hotel and restaurant at Holkham one of the most popular places to visit in North Norfolk.
Accommodation
Each bedroom is individual with its own colour and character - some traditional, others more contemporary - as mentioned all are very tasteful and I doubt you'd be disappointed. I particularly liked the room with not only a stunning view across the marshland but it's own roll top bath from which to enjoy said view - one to savor during some quiet time!
The Attic Studio is family room and a lovely space - light and airy with two bedrooms, one a double, another with two singles. Both rooms have their own bathroom. It is possible to fit in a further single if required - perfect for us families of five! The Attic room is again very lovely with a double bed and space enough to take an additional two single beds for the children.
Do be aware that the stairs to the attic are quite steep so bags and babies must be taken separately - the rooms are worth the effort!
Food
You're in for a treat. The Victoria offers an excellent menu comprising lots of local produce. Cromer crabs, Brancaster mussels and fresh and smoked eels from the Holkham lake are a few of the local fresh ingredients used. Kids will enjoy their food too - none of the mass-produced yuk that finds it’s way onto a
kids menu here thankfully, though the staff are very accommodating should there be a quiver!
You are welcome to dine in the bar or restaurant area as a family - the lovely conservatory is reserved for more formal dining.
To Do
The hotel, which is owned by Lord and Lady Coke, is just a five minute walk from the wide open expanse of the gorgeous Holkham beach. Acres of sand surrounded by pine trees provide the perfect place for all of you to run wild, make sandcastles, play dens or simply blow the cobwebs away on a frosty morning. Holkham beach is a stunning place and one of my absolute favourite places on the planet - whatever the month, whatever the weather.
There are lots of lovely market towns to explore, lots of days out on tap and some excellent alternative places to eat.
There's an outdoor play area with climbing frame for the kids to play out on, as well as a garden where you can sit out and relax and pretend you live here. Check it out - relaxed holidays are what we all strive for and the Victoria has all the right ingredients for a very happy happy family one - go mix them!
Dogs are permitted to stay in three of the bedrooms. A ground floor bedroom is suitable for those with mobility requirements.