The Norfolk Meade, Coltishall, Norfolk

We love walking through the water meadows to the river, a tributary of the Bure.

The hotel is in private grounds with a lake, four miles away from The Broads National Park with over 200 miles of footpaths, plus cycling routes and fishing.
By car: The Norfolk Mead is around 3 hours from London and Birmingham, and 1 hour 30 minutes from Cambridge. There is free private parking at the hotel.
By train: London Liverpool Street to Norwich station takes just under 2 hours. The hotel is a 25-minute taxi ride from Norwich. thetrainline.com

The Norfolk Mead is perfect for friends and family on special occasion short breaks, or just exploring the area. We love the main house's sitting areas, decorated in greys and creams with original floorboards and flagstones.

Lovely picnic hampers with quiche, dips, fruit skewers and homemade cakes can be ordered in advance.

• Spa
• Restaurant
• Gardens
• Terrace
• Lake
• Dog-friendly
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

We love Beechnut, one of the quiet summer houses, with pastureland views and a private, decked terrace. Owner Anna leaves secret recipe homemade chocolate brownies in your room on arrival.

Standard, Deluxe, Suite, Cottage, Summer House Suite
Facilities include: double bed, ensuite with shower, luxury toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, free Wi-Fi, TV

We loved the breakfast of chestnut mushrooms with herbs on brown toast, topped with a perfectly-cooked poached egg. Our favourite dish at dinner was roasted duck with fondant potatoes, cavolo nero, carrot puree, baby turnips, king oyster mushrooms, dukkah crumb and orange jus.

The restaurant: seasonal set menus, French-inspired, Norfolk produce, light bites, Sunday roasts, homemade cakes. Two courses £28. Open daily for lunch, dinner and afternoon tea.