The Boathouse, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk

The local village may not detain you long, but The Boathouse itself is in a rather secluded position looking out onto Ormesby Broad, which is a short drive to Great Yarmouth and about half an hour to Norwich. The Norfolk Broads are ideal for boating, canoeing, biking, fishing and a host of other activities. It's a good base for exploring the Broads National Park as well as the nearby coast with its sandy beaches, dunes and seal colonies.

By car: around 1 hour 50 minutes from Cambridge, 3 hours 30 minutes from London and 4 hours 15 minutes from York. Free parking available

By train: there are trains to Great Yarmouth from London Liverpool Street, via Norwich. The hotel is a 15-minute drive from the station. Book trains to Great Yarmouth.

This is a revamped and well-established waterside Norfolk Broads pub and has a large bustling pub area with pleasing beige walls and exposed brick, stripped wood floors and a wood burner to give a little character. Bedrooms are quite contemporary, with a mildly nautical theme running through.

Set in 11 acres of parkland, with a large pub offering pockets of cosiness. This is also a contemporary waterside wedding venue, with stunning views from the terrace and where you can arrive at the wedding arbour by boat.

• Bar
• Restaurant
• Free parking
• Free Wi-Fi

Within the main building there are six double bedrooms, four of which overlook the water, and outside there are three lodges sleeping from two to eight people. The colourful décor is balanced by neutral carpeting and bright spotless bathrooms. Facilities include a desk with tea and coffee facilities and a TV.

Room types: Cheeky Teak, Crows Nest, Broads View, Captain's Cabin, Treasure of the Broads, Paddle Away, Lodge

Key amenities: ensuite bathroom with toiletries, tea and coffee facilities, magazines, TV, free Wi-Fi

Meals here are hearty and tasty but more veering towards standard pub fare like fish and chips and burgers than high-end gastro dishes. There are some more adventurous items, such as BBQ pulled pork and braised lamb shank.

The Boathouse: country pub and restaurant. Gastropub meals and roast dinners served on Sunday. Open Tue-Sun for lunch and Tue-Sat for dinner. Mains from £12.75.