THE LOWDOWN

The Harper in Norfolk — The pebbledashed exterior and stunning large windows of the hotel

There’s loads to love about the North Norfolk coast; stunning views, beautiful beaches, an abundance of wildlife and, since 2021, The Harper hotel. Found in the former Langham Glass Factory, located just a stones throw from the seals at Blakeney and the scenic walks at Cley, this 32 room boutique bolthole with it’s invigorating spa, charming restaurant, cool speakeasy style bar, games room, courtyard and proud Norfolk attitude, is staycation goals. But that’s not all, what makes The Harper that extra bit special is it is residents only so pack your bags you VIP because you are in for a treat.

From the approach you’re encouraged to sloh-yoo-doun (slow down in Norfolk for those out of towners visiting) and that really is the aim of the game here. We flew in for a midweek overnighter on a particularly dank July evening, rating high on the frazzled scale after a long day and being stuck behind a tractor the best part of the journey – let’s just say The Harper had it’s work cut out with this weary pair.

Whether it’s the abundance of stunning walks and access to nature nearby, the lack of phone signal (wifi works just fine, relax people), nourishing food, lovely staff or the many places to sit and just switch off from reality, a stay at The Harper is good for the soul as I found out tackling my to-do list with gusto the following day. It’s no wonder the awards (uh hum including a Muddy for Best Boutique Stay) keep rolling in.

THE VIBE

The Harper Ivy's lounge — Ivy’s lounge for maxing and relaxing

It’s rustic, stylish and totally chilled. The decor oozes understated elegance – buttery leather Chesterfields, jewel-toned furnishings, chandeliers – and yet it isn’t OTT. You’re not scared to sit down and ruin the perfectly fluffed cushions. There are plenty of nods to its glass factory roots from the gorgeous stained glass windows in the restaurant and lounge, the ‘blow me away’ neon sign which covers glass blowing and the stiff North Norfolk breeze and then there’s the many black and white photographs of The Harper in its former glory – I was told that the father of one of the staff members was featured in one of them, which is lovely.

Ivy's lounge at The Harper — Blow me away: one of the many nods to the former glass factory

The phrase home from home springs to mind and yet, it doesn’t quite seem to do The Harper justice. Yes, the warm welcome and Norfolk humour from John on reception contributed, as did the huggable robes, the bag of popcorn waiting to be popped in front of a movie in our room and the many cosy crevices throughout the hotel to curl up with a book and languor over a coffee or cocktail. But it is so much more than that, The Harper has done everything to sloh yoo doun so you relax, switch off and leave feeling revived.

Every guest gets allocated time for exclusive use of the spa facilities: a Swedish style pool, sauna and jacuzzi. This can be topped off with a treatment where you’ll find a modest menu of revitalising therapies using Irene Forte products which are sustainable, eco-friendly and smell divine. The apricot shower gel in my room was particularly delicious.

The Bar at The Harper hotel in Langham — The Bar

When it is time to refuel you will find yourself spoilt for choice with where to go. There’s The Bar located downstairs which during the day is a hub of activity but at night with its inky blue walls, rich velvet chairs and abundance of table lamps gave off a city speakeasy vibe. Upstairs is Ivy’s, light and airy dining and relaxing space with wonderful vaulted ceilings. I particularly loved the huge coffee table books – the Hockney is impossible not to flick through. And next door to that is Stanley’s, the relaxed dining room.

The Den, games room at The Harper in Lnagham — The Den

With 32 rooms, the hotel is pretty big but didn’t feel overcrowded despite visiting in the middle of the summer holidays with plenty of families milling around. There was enough ambient chatter not to interfere but that gave off a lovely buzzy atmosphere. The Den was the place to be after dinner for a game of pool or to chill and chat. Eager pool players may have to queue, however friends are easily made over a game of stripes and solids and we saw a couple of families joining forces for a game.

SCOFF & QUAFF

Stanley's restaurant at The Harper in Langham — Stanley’s restaurant

Meals are generally served in Stanley’s, a cosy bistro, where fine dining and providence are the orders of the day but without the fuss. You can either choose from the tasting menu (six courses for £68 with the option of wine flights) or from the à la carte menu. A tough decision, but regardless the food does not disappoint here.

We chose from the à la carte menu, kicking things off with delicious thick cut smoked salmon, the crunchy accompanying slaw adding a welcome bit of bite, and the cod chowder – a creamy garlic bisque with charred sweetcorn and samphire likely picked fresh that day nearby. Both absolutely delicious.

Next up was a crispy hake white bean cassoulet with greens which was light but substantial and real comfort food levels perfect for the unseasonable weather that day. As the ribeye steak had sold out by the time we dined, one of the dishes from the tasting menu – a mouthwatering filet of lamb was transformed into a main dish, so mouth-wateringly tender that all thoughts of the succulent ribeye were banished after the first bite.

There are a number of sides to choose between, from light salads and veg to the more filling Harper fries with a smoked garlic aioli. Without them, the mains are ample and left us with enough room for dessert – a Mayan red chocolate delice with peanut, banana and miso cream which was *chef’s kiss*. All in, the food is fab, the service friendly and staff attentive without being in your face.

Breakfast is served between 7am and 10am, where you can help yourself to a selection of pastries, fresh fruits, cereals, juices etc which means no waiting if you have starving kids with you. There’s also a hot food menu which is cooked to order – no sweaty sausages on the buffet here! The menu is full of crowd pleasing favourites, stacks of pancakes, full English fry-ups and crumpets from the cream of local crumpets, Crumpetorium, which is what we devoured Benedict and Florentine style. Ingredients wise, as with dinner, everything is sourced locally where possible and it certainly set us up for the day ahead, as did the revitalising dip in the pool.

THE SPA

The spa jacuzzi and pool at The Harper in Langham

Every guest has access to The Harper’s invigorating spa facilities. Like everything here the aim is to relax and revitalise you without muss or fuss so don’t expect plinky-plonky spa music, mood lighting, candles and pot-bellied buddhas. Lengths in the pool followed by a cleansing sauna and bubble in the jacuzzi are your lot – think a simple Scandinavian approach to wellness (but without the hellish ice pools, phew).

Having the place to yourself is a HUGE plus. As someone who is a nightmare without her glasses sometimes the whole spa experience can be clouded, literally by steam on lenses, so it was truly wonderful to take a dip without fear of swimming into someone or wandering into the wrong changing room. It also eliminates the nightmare of someone else’s kids cannon balling and splashing you in the face or the gruelling wait for people to get out the jacuzzi.

PILLOW TALK

The low-key luxe bedrooms with their high-spec bathrooms, flat screen tellies and four-poster beds are categorised as Big, Bigger and Biggest. Every room has similar amenities to enjoy the only difference being the space with which to enjoy it all with a selection of family rooms available if you are visiting en masse.

cosy arm chairs in the room at The Harper in Langham

We were in one of the Biggest rooms. The smell of delicious Irene Forte products greeted us on arrival as did the BBC Proms which were playing on the swish digital radio. The decor echoes the rest of the hotel, rustic chic, comfy with two arm chairs and a sofa, yet luxe, hello king-sized bed and monsoon shower.

amenities in the room at The Harper — Some of the goodies in our room

Amenities wise, The Harper has thought of everything there’s ready mixed Niche cocktails, chilled beer, homemade cookies and popcorn which is a lovely touch. As is the chilled bottled still and sparkling water, fresh milk, Nespresso machine and sustainable Nespresso capsules. There’s also a hairdryer with a diffuser for the girls who need a bit of oomph, robes and flip flops for lounging and making your way to the spa.

ANYTHING ELSE?

As a welcome addition for 2024, The Harper now hosts weddings and other special events which is super exciting. You and your party can take over the entire space and have the celebration of your dreams creating a completely bespoke experience plus with the spa available as well, bridezilla be gone!

The Yard at The Harper, its pretty private courtyard — The Harper’s stunning private courtyard

Though the weather was not the one when I visited and I wasn’t able to enjoy an Aperol in a deck chair in The Yard, The Harper’s gorgeous private courtyard, I did steal a few moments out there between showers after dinner where it was bedecked in twinkly lights and looked magical.

KID FRIENDLY?

Yes incredibly child friendly and welcoming for all ages which considering its residents only exclusive vibe is a big plus for a family staycation. There’s high chairs for tots, and plenty of entertainment for kids of all ages from board games, books and the pool table as well as big screen TVs in the rooms and The Den for movie nights.

DOG FRIENDLY?

Dog bath at The Harper, Langham in Norfolk

Of course because what would a family staycation be without the four-legged family member of your tribe? Dogs are allowed in The Bar, Yard and Ivy’s but not in Stanley’s understandably. There’s a basket by the door with towels for cleaning muddy paws, much needed after a beach walk, and doggie beds are available upon request. There is however a surcharge of £25 per room, per night to bring Fido with you.

ACCESSIBLE?

There are two rooms available (101 and 103) which are spacious and have been thoughtfully designed for wheelchair users. There are also a number of rooms on the ground floor if mobility is an issue with many areas in the hotel easily accessible and on the same level, even the spa facilities and changing rooms.

OUT & ABOUT

Location wise, you couldn’t get much better for enjoying the many delights of North Norfolk. If you can tear yourself away from the spa or cosy snug, there are an abundance of lovely coastal walks to take nearby and all manner of seaside related fun, hello seal trips from Morston Quay and crabbing at Wells. Nature lovers you aren’t far from Snettisham Nature Reserve a great spot for bird watching while Heritage hunters are spoilt for choice with the likes of Binham Priory and Sandringham close by.

The Morston Anchor pub — The Morston Anchor, The Harper’s little sister pub

If you’re staying for a couple of days it would be rude not to pay The Harper’s sister pubs a visit. There’s The Langham Blue Bell a five minute walk away which is a lovely trad village pub with real community feels, and slightly further away (3 min drive, 35 min walk), The Morston Anchor which really leans into its seaside locale (hello Brancaster mussels and line caught fish and chips).

THE MUDDY VERDICT

The Den at The Harper in Langham — Big love for The Harper

Good for: Families with kids of all ages, couples after a romantic break, solo travellers in need of some RnR, a lush staycation any time of year and for any special occasion.

Not for: City lovers this is a proper country escape, remote workers or those who don’t like to stray too far from their inboxes the signal isn’t great and relaxation is the goal.

The damage: Reasonable considering the exclusivity of a stay here. Choose from either bed and breakfast, dinner bed and breakfast or just a room for the night. Prices start from £219 for a night in a Big room, £349 with dinner and breakfast included.

The Harper, North Street, Langham, NR25 7DH

Fancy winning a stay at The Harper?

Enter our Reader Treat to win an overnight stay, worth £355 here.

Reviewed by Claire Hool

Midweek retreat: Muddy reviews The Harper, Langham

You may also like