We know we’re biased but, come rain or shine, there really is no beating the North Norfolk coast. Breathtaking beaches, fantastic walks, nature everywhere, history, great food, loads of activities, there’s something for everyone. A failsafe family staycation destination, (and one we’re always showing off to our out of town guests), which North Norfolk Escapes have made even easier with its three gorgeous self-catering cottages.

Each cottage is in a prime North Norfolk location (Salthouse, Overstrand and East Runton) and perfectly equipped for the ultimate staycation with family and friends. Sleeping between six and eight, comfortably we might add (there’s no box rooms on this watch), with ample space to entertain. Each cottage is accessible – great news for older grandparents – and has a separate TV snug, in addition to the living room, for group movie nights (DVD’s included) or for stroppy teens to watch what they want. They all have an enclosed, private garden meaning kids (and dogs) can play safely while you kick back and relax in the hot tub (oh yes, there’s the option to hire a hot tub), there’s also outdoor seating, barbecues, multiple car parking spaces, beautiful views, easy access to local amenities – basically they are as dreamy as the coastline you are within a five minute walk of!

Beachcomber cottage decorated ready for Christmas

As a North Norfolk Escape is always a good idea, the cottages are available to book year round. Meaning everything from a New Year knees-up and chocolate-fuelled Easter to summer breaks and the only week you and your mates have been able to coordinate for that girls holiday in the depths of November, is on the table. Even Christmas where the cottages are bedecked in festive finery making the ideal place to hunker down with the whole fam for a cosy home away from home Christmas.

Welcome goodies from Val in the Creek Cottage kitchen

And you can banish those bad memories of Airbnb’s gone wrong, what makes North Norfolk Escapes a cut above the Colman’s mustard is they are all owner managed by the same person, Val. She is on hand if there’s anything you need during your stay from more pillows and linens to directions and local recommendations. Leaving every guest a handwritten note, teas, coffees and fresh cut flowers, she has managed to create a cosy, homey vibe in each of the cottages which will put your own to shame. The only trouble is deciding which one to stay in, so it’s lucky Muddy is here to help you out.

Best for nature lovers

Creek Cottage, Salthouse

THE LOWDOWN

If you love nature, enjoy a spot of bird watching and are always up for a good ramble, Creek Cottage is the escape for you. Situated in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, overlooking the reed beds with Salthouse beach visible in the distance, this flinty little number is a natural beauty in itself. The generous gravel parking and garden borders are swathed in lavender, there are swans and ducks dabbling away in the pond just opposite the bowling green-esque front lawn, which is a great spot for bird (and people) watching too.

For privacy, the gravel path leads through a fairy light-adorned archway to a pretty private courtyard with large outdoor seating and a raised lawn where kids and or dogs are safely contained. We particularly like the nooks in the courtyard wall – perfect for candles or resting your bottle of wine in while you relax with a glass in the hot tub – if you decide to treat yourself and hire one that is, and let’s be honest, why wouldn’t you?

When you’re not out and about spotting Spoonbills and Sandpipers, this former Fisherman’s cottage is just as lovely on the inside as it is outside. Sleeping up to eight (two king, one double and two single beds) with three lovely bath/shower rooms. It’s light, bright and airy inside with the thoughtful furnishings following a seaside theme throughout. There’s no end of books, games and movies to keep you entertained in the evenings while the sizeable farmhouse style kitchen and diner provides an enviable entertaining space.

THE VIBE

Relaxed, inviting and country cosy. It’s the kind of place you can imagine yourself living in – calling the kids in from the snug or garden to set the dinner table or curling up on the sofa with a coffee and the paper. There’s typical cottage character throughout with exposed beams, nooks and wonky doors yet the ceilings are high enough that concussion, for the taller among you, isn’t a worry. Despite visiting on a glorious summer’s day, Creek Cottage was cool inside, the living room has a cute little wood burner in though for amping up the cosy factor come winter.

OUT & ABOUT

The cottage is slap bang in the middle of the salt marshes and Cley Nature Reserve which will keep twitchers and nature lovers busy. The 300 hectare reserve is teeming with wildlife all year round so there’s plenty to spot from the six covered hides. The reserve also hosts workshops, talks and guided walks for nerding up on the local fauna and flora with child-friendly activities too.

Within the local area there’s access to a good village shop for any essentials, and the famous Cookies Crab Shop for fresh seafood – the platters are superb – as well as The Dun Cow a child and dog-friendly pub which is a lovely spot for a drink after a day out and about or dinner if you fancy a night(s) off cooking. The Georgian market town of Holt is the closest town nearby and great for a mooch.

Salthouse beach, which you can see from the cottage, is the closest. Though shingle, it’s a hit with fishermen and dog walkers being Fido-friendly all year round. If you’re wanting to explore further along the coast, the CoastHopper bus comes past the cottage regularly allowing you to explore more of North Norfolk including the stripy cliffs of Hunstanton and Wells-next-the-Sea without having to drive.

Book a weekend at Creek Cottage from £900 or seven-nights from £1,400

Best for active holidays

Dreaming of a North Norfolk escape? We know just the place

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