Address: The Green, Burnham Market, King's Lynn, Norfolk PE31 8HD.
Tel: 01328 738777
Web address: http://www.hostearms.co.uk

First impressions: Award-winning 16th-century inn, almost as busy in winter as it is in summer. Heavy beams, foot-wide oak floorboards, log fires. Friendly, informal and very professional service.

What are the rooms like? Twenty-eight in all in the old inn, the converted stables and a modern extension. Some have four-posters.

The bed test: Firm but comfortable. Pillows could have been softer.

The restaurant: The best local ingredients, simply cooked with occasional Mediterranean and south-east Asian flourishes. Six local oysters £5.75, English lamb £13.95. Plenty for vegetarians. Very reasonable winelist. Local kippers and smoked haddock for breakfast. Hard to imagine eating better anywhere in Norfolk.

What is there to see within walking distance? In summer, if you're lucky, somewhere to park. At any time of year, you are unlikely to hear many Norfolk accents. Burnham Market is seriously upmarket, full of expensive weekend and retirement homes. Forty-five shops, all privately-owned, particularly good for food, clothes and second-hand books.

What is there to see within a 10-minute drive? One of the most beautiful and unspoilt stretches of coastline in England. Vast skies, wildfowl, windmills, salt marshes, snaking estuaries, deserted beaches, very few ugly houses. You can play golf at the Royal West Norfolk, Brancaster (01485 210616), sail (01485 210236), ride (01328 820796) or join Ray Kinber's bird-watching expeditions (01485 210265).

How much a night? Two-night weekend breaks from £90pp B&B. Midweek two-night breaks from £75 including dinner.

Would you go back? Definitely.