IN mid-Norfolk is a market town which has classic car shows, a weird hotel and it’s even close to the coast.
Twelve miles away from Norwich and 16 miles from Mundesley Beach is the town of Reepham – and it’s perfect for a staycation.
The town is known for its 18th century houses with plenty of pubs, independent shops and restaurants.
One of the most well-known spots is The Dial House which is an early 17th century red brick house and former brewery.
Now it’s a hotel with themed rooms from places around the world like Africa and Paris, and some of the rooms have freestanding baths at the end of the bed.
In 2021, The Dial House was named as being one of the ‘UK’s best quirky hotels’ by The Independent.
The building is also home to a wine bar and pizzeria where visitors can grab a hot honey pepperoni or enjoy a fennel sausage pizza.
It doesn’t stop there, other businesses include a bakery, hair salon, massage parlours and beauty room.
As for other popular eateries in Reepham, one is The Kings Arms, a family-run coaching inn.
It was picked as the Travelers’ Choice 2025 award, and has been acknowledged by CAMRA’s Good Beer Guide.
It serves up meals like homemade lasagne, game pie, fish and chips, steak and Sunday roasts at the end of the week.
All roasts are served with roast potatoes, fresh vegetables, honey
roasted parsnips and carrots, cauliflower cheese, Yorkshire
pudding and gluten free gravy.
The town has three churches and there’s a local legend that three sisters built them – which is why you’ll see them illustrated on the town’s sign.
There are plenty of antiques shops too like Butler and Castell, and Rococo Loco.
Earlier this year, Reepham held its annual Classic Car Festival, and it was one of its biggest events to date.
100 vintage cars were parked up in the town throughout the day and there were lots more visitors taking a look around.
Last year, Muddy Stilettos put Reepham in the top 300 best places to live in the UK.
It said: “Centred around a pretty market square dotted with 18th century properties to lust after, Reepham has good schools, numerous independent shops and all your daily needs taken care of.
“It’s countryside living in a fantastic, vibrant town that’s ideal for families. Plus, it’s only half an hour to the coast and, in the other direction, the fine city of Norwich.”
One of the beaches closest to Reepham is Mundesley Beach which has a long, sandy shoreline and calm sea make this one of the best spots in Norfolk for swimming.
It’s also known as being one of the cleanest beaches in the UK and has Blue Flag status.
Norfolk was declared the cheapest place for a UK staycation in September, and this one is my favourite.
“I love Cromer, the seaside town that sits on the north coast of Norfolk in between East Runton and Overstrand.
“It’s known for its golden sandy beach, a town full of pubs and souvenir shops, a Victorian Pier and of course, Cromer crab.
“While seaside towns can be more expensive than towns inland, there are places in Cromer that are a little cheaper, you just have to know where to look.
“For example, rather than heading to a fancy ice cream parlour along the front, dart into the roads behind the beach and you’ll find Windows Ice Cream.
“Another cheap spot is the Kings Head, which is in the town, but still has a sunny beer garden. And my favourite fish and chips spot is on the corner of Garden Street called Mary Janes.”
For weekend break ideas, here’s where two writers went from the Norfolk beaches to hiking in the Yorkshire Dales.
Plus, discover the English city named among top places to travel this year has new beer festival and £1million redevelopment.