Photo of Byfords

“Holt's oldest building, a former ironmongers, this hotel promises an Olde World country stay. Rooms are decorated in a traditional style with sumptuous beds, soft throws and Bang & Olufsen sound systems. Bathrooms have underfloor heating. A bustling deli and café attracts locals and tourists alike.”

“Holt's oldest building, a former ironmongers, this hotel promises an Olde World country stay. Rooms are decorated in a traditional style with sumptuous beds, soft throws and Bang & Olufsen sound systems. Bathrooms have underfloor heating. A bustling deli and café attracts locals and tourists alike.”

Hotel Review

In the heart of the chic market town of Holt - antique stores, delis, interior-design shops - Byfords is picture-perfect, quirky and charming. A collection of cottages, dating back to the 15th century, the ground floor is long and narrow with stone-flagged floors, exposed brick walls, low ceilings and plenty of rustic beams. Reception is at the rear while a delicatessen and all-day café are at the front. Food is a big thing here with breakfast choices including locally smoked haddock kedgeree, and lunch and evening meal choices ranging from stone-baked pizzas and sharing platters of local cheeses to specials such as lamb harissa. Due to the age of the buildings, bedrooms differ in shape and size but share the same rustic-chic looks of polished-wood floors, faded rugs and leather headboards with a careful sprinkling of antiques and vintage finds. All incorporate original features - whether low windows, exposed brick walls, beams and timbering - while bathrooms, with their limestone tiling, have a traditional feel that’s subtly modernised. Staff have a genuine warmth and friendliness, and can’t do enough for you. Don’t arrive too late as you’ll want to enjoy the complimentary tea and cake.

 

Written by Helen Pickles

Recommended For

  • Wildlife Area
  • Visit Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve for a wide variety of birds and animals.
  • Country Escape
  • Located in Holt's oldest house, this hotel provides a traditional country stay.
  • Sights nearby
  • The famous stately home of Sheringham Park is just a short drive away.
  • Great walks
  • Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coast Path are popular amongst ramblers.
  • Sailing
  • Take a boat out in search for whales, seals, dolphins and porpoises.
  • Golf
  • Sheringham Golf Club is just a short drive from the hotel.
  • Local markets
  • Visit Holt's Farmer's Market, held every Saturday.
  • Fishing
  • Cycling
  • Birdwatching
  • Gourmet
  • Owner managed
  • Organic food
  • Full of character
  • Good wine list
  • Restaurant
  • Child friendly
  • Artworks
  • Boutique
  • Inn
  • Antiques
  • Quirky
  • Village
  • Disabled access
  • Restaurant with rooms
  • Traditional
  • Charming

Facilities

  • Parking
  • Bar
  • In room DVD
  • Outdoor dining
  • Cots available
  • No pets
  • Good wine list
  • Restaurant
  • Child friendly
  • Garden
  • Wifi
  • Room service
  • Disabled access
  • Suites
  • In room music system

Activities

  • Wildlife Area
  • Visit Sculthorpe Moor Community Nature Reserve for a wide variety of birds and animals.
  • Sights nearby
  • The famous stately home of Sheringham Park is just a short drive away.
  • Great walks
  • Peddars Way and the Norfolk Coast Path are popular amongst ramblers.
  • Sailing
  • Take a boat out in search for whales, seals, dolphins and porpoises.
  • Golf
  • Sheringham Golf Club is just a short drive from the hotel.
  • Local markets
  • Visit Holt's Farmer's Market, held every Saturday.
  • Fishing
  • Cycling
  • Birdwatching

Map & Location

What's Nearby

Other Reviews

RURAL RETREATS IN BRITAIN

Byfords is the sort of place all countryside towns need. Located in Holt's oldest house - previously an ironmonger's shop - Byfords started as a deli and restaurant, with the 'posh B&B' opening a few years later.

Originally published by Condé Nast Traveller (view article)

Byfords

Originally published by Good Hotel Guide (view article)