RENOWNED for the best puddings in Norfolk, the Three Horseshoes has a loyal following. Leave plenty of room for meals, as portions are generous. For entertainment, try the old-fashioned fruit machine. This pretty 18th-century free house with stone floors and low ceilings gets packed in the summer, but there is a pleasant courtyard outside. The rooms are in an adjoining building, and are a B&B bargain.

Residents have their own comfortable lounge and are offered a huge breakfast. Only one room is en suite — the others share a bathroom. Children under 14 not accepted.

Details: Three Horseshoes, The Street, Warham (01328 710547). Doubles from £48, B&B. Singles from £24.

The Saracen’s Head, Wolterton

GOOD directions are essential — the Saracen’s Head calls itself Norfolk’s lost pub — but the effort is worth it. The cooking is excellent: the chef and owner, Robert Dawson-Smith, heads an innovative team using local ingredients.

The pub feels like an antiques shop, with its pink walls and scattering of all sorts of memorabilia. Local beers are well represented and Robert has a large whisky collection. For warm days there’s a large square courtyard. There are only four pretty rooms, decorated with wrought iron bedsteads and patchwork quilts as well as the usual facilities — television, radio and alarm. Rooms have baths, but not showers.

Details: The Saracen’s Head, Wolterton, Near Erpingham (01263 768909). Doubles from £75, B&B.

The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe

THE best place to watch the sun set in Norfolk. Pull up a glass and a chair and adjourn to the deck. Views from the restaurant are pretty good too. From there you look out over the estuary and watch fishermen bringing in their catch (quickly transferred to the kitchen). The best room is the Room at the Top, a split-level affair with French windows, and a telescope for bird-watching or stargazing.

The pub itself has bar billiards, wooden floors, pine tables and a fireplace. Favourites from the menu are Cyril’s mussels, Cromer crab and deep-fried fish with green pease pudding and chips.

Details: The White Horse, Brancaster Staithe (01485 210262). Doubles from £84, B&B.

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