To escape the January gloom, we escaped to Norfolk, one of England’s most unspoiled corners, where land meets sea. It’s serenely beautiful, not in a crowd-pulling way, induces instant relaxation.
We’ve frequented the Norfolk coast on numerous occasions, relishing in the tranquil beaches and invigorating sea breeze. Recently, we stumbled upon The Harper, a luxuriously laid-back and appealingly unstuffy, contemporary country escape designed to cater to humans with their dogs or without.
The boutique hotel exudes a cozy ambiance with its rich oak floors, adorned with an array of original artworks, featuring contemporary four-poster beds, and staffed by a welcoming team.
We ate together in an unhurried pleasure in Ivy’s, the hotel’s living room where dogs (and young children) can dine with their humans. We loved the cosiness of the place, sitting under a raft of exposed beams, armchairs and sofas in leather and velvet. A free-standing log-burner warms the space, while the big arched windows bathe it in light, revealing views over the courtyard and out across Langham’s red-tiled roofs to the fields beyond.
The Harper’s menus showcase the county’s bounty and we enjoyed every morsel of it.
Their main restaurant, Stanley’s, is usually open to hotel residents but has a table or two for outside guests.
Throughout the summer, The Yard is the social focus with strings of lights creating a festive ambiance for al fresco cocktails.
But for now, I walked through the deserted Yard to the cosy spa for some pampering and enjoyed a swim in the indoor pool.
George and Lulu stayed in the room while I was enjoying the spa, but they have their own “spa” – mainly an outdoor bathtub where they can rinse off muddy paws before scampering inside.
The Harper’s sister pubs The Morston Anchor and The Langham Blue Bell are a short distance down the road. We didn’t get a chance to enjoy them during the low season – another reason to return.
Not far from The Harper, one can take brisk walks in the North Norfolk windswept dunes and go for some seal spotting. Sadly, we didn’t get to see the seals as the boats from Blakeney Point were out for service. We must make a return trip to see these pups of the sea.
The winter blue skies was a bonus to a fresh coastal air getaway with dogs, whilst staying at The Harper. It felt like a dream but it was beautifully real!
The Harper is at North Street, Langham, Norfolk, NR25 7DH
To travel by train, the nearest trains stations are Norwich or Kings Lynn and then around a 45 minute taxi ride to The Harper.
You do need a car to get around, or hire a taxi.
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