The Lifeboat Inn

The Lifeboat Inn descritpion

Just a 2 minute walk away from marshes and sand dunes, this charming 16th century property is found in the picturesque village, on the outskirts of Hunstanton.
Providing the perfect base from which to explore the delightful County of Norfolk, Lifeboat is within easy reach of a number of attractions, including Holkham Hall, Sandringham House and Nelson's birthplace at nearby Burnham Thorpe.
The inn's original character has been carefully preserved throughout, whilst being updated to include all modern comforts expected of a 3-star property.

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Facilities of The Lifeboat Inn

Outdoors ：Grounds | Terrace

Pets ：Pets are allowed. Charges may apply.

Food & Drink ：Restaurant | Bar

Internet ：Free!WiFi is available in all areas and is free of charge.

Parking ：Free!Free public parking is available on site (reservation is not needed).

General ：Non-smoking Rooms | Heating

Reviews for The Lifeboat Inn

Review 1：Staff could not find the room key on my arrival, eventually found me a spare key which I returned on checking out then received a telephone call on my way home to say I hadn't handed in the room key!

Review 2：very welcoming, lovely environment, warm, great food, bed was really comfortable

Review 3：Just finished another wonderful break at the Lifeboat with family and friends. Great base for lovers of coastal walks - dogs are made very welcome. The restaurant and bar area are cosy places to retire to in the evening. We all particularly love sitting in front of the roaring fire in the large hall with drinks.

Review 4：The weather, but not much you can do about that.

Review 5：I felt comfortable even though I was staying on my own, or at least just with my dog. Hope the changes you're about to make will not change the friendly relaxed atmosphere.

Review 6：The Lifebost is in an amazing location. We were given a warm welcome - as was our dog; the bedroom was warm and comfortable and the food and service were excellent. We'll certainly book a return visit.

Review 7：I am a bit of a coffee snob. I felt that the coffee in the rooms and at breakfast were not very nice. A bit week at breakfast.

Review 8：The open fires the peaceful location. Breakfast was very good too. Staff were very friendly.

Review 9：We couldn't get onto the hotel wifi except when in the reception area. As there is hardly any mobile phone signal in that area either it was difficult to stay in touch with people we wanted to.

Review 10：The staff were friendly and helpful. Food was very good. Room was nice and clean, recently re-decorated so light and modern. One of our rooms had no heating but was quickly sorted out by the staff. Beautiful views of the sea.

Review 11：No towels in ensuite on arrival. Peeling wallpaper. Meals taken (breakfast & 2 evening meals) were not in dining room, but in entrance area. Seated in this area for breakfast in spite of others being seated in dining room. Made us feel like second class guests.

Review 12：Position of Lifeboat Inn is ideal for touring. Bed very comfortable

Review 13：Nothing

Review 14：The new staff could t do more to help us and make us welcome as we had a young puppy - the manger was very attentive a breath of fresh air from last time we stayed. - food good quality

Review 15：The Coke on tap was really horrible! The nicest tables are by the fire but we weren't allowed to sit at them because we didn't have a dog. We didn't like the vulgar jak cartoons on the walls. They seemed very out of keeping with the tasteful feel elsewhere. They'd be more at home in a rugby club!

Review 16：We liked the friendly atmosphere, good food, comfortable room (5). Landlady very friendly but not intrusive. Pub atmosphere and deco was lovely. Beetroot and goats cheese risotto was lovely!

Review 17：Don't book room 3 it is a thoroughfare lots off people toing and froing to their rooms and u r above the kitchen as u can hear a buzzing noise until they switch it off! It was very noisy and frustrating.

Review 18：Breakfast good, room nicely furnished, attractions nearby wildlife and walks.

Review 19：comfy rooms bar downstairs good parking nice conservatory dining room good location good views over coastline sorry I cant add photos don't know how!

Review 20：Rooms are very tired and in need of a desperate re-vamp. Sheets did not feel crisply laundered and the rooms smelt stale.

Review 21：Food and Location Excellent Pet Friendly

Review 22：After ordering evening meal took 30 minutes before it arrived but each course followed quickly after and was good quality.

Review 23：Staff so friendly and obliging, great atmosphere in bar, lovely dining room, great location. Good breakfast and evening meal which in Norfolk food festival was good value and quality.

Review 24：Would have preferred vegetables as an option with the evening meals.

Review 25：Set in beautiful location with wonderful views from room window. Friendly helpful staff. Dog friendly and great breakfast.

Review 26：Unfortunately , at the time of writing, the Inn is in administration, the food although good, was not as Fine Dining as we had hoped, and the finishing touches were not there.

Review 27：Helen, the manageress was very welcoming , the location is excellent.

Review 28：Staff not welcoming. Room very small and needing refurbishment. Above kitchen so some noise. Poor breakfast service and a basic item not available.

Review 29：A attractive building with a nice restaurant.

Review 30：Room 5 overlooks a courtyard and in the early morning the noise of machinery ? kitchen extraction fan? was irritating.

Review 31：Great room with a huge comfortable double bed. First class breakfast and very cheerful and helpful staff.

Review 32：It's a lovely, comfortable hotel in a beautiful location. We would definitely stop here again. Had a brilliant comfy night in a bedroom overlooking a glorious view with windows which actually open fully and a fan also just in case you are a 50 plus woman!! Breakfast was yummy and the staff were extremely friendly and helpful

Review 33：My only suggestion (apart from a new coffee machine): a cycle rack or some kind of secure storage. The inn is just off National Cycle Network Route 1; there must be quite a few cyclists passing through. I had to lock my bike to a pole in the carpark.

Review 34：Beautiful and atmospheric country inn on the edge of the marshes in a charming village. Comfortable bed, excellent breakfast (except the coffee - the place must be run by tea-drinkers), great service.

Review 35：You could only get wi fi close to the reception area and it was so slow that we gave up. Wifi in the rooms would be good. There was a limited amount of vegetarian food available and the food we did have was only ok. We went out to eat round the corner at the Chequers where the food was better and had more variety.

Review 36：The location, the staff, the room was overlooking the marsh down to the sea. Although they do allow dogs and I was a little concerned the room would smell doggy, it did not and it was very clean. Lots of hot water and large fluffy towels plenty of tea and coffee in the room. We will be going again as we love this area

Review 37：Staff not particularly welcoming. Although we appreciate it was a very busy bank holiday weekend.Appalling room condition and very noisy. No excuses for this!

Review 38：Excellent location and very dog friendly.

Review 39：Not a complaint but suggestion that a lighter meal option is available early evening as we were travelling around East Anglia and didn't always want a three course a la carte menu.

Review 40：Pets being allowed to use the hotel.no shaver point in the room.The room required decorating,the shower in the bathroom had very poor water pressure. The service for the food in the restaurant was slow however the breakfast service was very good. The restaurant price's were expensive for the quality of the food also the choices were limited.

Review 41：Location of Hotel.

Review 42：The Inn has been in administration since January 2015 and although buyers have been found the place is a little tired. The owners will need to improve the bedroom and general decor.

Review 43：Our dog came with us Quiet location Quality food

Review 44：Our shower didn't work but we were probably just unlucky.

Review 45：Great location for walking the Norfolk coast path. Lovely outlook over the marshes and the sea from the room.

Review 46：Very noisy self closing (slamming ) doors. The gravel surface if the car park opposite the room was also rather noisy with many cars leaving as the restaraunt emptied. As the bedroom windows had to be open due to the very warm weather.

Review 47：A very friendly Inn with comfortable surroundings and lovely food.

Review 48：Poor reception management - waiting for ages for anyone to notice us; or waiting while someone completed very lengthy telephone conversations without even making eye contact - all we wanted was to collect our keys.

Review 49：Relaxed atmosphere; nice surroundings from olde world pub to good restaurant.

Review 50：Our Bed still had soiled sheets and pillow Case's on from previous occupants the room had not been cleaned and changed for our arrival .

Review 51：The breakfast was very nice.

Review 52：The door looked like it had been forced. Made me wary of leaving valuables in there. It should have been made good, for guests' peace of mind.

Review 53：Everything. It was exactly as I'd hoped. Made for a lovely birthday away.

Review 54：Very welcoming, with polite smiley staff only too happy to help. We asked for rooms next to each other as I was traveling with my elderly mother and we had two fabulous double rooms. We ate in the evening and would totally recommend the food. Breakfast was also delightful! Well done as we will be recommending you and will come again!

Review 55：The room needs updating (Staff are aware of this). Staffing level for dinner one busy evening was low although the waiter in attendance performed exceedingly well, and we were not informed when booking that the entrance area for dining was bar orders only.

Review 56：Delightful setting and endearing old building. The food is excellent (both recent visits), Woodeford's beer, ready acceptance of dogs (really useful to us).

Review 57：cannot fault it

Review 58：found the location good in easy reach of all beaches. the room we stayed in was comfortable the food was good and all the staff couldn't have been more helpful, sitting in the conservatory for a delicious breakfast with so much to choose from under the 100 year old grapevine was so relaxing. whole weekend was excellent and good value for money thank you the Lifeboat inn we will be back.

Review 59：Breakfast staff took several attempts to get correct order, but polite and apologetic.

Review 60：Staff very attentive in the restaurant and interesting varied menu. Food well presented. Reception staff very helpful and friendly

Review 61：No bad experiences. We have not visited The Lifeboat for nearly 10 years and found the general décor in need of and update.

Review 62：The location, friendliness, meals in conservatory.

Review 63：Nothing not to like other than the 80 year old parents left kicking and screaming because they didnt want to leave

Review 64：Comfortable surroundings in an idylic location. Food, drink and friendliness of staff were all good as well

Review 65：The food was very very poor (we had dinner and breakfast) . The shower was just a trickle of water and the staff were not welcoming at all, especially upon arrival.

Review 66：The location.

Review 67：Directions actually said the hotel was in Hunstanton which caused a bit of confusion. However, Thornham was more perfect for me so it really didn't matter.

Review 68：Totally dog friendly. We were given a ground floor room with its own secure courtyard garden. Plenty of footpaths, many leading to a fantastic beach. As owners of dogs I couldn't ask for more.

Review 69：Wildlife really good. Barn owl and monkjacks most evenings and early mornings. Plenty of seabirds redshanks, couple of little egrets, marsh harrier, buzzard and plovers.

Review 70：No chairs to sit on in room, don't go in for lying on bed. Not Akeem supporter of "distressed (tired, old furniture) place needs some TLC

Review 71：Fantastic view from room

Review 72：Wifi a bit patchy, but not essential.

Review 73：Hotel was clean and friendly, food and breakfast were superb and reasonably priced. Staff were amazing, and went above and beyond. In particular Helen, who happily offered lifts to a wedding as taxis were limited. I'm sure I'll be back.

Review 74：Tucked away in the lovely village of Thornham close to the coastal path and beautiful beach is this wonderful hotel steeped in history and charm. The staff are warm, friendly, helpful, attentive and accommodating and the food is simply delicious making my stay even more enjoyable.

Review 75：We had a slight problem with one of our nights being double booked but is was quickly and efficiently sorted out.

Review 76：Friendly, comfortable pub restaurant with rooms. Good food and very close to the dunes and beach. Brilliant for bird watching

Review 77：Staff very helpful and understanding. Room clean and welcoming.The location of the Hotel is spot on if your a walker and a lover of bird watching. The scenery is fantastic!

Review 78：It is quite noisy in the evening with doors slamming and a noisy fan just outside our roomit

Review 79：The quality of the food was very good. The staff were extremely good

Review 80：Room 4 was at the rear of the hotel and was overlooking the kitchen , the noise was not acceptable especially during the evening in my opinion this room should not be used not matter how much you are charged . The matter was reported to the reception and we were told that this was the first time it had been brought to their attention , do not believe it .

Review 81：The Hotel was delightful and would return. Staff very pleasant and helpful.

Review 82：the room was in need of decoration,black mould stains in the bathroom in 3 places, also in the tiles over the bath.fitting removed and replaced elsewhere leaving an unsightly wall.

Review 83：the location

Review 84：No wifi or signal the whole time we were there - was told it was somewhat erratic! However, this would not bother many of the guests Im sure.

Review 85：Beautiful peaceful location with very friendly staff. Hotel is fantastic, though a little run-down in parts. Would definitely return.

Review 86：Staff all seemed a bit down (however we found out that the Company is in Administration and that people were worried for their jobs) so understandable. Rooms very tired and in desparate need on up-grading.

Review 87：Lovely quite location, excellent food and pet friendly.

Review 88：We had dinner in the restaurant to celebrate a special event.We were the only ones in there.The bar and conservatory we're heaving.Having ordered the meals took 50 mins to arrive.After,we replied we would like to see the suite menu which never arrived-having got fed up waiting we went to our room and made coffee.When we mentioned our experience we were told they were understaffed because they are in administration and because of this they cannot employ anyone else.What should have been a special meal was spoilt because of very bad service.Dissapointed.

Review 89：Great location,nice room and breakfast.

Review 90：Room 7 very tired and need of a face lift. We were moved to room 8 the next day which was worse as again tired but had evidence of mould on the bathroom ceiling. We complained staff were very understanding and knocked £60 off the bill, without hesitating.

Review 91：Lovely staff, nice food and very generous portions. Downstairs warm and welcoming, restaurant beautifully set out, bars areas cosy.Lovely position and lots of old world charm

Review 92：Bit of peeling wallpaper and bathroom sealant gone, easily remedied...

Review 93：For me the location was perfect as I had cycled The Peddar's Way and after my stay cycled on to Cromer. Beautiful area and a great base for this ride. The good food and beer and a big comfy bed were just what I needed and it was a really good breakfast next morning after a good nights sleep. All the staff were pleasant and helpful.

Review 94：Far too busy, absolutely heaving with people. It was a holiday weekend so maybe they were busier than usual.

Review 95：The friendliness of the staff especially towards our dogs. The log fires and the food.

Review 96：Would have liked a chair in the bedroom.

Review 97：The service as always was excellent and staff very friendly our dog was made very welcome will certainly visit again. The food as always was first class.

Review 98：If only there had been some lovely comfy settees and chairs around the open fires enabling the guests to relax in this lovely hotel.

Review 99：Lovely hotel good food and drinks good location. Very welcoming to our dog. Even allowed the dog to be with us at meal times. Staff kind and courteous, nothing too much trouble.

Review 100：The room was very tired and dated bathroom. We have stayed previously and had a lovely room. I mentioned this and was informed that they were all being done up gradually.

Review 101：The restaurant and food were excellent. We had booked the room through Booking.com and reception gave us a discount on account of the dated room. We will visit again but will ask for an updated room.

Review 102：Having to leave at the end of our stay.

Review 103：Very close to the sea marshes and unspoilt coastline with a multitude of bird life to see. The old bar and restaurant had loads of original character.

Review 104：A little shabby in places. No WiFi (normal for Norfolk). Expected better than cream crackers straight from the pack on the cheese board. Lots of dogs so wouldn't suit anyone who had a problem with them.

Review 105：Staff and service. Clean and well decorated. Cosy and relaxing. Beautiful setting. Good food and wine. Lots of attention to detail and extra touches.

Review 106：Took a late booking so had a view over the caravan park next door. I did request a room with a view over the marshes but obviously too late. No mention of this on arrival. Only one chair in room for two & no place to dry wet clothes when we got very wet walking.

Review 107：Relaxed, friendly atmosphere with efficient staff. Nice dining restaurant and good food promptly but not hurriedly served. Comfy bed and a bath. Nice and quiet,not too many dogs and no kids!

Review 108：No complaints.

Review 109：Prompt reception response from reception to change double bed to two singles (as booked!). Offer of portable radiator for room over two-night stay and excellent food.

Review 110：On the pricey side - there were no specials boards or separate bar/lunchtime menus. If the dinner menu and prices are the same for the bar/conservatory as they are for the dining room, the standard of service should also be the same - it wasn't!

Review 111：excellent food and service in the dining room

Review 112：The king size bed was a wee bit hard, but more importantly there were no chairs in the room which meant one had to lie on the rock hard bed to watch tv. A couple of arm chairs would make all the difference

Review 113：The bar and restaurant area was wonderful and the staff were very good and very friendly. Car parking was very easy and it was a pleasant 45 minute walk to the beach.

Review 114：The location was excellent. Good parking. The breakfast was good with plenty of choice. Friendly staff. The room was clean and comfortable with a lovely view.

Review 115：a small glass of wine at the bar was very expensive

Review 116：the lovely old world atmosphere and charm both in the bars and in the dining room the pub has not been spoiled by modernisation wonderful location for walkers

Review 117：The sound of the air conditioning unit outside the kitchen below room 3 was audible all night

Review 118：The location of the hotel was good, and the staff were very attentive.

Review 119：Price- £135.00.Double room urgently in need of some TLC. For the price would at least expect a King-Size bed! Shower only!-would expect a bath for this price. No Reception. Worn carpets, Rusty windows that won't close!.Overall just a bit tatty! Owners need to invest some money in the property if they want to continue to charge this sort of price!!

Review 120：Nice Location.Food was excellent.Nice views from room.

Review 121：Attitude of bar staff Quality of food particularly of evening meal Scruffy bedroom in need of painting Tired outdated bathroom

Review 122：The polite apologetic manner in which the dining staff and receptionist dealt with our complaint and refund of 50% of accommodation price

Review 123：too many dogs in the bar / conservatory dining areas where food is being served.

Review 124：good quiet hotel with excellent restaurant and good location for sightseeing and walking

Review 125：Room was very noisy - over the bar - sound proofing extremely poor

Review 126：Great location - friendly and helpful staff

Review 127：The accommodation was excellent, bed was comfortable and it was very clean-the food in the restaurant was delicious and tasty

Review 128：Bedrooms, newly decorated. Food great both at dinner and breakfast. Overall ambiance fantastic.

Review 129：Staff and facilities very good

Review 130：Wood fire was issuing too much smoke into the area that was used for dining

Review 131：Location and fond memories of previous visits

Review 132：our room it badly needs updating the shower in bath was very poor---- but room was clean & light

Review 133：the staff & food were exemplary

Review 134：Nice welcoming atmosphere, good food and great location.

Review 135：A great location and welcome from the staff. Dog friendly to a level you just do not see.

The Fine Print

Please note: not all rooms can accommodate extra beds and cribs, so please make your request at time of booking.