I found the ultimate countryside escape in Norfolk and you should go | Royal | News

From the moment I arrived at The Harper, it felt like stepping into the kind of countryside escape you dream about but rarely find. Tucked away in the village of Langham, just a mile inland from the windswept beauty of Blakeney, the hotel feels perfectly placed – rural, peaceful and effortlessly chic. 

What was once a collection of brick-and-flint barns has been transformed into a luxury boutique retreat. The design strikes that rare balance between character and contemporary comfort. 

Industrial touches sit comfortably alongside warm textures, soft lighting and carefully curated interiors that feel inviting rather than over styled. There’s not a hint of predictable country-house chintz here, instead, The Harper delivers a confident, design-led aesthetic that feels fresh and mature.

One of the first things that truly stopped me in my tracks was the spa. Calm, beautifully designed and quietly luxurious, it felt like a sanctuary in its own right. 

From soaking in the bubbling jacuzzi to slipping into a blissfully warm bath back in my room, everything about the experience encouraged you to slow down and truly switch off.  It was the kind of relaxation that lingers long after you leave.

And then there were the beds, honestly, I’ve never slept as deeply before. They were so comfortable it felt as though I was floating on air, and I can confidently say it was the best night’s sleep of my life. 

Every detail, from the pillows to the linens, felt considered and indulgent, making the room a cocoon of calm.

The Harper is also wonderfully dog-friendly, which for me made all the difference. My dogs are like my children and they come everywhere they possibly can, so being welcomed so warmly with them was incredibly special. 

I was able to walk my chihuahuas around the grounds with ease, and they were perfectly content relaxing in the room while I nipped out for lunch and dinner. That, to me, is the true beauty of this place – it caters to real life without compromising on luxury. 

We even managed a scenic beach walk just a short drive away, adding another layer to the experience.

Dining at Stanley’s restaurant was another highlight. The food was exceptional – thoughtful, seasonal and beautifully executed, and it’s easy to see why people travel just to eat here. 

The atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between relaxed and refined, making it ideal whether you’re staying overnight or popping in as a destination diner. 

In the evenings, I found myself gravitating towards the cosy bar area, complete with a snooker table and inviting seating. 

It’s the kind of space where time slips away unnoticed, whether you’re enjoying a drink, chatting by the fire or simply soaking up the atmosphere. 

The staff throughout the hotel were unfailingly friendly, warm and attentive, making the entire stay feel genuinely personal.

This trip felt like the perfect retreat for one – a place to escape life, reset and breathe, but it would equally make an ideal getaway with a partner. 

It truly ticks all the boxes: beautiful surroundings, exceptional food, thoughtful luxury and a sense of calm that’s hard to replicate.

No country stay would be complete without a visit to Fairfax & Favor, and I couldn’t resist rounding off the trip with their luxury shopping experience – and the best thing is anyone can do it. 

Just ten minutes away by car, I arrived at the Holt store and was greeted by the loveliest team, who instantly made the experience feel special. What made it even more memorable was knowing this was where their story began over a decade ago.

I was able to try on pieces from their new collection, experiencing the craftsmanship and attention to detail up close. The Regina Knee High Boots stood out as an instant favourite –  timeless, elegant and perfectly in tune with the modern country aesthetic the brand does so well.

From start to finish, my stay at The Harper felt like a carefully curated escape – luxurious but relaxed, stylish yet deeply comfortable, and genuinely restorative.

I was able to truly switch off and unwind, knowing my dogs were happily with me, with no care arrangements needed, while I enjoyed the spa, explored the local area, and even managed to fit in a little shopping.

It’s the kind of place you leave already planning your return, knowing that once you’ve experienced it, nowhere else quite compares.